ART IN THE HOME: A CASE STUDY
A beautiful piece of art can transform a room, balancing the space, adding a focal point of interest and unifying the architecture.
For our Chelsea townhouse we worked with art consultant, Lizzie Glendinning who owns the Brocket gallery and is the director of the annual Woolwich print fair.
Through the rigorous process of compiling elevation drawings of all of the rooms, creating 3D models to test out the positioning and working with mood boards of texture and colour for the areas, we decided upon a calm, meditative, architecturally inspired collection that would best suit the contemporary, minimalist, luxurious interiors.
CHOOSING THE PIECES
Jeannie Driver’s Collage ‘Study for Wall Drawing #2/78’ Using shelves to exhibit art alongside other cherished and beautiful items allows you to surround express your interests subtly within your interior
After carefully considering the various spaces Lizzie recommended the acclaimed artist and printmaker Emily Crookshank for her contemplative large scale monochrome etchings and Nancy chose pieces of art from her own collection by Jeannie Driver - two smaller scale architectural collages.
Together the two artists’ work created an interesting, calm conversation with one another.
We wanted quiet, calm pieces which would not dominate the spaces but would rather complement the minimalistic architecture.
EMILY CROOKSHANK
Two of Emily Crookshank’s pieces Principles and Principles II both created in 2018 are original etchings on Somerset paper were chosen as a pair to complete the living room. One positioned over the the seating area balances the stark white walls and creates a connection between the square roof light above and the walls and room below.
LIGHTING
Lighting is key in the of positioning pieces of art. It is really important to consider how your piece of art will be illuminated. Aim for rooms with excellent natural light and that in the evening times have a various sources of light so that the art can be evenly lit and enjoyed.
In our Chelsea town house one of the key aspects of the brief from the outset was that the house was to be crafted to maximise natural light to all areas. Floor to ceiling heights were increased by digging donw, large roof lights were added and the pure white walls we chose throughout reflect the light and create an excellent ambient level of light.
Key areas such as the living room and dining room where we sourced art work for have large format roof lights over head designed to bathe the areas in natural light during the day time.
During the evening time, the perimeter lights provide ambient lighting and the wall lights provided spots of lighting in key areas. Both of the large art pieces by Emily Crookshank were flanked by wall lights and illuminated from above by perimeter ceiling lighting and LED down lights.
Emily Crookshank Principles II, 2018 - Original etchings on Somerset paper in the living room in the Chelsea townhouse. A cosy seating area is brought to life by using a large art work behind.
For the Jeannie Driver pieces positioned on the shelves, during the day time the large format roof light above provided ample natural light to enjoy the pieces of art, while in the evening time the perimeter lights and down lights provided consistent ambient light.
FINAL THOUGHTS
While multiple art works also known as ‘gallery walls’ can add real interest to a room, choosing one large perfect piece of art can often have better impact with less effort. Unless you have a large selection of original art, creating a gallery wall can become a huge and difficult chore.
Choosing one exceptional piece of art to display in your home allows for the interior’s simplicity to be maintained while adding vitality and interest to the space.