Oftentimes, choosing artwork is treated as an afterthought in the design process. However, it can be a great reference point when making big decisions in your design scheme, including color, style, texture and overall mood. Additionally, art can hold a lot of sentimental, cultural, and historical value, and these are the factors in your space that will truly make it your own. Making intentional choices when selecting artwork can transform and elevate a space, but where do you begin? Here are our tips to help you curate your perfect art collection.
Design by BANDD/DESIGN Photography by Molly Culver
Design by Starting Backwards
Starting Backwards: Begin by looking at your personal collection. Artwork serves to anchor your presence in the space, so find what has spoken to you in the past. Focus on color palette, subject matter, and scale of your existing pieces, and begin to build the rest of your collection with these factors in mind, choosing new pieces that will harmonize with the rest. The objective here is cohesiveness among your pieces, so that no matter where they are placed in your home they are connected.
Design by BANDD/DESIGN Photography by Molly Culver
Design by Setting The Mood
Mood comes from more than color, it comes from texture, shape, and space. Think about the furniture you’re designing around – What do the silhouettes look like? The textures and colors of the fabrics? What about the arrangement? If your furniture is large and heavy, opt for artwork with negative space and a light, vibrant color palette. If your furniture is minimalistic and neutral, try a bold and dynamic piece that captures the eye. Subject matter is another factor that can help set the mood of your space. For rooms that function as gathering and lounging spaces, choose pieces that reflect the human dynamic and communicate the emotions associated with these spaces. The same principle can be applied to more intimate, private spaces.
Design by BANDD/DESIGN Photography by Molly Culver
Design by The Right Frame
Think of a frame as the jewelry of artwork. Whether it’s as bold as the art itself or fades into the background to let the art shine, the goal is always to complement. Other textures, colors, and materials in the space can inform your frame choice as well. If the rest of the space is filled with warm woods and soft textures, a wood frame would naturally fit in. For something more contemporary or minimalist, a thin black frame or a clear acrylic frame are great options.
Design by BANDD/DESIGN Photography by Molly Culver
Design by Mix and Match
When it comes to art, the decisions can feel overwhelming simply because of how much is available. However, the many mediums available will help to further personalize and add impactful pieces to your space. When curating your collection, be sure to add a variety of mediums, including paintings, textile art, ceramics, metalwork, graphics, and photography. Additionally, mixing vintage pieces that bring texture and warmth with contemporary pieces that add color and shape is a great way to curate a well-rounded collection.