Deck the Walls // 8 Ideas for Selecting Artwork

On 57, by Allyson Monson Photography

It’s been a busy pre-holiday season! We’ve had some great projects working with our clients as they get their homes holiday-ready. Each time I start a new project, I don’t know what artwork will resonate and will be THE artwork that a client will select to complete their space.

Sometimes it’s elusive, hard to pinpoint what type of art someone will have a gut feeling for - but many times the choice relates to the people, places or things in someones life. Artwork is transporting, it can take you somewhere or be about something meaningful. I spend time with my clients to find that “thing” that makes them smile! This monkey often brings smiles!

Monkey and Bubble, Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali, by Kit Kittle Photography

Here is a way to start. If you are looking to find new artworks for your home, for the holidays or want to give the gift of art, here are 8 ideas, 8 ways to look at art, 8 things to think about;

1. Where do you love to be?

For many people it's warm climates, the beach, the ocean. It often elicits great memories, of family, friends and time spent vacationing and having fun.  Abstract Seascapes are a great choice, because they reference an ocean, it can be any beach that you love. 

Sullivan's Island, by John Duckworth Photography

2. Do you travel, or aspire to travel?

Artworks can transport you to a favorite destination or dream spot. Artists create, either in their paintings or photography, places they love. There is a wonderful connection when you can relate to a place in the world. 

Italy, by Barbara Erdmann Photography

3. Do you like color?

You may be like the majority of people, the world's favorite color is blue, in art and home furnishings, I've written here about blue's universal appeal, its about warmth, and nature, sea and sky

Blue July, oil on canvas, by Anne Raymond

4. Do animals make you smile?

Another universal love, the appeal or an attachment to animals, horses and wildlife are favorites in artwork

Athos and Gambler, by Shelli Breidenbach Photography

5. Are you a lover of nature, do you love having the beauty of flowers around?

Floral artwork can be representational or abstract. I am loving this new collection of Modern Botanicals, by Shelli Breidenbach, it's a reference to the tradition of botanical art but with clean, modern images. We have just installed some of this collection in clients' homes. They work beautifully alone or in groupings

Botanical No. 8, by Shelli Breidenbach Photography

6. Are you a city girl or guy, one of those people whose heart remains in the urban streets, whether you live there or not?

Radio CIty, by John Duckworth Photography

7.  Do you want to smile?

Artwork can be fun or whimsical, either through subject or an impression of a subject.

Buddha and Mercedes, by Kit Kittle Photography

8. Do you like to be challenged?

Art that pushes boundaries, makes you ponder, think about what you're looking at and what it means

Spirari, by John Duckworth Photography

I’ve enjoyed working with my clients to get their homes “ready” for holiday parties. It sometimes takes a timeframe of planning for an event or holiday to complete home projects. When I meet with clients, we look at many artworks, we talk and I am then able to focus the direction of works to consider as I learn more about them. With each project, I see how everyone finds artworks that make them smile, remember a fun time, a person, a place, a happy memory or think about somewhere they’d like to be or how they'd like to feel.

This client’s home was recently furnished, she wanted artwork to complete it, the dining room was a goal for her upcoming holiday party. She considered two photos, one taken in Italy, one in Africa, two places she and her husband had travelled. Dazzle of Zebras was the final choice for several reasons; memories of time spent in South Africa on their honeymoon, she loved the playfulness of the zebras for her two year old son and the striking black and white image was a perfect graphic choice to complete the monochromatic dining room. We chose a non-glare plexi, the matte finish beautifully contrasts with the shine of the silver grass cloth. We also love the large scale of the artwork, which is visible from several rooms

Dazzle of Zebras, by Laurie Fishman Photography

Art adds another dimension to your home.  I hope this was helpful as you prepare for the holidays, think about the giving the gift of art, or just start thinking about art that appeals to you. Would love to know how you will "Deck Your Walls"!