It may not come as a big surprise that I love art. So I encourage all my clients to embrace some art for their apartment. Even if it’s a $20 digital print from Etsy that you can print and frame. Art is the perfect way to personalise your apartment
Choosing art you like or art that suits your interior style
More often than not I prefer my clients to choose art they like. That means that art doesn’t have to be aligned with the interior style goal.
For example, I worked with a client who liked provocative art. But he didn’t use the word provocative during the brief stage of the design process. He didn’t consider his interior style goal to be provovactive. Unlike his art preferences.
Another example would be if you liked Mid-Century Modern interior style but loved French Impressionist art. Or Surrealist art.
People who like art may also like a wide range of art styles. The client referenced above also loved Australian indigenous art.
Art allows you to explore all your interests. I have photographic prints, still life art, and travel art. As an interior designer, I can find a way to accommodate a client’s mixed art taste. I can blend it with the interior style.
Also I can make recommendations of art within a client’s art preferences. I can do this due to a wide range of artists on my supplier list. And my personal passion for art, art shows, art exhibitions, art galleries etc.
If a client loves still life art, I can make suitable recommendations. These could work with the existing collection. They may also align with the interior style goal.
Apartment art size, orientation and budget
The size and orientation of the art you buy for your apartment matters. Apartments generally have low ceilings. So having something very tall in a portrait orientation my lose its impact.
For my own apartment I envisioned a full gallery wall. That is a lot of pieces, mixed together. Mixed styles, sizes, orientations, prints with originals, framed and unframed art.
But instead I opted for a minimal approach. One piece above the beds. Three digital prints above the TV and then one large statement abstract piece in the dining zone.
Sometimes the pieces you buy stand out due to size, artist, or price. These pieces need pride of place to be viewed and admired.
I felt in a gallery wall configuration some pieces would get lost and not be appreciated. Looking back on my project work I tend to prefer one stand out striking piece that makes a statement.
If a client requests it, I can create a gallery wall. I have successfully mixed art in a cohesive way that makes sense.
Depending on how big or small your apartment is and the wall space you have will direct your art choices. If you love art but don’t have the wall space consider different types of art such as sculptures.
I’ve recently looked beyond traditional art. I bought decorative ceramic plates and sculptures. I also added to my extensive crucifix collection. I use this collection to style my coffee table.
There are many ways to express art and extend the design story in your apartment. It requires intention and attention to interior style, wall space, and light. Art is a great way to personalise your apartment and I highly recommend adding art to your apartment.
