So the time has come to add art to our rooms. Art is very important in adding character and elegance to the space. Well, how many works we add, how expensive these will be and where do we place them are all single issues we'll explore in other posts... Here we will consider the "large-artwork" option. If of a large size, just one single picture can furnish the room. Similarly to wearing just one single but important piece of jewellery, one artwork can be an elegant statement and dress your walls without cluttering. Of course, its colours must match or complement the palette of your room, and its size must be proportioned to the wall and the room we place it in.
But here is the very good news: do not fret about hanging it. A large artwork doesn't have to hang on the wall! Move it from here to there until the best positioning is found, and simply leave on the floor. No hooks needed. There is a modern sense of beauty in art not hanging on the wall, a show-offish feel of 'casual' about it. This will also perfectly match any modern room and not just the minimalist ones. Give it a go.
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To follow are a few images that beautifully explain how in the right context, art on the floor screams elegance and confident styling. Also, this is the perfect display solution when adding hooks on the wall is not an option [when renting, when the walls are not solid, or when we enjoy moving things around often]. If styling to sell a property, large artworks on the floor will add a valuable contemporary feel to our property, and while simplicity will mean elegance, an artwork that is large in size will add the WOW effect.
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Next: where do we get a large artwork? We could buy one, obviously, but art can be expensive and it could even cost a small fortune. We could rent it, instead. Many galleries offer good rental deals and we may be pleasantly surprised by how affordable this option can be. Or we make our own 'masterpiece'. Really? I hear you say... Yes, really!
Enlarge a photograph in black & white and have it printed and framed... A print you like, a family photograph, even a good vintage advertising poster may be very effective. Well, the framing comes at a price, but here is an artwork that will stay with you forever. Printing on canvas will save you from having to frame it... but must be large or it'll feel cheap.
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A few smaller works may be a great substitutes for one large picture, if we prefer so. And resting them on a shelf will still allow to display that casual feel and spare our precious walls from drilling hooks in. Remember that an artwork that is taller than wide will increase the sense of height to the space, while a larger then tall picture may be used to add width to a room.
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But if we are ready for some creative fun, then we can make our own. Using wall leftover paint for a simple drawing will give us a stunning and unique artwork. I've done it myself before. And what we lack in artistry we will compensate with size [wink], as the larger the work is, the more 'wow' it will add to the room. Too difficult you think? Not at all, trust me.
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HOW TO: Ready made large sizes canvas are nowadays available from most discount stores. I prefer to purchase a tall panel of marine plywood [2 cm thickness is required to avoid warping]. That's the only money you'll spend with this project. Prime the canvas/board with any wall-paint you surely have left-over and stored in the garage. Of course the colour we choose will be matching or compatible with the palette already existing in the room. Black or dark grey will go with almost every styling, or opting for one bright colour to give a minimalistic room a 'punch'. Be brave. Two coats will achieve a neat and even background which will enhance the amateurish image we'll add on top in chalk or with more paint. Let it dry for 24 hours at least. I know you are excited by now, but it is important we let it dry well. So, while you wait, sit at the computer and google the words "art black on white abstract gestural" to get inspiration. Mind you: it's not the Mona Lisa we are going to paint... so save yourself some disappointment and keep it simple, it'll feel contemporary. Also look up artists like Cy Twombly and Franz Cline and use their work as inspiration. Now fill a glass with wine and choose from the kids' chalks a colour that will contrast the background but will match your room's styling. Draw large images with long strokes and don't worry about the smudges. Finally fix it with a generous go of hairspray. OR try paint instead of chalk if you prefer, but use a large brush, keep it simple and let the paint dry well if wanting to add a different colour on top, but remember that here simplicity is the key to success!
Size, right choice of colours and perfect placing are all you need to get it right. So, let it happen, have another sip of wine and see the fun in what you're doing. Later you may simply dismiss it with a "Oh, just something I painted myself", but I guarantee you, everybody else will envy your skills.
BTW, when I say: inspire yourself to, I intend real appreciation and respect for the 'apparent' simplicity of the above artworks. In fact, successful abstract art is harder to achieve that we may think. For our quick purpose, we can only inspire to and maybe copy what was achieved in years and years of professional research and art practice.
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information.