Does my artwork have to match my couch?
Like so many things in life the answer to this is, it depends.
So, what does it depend on? If you are an interior designer or a real estate agent trying to stage a listing the answer is yes. If you are an artist, a serious art collector or an art lover the answer is a decided, no.
Most who will be reading this fall somewhere in between
For the majority of us, our homes are our greatest investment. We want them to look as fabulous as we can. While matching is not the primary purpose of a piece of art, we sure don’t want to have art that takes away from that objective.
If you were a serious art collector, you would not even ask that question. Your love for your art collection supersedes all else. So, let’s get real, for most of us the simple answer is yes.
If you live in a home with neutral colors, it can be stunning to install a bold art piece. If you are looking for a “wow-factor”, hang a modern abstract in a room with traditional furniture or reverse this by hanging an ornately framed landscape from the late 19 th century in a minimalist modern room. These kinds of surprises give our homes personality and featuring a piece of art that doesn’t “match” can give a home a delightful, unexpected lift. There are many things to consider. What is the mood you are wanting to create? Or does that even matter to you?
Another aspect to consider is the values of a painting, for instance, muted tones with a secondary color palette. Or bold primary colors with hard value changes, (think Andy Warhol orange and blue). Value is about dark and light. A black and white painting would be the strongest
value change. Pastel colors would be in the mid-tone values.
I know some artists are quite offended when asked, “I love that painting, can you do it in a color that will match my couch”. As an artist and someone who loves her home, I empathize with these practical questions and never get offended. I’ve answered that question this way; “no”, but, I do work on commission, and I can paint you something with a palette designed just for you, that looks similar. You might find other artists are willing to do that also.
I would also like to add, many art collectors did not start out thinking they would collect. They bought art they thought was fascinating and the art grew in value. The very bottom line about buying art is this: Buy Art That You LOVE First and Foremost – without consideration for where it will go or will it match.
The average person in America lives in one place for 6.5 years. Theoretically, you will at some point be moving. Your art will come with you and remind you of who you are. I also know many people who rotate their art. Add new personality to your home by rotating art simply swapping the room it’s in can change the mood. It is your home reflected by your personality, be brave.
At the end of the day, it is your home. If it pleases you, it’s right. So, add this to my original answer, “it depends”. It depends on what pleases you. Be bold or be conservative. Let your home and art say for you, “this is who I am, this is what I love. Please yourself and then let it go.
I have grown to believe that home is where your art is.
0 Comments