Congratulations on your marriage and the painting! Truthfully, I am probably in the minority because I don't always coordinate my art to my furnishings because I think a great piece of art can stand on its own. However, to answer your question I think you can pull out a few colors from the art to use for fabrics. Or, use neutrals in the room and let the art take center stage. What is the painting of? What medium is it?

Cind11

I want the art we collect to be the central focus, so am really thinking about very neutral furnishings and fabrics. I am not too interested in having everything matching

Congratulations on your marriage! My husband and I are slowly collecting art too, either buying pieces as anniversary gifts to ourselves or when we travel.

As far as matching or coordinating art and furniture, most art collectors would tell you not to worry about it. Go with things you love in both cases and you will be able to make it all work together.

What are you attracted to both in terms of art and furniture?

I have to say that I'm with Cind11. I buy what I like and just make it work.
But if you are concerned with the art drawing the eye exclusively, then, by all means, keep your furnishings of simple line and neutral colors. And a shade of white for your walls will provide a good background for almost any painting you fall in love with.

Red

This is a great topic. I struggle with this all the time. I live in a very traditional house and we like to collect art, too, and some of the art is not traditional at all. I also like to move things around a lot, and really good art will look fresh and new in different light, so it's something you should do. That being said, I also like prints and patterns on my furniture and rugs since we are not the most careful of families and prints are generally more stain friendly. Sometimes this can really fight with the art, but I just display it anyway. Generally I use neutral wall colors, not alike but from the same color family, and as we acquire more art pieces I'm trying to get better about keeping the patterns down, at least not loud ones on the walls. I do believe that original art is the key to making a house your home, and it doesn't have to be expensive. And you should buy it if it calls you and you can afford it, even if it doesn't match your sofa. People (including you and your family) will remember the art, won't care or remember what the sofa looked like 10, 15 years from now. AND, while there is nothing wrong with adding color, texture, and variety to your room with pieces from Kirkland's, Homegoods, Tuesday Morning, etc., (I have many items in my home from all three stores) please don't call it "art". It's decor, and there is a difference.

We have a lot of art, accumulated over the years in our travels, some inherited and some is our own work. I think that if you stay true to what you love, both art and furniture, then it will all come together. They say of oriental rugs, that they go with everything, and I believe this is true of art as well. (But not true for "decor," a distinction well put by jjam.)

We also have oriental rugs and most of the furniture is solid rather than patterned. In the LR, the sofa is white. In the Family Room it is red. Both work equally well with the art that has migrated to their particular rooms. And art should migrate, as you are making initial decisions, and as your collection grows. Anyway, the rugs on the floor and the art on the walls provides most of the pattern in my room. The solids form the "middle layer" though the colors are anything but neutral.

As for wall color, I happen to love color and have been able to successfully hang art on blue walls, green walls, camel walls, etc. White or another neutral backdrop would work well, but you don't have to do it that way if that is not your taste. It is entirely possible to work with lots of color and art.

Probably a year ago, we had an "art show" thread. Maybe it would be fun to start one again, but over on the Gallery side so it doesn't drop off the end in a month or two.

Do check out decor magazines like Traditional Home, Veranda or Southern Accents --- many many designers are doing homes that also have remarkable collections of artworks. Some do very traditional rooms with very modern art -- so there is really something for every possible collection ......

Tell us more about your decor styles, homes, the light that comes into the rooms, flooring etc.

Also tell us about your fav art styles and artworks -- as I mentioned -- even the modern decor can have traditional artworks ----- and vice versa!

As for wall coverings and wall colors -- ALL colors (think of deep chocolate walls; creamy linen-textured walls; deep rich red or deep forest green) can work for artworks.

Look at Farrow & Ball's website -- they specialize in homes that feature artworks too -- and check some of the rich deep colors!

Lighting can be crucial -- from above -- and around the artwork too. Art lamps; chandeliers; spot lights etc.

Even floor coverings -- a deeply-colored Oriental rug on a dark wood floor --- to a sisal rug on a neutral floor -- can help to highlight artworks.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mitchell and Gold website -- sofa styles

Decorating is an art. Rugs are art, crystal, silver, tables and furnishings are art, plates are art, collections are art. Someone who created each of these items is/was an artist in their own right, so most of what you put in your home whether it was a $5 item from TJMaxx or a $5 million oil from a celebrated painter, it is all together "art." Do I think that original pieces are the only art I have in my home? No, but I do think it all works together to create your own "footprint" and whether or not what you create looks to one person like "fine art" or an "off the rack" printed doodle, it is "art" that you are creating when you decorate your own home.

