Using Photography In An Art Grouping

Earlier today (see post below) I was writing about how I like to use photography when I’m styling the walls of my clients homes. I’m not talking about snapshots – though a good one can look smashing. I came across this example of art and photography mixed together in a wonderful grouping and thought I’d share a few tips. Read More…

Before & After: Dying An IKEA Slipcover

Fellow blogger, Candy Glendening, sent me this photo of her chaise DIY project. Candy bought the white slipcover to go with her Ektorp chaise, then dyed it the perfect color green with a water colored mottling. Cold water dyes work best to prevent shrinking.

Here's a photo of the chaise in her family room. I love the red curtains with those dark blinds. You can read the details of her room makeover on her blog by following this link.

Do you have a DIY project you’re proud of? Send it my way. In the meantime, lets all pat Candy on the back for her project. A job well done – and brave! But then, Candy is an expert in the art of dying fabrics.

Design Dilemma: Arranging Art On A Blank Wall

I’ve received a request from Nikki for help with her new home. Nikki wants some advice on what to do with a blank wall.

She says, “The color is changing to a warm yellow. It’s been suggested that we mount a giant stuffed grizzly. Another friend suggested a collection of round mirrors. My aunt suggested a giant clock. I plan to do a photo grouping on a different wall. I suppose I could do another one here. I have no shortage of photographs to choose from.

It’s times like this I wish I had some sort of collection (well, actually… I do have a collection of cameras ranging from modern to plastic toy cameras and much older cameras that used to belong to my grandparents in the 50s/60s. Maybe I could find a way to mount them here? Or just use shelves? Eep. I’m not sure.”

Nikki, I love the idea of showing off your camera collection. Here’s how I would do it. Start with wooden boxes (IKEA has great ones). Paint the boxes inside and out. Use a bright color for the inside back side. The blue from the walls in the kitchen and dining room would be good. Hang these on the wall and place your cameras inside.

One concern is that it looks like this is a major traffic area. Make sure the cameras won’t interfere with people moving around.

Does anyone have a good idea for this wall? Let’s give Nikki an assortment of opinions to choose from. And Nikki, let us know which one you decided on.

Lighting design ideas

Last month I discussed ways to place furniture into separate groupings in one large room. How do you light that space? In the olden days, each room had a ceiling fixture in the center of the ceiling. Add a few table lamps and that was that. Now, designers look at lighting as yet another layer of the overall design.

Here are some inspirational photos and a few tips to get you thinking about using light to change the look of your home.

Ambient Lighting

Let’s start at the beginning – ambient light. This provides general lighting so you don’t trip over the furniture. Recessed lighting and/or a ceiling fixture accomplish this.

However, you don’t have to space the recessed lights evenly throughout the room. Instead, take a look at your room and think about what you’d like to highlight. If you have two groups of seating, placing the recessed fixtures over those will provide ambient light, but more dramatically. Putting the lighting dimmers gives you the freedom the add to the drama.

Ambient lighting can also be placed in such a way that it makes the room appear larger.

Task lighting

We all understand this concept. Each room needs to be lit so that we have enough light to read, or work, etc… Use a recessed lights with a focused beam spread,. Pendant lamps are both decorative and functional. The key is to make sure you have enough light without glare.

read more! Read More…

How to hang art in a grouping

Abstract, rambling art groupings are all the rage. Everyone who’s anyone has one! Except me, so I’d better get started. How do you create one of your own? Here is some inspiration followed by some tips to get you started.

Large in the middle, getting smaller at the ends. This is a nice mix of frame colors, art and photos.

A more formal grouping, yet still a-ramble is created by using the same color frame with white mats. Love that wall color. The grouping starts with one large piece in the center.

I like how the white mats play off the white wall across from the hall. The wide, rectangular shape accentuates the length of the hall.

This is a very well done mash-up. The two white rectangles balance the grouping.

Here I’ve created my own grouping. It’s one that’s easy to create if you’re feeling a bit intimidated. I have to admit that I was not born with this skill and I envy those who know just how to throw things on the wall and make it look great.

How to create an art grouping the easy Design Hole way

1. Start with your largest piece and place it at the center of the wall.

2. Work around the first piece in a circular fashion with smaller elements to create a rectangle or square.

3. It’s okay to work outside the lines of the rectangle. This makes it easier to add to your grouping as you find new things.

4. Consider mixing objects with art. Suggestions: letters, mirrors, a corbel with an interesting object resting on top.

5. Don’t get obsessed with frame color. You can mix it all up. Try to aim for some balance so that one frame color isn’t all lumped together.

6. Test your grouping on the floor and take photos as you move things around. This way you can return to a previous arrangement without having to rely on your memory.

7. If you’re like me and feel skittish when it comes to this sort of thing, you can cut out newspaper the size of your art and hang those on the wall first.