The professionals tell us how to transform our living environment with art
The professionals tell us how to transform our living environment with art
Renowned French artist Henri Matisse once said, “Art should be something like a good armchair in which to rest from physical fatigue.” In the same vein, a living space’s ambience is uplifted when it’s imbued with the right piece of art. When the exact right amount of artistic touch is deployed, the rest of the interiors and decorative schemes fall into place. Moreover, it helps mirror the homeowner’s character and narrates a unique story for a space. Art is also seen as a solid long-term investment – one that offers enjoyment as you build your collection.
Nonetheless, a lot of us have gone through the painful process of art-meets-decor questions, such as: “How do I choose the right artwork for my space?” “Where should I hang this painting?” “Do I have to change the wall colour to go with the new piece?” In this feature, we’ll learn how to curate harmonious art displays from the pros.
While we’re sometimes troubled by all of the aforementioned considerations, Lo Eli, principal designer and co-founder of Hong Kong-based multidisciplinary studio S.Lo, thinks that the creative process should begin with a series of questions. “Consider the artwork’s content,” she says. “Does it feel more appropriate in the bedroom or the dining room? What story does it tell you or say about you?” Julliana Choi, director of contemporary art gallery Over The Influence Hong Kong, advises, “Start with the work you love! You will be living with the artworks day in and day out, so make sure you create something that makes you happy.“
Art collector and Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac’s Asia director, Nick Buckley Wood, expresses a similar opinion. For his own Mid-Levels home, one of the pieces he selected was a Nobuyoshi Araki photograph of a geisha eating a watermelon: “It’s carnal and gritty – perfect for the dining room.” When interior designer Alice Keswick helmed Nick’s residential project, she felt it was essential to start with a tranquil foundation highlighted by luxurious textures and materials to complement the works of art. She shares, “We focused on a clean colour palette, with hints of Asian influences and an overall essence of traditional British style, in keeping with its heritage.” Nick adds, “My only request was that the art would not be overpowered by the interiors.”
In harmony with this minimalist design approach, interior designer Peggy Bels also adopted a straightforward aesthetic when she curated an avid art-collecting couple’s Hong Kong residence. She explains, “It was important to go lighter on the interior design and appointments, as the couple possesses a strong collection of art pieces, so we came to an agreement to stick with a blue-and-white theme.” Danish home decor and furniture brand Bloomingville's chief stylist Sanne Korsholm further elaborates, “Sustainability plays an important role as toned down blues, nudes, dusty and burnt colours are introduced. Natural materials and rustic sculptural shapes will continue to embellish our home.“
Instead of storing your cherished collectible pieces in the safe or storeroom, take note from fashion maven turned art-agency founder Marleen Molenaar, as she regularly rotates out the artworks in her Mid-Levels home to ensure that every piece gets its chance in the spotlight. If you want to add an extra layer of texture to the stage of your art, consider concrete, like Hong Kongbased artist Simon Birch did when he covered the flooring of his Central abode and gallery with the tactile material for an extra dose of impact. For art enthusiasts who aren’t shy about embracing their passion, 10 Chancery Lane Gallery owner Katie de Tilly’s Sai Kung dwelling perfectly exemplifies how to make a statement and provoke conversation with bold art pieces at home. In fact, her living room is amplified by Hong Kong’s own Frog King’s ink-splashed screen, as she explains, “The brushstrokes and the energy of that artwork really speak to me very strongly.”
After settling on the background and a design approach for your private gallery, Lo sheds some light on framing, lighting and hanging tips. “Frames can help tidy up a space, but if your interior is already quite put-together, consider juxtaposing a frameless canvas for an effortless look,” she says. “Lighting is also key for showcasing art pieces. First of all, make sure your illumination is adjustable. From there, you may adopt scallop lighting to shine light from above, which works well in a row. Or, utilise two or more spots to cross-direct light at one artwork; this will greatly reduce shadows, and put your gallery wall or sculptures centre-stage.”
Last but not least, Lo shares one heartfelt golden rule of selecting art for your home: “Enjoy the process of choosing. When you fall in love with something, just buy it! It will love you back once it’s in your home. You have to let go of your notion of what it’s worth in the market – and just consider what it’s worth to you.” //