Does the stainless steel faucet escape us as being a piece of art? Of course not. Does it look fine with that "mosaic" vase on the counter? It too is art. Someone, an artist, created each one of those. Does that arrangement you cut from your own garden and placed into the crystal vase look like art? IT is. We are all artists who decorate our own homes and whether or not we are all van Goghs or Rembrandts is a moot point. We are still creating art.

I think paintings/drawings can work well with decor and if the framework of your decor/art is/are drawings and/or paintings, and you want it all to play well together, create a neutral palette that will highlight it or create an atmosphere where all your artwork plays well with your furnishings.

I don't get too bent out of shape about that but then I do have 2 hallways floor to ceiling with artwork, much of which would not play well with the DR, and oh, yeah, one piece was given to me by a local artist as a gift of appreciation which to me makes it very valuable because of the thought Yet, his work following his death, is worth a bundle and although I would not have purchased that piece (oh, those many years ago), it might bring the highest price at appraissal.

Just buy what you like and you will find furnishings that celebrate both you and your artwork.

Congratulations on your marriage. Put your best foot forward in making your marriage what can be considered a lovely piece of artwork to be admired.

First of all, congratulations on your marriage! I think it's a splendid idea to start collecting art to commemorate the important occasions in your life. You'll never regret doing so!

My little old home is filled with art ... mostly paintings, but also some sculpture and photography. My collection pretty much defines me, and I can't imagine my home without it. I too bought pieces to commemorate events and travels, but also sometimes it's just been "the right time" to add another piece!

I have never looked for art to "match" my home, and would never consider doing so. I buy what speaks to me, and if that means it "clashes" with the sofa, so be it! Actually, I don't think that artwork can ever truly "clash" or be wrong ... if it makes my heart sing, it's absolutely right for me and my home. I've also not purposely tried to keep my furnishings neutral, but I do understand the desire to do so in order that the artwork will really take center stage.

Enjoy your new collecting hobby! And show us some photos of what you've found from time to time, won't you?

As for wall color, I happen to love color and have been able to successfully hang art on blue walls, green walls, camel walls, etc. White or another neutral backdrop would work well, but you don't have to do it that way if that is not your taste. It is entirely possible to work with lots of color and art.

P.S. - A ditto for me on the first sentence, and I completely agree with the rest! :-)

I wish I had pictures of our National Gallery - the last time I was there one of the things I noticed was that there were virtually NO white walls. I was noticing that the walls were the same colours I had in my house at the time - apple green, creamy yellow, warm red. I have Farrow & Ball's Picture Gallery Red in my house and art looks wonderful on it - I guess it's called "Picture Gallery" red for a reason!

Thank you all so much for your thoughtful responses. I got something out of each and every post. Patricia I loved your post on how our homes are our pieces of art and I so agree. i am going to check out the sites and magazines you all recommended. I would really love a gallery thread to get to know which art you love and have collected, although one thing I already know is that a pic of art just does not do it justice. Thanks ladies!!!!!!!

Has anyone ever purchased art online, for example, Yessy's?

I'm about showing any art whether it be paintings or sculptures, peieces of furniture, etc. in a way in which the art pops out even though it blends with the room it's in. IMO a great peice of art can be lost or cheapened when displayed in a place it "fights" with. In fact I think every room in itself is a piece of art in which a time period or style has a life of it's own. I always like to imagine what the artist was thinking of where his/her art would end up when it was ready to be placed.
I must admit I have issues with certain paintings displayed in certain rooms..like a painting of fruit or dishes in a bathroom drives me crazy! LOL

You can develop art appreciation by visiting your local galleries and browsing through; after a while, you'll notice what you are drawn to and keeping coming back to look at it. You might not be able to afford what they have, but you'll be able to recognize what makes your heart sing, or not.

I did not see a thread started over in the gallery section; should I do it ?

As for online art, I personally don't think I could buy a piece without seeing it in person first- make sure you can return it.

One small inexpensive recent book I've enjoyed reading is

The Intrepid Art Collector, by Lisa Hunter

I recommend it highly, it's under $15. Lots of advice and tips for anyone who collects art at all levels.

