If you’re an art lover, you may be wondering what kind of House Design you need to accommodate your collection. The answer is a home that combines function and style with an emphasis on artwork.
There are many ways to integrate works of art into your space, from functional furnishings and accessories to statement lighting that showcases your artistic style. Think about a large chandelier in your foyer, sculptural pendants over your kitchen counters or sconces as wall sculptures.
Choosing the right pieces of artwork is key to creating the overall ambiance you’re trying to create in your home, says Federica Ricci of Art Lovers Australia. She advises to start by thinking about the architectural features of the room you’re purchasing the work for, from ceiling height to wall color, and how the work will fit in with its surroundings.
Consider a variety of colors and textures when selecting your pieces of art. “The right color palette can either match, contrast or redefine the tones of your walls,” she says.
It’s also important to choose a focal point for your art display, such as a sculpture or a group of smaller pieces that can be placed together. A sculptural chair shaped like a palm, for instance, could make a bold statement in your living room.
One of the most common places to showcase your art collection is in your living room, which is often where you spend time with your family and entertain friends. To help your guests feel comfortable while they’re visiting, make sure the living room is well-lit, suggests Ms. Berke, and keep the space looking lived-in, so it doesn’t feel a gallery.
Then, choose a sconce or shade that complements the overall style of your space. The right lighting can bring your art into the spotlight and create an enticing atmosphere for guests to interact with it.
If you are a serious collector of modern or contemporary art, it’s a good idea to find an architect or home builder who is familiar with how to best incorporate a significant collection into a home’s design. These specialists are able to incorporate your collection into the overall look and feel of your home, while making sure that you can easily access it in the event of an emergency.
Some architects and designers even take a more holistic approach to designing for art lovers, constructing living spaces that blend gallery-style displays of paintings and multimedia sculptures with the functional use of living space. Sarah Broughton of Aspen, for example, says she thinks about the collection as a concept, beginning with an extensive inventory and then building spaces to rotate the collection through the home.
Royce Pinkwater, the founder and CEO of a high-end global real-estate company that consults with homeowners, says she’s noticed an increase in clients who are focused on their art collections. She’s consulted on several homes where the homeowners have installed museum-grade humidification systems and constructed galleries that can be used for rotating their collections.
