Lena Rivera
Displaying artwork in your home is a powerful way to express your personal style, interests, and even your life philosophy. The walls of your home are a blank canvas, and the artwork you choose to display can make a profound statement about who you are and what you value. When it comes to displaying paintings in open model homes, there are several factors to consider, from lighting and colour schemes to the size and arrangement of the artwork. Whether you're showcasing your own creations or curating a collection of diverse pieces, the right display techniques can elevate the look and feel of the space.
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What You'll Learn
Choose art that reflects your personal style and interests
Choosing art that reflects your personal style and interests is a fun process of self-exploration. It is an opportunity to forget the rules and let your decor be as unique as you are.
A good place to start is to think about what you love and what you want to see on your walls. Pick two or three artists or art styles that you really love. You can mix and match different artists, styles, art objects, and even three-dimensional art like sculptures. You might love the bold minimalism of Mid-Century Modern art, or the emotional Expressionist movement, or the traditional warmth of Realism.
It is also important to consider the difference between the art you love to see and the art you enjoy making. For example, you might love detailed, realistic paintings, but when you sit down to work in that style, you feel restricted. This process of observation will help you to appreciate the work of other artists and understand what you truly enjoy creating.
To further develop your unique style, consider what it is you want to create. Are you creating art as a hobby, or do you want to sell your work? If you are creating art for enjoyment, finding a style may not be a priority, and that is okay. Experiment with different styles, subjects, and mediums to keep your work fresh and interesting and to stay inspired.
You can also draw on your personal interests and quirks. What have you created recently that you enjoyed making? What was it about that project that was enjoyable? What artists inspire you, and why? What could you imagine working on for 100 days without getting bored? How do you want your paintings to feel, and how do you want to feel while painting them?
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Consider lighting to showcase your paintings
Lighting plays a crucial role in showcasing your paintings. It can accentuate the beauty and details of your artwork, making it the centrepiece of any room. However, lighting is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and there are several factors to consider when illuminating your paintings.
Firstly, the natural light within the room is an important consideration. Your paintings should not be placed in direct sunlight as UV rays can be harmful to artwork over time. If your paintings must be placed in an area with direct sunlight, consider installing automated blinds that open and close with the sun to protect your paintings.
The angle of the lighting is another key factor. Ceiling-mounted lights should be placed so that the light beam hits the centre of the painting at a 30-degree angle. This will ensure that the viewer does not see reflections or glare. If lighting a painting from a shorter distance, a 10-degree angle will suffice, but be cautious as this can cast long shadows below the frame. Conversely, a 45-degree angle may result in too much direct light, causing reflective glare. For larger paintings, you may need to use two lights placed at a 45-degree angle to the side of the artwork to evenly illuminate the entire surface.
The type of lighting is also important. Track lighting is a popular and versatile option, offering a range of bulb choices and styles to fit any home décor. It allows you to move the light fixtures if you decide to rearrange your paintings. Picture lights are another option, but they require a substantial frame that can support the fixture. If using ceiling or wall-mounted lights, thinner frames or frameless pieces can be used.
Finally, the material and medium of your paintings should be considered when choosing lighting. Oil paintings, for example, are more durable and can withstand more intense light compared to other mediums, but they are still susceptible to UV damage. Delicate mediums like watercolours require softer, diffused lighting with minimal UV exposure to preserve their vibrancy.
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Use colour to complement your artwork
Colour is a powerful tool when it comes to displaying artwork in your home. Here are some tips to help you use colour to complement your paintings in an open model home:
Firstly, consider the overall colour palette of your home. A cohesive colour palette that stretches across rooms can give your home a more intentional and connected feel. Choose a main colour that you want to carry throughout your home, and then use the colour wheel to identify complementary colours that work well together. For example, if your main colour is blue, you can use the colour wheel to see that green harmonises with blue, while yellow contrasts with both.
When displaying your paintings, you can use colour to make them stand out or to create a harmonious look. If you want your artwork to be the "wow" factor in the room, choose colours that contrast with the surrounding walls and décor. For instance, a bright pure white trim will contrast crisply with bold colours. On the other hand, if you want a more subtle and serene feeling in the room, opt for colours that harmonise with your artwork.
You can also use colour to create a sense of continuity between rooms. Limit your palette to two or three colours and use them in different amounts and intensities throughout your home. This will create a feeling of balance and depth. For example, you can paint your lower kitchen cabinets a dark stormy grey and then choose a lighter shade of grey for the adjoining living room walls.