Funny you should ask about buying online. The "most important" painting we own (the one we paid the most for!) was something DH saw in an e-mail. We know the artist quite well and had been watching his work for at least a year. When the new collection was announced, we jumped on the one we liked. The artist brought us the painting to see in person with no obligation. We loved it even more and continue to feel it is one of his best works, even in light of subsequent collections.

amy, nice story !! you already knew the artist so your confidence level was up.

Buying randomly on line could be hit or miss; I frequent a lot of art forums and am astounded at how much counterfeiting there is out there, anyone can say "original oil painting" .

I think we should start the thread for "show and tell" on the discussions side, does anyone have any thoughts on this ? or would the gallery side be better,
no pun intended, lol..... It does not scroll off so fast.

I love art, but I'm no "art snob" .... ;-)

I've bought numerous pieces from self-representing artists on eBay, and they are among my finest (and favorite) pieces.

Mitch, I know my "online" story does not count. Are you suggesting starting the thread on the Conversations (OT) side? I know I drop in there often and almost never at the Gallery side.

When the question of buying online came up, my first thought was of you Jen. You have successfully populated your home with all kinds of wonderful art, and I know you are an eBay collector. I'm not so brave...unless the price is right! ;-)

Many years ago, when I became entranced with a bold and dramatic piece of art, and hemmed and hawed about buying it (wondering whether it would coordinate with my home), an art professor suggested something which changed my perspective about it. He told me to think about art the same way you think about a window -- it's a portal from your room to another view. Do you feel compelled to match your interior to the view outside your window? Since I don't, I took his metaphor to heart and bought the bold piece.

I framed the piece in a wide frame, which sets it apart from the walls it decidedly does NOT match; but the frame connects it to the room while at the same time differentiating it. The piece hangs over my mantelpiece, in the most prominent spot in my house, and to this day, it delights me to look at it.

I have since bought many a piece of art that doesn't "go" with my house, using the same metaphor to put me at ease. Each artwork provides a special perspective and no small amount of pleasure.

That much said, the art I'm attracted to is not that far from the colors and textures that appeal to me in decorating my home. The art takes the colors I adore many steps beyond what I'd be willing to paint my walls and upholster my furniture (which are not exactly timid to begin with), but there is a sort of happy co-existence there(though not matching).

Beautifully said, callaloo!

Ginger,

I have some newly decorated spaces for which I have some Lithographs from a French Magazine called Derriere Le Miroir (Behind the Mirror)they are from various modern artists. The placement of the art over the sofa is temporary since I think the space needs a little more. It most likely will be moved over the fireplace. I have used pretty neutral colors in my furnishings. Yes, it just so happens it matches only because we have a whole collection of the magazines to choose from. They date from the 60's-70's. They just makes me happy when I walk into the room. That's what art should do.

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I also like the idea of neutral furnishings and letting the artwork glow. I can picture a light, neutral backdrop but have no idea what you're doing! You could also punctuate your pieces by pulling colors out of the 'paintings' to use as, say, solid colors for sofa pillows, etc.

We have a lot of art, and although I don't try to match it to my furniture or wall colors (all of which came before the art), I naturally tend to gravitate to similar colors, both in decor and art, so it all (mostly) works in the end. And although we have a traditional/colonial house and some of our art is more contemporary, that's okay, too. Our problem now is that our walls are filled w/ art and we still see other works that we'd like to buy... but where do we put them?!

Sueb20, I have the same problem. My DH and I have been going to art shows for years. We've also picked up some art on vacations. I have very little wall space left which is a shame, since like you, I still see pieces that appeal to me and that I'd like to have. I had someone who used to frame my art for me tell me that she rotates her art. I don't think I'd do that but it is an interesting idea.

I don't see anything wrong with buying art that has colors that go with the decor. If a room is all autumn tones or french reds and blues adding a painting of pink would add a discordant note. The choosing of colors is different than choosing of quality art. I can find plenty of very nice originals that I love so color is not an issue. I prefer, for the most part, traditional art such as in American Art Review, one of my favorite inspirational mags.

bump

Bumblebeez, have you considered decorating to 'match' the artwork, rather than buying art to go with your decor?

