How do we choose the right art?

As you can imagine, I've had a lot of conversations with people about the right art for them. Everyone is different, and has their own story to tell.

When I have conversations with interior designers and commission clients, the conversation can be thoughtful, philosophical, and downright practical. I decided to finally write down some of the things we've been talking about. Plus I included some of the designers and thinkers who have inspired me: Kelly Wearstler in Los Angeles, Albion Nord in London, and Gary Hamer, Marina Hirst and Gabrielle Reinhardt in Australia. Here is a selection. Click here to get the full eBook: Choosing Art

Art is a very personal decision and experience for all of us.

What some people love might leave others feeling cold.

Art is also a minefield of people offering advice and criticism over what is acceptable to hang, what might be a good investment, and telling you what you 'should' do. It can all feel paralyzing and hard to make a decision over.

Instead, art can be an opportunity to connect in with yourself in a different way, and to consider art as another means of communicating who you are. The most important thing is to trust yourself.

Below, I offer some questions to reflect on as you choose your art. They are designed to help you come up with your own answers on what the right art might be.

Interior designer Sophie Ashby and family, by Vogue Living

How does the art make you feel?

Think about your first impression of the piece. What were your first emotions when you encountered it? Can you name them? If you are buying with someone else, ask them to name their emotions. If you have the opportunity, sit with the artwork for a while and see whether your first instinct changes.

Art can be intellectual, challenging, and thought provoking. It can stir up feelings we didn't expect.

Ask yourself:

Do I want to feel this emotion in my personal space every day?

Is this a feeling I want to cultivate in my life, and for the people around me?

Will the art stand the test of time?

Michael Majerus at MOMA, New York

As artist Michel Majerus suggests in his piece installed at MOMA (above), what looks good today may not look good tomorrow. Some pieces are 'of the moment', others are timeless. Ask yourself: Is this piece something I can imagine having in my life in 20 years?

Not all art is created equal. Some art materials are of higher quality and have longevity. The piece you are looking to invest in should stand the test of time in terms of materials. Ask yourself: Is this piece made of quality materials that will last?

Does the art actually work in the space?

If your space already features geometric lines, consider a piece that brings some curves and contrast to those. The artwork by Cannon Dill featured in this Sydney penthouse designed by YSL Studios is the perfect contrast to the angular form of the kitchen.

If your palette is quite muted, does the room need a pop of colour? If there are already lots of patterns or textures, do you want to double down and be maximalist, or pull back on the complexity of the space?

Is the art right for the room?

The content of some pieces are more appropriate for private or contemplative spaces. Others, like large contemporary abstract art, are built to be boldly on show. For example, bedrooms - as places for rest - often benefit from calming colours and forms. Soft, textured abstract art, landscape paintings, floral art, and figure drawings all tend to work well in bedrooms.

The materials should also be considered. From a practical perspective, works on paper may be more prone to damage in kitchens and bathrooms. Some acrylics fade in the sunlight, where oil on canvas is more resilient.

Consider the size and shape of the art

Do you need a large scale artwork, a smaller piece, or are curating a gallery wall. Living spaces often benefit from a large statement piece. Larger pieces tend to feel deliberate and have a clear impact on the room. A gallery wall can be a wonderful way to tell a story and bringing a collection of smaller pieces together in one space.

Consider your wall and what else is around it. You are looking for a balance in size and shape. Is the art competing for attention with something else in the room? Does it overwhelm the room, look too tiny, or too complicated?

Get the guide on choosing the right art for your home.

'Choosing Art' includes 20 pages of lovely images, thoughts and a list of questions that will help you to choose the right art for your home.
I'm sure I will add to this over time, but I think it is a great start. I hope you enjoy it.

Download the my lovely FREE eBook.