Ask Alex Savvy design advice
Whether it’s artwork or statement lighting, walls and ceilings need their moment in the spotlight. Alex has some tips for picking the perfect piece
Dear Alex
We need affordable art to cover our barren rental-property walls. I know this is an open brief as you don’t know our style, but we love your taste and are hoping you can point us in the right direction.
Briana and Dunc, Auckland I’m pleased to report that you have some excellent and affordable art options available from very clever local and overseas talent. Here are some of my tips for bringing affordable art into your home:
Buy the print
> Splashing out on the real thing may not be in your current budget or headspace, so we thank those clever artists who make their works into more affordable art prints. These can vary in price depending on the material the artist chooses to print on and whether the prints are limited editions. Go to the source
> Often art is shown in galleries, which can add to a work’s price tag. Dealing directly with the artist may bring the price down.
Try art auctions
> Often art can be picked up at a better price through art auctions. Many schools use these auctions to raise money and, depending on the artist, the reserve can vary, offering a chance to pick up a bargain while supporting local schools. Cheap and cheerful
> A lot of the big-name retail chains such as Kmart are providing us with some well-priced artworks that look pretty good, are a decent size, on-trend and already framed.
Alternative framing
> While framing is the best way to make a piece of art shine, framing is expensive and pushes up the final cost of an artwork. There are some cunning and cheap alternatives for hanging prints, such as wooden magnetic hangers, UHU ProPower Tac (stronger than Blu-Tack) or good old bulldog clips. Hello Alex
We have a beachside villa which we’re doing up very slowly. We are trying to find a pendant light for the main family room – it’s a huge space with a high stud and a very decorative ceiling so it needs something large but not too dominating. Our style is modern but with a cosy vibe that suits teenage kids. We have lots of blond wood, navy, grey and white, so we want a light to add some wow.
Can you offer us some ideas?
Mark and Amanda, Christchurch Pendant lights are a common stumbling block for home renovators as they can really make or break a room. First, a pendant needs to be the right size for its space. Choosing one that’s too big will overpower the room, but go too small and it will look like an afterthought. I often use cheap rice-paper lights to trial different sizes. Where possible, ask to take the light home on approval to cement your choice.
The next thing to consider is the height to hang it at. It needs to be high enough not to intrude into the room but low enough to blend with the atmosphere of the space. Consider what’s under the light and how it looks from below (you don’t want to look up at a bare bulb).
Lastly, think about the light’s aesthetic. Would the room suit a solid light? Or does a more open design work better? Consider how the light is distributed. Is it omni-directional, semi-directional or directional? How does that work with your space? Most of all, you should love what you choose, so have fun shopping!