Wednesday, August 22, 2012

How to Choose and Place Art in YOUR Neutral White Space...

Keeping it Neutral...


Now that you are finally going through with the
plan to have an all white room (or home),
Maybe it's not turning out quite like you imagined.


Maybe it looks "unfinished" or like it "needs something."
Maybe it looks "sterile." 

While we all can appreciate slick, white
minimalism in a magazine, it's NOT for me. 
I like things a bit crustier.



And I don't like mass-produced items.
I prefer "original" artwork.

It can be cost a buck at the thrift store...


It can be from a local artist or maybe Etsy,
like this great-looking art piece...


If you're a little less crusty, and more refined, 
you can purchase really nice pieces like this one from Rebecca Crowell.



Art can be many things.

Mirrors...


A Gallery Wall of collected things...


A chalk board...


Something you made yourself...


Let your imagination soar, and have fun!

Here are a few simple rules to help you create a
successful look that is perfect for your home:

1. Choose items you LOVE in a variety of neutral tones. 
 Use shades from snow white to beige to taupe or gray, and every tone in between.

  • If something is not in keeping with these colors, consider painting it. 
  • If painting an item is not an option, put it away to use later.
  • Remember, WHAT YOU OMIT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS WHAT YOU INCLUDE.

2. Include LOTS of different textures and shades.
  • Consider weathered wood, shiny ceramic, burlap, velvet, chippy paint, a variety of metals and tarnished metals. 
  • Position items to intentionally contrast with each other.  Place lighter against darker, shiny against matte, rough against slick. The items will showcase each other!
3. As a general rule, use odd numbers of items in groupings.
  • Use even numbers if you want a totally symmetrical, classic look. 
4. When using mirrors, consider what they will reflect.
  • Mirrors work well reflecting windows and gathering places.
  • Keep human scale in mind. Avoid placing mirrors chest-high unless they are part of a mirror collage.
5. Vary the artwork in the room.
  • As great as they are, you won't be happy with a gallery wall on every wall. 
  • Include large-scale pieces and leave some quiet places with no art for a visual resting place.
  • If you need a large canvas piece, consider painting one yourself. It's a great learning experience and it's fun to tell people who ask about it that you did it!
  • Consider plates, 3d items on small shelves, and "non-traditional" items as artwork. (wire fencing, pan lids, house numbers, etc.)
6. Relate your artwork to your furniture.
  • After you have positioned your furniture in a way that functions well, hang your artwork.
  • Many people make the mistake of hanging artwork too high on the wall. It should feel "connected" to the furniture above which it is hanging. 
  • Don't be afraid of overlapping art with lamps, candlesticks and table vignettes. OVERLAPPING IS GOOD. It adds visual depth and looks great. Look for opportunities to "tell a story" with artwork and table vignettes.
  • Keep artwork slightly smaller than the furniture below it, to avoid a top-heavy look.
7. Every rule is breakable in the right circumstance! 
  • To break a rule well, you need experience working within the rules.
  • When in doubt, find a vignette or artwork placement you really like, and try to recreate it. You will be amazed at how much you can learn by an exercise like this!
Word for the Day:
Proverbs 31:27
She looks well to the ways of her household

    and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Potentially Linking With

Sunday

Sunday’s Best
Creative Bloggers Party Hop
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Tuesday

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Wednesday

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Penny Pinching Party
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Thursday

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Friday

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Fridays on Remodelaholic
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Saturday

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Get Schooled Saturday
Show and Tell Saturday








3 comments:

Mary said...

Great ideas! I don't like the mass produced art either. I've found some original art at yard sales and thrift stores too.

farmhouse-story said...

loved reading through the suggestions, revi:) love that white frame and big chalkboard, too!

Woodside Park said...

I, too, love crusty and original. You have many great ideas, Revi. And a great eye, but we all know that ;-)
Loi