How to Use Art to Tell a Story in Your Home
Many of my fondest childhood memories are of spending relaxed, leisurely afternoons at museums with my mother. Not only did I relish the special time with her, but I grew to adore the art we viewed together. Since an early age, art has been a source of inspiration for me.
However, when I moved into my first home and was eager to decorate, I found myself buying framed art just to fill the blank walls in each room. The kind of art you see in hotels, with little meaning or character. Can you relate? I quickly realized that art for the sake of filling a space was pointless in every way. I felt no joy or comfort when I viewed them in my home.
Since that realization, I’ve tried to make my home the personal, meaningful, fulfilling space I crave, and the art I choose must be part of that holistic design. The older I get, the more I give myself permission to buy pieces that speak to me, even if I can’t explain why. But as I bring them home and display them, I realize those pieces are artistic representations of myself: where I’ve been, what I love, and who I want to become.
Art, antiques, and family portraits represent my love of family genealogy, performance art, and the glamour of the Victorian era.
How can you collect art for your home?
When I discuss art collections with my clients, many already have cherished pieces that they want to include in their design, but are also looking to add pieces intentionally to grow a collection that tells a story. While it may push you outside your comfort zone, I recommend being bold with your art selections.
Why? Because art is vulnerable. When you choose a bold piece that you feel a special connection with, it exposes your story for all to see. But this is what will set your home apart from one filled with generic mass reproduced prints. Art is meant to make us FEEL.
“Being brave enough to display your emotion through visual representation can feel uncomfortable at first, but when you are surrounded by those pieces in your home, it can confirm your feelings and validate who you are.”
A client’s art collection, filled with history and special memories.
As you make selections that tap into who you are and what you love, I have several tips for helping you display that art collection to its fullest potential.
Step 1. Plan Ahead
A common mistake many people make is choosing a piece, then walking around their home looking for a wall to hang it on. Instead, start by looking at the wall and decide what should go there in the context of the space available and the surrounding colors and decor. This will help you avoid lonely, floating pictures on big, open walls.
If you have several pieces in your collection to choose from, you can try each in the space to see which is your favorite. Or, it may inspire you to go out and look for that next beautiful work for your collection.
Step 2. Group Art to Tell a Story
The way your framed art is arranged with other pieces, furnishings, and accessories plays a major role in telling your story. The trouble is, most people don’t know how to display their art effectively. The secret? Grouping.
I love to group art in meaningful arrangements that have some sort of connection to tie them together, whether it is color, subject matter, or size. Meaningful groupings should be thought provoking and create visual delight. Again, try a few combinations to find the perfect fit for the space.
Tip: Investing in professional framing is also very important to how your art is perceived, and how pieces connect to each other and to the rest of the space.
3. Consider Each Piece’s Location on the Wall
The position of your framed art on your walls is just as important as how you choose to group them. No one enjoys craning their necks to view a picture. Here are some tips:
Be sure to hang art, especially small pieces, at eye level so you and your guests can walk up to them and appreciate the details.
Large pieces can be hung above furniture like a sofa or chair. A general rule of thumb is that the width of the frame should be about two-thirds the width of the furniture underneath it.
Hang your art so that the bottom of the frame is 4-6” from the top of the back of furniture. This will ground the piece so it’s not floating alone on the wall.
You can also get creative with the placement of your items on your walls, by hanging your art in unexpected places. For example, if you position a framed piece behind and to the side of an end table lamp, the light will highlight it when the bulb is on, creating a beautiful focal point.
Enjoying Your Art-Infused Home
Surrounding yourself with art that speaks to you is sure to inspire your best self and bring you a sense of deep fulfillment. Remember, you don’t need to be an art expert to create a beautifully decorated space. If you feel personally connected to your pieces, they are certain to elevate your mood at home. And that’s what art is all about.
If you’d like some guidance in curating an art collection that will strengthen your emotional connection with your home, please reach out. I’d love to help you tell your personal story and love the place you call home.
Yours,
Monique