The walls of your home are a blank canvas with endless possibilities. Today's wall décor options fit every customer's budget and aesthetic in terms of price, style, size, and color. With so many options available, it can be difficult to help clients choose. But wall decoration is also one of the most effective ways to show your client's or customer's taste and personality.
“The role of the designer has changed dramatically,” says Wendy Duff, business and development manager at Celadon Art. “It used to be that whatever the client said or chose, they would go along with it, even if it had nothing to do with their personal preferences, wants, or needs. Differently, the client is deeply involved in the designer's decisions and incorporates the family's personality into the overall design. The artwork is not a showcase, but is driven by personal taste in creating the home. It’s starting to happen.”
This emphasis on individuality may be contributing to the trend of mixing styles across walls or between frames and art.
“We're seeing on-trend patterns in bold colors being introduced in perhaps unexpected ways,” says Sarah Lang, product designer and account manager at Paragon. “We can pair traditional themes with brave, saturated colors, or even combine classic frames with abstract art. Our customers find a balance between refreshing modernity and timeless classics. I'm looking for a balance.”
Duff also points out that style combinations are trending, especially on gallery walls. The other trends she points out all revolve around gentler themes. Layering multimedia and natural materials, the collage is intriguing and at the same time evokes a peaceful, organic feeling. The female figure is revived, eliciting a sense of serenity, fluidity and sensuality.
“Soft, curved and rounded shapes bring calm to the angular, harsh structures currently found in apartments and loft areas,” she added. “Bringing the outside in by incorporating plants and natural elements is a big trend. Lush greenery and natural landscapes also provide a beautiful sense of tranquility while enjoying the artwork.”
set the mood
Clients who don't have the time, budget, or need to completely redesign their home or room can quickly refresh their space by swapping out decorative items. Wall decor items can change the feel of a room, and as we spend more time at home, a change of pace may be just what you need. For example, a home office is a room that evokes a variety of emotions, all of which can be complemented by wall decorations, depending on what kind of atmosphere the person working in the home office wants to create.
Celadon's Wendy Duff points out that there is a tendency for modern interpretations of historical art, such as this work inspired by Georges Braque, which uses negative space to convey the shape of a bird. doing.
“As more people work from home, home offices have become a very important part of our living environment,” says Duff. “When it comes to lasting things, it dictates a unique practical space that blends with personal style. Whether it's a family photo, it's comfortable, inspiring, uplifting or calming. No matter what image makes you want to be, it’s yours.”
Lang says that home office wall art can help set the tone for the work day, so depending on the nature and temperament of the job, clients or customers might opt for calming landscapes or more exciting contemporary graphics. suggests that it cannot be done.
Elsewhere in the home, families will likely be spending more time indoors as the coronavirus pandemic lingers and winter approaches. Your choice of wall decor will also set the tone for the rest of your home.
“The right piece of art can inspire a room's design or be the perfect finishing touch,” says Lang. “Art is personal and subjective in that it sets the tone for the space and the homeowner. It has the ability to be transported anywhere in the world while remaining safe at home.”
the power of decoration
At a recent Furniture, Lighting, and Décor virtual panel, designers and retailers discussed the power of home decor to make designs pop. Christie Hopper, designer and founder of Christie Hopper Designs in Dallas, said artwork has always been a challenge for her.
“For me as a designer, artwork is the most difficult category because it is so personal,” she said. “It should tell your story. It shouldn't just be something you hang on the wall.”
For Stephanie James, one half of the High Point, North Carolina-based duo Allen and James Interior Design, the pop of color artwork brings to a space is the most exciting part.
“I love having a pop of color in my art. I think art speaks to different people differently. I love color in my art, so I think it's a great way to add color.” I like big art in small spaces. I think it can be quite dynamic. Traditional art and modern art and abstract art, I just love art.”
She and her partner Patti James bring this passion and enthusiasm for art to the retail portion of the business. James said her store is stocked with products she personally likes, and customers don't hesitate to buy them.
“There's a reason they follow us as designers because they like our eyes and our style. So we just buy what we like, and in the end… It’s common to be moved,” she said. “I buy what I like every day and wear layers.”
Encouraging clients to express their individuality on their walls can also mean encouraging them to move away from market showrooms with mass-produced pieces and source their art elsewhere.
“I have one client who says, 'I buy art when I travel,' so I can't buy their art,” Hopper said. “I like it. Who can top that? That's what they should do. Once they get it here, I'll frame it and put it in the right place.” But after that, the house is yours.”
Ms James said she encourages her customers, especially younger customers, to invest in original pieces.
“If you really love it, you'll stick to it for the rest of your life,” she said. “I want them to invest in their art because I think it really describes the dynamics of a room.”
Wall art is just one component of your overall home decor package, and when combined with other accessories, it helps complete the overall look and feel of your space.
“At the end of the day, all linens are going to look the same,” James said. It takes it to a whole different level for our clients. ”