Displaying collections...

...and my latest crush!

Image from Lenneke Wisplelwey

Ever since I first came across Lenneke Wispelwey's gorgeous, pastel hued and geometric ceramics, I have felt the compelling urge to start collecting ceramics...

I have a few pieces of cheaper ceramics, but not enough to call it a collection, and nothing near the beautiful craftsmanship of Lenneke's work.....sigh!!

  

Image from finsdottir

I would just love to have a shelf, or sideboard filled with beautiful vases and vessels from the likes of Lenneke and Finsdottir, above!

This has got me thinking about collections.....and how to display them..

Grouping similar things (or collections ) together is one of the best "tricks" in interior design when it comes to styling.

 I find the word "styling" quite contrived, and tend to shy away from it. 

But never the less, sometimes the right styling can bring together a look in a way a casual display just can't...this is one of those times:

Chances are, if you have a collection of something, it means a lot to you...it's a part of your personality. So choosing to display your collection tells people that you are proud to be you.... It's all about having the confidence to display the things you love in a way that makes them shine!

Instead of spreading you collections around the room, by grouping them together you create a bigger visual impact, and all those little things that means something to you start making more sense in your space...Styling your collections in groups helps tell a story about YOU!

So below, I've curated a few examples of brilliantly displayed collections....all styled beautifully, and not contrived at all!

Image from La Maison d'Anna G

Above you can see how the stylist has created 3 groups of similar items on a sideboard: The clear glass boxes, the white ceramics (sigh!!) with cacti and finally at the end a group of wooden objects.

 I love this image and styling, and it works because there is a thread through the display: 

The green from the plant on the left is repeated by the cacti in the middle. Spot the little white balls in the glass box...you find a few more at the end of the display by the  collection of wooden objects...

Also: notice the little wooden spinner in front of the glass boxes? 

The limited colour palette makes this a consummate look!

Image from Mun Da Daa

Above is another, slightly less complicated, but never the less impactful example of displaying a collection: 

This time it's the Record collection that takes pride of place, beautifully accompanied by a collection of monochrome artwork on the wall!

 But notice also the little collection of glass vessels...If they had been spread out on the side, they would've lost their impact. 

Image from Emily Hendersn

In fact, glass ware is perfect for displaying in groups, as the transparency of the glass shows off what's behind as well as the front of the display...plants are another thing that looks amazing when displayed in plural. Above you can see how Emily Henderson has cleverly connected the display of glass containers on the top shelf with the collection of plants on the bottom shelf, by supplementing both with white vessels....

Image from Poetic home

In this Swedish window display glass vessels are used to display, maybe not so much of a collection, but a themed selection of driftwood, sticks and pebbles to showcase the gorgeous appeal and perfection of the imperfect nature, creating a simplistic, wabi sabi-like display...I think this display works beautifully because it is styled in a weathered setting and contrasts with the perfection of the glass vessels.

Image from decor8blog

Leslie Shewring is one half of the creative force behind Decorate with flowers, and I love how she has styled and displayed her collection of succulents in her studio....The white pots against the white brick wall on the white table brings the varying colors of the green plants to life....perfectly simple, but with such a big visual impact!!

Image via Flicker

In the image above, it's not so much the shape of the collection that brings it together, but the meaning of the items displayed. I love the way the old tools are all tied together by the patina of the wood, and the way the display on the wall is relating to the items on the old desk.

Image via Heather Bullard

By displaying different sizes and colors of glass bottles on the mantle, as above, the light is reflected, making the display seem airy and simple. The green sprigs add a bit of interest and inject some color!

Image from Alt for damerne

Above, a collection of old-fashioned camera's has been given pride of place, by lining them up, in an orderly manner on some picture ledges. The last two images prove that styling a display of a collection can be as simple or as contemplated as you'd like...

Image from Vibeke Design

I love the styling in the image above. Rather than being a collection of similar items, this is a more themed collection. The botanical prints on the wall is the perfect backdrop for displaying the old tin box and the big glass bottles. The collection of twines in the glass jar and the green branches ties in with the botanical scheme...

