This Ideabook is for art lovers. Artists get into a real tizzy about the subject of people looking for art-to-match-the-sofa. Coming from a background as an artist, I always encourage my interior design clients to select art first if they don’t have any so they feel free to buy what they love and not worry about what it goes with. And then we can plan the decor around the art.

I’m sure I’ll get an irate artist or two commenting here. I’ve spoken with some artists who feel the art completely stands on its own and should have nothing to do with the decor. Here’s the simple fact. No matter how irritated artists get by the subject of art-matching-the-sofa, your art will always look better and have greater impact in the space when the decor supports the art. Here are techniques you can use in your decor to support your art and make it even better.

Photo by Tracy Murdock Allied ASID – More living room photos

1. Repetition of color and line. This art is so well supported by this room. The strong black-and-white graphic image is echoed in the black-and-white upholstery with lines that are similar to the curves in the woman’s face. Even with the bright yellow accents in the room, the art is still the standout.

Repeating color from the art increases its impact in the room. Here, the green bed pillows pull their color from the art. Without them, the art doesn’t feel quite as strong. Try it! Put your finger just over the pillows in the picture. Having that bit of green on the bed to echo the color visually strengthens the art.

The undulating lines of the vases on this table pick up the shapes from the painting and increases its visual interest.

There are a lot of ways to repeat the lines in art. This dining table emulates the curves and the color of the center of the painting. The floral display brings in more of the color.

Photo by Dillard Pierce Design Associates – More family room ideas

 

2. Balance of color. This art has a lot of black with just a little bit of red. The black sofa with just a little red pillow keeps the same balance of colors as the art. Carrying that balance of color though the furnishings spreads the influence of the painting

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Wall Decorating Tip By Vanessa Brunner: Your Guide to Art Costs and Buying

A piece of original art can make a room, be treasured for years and be passed down for generations. And it can be surprisingly affordable or very expensive. Why do some types cost more than others? “Artwork has to be one of the hardest things to price,” says Kate Singleton, founder of Arthound. “There’s no standard framework as there is for a pair of jeans or a bottle of champagne. Major factors come into play.”

The artist, gallery, medium, style and rarity of a piece all can impact how much it costs. And if you come upon a one-of-a-kind work you love, it may be worth just about any price to you.

Interested in using the power of art to power your interior design? Here are three experts’ tips to think about before you shop. …Read More!

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