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Is there a ‘right’ way to use art in interiors?

People tend to fall into types when it comes to art. The first chooses works to match their decor; another makes their interiors suit the art. You can, of course, be a little of both. But regardless of whether you’re hanging flea market finds or old masters, there are a few tips to ensure your choices create maximum impact.

1 Only buy art you love. You probably aren’t the one who forked out nearly half a million for Goldie’s Kapi Kapi (an Arawa Chieftainess) last month but, if you were, one would hope you’re currently sitting at home eyeballing it. What you hang on your walls should give you — and your guests — a buzz every time you look up. The art in your home tells a story: yours.

2 Be open to different mediums. Mix oils with photographs, prints with tapestry, weaving with watercolours.

3 Step outside your usual “likes”. Consider contemporary pieces for traditional interiors and vice versa. It is exciting to step into a room decorated in swags and tails that heroes a beautiful, modernist abstract.

4 Don’t skimp. You might not be able to afford a professional to hang paintings but spending money on quality framing can make inexpensive prints look premium.

5 Hang properly. Use quality hooks to keep works straight and hang at eye level — the centre of the work should be about 1.5m from the floor, which is a lot lower than people think. Hanging at the right

Leaning artwork against the wall, rather than hanging, adds a touch of informality to a well-decorated room. The right choice of wall colour can provide the perfect backdrop. Walls and shelves in Dulux Goyder Green and trims in St Clair Quarter.

height connects the painting with the main fixtures of the room — furniture, etc — adding balance and creating harmony.

6 Be careful about co-ordinating. It’s natural to consider matching art to a room, but contrast is often a better complement. If you love your art, you might not want it to meld into the background. Tracey Strange