Share

Art 101

How to Decorate with Art

Rise Art Insider, Jo Baring curates the show house at HOUSE Fair, Olympia, in association with House & Garden Magazine.

By Jo Baring

Rise Art Insider, Jo Baring gives her tips on how to decorate with art

 

Tips on How to Decorate with Art

Measure Up!

Although rather boring, it pays dividends to have the exact measurements of the walls you are thinking of hanging art on. This way you avoid mistakes and have an accurate idea of what you need. Don’t forget to factor in the frame measurements too, as most art is sold unframed. Below is an example from House & Garden’s show home at HOUSE, designed by April Russell –a leading interior design studio based in London and New York. At HOUSE, the wall plans were crucial in helping us decide where to hang - art needs space around it in order to shine.


Go for ‘Wall Power’
Let the art speak for itself. Place a large abstract work above a simple piece of furniture for an immediate focal point to the room. Here we have used ‘Bumps’ an oil painting by Scottish artist Alan Davie above a midnight blue velvet sofa.

Photograph by Adrian Pope

Large Abstract Art at Rise Art:

Golden Idol by Paresh Nrshinga and The Buoyant Re-incarnation of Chrysalis 3 by Victoria Horkan


Use the Element of Surprise
Here a gorgeous Patrick Heron gouache is placed in a traditional setting above a mantelpiece - but look in the fireplace! A contemporary porcelain and black satin sculpture of flowers in a vase adds texture and variety to the interior.

Photograph by Adrian Pope

quirky abstract artworks for a traditional setting:

Fluid Painting 102 by Mark Chadwick and Indigo Ocean by Corinne Natel


Mix it up!
Don’t be afraid to mix styles or media. This can work to great effect in a more relaxed room.  Choosing bright colourful prints, paintings and 3-D pieces with an element of fun were just right for the show house at HOUSE. 

Photograph by Adrian Pope

recreate this look:

The Pure Mind N°01 by Slavomir Zombek and Call Boxes by Barry Goodman

 

Find out more about Rise Art services for interior designers and open up a Trade account


 




 

Related Artworks

Related Guides

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read This Next

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regional Settings

English
US (USD)
United States
Metric (cm, kg)