How to Choose the Right Art for Every Interior Design Client
As an interior designer, you need to know the power of a well-placed art piece. A vibrant painting or a subtle sculpture can be the difference between a cohesive space and a bland, boring mess. You know artwork is important to appease your clients, but how do you choose the right piece for their style? In this blog post, explore everything you need to know to set your clients' walls (and yourself!) up for success.
Head in the Clouds by Kayla George
Understand the Space
The first thing that can really narrow down your search for art, is understanding the space you're working with. Once Furniture is placed, what areas of the room need more attention? What is the intention in the area you're trying to decorate? If you need to add more fun to a bland wall, a large and colorful canvas print might be the best option. However, if you have an accent wall with a big bold couch in front of it, adding some standing picture frames with small black and white imagery would better compliment that space. The space you decorate for can even change the contents and context of a painting. Consider what kind of client would like a painting of wine and cheese in their dining room, versus what kind of client would like it in their bathroom.
Understand Your Client’s Style
Understanding your client's personal style is the initial stride towards choosing the ideal artwork. Are they inclined towards minimalist aesthetics with clean lines and neutral tones? Or do they lean towards vibrant hues and bold expression like this piece? While this might appear straightforward, it can pose a challenge, particularly when catering to the preferences of multiple clients within a shared space. However, once you've clarified their tastes, you can then proceed to seek out artwork that harmonizes effortlessly with their home décor.
Blue Girl - Available on Uncommon Canvas Co Etsy
Understand the Project Budget
Understanding the budget is important for two reasons. Firstly, it ensures that you don't go past your client's financial comfort zone, and it keeps you away from any uncomfortable conversations. Secondly, and maybe a bit less obviously, tailoring the art selection to the budget aligns with the client's lifestyle and level of sophistication.
For clients with modest budgets, creative solutions can make you both feel you're getting bang for your buck. Smaller prints can be framed in larger frames or grouped together to create a captivating gallery wall. This approach adds visual interest and depth to a space without breaking the bank.
For clients with a more generous budget, bringing in luxury art pieces can elevate the entire aesthetic of their home. Consider statues, original artworks, or high-quality canvas prints to imbue the space with an aura of exclusivity.
Understand the Emotional Connection
Beyond just the aesthetic appeal, clients appreciate when the things in their homes “mean” something. Art has the power to evoke feelings, memories, and even serve as a reflection of one's identity. By getting to know your client and their emotions around their home, you can select pieces that resonate deeply with them. Imagine the warm, muted hues of an artwork that’s meant to make a new parent’s nursery feel cozy, or the clean lines and minimalist features of an artwork that reflects your client’s orderly accounting business in their office. Much like the style, emotional connection can guide you in picking the contents of your artworks.
If you're looking for more useful tips on how to decorate a home, check out our free home decor mini guide for an inside look on our top five tips.
In conclusion, mastering the art of selecting the perfect artwork for your clients involves a multifaceted approach. From comprehending the spatial dynamics to understanding personal style preferences and budget constraints, every aspect plays a vital role in curating a space that truly reflects and enhances the client's lifestyle. By incorporating these considerations into your design process, you can ensure that the art pieces you select not only adorn walls but also enrich the lives of those who inhabit the space.
