Decorating with artwork can transform any space, add personality, color, and a focal point to your room. But what happens when your clients’ beloved pieces don’t quite match the color scheme of your design? At The Decorating and Staging Academy, we believe that with a bit of creativity and strategic thinking, you can incorporate any artwork into your decor. Here are some expert tips to help you harmonize your clients’ artwork with their space, using both economical and mid-level cost solutions.
1. Reframing for Harmony
One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to make artwork blend into a room is by changing the frame. Choose a frame that complements the room’s color scheme and style. For example, if the room has a modern aesthetic, opt for sleek, minimalist frames. For a more traditional space, ornate, wooden frames might be a better fit. The right frame can make a world of difference in tying the artwork to the room’s overall look. Brainstorms ways to using framing to gain the proper size. Extending the artwork will balance the space and highlight the art. The wall become a mat effect and can be painted, wallpapered or in this example a series of wine labels. Be sure and check peel and stick wallpaper options for the mat.
2. Matting Matters
Adding or changing the matting around a piece of art can help it blend with the room’s color palette. Mats come in various colors and textures, and they can be a relatively inexpensive way to create a visual bridge between the artwork and the room’s decor. Choose a mat color that complements the artwork while echoing a shade from the room’s color scheme.
3. Strategic Placement
Sometimes, all it takes is placing the artwork in a different and unexpected locations. Consider hanging the piece in a part of the room where the colors will not clash, such as above a neutral piece of furniture or on a wall that isn’t the main focal point. Alternatively, placing the artwork in a smaller, more intimate space like a hallway or powder room can highlight its beauty without overwhelming the room’s color scheme.
4. Create a Gallery Wall
If your clients have multiple pieces of artwork, creating a gallery wall can be an excellent way to
integrate varying colors and styles. By grouping different pieces together, you create a cohesive look that allows each artwork to complement the others. Use frames and mats with a consistent style or color to unify the display, making the diverse artwork feel like part of a planned collection.
5. Accessorize Around the Artwork
Incorporating accessories that pick up on the colors of the artwork can help it feel more integrated into the room. Throw pillows, rugs, vases, and other decor items in matching or complementary colors can bridge the gap between the artwork and the room’s color scheme. This approach is both economical and flexible, allowing you to update the look and add dimension without significant investment. If your artwork is too small for the space consider add dimensional elements to draw the eye outward and add interest.
6. Painting to Accent the Art
For a more dramatic and mid-level cost solution, consider painting an accent wall in a color that complements the artwork. This can create a stunning backdrop that ties the piece into the room. Choose a color that not only matches the artwork but also harmonizes with the room’s existing palette. This bold move can make the artwork feel like an intentional and integral part of the design.
7. Customization and Alteration
You might consider altering the artwork. Some pieces, especially abstract ones, can be adjusted by the artist. If an economical purchase, and permission is granted by the homeowner, get creative and make the artwork look like it was made for the space like Sandra Racz did by adding wall color to select areas to eliminate a color that was not represented in the space and cover the signature of the artist since the art was hung horizontal instead of the intended vertical position.
At The Decorating and Staging Academy, we understand that artwork is often deeply personal and cherished by homeowners. By using these expert strategies, you can respect and incorporate your clients’ treasured pieces into their home’s decor, regardless of color mismatches. Whether you opt for simple solutions like reframing and matting or more involved approaches like creating gallery walls or painting accent walls or introducing a new color the art, the key is to blend creativity with a keen eye for design.
Happy decorating!
Author: Sandra Racz
Sandra Racz operates Signature Redesign LLC and The Decorating and Staging Academy. She has been a professional real estate stager since 2004. Racz, services Scottsdale, AZ and Denver, CO. Sandra’s successful career and happiness in the industry inspired her to help others turn their love for decorating into a business. As the Executive Director of The Decorating and Staging Academy, Sandra also offers training in Color, Home Staging, and Interior Decorating, Seasonal Decorating and Event Planning. Sandra was recently voted One of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate Staging, by The Real Estate Staging Association® (RESA®). She has won national awards in the categories of Interior Redesign, Interior Decorating and Real Estate Staging. She has been featured in numerous magazines, local newspaper articles and has trained and lectured to thousands of decorating and event professionals. Sandra is a firm believer in giving back to the community by coordinating projects for Habitat for Humanity, the Cancer Society, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Autism Speaks and serves on several boards. Sandra holds a B.S. in Marketing from Florida State University and a M.B.A. from Troy University. She has held multiple positions in marketing and advertising and taught college-level business classes.