A few months ago we had so much fun doing two blogs where we photo-shopped our art into spaces by two fabulous designers, Brooke Giannetti of Velvet & Linen and Joni Webb of Cote de Texas. These blogs, “Handle the Mantel” and “Houston, Do We Have a Problem?” produced an overwhelming response, so we thought, why not use this tool in one of our own homes?
As it happens, our lovely Meg has recently renovated her house, and the clean, rustic French style of her new place reminds us of many of the homes in Houston we’ve come to admire through the blogging world. But Meg has encountered a little problem- choosing art for the walls. And we Huffingtons are here to help her solve this dilemma! We’ll turn it over to Meg to explain…
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A little over a year ago, we finished a long-awaited rebuild of the funny little house that we bought here in Atlanta back in the 90s. Between our daughters growing up and our lifestyles changing, it was definitely time to make a change and we were delighted to find a solution that would allow us to stay on the same lot in the historic neighborhood we loved.
The renovation is a whole other story and we couldn’t be happier with the process and the results. But guess what my greatest dilemma is? Just like the shoemaker’s children never having enough shoes, I’m the gallery owner whose walls are nearly bare. Part of the problem is the marvelous and varied array of art we have at the gallery: it makes decision-making near impossible. So, after hearing me complain and whine to no end, the Huffingtons have banded together to help me make some decisions.
They know the things I love in art: abstracted paintings, mysterious and evocative figures, softer colors (right now, I can’t seem to get enough of sea colors…) but they will politely nod (and then ignore me) when I start explaining the exact shade of the ever-so Frenchy chairs I bought a couple years ago or the pattern on the sofa’s throw pillows.
They will be thrilled that our walls are all painted the same creamy white and they will encourage me to take chances with the art and to choose with my emotions and my heart. They’ll suggest trying a few pieces that I normally wouldn’t be drawn to and maybe even a format that seems contrary to the architectural lines of the mantel.
They’ll suggest we live with the painting for a day or two to catch it in different light conditions. And, even if I didn’t already know everything about our artists, they’d bring me up to speed on the artist’s background, training, technique and inspiration.
They’ll ask me about lighting (check: we’ve got a good halogen light over this certain spot) and hanging (double check: we installed the same hanging system we use at the gallery because we knew I’d be moving and rehanging frequently!)
So, the Huffingtons have secretly been making their choices – and I can’t wait to see! First, we’ll use our computer to manipulate an image of the painting over the fireplace, then we’ll actually hang and photograph the “winner” in the space. So exciting!
Our new and improved kitchen continues the neutral palette. This space is directly opposite the mantel, so whichever piece of art is going there will be on view whenever we’re in the kitchen…which is often.
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And now for the Huffingtons’ picks…
Ann
I of course cannot limit myself to just one choice. This is such a gorgeous space – and such a delicious feast for the eyes. I absolutely love the rough hewn beams, the sophisticated and dramatic dark floors that contrast with all the rustic elements of the room and play so nicely with the soft, subtly neutral walls. This is one of my favorite rooms ever and I feel like a kid in a candy store with this assignment! So here goes:
My first recommendation is Christina Doelling’s Blue Sunflowers.
I happen to know that you’ve always loved that painting for its texture, color and whimsy. I know you’d never tire of it and would constantly rediscover fun little pieces of interest, hidden in the layers of texture.
I also know you love horses, and have shed many a tear over the one that got away, which is the unfortunate peril of this otherwise wonderful business.
Just know that the clients who got it are very very happy! And maybe it wasn’t meant to be … after all, you almost died of happiness when Karen Bezuidenhout’s The White Horse popped up on our screen, and even more so when you saw it in person. So that’s another possibility.
And speaking of going ga-ga over new work, you just about flipped out when Liz Barber brought in her beautiful new series. The one you loved the most got away quickly (again, sorry about that!), but you also love this one, although it may be a tad too small. But since you’re the gallery owner, don’t you think you might have some pull with the artist to paint another big one? I’d try it if I were you!
Finally, what about something marvelously dramatic like Peggy Everett’s Interlude? It has such punch and depth and would be strikingly beautiful from a distance, as seen from your kitchen island.
I can imagine losing yourself in that painting while whipping up one of your signature gourmet meals and sipping a little Lillet on ice!
This is too fun, and I could go on and on … Can we keep playing?
Sam
When I walked into the gallery and saw this piece for the first time, I fell in love with it, just like I fell in love with Meg's house the first time I saw it.
SEMBLANCE by Zae
It has a calm yet sophisticated palette and a beautiful and appealing composition with an exciting undercurrent that pulsates with energy and light that almost dares you to look away.
Sarah
This wonderful, neutral mantel is the perfect place to showcase a piece of art! Contemporary or traditional work would fit beautifully here and meld with the architectural accents present throughout the room. For a more contemporary spin, I'd choose a piece like Allison Shockley's Mosaic or Susan Spies' Early Summer Morning.
Both pieces have pops of blue in them, which would bring warmth and light to the space.
More traditional choices would be Doug Foltz's But I've Been Wrong Before or one of Christian Nepo's large scale ships, such as St. Tropez.
Many people traditionally think to put a landscape or a “statement piece” over the fireplace, and both of these fit that bill.
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Stay tuned for Linda and Rachel’s picks on Thursday!
Tata!
M.
Oh, gorgeous! I'm not sure which one I like the most, I'd have to see them in person! They are all so lovely! So happy to find your blog, happy to be your newest follower! Also, I am curious about Meg, did you go to North Springs high school? Your name sounds so familiar! Lovely stuff, ladies! XO!
ReplyDeleteHi, I like the horse. Is it the one that got away? And also Peggy Everett. Can't wait to see what the winner is.
ReplyDeleteI like the Blue Sunflowers the best. Libby
ReplyDeleteMy suggestion: rotate! Live with a painting you love and then replace it will another painting you just fell in love with. Kind of like going through a series of boyfriends - until you find The One!
ReplyDeleteMeg, the renovation is perfect and suits you to a T.
April (Just Verte)
Based on the other pictures of the interior (kitchen, etc.), I like the look of "The White Horse"--it seems a natural for the "uber-neutral and simple look" depicted) I also like "But I've Been Wrong Before." It seems to create a calm, almost dreamy effect. I liked "Interlude," too--serene, though somewhat traditional for my taste. I'm not normally a blue fan, but for more color...Blue Sunflowers.
ReplyDelete