Where Art & Design Meet

With Design Miami and Art Basel Miami in full swing across the pond this week, I’ve been thinking about the profound effect that buying art has on the design of a home. Art, when selected well and displayed correctly can be the magic element that makes a space truly memorable. I am of the growing opinion that interior design and artwork selection must always happen in conversation, and preferably at an early stage.

I recently completed a total renovation of a home for some neighbours down my street on Gerald Road in Belgravia, and being dream clients they were quite willing and open to explore new ways to optimise their space, from how to edit their furniture and add new pieces to how to display their magnificent art collection.  The design sports many of my studio’s hallmarks; we redesigned the internal structure of the building to bring more light in by installing floor-to-ceiling Crittall windows and scattering antique effect mirrors throughout, added classically appointed furnishings ever so slightly scaled-up for added grandeur, opted for a monochrome palette, and used textural finishing touches such as cut-velvet upholstery, Statuario marble tabletops and large, ethereal chandeliers to adorn the rooms.

The Studio worked in tandem with the clients to curate their walls, both with artwork they already owned and suggestions for new acquisitions, to great effect. I particularly love the unclassifiable artist David Yarrow’s black and white photograph of Cara Delevigne and a wolf at a bar. It’s a beautiful photograph, with an oddball, Wild West tension, which is quite mysterious but rather fun. In contrast with the buttoned up design of the room with cut-velvet green sofas, crystal chandeliers and classical trimmings it brings just the right amount of drama and lightness into the space.

Artwork can so easily change the entire feel of a room and so it is important to prepare accordingly – it’s best for the interior designer and art adviser to be on the same page. An interior designer can easily assess if the colours and scale of an artwork will work in the room that it’s planned for and advise on an appropriate frame, case or plinth.

Above all, whether it’s painting, photography or sculpture, whether Modern or Impressionistic, when there is a genuine connection between the owner and an artwork, this always shines through in the room.  It shows your personal creativity and style and can often serve as a conversation piece.  If you’re having new friends over, an interesting artwork is a wonderful ice breaker and a way to introduce yourself and your interests. If you’re besotted with one piece, delve deeper into the artist’s work. Perhaps there are a few more pieces worth looking into. I find that displaying a collection of an artist’s work can be a quite cohesive way to bring art into the home.  Plus, art makes for a great investment.

The right artwork carefully placed in the right space can completely transform the energy of a room, and bring a bit of zing where it was lacking. Be bold and most of all be true to yourself.

Love, Alison x

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Photos by Brent Darby