Need a solution for bare walls?
Happy New Year! January brings us back to the top ten trend list for 2019 this week. As you take down the holiday decorations think about something new this year for those bare walls. The quickest way to freshen up your space is with new art and this is the year to do it! Vibrant, bright abstracts, watercolor landscapes and whimsical animal art top our list of what to look for in 2019 and beyond.
Exhibit A…this first picture. This series is a New Perspective favorite as both Pam and I fell in love with the quirky formality of these eagles. How fun could they be in a home office? Pam was even tempted to put them in her own dining room. Dressed to the nines, these birds don’t take themselves too seriously while bringing rich colors in a space.
Birds not your thing? We’re seeing the animal theme repeat through multiple lines and artistic types. We jumped on board ourselves last June when we added a fun terrier with turquoise glasses who graces the walls of our office bathroom.
We are also seeing more traditional looks sneaking back in but with a twist. How pretty are these florals in bright colors offset with a black background? These would be stunning in a group above a neutral sofa as the only pop of color in an otherwise black and white room. Add a touch of gold and you’d be all set (a trend we are seeing in emerge in metals – but I’ll leave that for another post.)
From a Composition Perspective
The role artwork plays in design composition is important. Only art and lamps cut the midline of a space. Furniture all sits low in the room (usually below 40” above the floor) while windows stretch high above the site line. Lamps and art sit closer to eye level so having the right size art helps your eye flow around the room effortlessly creating a cohesive feel.
Art should hang 8-12 inches above whatever is below it. If you place the art at this level and it is too low – it is likely too small. The top 1/3 of a piece of art should be around eye level (62” above the floor). To fix it, you can select a larger piece, many of our art suppliers offer various sizes for each style of art. A grouping is another solution to cover more space. Interesting mixes of different media types can work or create a structured grouping of related prints. Spacing and installation can be tricky with this solution but done correctly a grouping can provide interest and help you cover large tall walls.
The first step in selecting art is...
Fall in love with it.
That’s about it… one rule. Art should speak to you and make you happy to look at it. It shouldn’t necessarily match your throw pillows. Art is a place to splurge a bit – tell your story. Or art can create the mood in a space – what do you want to use the room for? Relaxing? Entertaining? Let the artwork set the tone.
Now its not quite as easy as it sounds…it does need to relate to your space and be the correct size. Some vendors will allow you to adjust the size and framing – even the colors to work with your space.
Here we are refueling with a great breakfast and our equally great sales rep, Mary
We are looking forward to a fun 2019, as always with a focus on helping create functional beautiful spaces for our clients. My apologies for not following up with the blog for holiday decorating. Family took precedence this season so I will put it on the calendar for next year – and early enough to help you do your own home.
Happy New Year!
Angie
New Perspective Design offers a variety of interior design services.
Contact us via the website form www.newperspectivedesign.com or call 224-678-9040 for more information.