FOR THE LOVE OF ART
Anyone who has embarked on a large decorating or renovation project knows that it can often take longer than anticipated and be more expensive. In the end though, the finished product is always worth the wait. Therein lies the question - how do you define finished?
At Griffin Houghton, a home is simply not finished until there is art hung on the walls. And because art is often one of the last items purchased, it can be overlooked due to renovation and budget fatigue. Below are two great examples of rooms that just wouldn't be as beautiful without the art. Wouldn't you agree?
Left - Art: Vicki Smith, Designer: Emily Griffin, Photographer: Sian Richards
Right - Art: Bryan Nash Gill, Designer: Stephanie Houghton, Photographer: Ashley Capp
PICASSO OR YOUR KID’S ART?
Art doesn't need to be a huge investment to enhance a space. It just needs to look like it belongs there - like it's inextricably connected to the room.
For some, this does in fact mean investing in large scale pieces, as shown in the above examples. For others, however, it could be a gallery wall of family photos, or artifacts picked up on your travels. Whatever it is, we love working with our clients to make sure it feels entirely like them.
Here’s one of our favourite examples of an eclectic room brought to life with art that doesn’t break the bank.
Image Source: Architectural Digest, Designer: Unknown, Photographer: Matthew Williams
The art in this Brooklyn, New York dining room was done by friends and family. In this example it's not really about the art, but how it hangs together so effortlessly. We are HUGE fans of gallery walls, or as they like to call it in France, "Salon Style".
Art: Unknown, Designer: Sean Anderson, Photographer: Haris Kenjar
WHAT COMES FIRST - THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG?
What speaks to one person, may not speak to another, which is what makes each space unique and personal when art is added. Sometimes a homeowner's art will lead the décor choices in a room. In the example below, one of our client’s cherished paintings was the kicking-off point for the banquette fabric.
Art: Ted Godwin, Designer: Emily Griffin, Photographer: Sian Richards
Other times, art follows the interior design. Steph has always stood by this approach and likes to select art that isn’t expected – something that can take a room in another direction. The art she often recommends can be thought-provoking or whimsical; and doesn't necessarily "match" the room's decor, but are focal points and 100% conversation pieces as seen in the below images.
Left - Art: Murray Duncan, Designer: Stephanie Houghton, Photographer: Purnima Kajal
Right - Art: Jonas Tucci, Designer: Stephanie Houghton, Photographer: Patrick Biller
Art: Greg Girard, Designer: Stephanie Houghton, Photographer: Joy von Tiedemann
ART ON A DIME
One of our favourite tricks is to take affordable poster art and bring it to life with modern framing, because who doesn’t love a great Picasso line drawing or cool images that just happen to be prints?
Left - Art: Client’s Own, Designer: Emily Griffin, Photographer: Sian Richards
Right - Art: Picasso, Designer: Stephanie Houghton, Photographer: Purnima Kajal
Left - Art: Caroline Walls, Unknown Designer and Photographer
Right - Art: Unknown, Designer: Stephanie Houghton, Photographer: Patrick Biller
OUT FROM BEHIND THE GLASS
Beyond prints, paintings, and other framed artworks, one of the most personal ways to bring art into a home is through collectibles - artifacts picked up through travels and experiences. Art doesn't have to sit behind glass to be called art.
Left - Baskets: Snob Stuff, Designer: Stephanie Houghton, Photographer: Patrick Biller
Right - Baskets: Snob Stuff, Designer: Emily Griffin, Photographer: Sian Richards
Emily is a big fan of this approach. Her own home is filled with items collected throughout her and her husband Norm’s travels. She fills her rooms with market finds from Africa, baskets and textiles from India, and heaps of family photos. Every piece has a story behind it, and creates a deep sense of home.
African Artifacts: Emily & Norm’s Collection, Designer: Emily Griffin, Photographer: Natasha Nicholson
Emily employed the same principal when finishing off her Barn, hanging black and white photos, local junk shop finds, and old artifacts passed down over the generations on the walls creatively.
All Images Above - Art: Collected through Travel and Family, Designer: Emily Griffin, Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
There is no wrong way to integrate art into a space – the only wrong way is to not bring it in at all! Pairing different art styles, framing methods, art forms, and a mix of high and low pieces, create a more dynamic space and, in our opinion, the only way a home will ever feel truly finished.
Left - Art: Martha Sturdy, Designer: Emily Griffin, Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Centre - Art: Scott McFarland, Designer: Stephanie Houghton, Photographer: Joy von Tiedemann
Right - Art: Gregory Hardy, Designer: Emily Griffin, Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
And with that, we leave you to begin dreaming up creative ways to bring art into your home. Just know, we are always here to help.
Contact us for all your design needs at studio@griffinhoughton.com
We would love to help.