Don't be afraid to use colour to accent and complement your paintings. Pull out a specific colour from a work of art and use it as an accent colour in the room. This could be in the form of furniture, accessories, or even a feature wall. For instance, if your painting has deep yellow tones, you could introduce a yellow velvet chair to tie the room together.
Remember, colour can be a powerful tool to create a cohesive and intentional look when displaying your paintings in an open model home. By using the colour wheel, limiting your palette, and accenting with specific colours, you can complement your artwork and create a beautiful and unified space.
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Select the right location for your paintings
When selecting a location to display your paintings in an open model home, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, choose a space that reflects your personal style and interests. The artwork you select should be meaningful to you and bring you joy. Consider the lighting in the space; while picture lights are a common choice, incidental and accidental lighting, such as afternoon shaft light from a window, can also beautifully showcase your paintings. Don't be afraid to play with the lighting and be creative.
Secondly, take into account the available wall space. In open model homes, hallways and vestibules offer excellent opportunities for displaying artwork. These transition spaces allow for intimate viewing of your paintings and can be enhanced by adding colour blocks of paint to emphasise the gallery effect and add dimension. Consider the size of your paintings in relation to the wall space and whether you want to create a gallery wall with multiple pieces or showcase a single statement piece.
The context of the home's colour palette, design scheme, level of formality, and general mood are also important considerations. While you may want your paintings to complement the existing colour scheme, avoid matching colours too closely, as this can drain focus from the artwork. Instead, opt for colours that enhance the artwork and create a cohesive look.
Finally, think about the placement of your paintings in relation to other design elements in the room. Consider the viewing angles and ensure that the paintings are not obstructed by furniture or other items. Leave adequate clear space around the paintings so they don't appear cramped. You can also play with symmetry and asymmetry in your arrangements to create a dynamic and interesting display.
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Opt for a gallery wall to display multiple paintings
Opting for a gallery wall is a great way to display multiple paintings in an open model home. This method adds warmth, character, and personality to any space and can be a conversation starter for prospective buyers. Here are some tips to create an appealing gallery wall:
Planning the Layout:
Start by measuring the wall space where you want to create your gallery. Clear an area on the floor of the same size and lay out all your paintings within this space. This allows you to experiment with different arrangements without damaging the walls. Try to maintain a distance of about 3 inches between each piece to avoid a cluttered look.
Anchor Pieces:
Identify the largest painting(s) in your collection and place them first. These anchor pieces typically go off-center, with smaller paintings and photos filling the space around them. If you have an unframed piece or a collection of varied shapes and objects, you can make a centered statement piece work.
Creating Grids and Mix-and-Match:
Consider creating mini-collections or grids within your gallery wall by grouping 2, 3, or 4 pieces together. This adds a sense of cohesion and makes your display look well-curated. If you're working with multiple frame styles, start with 2 or 3 frame types and gradually introduce more variety if needed. Mix-and-match frames can be unified by using coordinating color schemes or mats.
Symmetry and Negative Space:
Symmetrical arrangements can be very appealing in a gallery wall. Try flanking a trio of prints above a centered bowl or mirror, echoing the symmetry with furniture below. Remember to consider the ratio of wall space to artwork. Negative space is essential, so ensure your paintings aren't crowded and have breathing room around them.
Lighting and Accessories:
Use picture lights to highlight specific paintings or create a high-end look with a single piece illuminated under a low-watt light. You can also incorporate decorative items like vintage iron pieces, baskets, trays, or sculptural objects to add depth and interest to your gallery wall.
Remember, gallery walls are timeless and offer a unique way to showcase your paintings. Take your time to curate a display that reflects your style and captures the attention of visitors.
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Frequently asked questions
The artwork you choose should reflect the target market and the amenities of the area. For example, if your home is near national parks, you could include artwork that emphasises hiking or nature. The artwork should also communicate the style theme and help curate an environment that gives an emotional connection to the sense of "home".
Consider the layout of your home and the placement of walls, light, and furniture. Identify the largest walls and the impact walls. Think about how the artwork will play with each other and the relationship between the artwork's colour schemes and other built elements. Artwork should generally be centred at eye level, which is typically considered to be 57-60 inches from the floor.
You can create a gallery wall with a group of works unrelated in size and style but work together as a whole. Large or medium-sized items should be about 2-3 inches apart, while smaller pieces can be closer together. You can also use picture ledges to organise framed photographs and add dimension.
Lighting is key. Paintings can be uplit by lamps or caught in a shaft of afternoon light from a window.
You can source unique frames from flea markets and antique shops or opt for handmade frames with fun patterns. For a cohesive look, paint old frames from your local salvage store in the same colour or use a coordinating colour scheme.