Image from Emil un die gross en schwestern

Coming back to ceramics: Just look at this gorgeous collection of white ceramic vases and vessels, above!! Perfectly arranged on that stunning mid-century modern sideboard! I also love the collection of art on the wall....but what makes this display really work IMO, is the whiteness of the ceramics against that dark grey wall!

Image from The style files

The collection of ceramics in the image above is equally beautiful! I love that there are all sorts of shapes and sizes, and the seemingly casual display looks like a rainbow of colors against the white starkness of the room. And being that they are placed on the windowsill in an easy to reach spot, makes them seem all the more part of the interior in a very tactile way!What a way to display a lovingly collected array of ceramics and earthenware! This is my sort of dream space!

....Maybe one day I will own a gorgeous collection like this, and display it with pride!

What I love about collections, is that they are not un-achievable dreams, but something that you gather and build, like wisdom, through the years....

And a collection will always be personal to you: It doesn't matter if it is pebbles and sticks found on the beach or beautifully handcrafted ceramics...Each and every piece is special, because you took the time and effort to bring it home, and by displaying your collection in a group, you are showcasing those moments , that sums up the story of you, every time you look at them!!

The art of displaying art III

The power of one:

Go big and bold!

Image via home life

A great piece of art can always bring an interior together in a way that no other element of your decor can...it brings personality and confidence as well as beauty!
And for maximum impact, make it big!
It doesn't matter if your home is small or large: Displaying a single, huge piece of well chosen art gives the impression of an intentional, well designed space!
Grand and bold art doesn't just belong in mansions, in fact, when positioned well it can make a small space seem larger and make a large space seem cozy!

Image from bolig magasinet

So, this is round 3 of my series of posts exploring how to display art in our homes! Previously I've talked about a fresh new take on the traditional gallery wall HERE, and in my last post I investigated the benefits of casually displaying your art by leaning and layering it up against the wall...

And in this post I am investigating the power of displaying One piece of huge art in your home....

Image via Pinterest

Big artwork creates a big statement!

It is the ultimate personal home accessory....it will make your interior come off as both confident and individual!

Whether it is an abstract or figurative painting, a graphic poster or a haunting photograph, it infuses your home with flair and adds interest and a focal point to any room...Benefits from owning an oversized piece of art are that it can define a room, start conversations and simply wow people due to shear size! Choose a piece of art you are confident about, that speaks to you, or has special meaning.

Image found on Elle decor

 Oversized art commands attention from visitors when placed in the right manner.  

 Be smart and confident when choosing wall art, and its location in your home and a dramatically sized piece of art can be the element that will bring your interiors together...

Image from S F girl by bay

Embrace the drama of a oversized art and place it somewhere in your home that will make it the focus of attention....it is a great way to fill a big empty wall space...

Image via Honestly WTF

Play with the proportions of the art relating to your furniture and the architectural elements of your home. As mentioned in my previous post, considering the negative space and layering your interiors will help create a balanced look.

Image from Nuevo estilo

If you a have particularly large wall space to fill (lucky you), big art is sometimes not big enough! If your artwork looks a bit too small for the space, a trick is to hang it a few inches off center, so that the negative space next to it becomes "part of the image"...

Image from Elle decor Espana

Displaying over-sized or big art in unusual places will add to the personal flair the art will bring to your interiors.. And an asymmetrical arrangement is just the thing to add a little more life to the room.

Image from Nordic Design

Consider the relation ship between the artwork and the furnishings in a room when hanging it, making it part of the interior.Try hanging a piece quite low in the space, next to a big piece of furniture: the low placement will make sense by giving the art a relationship with the furnishings in the room. Experiment by leaning big art from the floor and live with it for a while!

Image from Beazly home

Also layering your furniture and decor in slightly front of your art will make the art appear more integral to the interior...


Image from jelanie shop

Also consider placing big art in places where it can be seen from other rooms, through doorways.
This will create a focal point that will draw the eyes to the furthest spot of your space, making it seem larger...

Image via Femina

...and adding an intrigue to your space, inviting visitors to explore the space.

