Designer Tips from J. Hettinger Interiors: ORIGINAL ART

By Ron Smith

Good interior design should always incorporate original art. The types of art are found in many different forms to include; fine art in oil, acrylic or watercolor paintings, wall hangings of varying media woven materials, including photography, charcoal to pen and ink drawings. Additionally, sculpture is found in mixed media as well as hand blown glass in table top, wall and ceiling fixtures. With so many talented emerging artists, of all media, you can begin collecting a favorite at more affordable prices than a well known highly priced over exposed artist.

The glass designer Chihuly has created a world wide reputation of free form art and functional hand blown glass. However, unless you have unlimited funds many local artists have outstanding designs of functional and decorative hand blown vases, bowls and sculpture at more affordable prices.

Art is personal and should reflect the interests, character and vision of the beholder. I always suggest that, when and where the design budget allows, choose original art to suit a personal or family lifestyle. I encourage clients to take candid family photos of events and travels to personalize their home. Black and white or sepia blown up in large format and mounted under glass or plexiglass with framing and matt to add color.

Smaller photos can be grouped together on table tops or bookcases. Don't forget to frame those photos of your family pets! Wedding , anniversary, graduation photos and certificates are best displayed in more private areas.

In hanging your original art, open space is a good thing. It allows you to create focal points defining the space and giving more importance and meaning to the pieces you enjoy.

When choosing your art selections I suggest my clients consider the color palette of the space it will hang in, should it be neutral and let the work be the focus or does the background need a WOW factor. Planning for the appropriate size and placement will show your investment in its best light where as purchasing on impulse especially when traveling can often be a costly mistake and not returnable.

When a client of mine has "great" original fine art paintings we first need to determine where the work will be hung and build the room around it. We need to consider and plan the placement of furnishings, the textures of fabrics and materials and the appropriate color palette the compliment the art.

Remember lighting plays an important part throughout the home and when planning the placement of art daylight and evening should be considered. Most often recessed lighting is not sufficient for important work (paintings or sculptures) in the evening. I suggest a tubular style picture light that will pivot to properly light the art and not wash the wall. Preferably it should be hard wired and controlled by a separate switch.