THE ART OF HANGING ART
Measurements and templates are a good way to think things out before putting nails in your wall, interior designer says
Keira St. Claire-Bowery is a lead interior designer at Anthony Wilder Design/Build in Cabin John, Md. She blends architectural elements with finishes and furnishings in residential projects, big and small, contemporary and traditional. She takes questions on interior design and customizing your home.
Q I have a fear of hanging art or framed photography and then not liking where I placed it. I know I can take it down, patch the walls and start all over, but is there a formula for deciding what art will look good where? Are there simple steps I can follow about how to group art?
A Planning to hang art is an important step, and there’s an easy way to think things out before putting nails in your wall, especially when designing
a gallery wall. Take measurements of your art (with frames) and create templates using craft paper. Then, using painter’s tape, experiment with different configurations. You can reposition the paper templates on the wall until you have the perfect placement.
Q I recently moved into an apartment, and the walls are very thin. Although I am very quiet, neighbours have been complaining of noise from my unit, and I can often hear my neighbours. A friend told me an interior designer might be able to help with this issue. Other than adding rugs, do you know of ways to minimize sound without major construction?
A Interior design does in fact play a significant role in sound insulation! Here is why: Fabric absorbs sound. Incorporating fabric, upholstery and other textiles wherever possible in your apartment will absolutely reduce noise transmission.
Step 1 is using area rugs, runners and floor mats. You can also layer area rugs — they look great and add insulation. Step 2 is incorporating window treatments — the thicker and more dense the material, such as velvet, the better. Step 3, get an upholstered headboard. Think of all the areas in the apartment where you might add fabrics. Bookshelves against shared walls will help, too, because books are excellent sound absorbers. You could even add fabric backs to the shelves for an extra layer of sound insulation (and an amazing visual pop).
Q I’m looking at rugs for my living room, but can’t figure
out which size to get. Are there rules to go by?
A The size of your rug visually determines the size of your room. The larger and more area the rug covers, the larger your room will appear. All legs of your furniture should be on the rug, or all legs half off and half on the rug. If you have a decorative area rug that you want to use in your space, but that is too small, layering is an option. For example, use a sisal rug and layer your decorative rug on top to maintain the appearance of a larger room.
Q We just purchased a home, and one room I love happens to have wood-panelled walls that I hate. Our style is transitional, leaning toward contemporary. We love natural sunlight, calming and sophisticated colours, clean lines and minimal frills. Also, we are not ready to invest in remodelling. Is there anything I can do to change the walls, or are there treatments I can use to at least minimize the wood look?
A Your predicament presents a great opportunity to create a striking and unique esthetic. Because you want to make the space feel brighter, I would paint the wood panelling. Select a light paint colour. An off-white or pale blue would be beautiful, in a satin or semigloss lacquer finish.