Image via La belle vie

...And of course leaning huge artwork will add a more casual feeling...so you may find that the piece you tried out in the spot next to the sofa by leaning it casually against the wall, doesn't need hanging at all....

Image from Femina

As mentioned in my previous post about leaning and layering art, this is a casual approach to displaying art that has the benefits of coming across as very relaxed but also by bringing the art closer to the people in the space making it seem like the art is not just part of the interiors but also the homeowners lives!

Image from Love Warriors

And of course, with a huge , heavy piece of art, leaning it against the wall, either from a sideboard or mantel, or simply from the floor, will save you the job of working out how to hang it!

Image from Nostalgiecat

Investing in a huge piece of art you love can be worthwhile, but there is no denying that not all of us can afford to.

But art can be so many different things, and there are loads of alternatives that work really well!

You can make your own, and there are lots of ways to do this,like my DIY tribal wall rug, pictured above. And I will explore more ways of making big artwork in my next few posts...

You don't need a degree in art to do this: By making art big, it doesn't have to be too detailed or perfect, it is more about the colors and expression, especially if you go abstract!

Image from Urban Outfitters

Other budget friendly options are posters, big maps or using textiles to add a huge artful statement to your walls: Try hanging rugs, like I explored in this post.....

Image from Domino

Or cover a wall with  a colorful piece of fabric you love, or a colorful painted, un-stretched canvas for maximum impact on a budget! Using textiles or wall hangings will also have the added benefit of adding some texture to your walls...

Image from Mr Perswall

Another creative way to add some artistic flair to your walls on a large scale, is to use some artistic wallpaper...
Obviously this is a big investment, and a more permanent one at that....

Image from Mr Perswall

It is probably the biggest commitment to displaying art you love in your home you could choose, making it a very confident statement!

This is a fairly new-ish trend, but it is fast becoming a more readily available option and  there are an increasing array of designs to choose from: you can even get your own photos and designs made into wall paper...(Sites like wallpapered offer this service)

Image from wallpapered

I love the simplicity of displaying just one , huge piece of art adds to your home....an I love that it makes such a big statement and its ability to pull the interiors together!
I think displaying oversized art in our homes is a rising trend that is here to stay, because people are getting more and more confident in their interiors and want to inject some personality to their living spaces!

What do you think?
Is big beautiful?
Are you ready to commit to making this kind of statement in your home using art?

The art of displaying art II

Layering and leaning art

Image via home edit

Whatever your tastes, displaying art in your home is a great way to express your personality in your interiors! Big art, small art, it doesn’t matter, as long as it makes an interesting impact and puts a smile on your face. In my last post I explored the way the traditional gallery wall is evolving into a fresh and modern way to display art....a little less structured and a little more unexpected than before... Building on from this I want to talk about an even more relaxed way to display your favorite pieces today: Leaning and layering Art!

Pablo Picasso in his studio, Image found on  Pinterest

This casual way to display art in your home is reminiscent of the artist studio, where works-in-progress are strewn across the space and leaned up against the walls... It adds a bohemian feel to your home and the apparent chaotic randomness of the display will make your interior seem less conceived....and more confident!
Living with art is to make it part of the way we interact in our personal space.  Leaning art brings it close: We can study it, pick it up and touch it, live with it in ways we can’t do when it’s nailed to a wall.

Image via pinterest

An eclectic collection of art looks great leaned up against the walls, from the floor or from shelves and furniture...

Image via domestic bliss

And it's a great way to make your art part of the interior in a way that just hanging your art can't.

Image via Lonny

Of course, we are not all blessed with large curated collections of pieces of art, or big living spaces that lends themselves to that "artist-studio" look...

Image via The pursuit aesthetic

But there are ways to incorporate some of this casual-ness into your interior without the need for easels and paint-splattered floor...or spending copious amounts on expensive artwork.

Image from Apartment therapy

Leaning art casually against the wall from sideboards and credenzas, is a great way to achieve this look...

Image via Design sponge

...And of course, if you are renting and hanging art is not an option.or maybe you suffer from "hole-in-the-wall phobia".....this is an ideal way to add some personality into your home with art without getting the power tools out!