I use contemporary art with American primitives. Some people question this but I love the look.
{{!gwi}}

Soofriver, your artwork mixed with primitives is fabulous! To me, a true artistic touch means combining objects in a way that is ever-so-slightly "off", if you know what I mean. It's about creating a slight sense of discomfort that causes your brain and your emotions to engage. It's hard to put into words, but I have a feeling you know exactly what I'm trying to say. :-)

I love this thread, because we're big art collectors and beautiful art is a passion of mine. First, I have to say that Callaloo's opinion on collecting is basically my own, too. I neve buy art for an investment; I buy a piece because it makes me happy in some way. Like a few of you here, my walls are covered with art. In fact, I bought a new piece recently and had no place for the one I took down to hang it; I ended up hanging it above a set of French doors between our family and dining rooms.
The one thing I HAVE steered away from, though, is buying regional art while we're on vacation. We live in an adobe hacienda-type home in the mountains of New Mexico and I've found that Caribbean and most tropical pieces look (frankly) weird in my home. But, by keeping our living and dining rooms fairly neutral, color-wise, I've been able to hang Southwestern, English, Asian and one painting from India in those rooms together successfully. It did take some work, though!

Funny story you all should enjoy: One of my sisters, who truly does not have much design sense ~ but is a wonderful person and looks like Julia Roberts, so who can fault her ;~p ? ~ was excited that I was coming back home for a vacation one year. She wanted to show me their MBR that she'd just redecorated. All she would say is that she'd worked very hard to "make it all work together". Well, she did floor me! She'd bought a very bold,colorful, Contemporary, floral bedspread and everything else in that room had the same or almost the same designs on it (lamps, rug, wallpaper border, etc) Her prize piece, though, was a large framed print, hung above their bed. It looked as though she'd cut up another bedspread and framed it, it was that close to the spread's print!! Honestly, it was a nightmare of a room. Over the years, though, she's changed her style (and bedroom, thankfully!) and now buys artwork that means something special to her . . . and NOT the one that matches her room ;~)

soofrivr, I love your art, and the way it's incorporated into your decor.

lynn, I know what you mean, sometimes we're swept up in the mood of the trip and realize once home, that it does not fit or even mean something anymore.
this happened to me in Venice, once I came home and I looked carefully at the pieces I bought on the street, they are photocopies that the street artists paint over, in a tacky way. I threw them out.

I did buy 3 small paintings in Florence, 3 different doorways, those I treasure and the quality of the art is good, they were expensive.

Thanks. I love art.....big art, especially.
Our son makes his living as an artist but I still buy it.......he doesn't give it away.....even to his Mom. Ha!
I agree that you should by what you love and don't worry whether it matches your sofa or whatever. Same goes for antiques and collections.....just buy what "speaks to YOU".

I agree with those who say that you display art for the beauty of the art itself - it does NOT have to match the room to look fabulous. As far as buying what you love and not buying as an investment, I honesty believe you can do both. There is so much art availble right now, I find it easy to find art that will appreciate in value, AND it is something that "speaks" to you.

soofriver,

Love your antique pieces. I think that antique pieces look best in a modern home like yours. I think it gives a somewhat netural back drop and lets the antiques shine. Love the corner cupboard in your dining room!

Yes, the modern art give a big punch of unexpected WOW!

soofriver said it very well....buy what speaks to you. I have acquired some wonderful art work...silk screen Native American prints from the TEWA gallery,now closed, and my turned wooden bowls and then oriental rugs. I use very bold colors on the walls and find the art is shown more fully in my home this way than with neutral walls. I have 12 ft ceilings and large windows so the light and space seems to need the color.

After all is said and done it pleases me and that is what is important. Here is an example :

{{!gwi}}

and some bowls:

{{!gwi}}

Native American rug:

{{!gwi}}

ginger57, what a great tradition you've begun! We've only once made an attempt to take a color from a print to use in the room in which it would hang, and used that color as a guide to the wall paint. We don't really consciously consider the furnishings we have when we acquire artwork, although we tend to go for certain types of art more than others, and that creates some sort of continuity rather than total chaos. The art we have has been collected over the years from a variety of sources, mainly because we see something we like and just get it, and we hang/use it wherever it seems to work best.

soofriver, I think the juxtaposition of the primitives with the modern art is exactly right.

Soofriver,
I love your use of the unexpected. I have seen it the opposite way too. American Primitive added to ultra modern.

Friends of ours moved into a 5000 sq ft ultra modern loft in Center City Philadelphia. She was looking for more storage in the kitchen and added a primitive red cabinet armoir with her very modern leather furnishings and art. It's sensational.

I like a certain palette (warm neutrals and muted colors) in both decor and art. It's just what I'm drawn to, but it also means that it all goes well together.

I like things in bright clear colors, I just don't want to live with them all the time. And it did take awhile to realize what I do want to live with!