When I'm brought in to give advice for a house that's going on the market, or for a family doing some decorating, I often get the feeling that something is missing in the room. At first look, everything seems in place. The color palate is tranquil and on trend, the seating arrangement works well with the size and shape of the room -but something just doesn't feel right.
Lack of artwork is typically the culprit.
People seem to have a problem adding artwork to their walls. Is it because they're afraid it can't be removed once it's hung on the wall? Maybe they think it will make some sort of statement about them and their ideas? Or is it because they just don't know what to select? My theory is that some are afraid their taste isn't highbrow enough and that people will judge what they've selected.
Fortunately for Main Liners, there are a lot of solutions for those blah walls. If you're on a strict budget, I recommend you look around your home and use what you already have. One of my friends recently used plates to spell out the word "WISH" on the wall over her bed. Another added a mirror to an old window to create a focal point above her living room sofa.
If you prefer family photos, check out Allpopart.com, where you can download a favorite pic and instantly transform it into a silhouette of the image for a more traditional graphic look, or warp it into a colorful Warhol-like piece for a contemporary look. Don't limit yourself to portraits. Simple objects like a bicycle or flowers can be made into one-of-a-kind images as well.
Like jewelry, artwork is an investment, and purchasing it shouldn't be made in haste. If you're looking for a signature piece, try Wayne's Connor Ryan Gallery(129 N. Wayne Ave.), where you can view work from local, national and international artists. My favorites are landscapes of some of the Main Line's most scenic vistas, among them Valley Forge and Ardrossan. Make sure to meet with Sheila Donahue, the gallery's consultant. She'll help you select pieces, and even visit your home to advise on proper placement. The gallery is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
So the next time you redesign a room, take a step back and take a hard look at the space. Does it simply need a little bling?
Have any tips for stretching your design dollar or any resources you want to share? Feel free to contact me at kate@hartstaging.com.