Image via Apartment therapy

Family photo's , posters , postcards , children's drawings or DIY artwork are inexpensive and will all look amazing , framed or unframed, when coupled with a few great pieces in this apparently random manner, and mixing medias and types of art will add an eclectic flair to the display. 

And because you are free to move your art around as you please, it will also be easier to change out your art whenever you feel like it, meaning you can add and take away from the collection over time. This in turn means that you can curate art you love as your tastes and budgets change, without spending ages contemplating where to hang it!

Image via style-files

A big part of getting this look right is getting to grips with layering your artwork:

Much in the same way as when creating a gallery wall, considering the size , shape and colors of your artwork is important to create a successful composition...
 Cluster art in different frames, canvases and colors you want a bohemian look or in similar frames with a limited color palette if you want a more sleek look....Mix sizes and layer different heights.

Image via Nordic Bliss,Styling by Pella Hedeby

In the above image, one of my favorite stylists, Pella Hedeby , has artfully layered posters, photos and framed art on the wall ....all in a monochrome color palette, and accompanied by leaning a framed print xx against the wall on the floor next to the bed, and again in front of it...

This makes the art part of the simple furnishings and the overall expression of the interiors....she has also used books to further layer the decor and emphasize the casual feel of this room...

Image from Home life

By combining leaning artwork against wall hung artwork, you can create an interesting display, adding a touch of mystery, as you're partially obscuring the piece behind...

Image via Coco Kelly

Obscuring a beautiful piece of art may seem wasteful, but it will add a sense of intrigue, and make your guests curious to explore more of your interior...

Creating artfully leaning vignettes as a backdrop to displaying items of interest , collections , curiosity's and home accessories lets the artwork connect to the other objects in your vignette,sitting on the same surface in a more meaningful way.

Image from The Nordic Bliss

Create intriguing spots of interest by layering art and objects together.

Leaning art together on shelves is visually appealing.... especially if the artwork is similarly  sized and styled, it will give the same visual expression as an artfully created gallery wall, with the benefit of enabling you to rearrange the art display on the shelves, interspersed with accessories to fit your mood or the seasons. This will help create a casual, but sophisticated look.

Image via Analog/Dialog

Of course I cannot talk about leaning art in the home without mentioning the IKEA Ribba picture ledge...

Image via At dusk

As much as I am sure that there was people leaning and layering art in their homes before the Ribba picture ledge became available, there is no doubt that their existence has aided the popularity of this way of displaying art in our homes...

Image via The design chaser

It has enabled us all to embrace the interchangeable art display in a way that most people would not have considered before...

Image from Emma's design blog

...making full use of the wall space available to us!
Add a few pieces leaning casually on the floor as well,like above, and you've nailed it!!

Image via SF girl by bay

Leaning art in unexpected places adds to the appealing intrigue of the interior.....And making use of the floor-space along a wall lets you play with the relationship between the art and the furniture...

Image via Pinterest

As well as helping you create some of that essential negative space in relation to your display..

Image from Refinery

Again, playing with the sizes and layering the art in an artfully casual arrangement defines this look.

Image via A merry mishap

And of course it will save you the job of working out how to hang a particularly big and heavy piece of art on the wall... 

Image via Sarah Sarna

In fact, by leaning particularly big pieces of art from the floor against the wall, lets the artwork play peek-aboo in an intriguing way from behind, say a sofa or an armchair, like in the image above...

Image via Vosges Paris

Of course leaning just one huge piece of art on its own , from the floor makes a huge statement....but I will explore the power of One in my next post....so more on that later!

Maybe the leaning and layering artwork display is not for you, but it cannot be denied that there is a certain appeal about this casual way to personalize your home...
I think the trick to pull this off is to strike a balance between the unexpected casualness of it and not making it look like you're just too lazy to hang up your artwork!
There are no rules, but do try to keep in mind the relationship between the layers of art, your home accessories and your furniture and the space it all sits in!

What do you think?
Are you ready to give leaning and layering your artwork a go??

I can tell you that as my collection of art is growing, this seems to me the most practical solution, without retorting to a selling frenzy on e-bay!