Art Walk & Talk

Yesterday's blog post focused on inspiration from an Oliver Gal print for sale on Joss & Main. Oliver Gal had a showroom at High Point Market but I did not go in and explore it. Possibly a mistake. But I did visit the Natural Curiosities showroom back in October. In fact, the first image in the sequence above was taken there and it got a heck of a lot of attention on my Instagram feed. You've no doubt seen Natural Curosities' pieces before- their Paule Marrot textiles framed in lucite are perennial favorites (Her "Lavender" print hangs in my own bedroom.) and their Lord Bodner octopus triptych was made famous years ago after a cameo appearance on some tv show. (Does anyone remember that? I remember loving it but can't remember what the show was.) But Natural Curiosities has such a wide selection beyond those recognizable pieces- gilded feathers that will remind you of angel's wings, wooden rings of a tree trunk that somehow look edgy and glamorous and now they even offer chinoiserie style panels. I'm a sucker for artwork inspired by nature so you can imagine my obsession with a company called Natural Curiosities!

Speaking of chinoiserie inspired artwork, another one of my favorite art series at High Point Market were the painted silk panels from Bungalow Five. Known mostly for their lacquered wooden furniture, Bungalow Five has branched out into painted panels and it's genius. Framed wallpapers are all the rage right now and these are their ready-made, low maintenance cousins. A de Gournay wallpaper panel will easily run you $1500+ and that's just for one...unframed. Bungalow Five's versions are by no means cheap but they will save you loads compared to the real deal.

Art can be tricky...not to mention expensive! You want to get it right the first time. Before you put holes in your wall, consider a few things:

1- Dimensions

 Measure your wall. Measure the piece. Measure any furniture that will be placed near the piece. Make sure nothing is encroaching on your masterpiece unless you decide to do so strategically.

2- Scale

Are you hanging one piece on a massive wall? Sometimes artwork seems bigger before you get it in place at home. If the piece speaks to you so loudly that you must have it but can't really find a place for it, consider combining it with your existing art to create a gallery wall. Tie your collage together with your color scheme or even your frame style.

3- Theme

If your aesthetic is one of eclecticism, then you may be able to get away with hanging a 19th century style portrait next to a chic Gray Malin photograph. Otherwise, stick to a definitive style or some sort of motif that ties your pieces together.

4- Framing

Frames aren't cheap either so take a discerning look at the options. Pay attention to the other finishes in the room and tie it in. Your frame doesn't have to be an exact match but it needs to at least pretend that it's trying to fit in.

Bonus Tip:

If you have the option of borrowing a piece on approval, you should certainly try to take advantage of it. There is no replacing the convenience of looking at the very piece you want in your own home without a commitment.

I hope these art tips help you and that some of this artwork inspires you too! If you have questions about any of the artwork or the companies in this post, shoot me an email at lsuggsinteriors@gmail.com. Happy art hunting!