Bring on the Beauty | A Guide to Displaying Art

Art is essential to creating a home that feels complete and personal. Collecting art, whether original works, framed prints, or carefully curated pieces, is a journey of discovery. But once you’ve built your collection, how do you display it to maximize its impact?

This guide provides practical tips for showcasing your art, enhancing your interior design, and adding personality to your home.

Interior Design: Set the Mood with Art

Art has the power to evoke emotion and set the tone for a room. The colors and subject matter you choose should align with the function and feel of each space. For instance:

• Bold and vibrant colors energize high-activity areas like the kitchen or living room.
• Muted tones and abstract art create a calming effect in bedrooms or relaxation spaces.

Take the kitchen as an example. As the heart of many homes, it’s often bustling with activity. Artwork with earth tones or familiar themes can ground the space without making it feel overly formal. For inspiration, explore galleries or browse art prints that bring warmth and movement to the area.

Art Above the Sofa: Scale is Critical

A blank wall above a sofa or seating area is an opportunity to make a statement. The challenge lies in selecting artwork of the appropriate scale. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Map It Out: Use graph paper to sketch your wall and sofa to scale. Cut out shapes representing your art pieces and experiment with arrangements until you find the perfect balance.
2. Proportion Matters: A good rule of thumb is to choose artwork or a grouping that spans two-thirds the width of your sofa.
3. Placement: Hang your art so the center is at eye level, ensuring it feels connected to the furniture below.

By carefully considering size and placement, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing focal point in your living area.

Art Groupings and Collages: Plan + Play

When arranging multiple pieces of art, planning is key. Start by sketching the wall and blocking out spaces for each piece. Play with shapes, spacing, and arrangement to achieve balance and harmony. Here are a few tips:

• Mix Shapes and Sizes: Combine large and small pieces to add visual interest.
• Consider Abstract Layouts: Don’t feel constrained to rectangular grids; asymmetrical arrangements can feel more dynamic.
• Balance is Key: Ensure the overall grouping feels balanced, even if individual pieces differ in size or shape.

For a touch of modern flair, consider including Andy Warhol-inspired prints or abstract art to bring an eclectic edge to your display.

Off-the-Wall Art: Books, Sculptures, and More

Not all art belongs on the wall. Sculptures, books, and small decorative objects can add layers of texture and dimension to your home. Use the rule of three to arrange these items on shelves or tables:

• Small, Medium, Large: Group objects of varying sizes to create visual balance.
• Mix Materials: Combine different textures, such as ceramics, wood, and metal, for added interest.

For example, incorporating three-dimensional pieces inspired by the Met Museum of Art can elevate your shelves or mantels, adding a museum-like quality to your home.

Go with Your Gut

At the end of the day, your art collection should reflect your personality and style. Whether it’s modern art or timeless classics, choose pieces that resonate with you. Remember, displaying art is an ongoing process. As your tastes evolve, so can your arrangements.

If you’re looking for inspiration to tie your art collection into the broader aesthetic of your home, explore the possibilities at Broadleaf Residential’s design center, where custom home-building design meets personalization. Additionally, our gallery showcases how thoughtful design and art can work hand in hand to create stunning living spaces.

Interior Design for Your Custom Home

When it comes to art, more is often better. Don’t be afraid to keep collecting and experimenting with new ways to display your pieces. If you’re dreaming of a custom home that perfectly complements your growing collection, Broadleaf Residential specializes in creating spaces where art and architecture thrive together. Together, let’s design a home that’s as unique as your art collection.