Designers create a space that has been inspired by various styles of art, whether contemporary, abstract or classical. The colour wheel and style of painting also have an influence on what direction a designer will take in creating the overall feel emotionally and visually.

What comes first, the art piece or the room design?

It’s so important for designers to communicate with their clients on what they want to feel when being in their space.

Calmness, boldness and vibrance, happiness, peacefulness and curiousity are some of the feelings I get and what helps me communicate with my clients when purchasing and painting art for their space.

Choosing a certain palette influences the direction of the look and feel the designer will take. This, too, works in the reverse for me when painting. For example, if a client wants a sense of calm and peacefulness, the subject and palette I choose delivers that.

When hanging art, it is important that the designer understands what will work by figuring out the right size, subject, colours and particularly important, the right choice of frame.

Let’s look at some examples: A bathroom is your private space where you unwind relax and want a peaceful atmosphere. In a baby’s room you would want t soft and playful, and in a bachelor’s pad you would go masculine.

For a casual living room find fun, bright, playful and cheerful art. Formal living rooms are more traditional, hence classical art. For homes on the north coast one would lean towards seascapes and the nautical.

Art is all around us, not just on a canvas. The choice of fabrics, lighting, hardware, tiles, wall colour, furniture and the placement of it all together allows both designers and artists to express and create the finished product while satisfying their client’s expectations and at the same time fulfilling the artist and designers’ artistic interpretation.

By Nicola Byron

Island Art & Framing Principal