by Wendy White, Trudi Jones Interior Design –
Art is defined as the expression of creative skill and imagination in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, appreciated for beauty or for the emotional power evoked from it. In the home, generally considered our “haven,” it’s especially important to consider how works of art, whether it be painting, sculpture or even furnishings, are used.
As designers, Trudi Jones and I often look to special pieces for clues about the client to use as design inspiration or as a “taking-off” point for our designs. An entire room or home design can start with the initial influence coming from a piece of artwork that is important to the client, and in our designs we express something that signifies the client. Art choices are often very personal, especially when used in the home.
As an example, a client of ours possessed a number of interesting Asian pieces, most of them passed down through the years. One particular piece caught our eye – the Asian black lacquered and jade screen – but it was not featured well in the existing furniture arrangement. After our renovation was complete, in which we drew inspiration from the Asian screen as well as the beautiful ocean views, friends of the client asked if the screen was new although they had walked past it many times! It was the catalyst for our design, pulling jewel tones and restful seaside colours from it for the paintwork, furniture, draperies and accessories.
Artwork may simply hold special meaning for the owner, for example, an object acquired while travelling, a painting or sculpture passed down through family generations, an antique or handwoven carpet, or perhaps a piece created by a family member. As an example, my sister’s bold and colourful paintings grace the walls of all of my family members.
Personal values as well as family ideals can be expressed in artwork, as illustrated with this portrait of the Holy Family (above), commissioned by one of our clients for their new home, installed above the master bed. The clients’ deep Christian faith is reflected in the icon.
Artwork can be used to enhance the atmosphere of the space and to add to the overall experience of the user in it. The colours in an art piece may be used to complement and emphasize different design elements in the room, adjacent rooms, or outdoor living spaces, tying the rooms together to create a seamless flow from one to another.
Additionally, the colours used in artwork can be useful in creating warmth or coolness, excitement or restfulness, within a space. Colour in general can be used to warm a north-facing room or to cool a south-facing exposure, and this includes not only paint colours but all accessories including art.
The nice thing about pieces of art is that they are most often easily moved and can be tried in multiple spaces and locations – or they can be changed out with the seasons along with other design objects to reflect a special time of year as suits the owner or client.
Have fun and don’t hesitate to experiment and play with your “objets d’art.”
