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Wrendesign is an artist-owned company showcasing about 400 original paintings and also offering a section on illustrated children's stories online which can be downloaded free for single use. This blog is maintained by one of the resident artists. To see our website please click on link above.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

DESIGNERS USE OF A PAINTING AS A FOCAL POINT IN A ROOM

Interior Design With Paintings

Many designers use a painting as a focal point in a room.   It draws the eye in, adds drama, and can set the color scheme and the mood.    Perhaps your client has a favorite artwork they are in love with.   In this case, work with it!    If they are not collectors, and are not sure what they like, you can still use artwork to great effect without infringing on what can be their very personal taste.    In this case, be very sure you have their approval of your selection before you do a lot of designing around it.

Try a large, custom-lighted painting at the far side of an entry hall - it welcomes the guest and draws them it. 

In a living area, a bold central painting can set the tone for the whole room.    This is especially relevant in rooms that are designed for entertaining.

A dining room painting can be quieter, but can definitely set a mood.    Take into account the subdued lighting which will generally be used, perhaps even candlelight on special occasions. 

Master Bedrooms can also benefit from a large quiet painting.   Galleries are also effective here.

Guest bedrooms are often decorated for "fun" - a bright or whimsical abstract might set the tone, you want the guest to remember their visit, and artwork can do the trick.   Take the client's personality into account - they may want their guests to remember a beautiful portrait or a calming forest scene.   If their are several guest bedrooms try making them different and memorable - they might even be "named" after their main painting.

It is easier to decide on the artwork first, and then adjust your color palette to compliment.    You may know you want a blue or a gold accented room, but exactly which shade of blue or gold can be dictated by the artwork selected.    Usually the painter has used colors that are very complementary.   And it is one way to present your color scheme to the client.

And be sure to consider the lighting.    Most paintings benefit from some sort of custom lighting (please not picture lights hanging on top of the frame!).   Use concealed spots with dimmers, or very strategically placed lamps.    If you are considering anything framed under glass, test out the reflections before you place it!

Where to find paintings?   It is somewhat impractical to drag large paintings around to show clients, or to drag clients to where the paintings are.    It is also very time-consuming and geographically limiting to traipse through galleries.   Try the Internet (try us at wrendesign.com - see link above) - there are lots and lots of sites online.    Some are by individual artists, some are run by galleries to establish a wider clientele, some are dedicated art websites that showcase hundreds of artists.     They will all have pictures which you can show your client.    Most will not send a painting on approval unless you have an ongoing relationship and an account with them, but most will also accept returns within a reasonable amount of time, and will refund in full except for shipping charges.    Keep in mind, that crating and shipping large paintings is expensive, and paintings can be damaged with rough handling - so try to be fairly confident of your selection and your client's approval before bringing one in.    However, if you make this a part of your design business it can be very profitable for you and delightful for the client.