Designer Secrets- Resources for Amazing Online Artwork!!

I always seem to be on my soapbox about making your home a reflection of your personality!  I feel strongly that we’re all more comfortable in living spaces that are an extension of who we are. While there are a multitude of means of achieving that ambiance, the power of artwork is priceless in telling the story of “you”.  Too often we fall into the trap of picking up something trendy at a retail art or accessory store only to be disappointed later when the trend has outlived its pizazz.   Artwork is an investment over time no matter what the price and should awaken an emotional response when you pause to enjoy it for years to come.  

So, I thought it might be fun to share some of my secret resources for artwork that are widely appreciated in the interior design community but who are also surprisingly willing to work with the public.   While you will pay full retail price without intervention from your interior design professional, these resources represent a variety of price points to fit into any budget.  To take advantage of more streamlined pricing and professional framing and matting service, contact a professional interior designer.

Katie Smith –  www.darkfalz.com/katie

Katie’s artwork is essential in my own 

home and I’m lucky to own 4 of her amazing pieces.    She works largely in pastels, mixed media, and acrylics but don’t be surprised if you see a little pottery in the mix.   The staple of her work is larger scale pieces but she also does some wonderful greeting and note cards that make fabulous gifts.   While her subject matter is considered abstract, she has a gift for blending color in organic, flowing forms that suggest hidden natural and emotional elements.   

If you visit Katie’s site – and I strongly urge you to do so – you must read her amazing Bio.   Katie suffered a brain-stem stroke in 1982 when she was only 15 that left her paralyzed over a good portion of her body and unable to speak.   That didn’t stop her from graduating years later from Kennesaw State University with honors and embarking on an amazing career.   Now before you get the wrong idea about Katie and any physical challenge she may have, let me just say that her obstacles have in no way hindered her success as an artist and the beauty illustrated in her work.   Now, take a look and enjoy the magic!

Tommy Moss –  www.tommymoss.net

Tommy’s dynamic painting style is an ever evolving study in mixed media.  His abstract expressionist pieces reflect his gift for bringing a piece to life through color and texture.   This is an artist who will make you stop in your tracks when you encounter his amazing large scale works and series pieces that seem to  jump from the canvas.  Tommy never seems to rest on his laurels, always experimenting with new processes, textures and colors.  His latest introductions are a study in modifying photographic images with color.   And the really great thing about this artist is that he’s happy to do commissioned work according to your size and color needs.

Chris Wartmann – www.chriswartmann.com

Chris has a breathtaking collection of photography in various collections including people, landscapes, cityscapes, wildlife and, my personal favorite, graffiti.  His colors are crisp and his subject matter is very unique and also provocative in the sense that it awakens a strong emotional connection to each piece.  Chris’ website is only a small sampling of his work so don’t hesitate to contact him for more options.   You can follow Chris on facebook as well by joining his group Chris Wartmann Photography.  These are gorgeous and affordable pieces so I suggest you invest now before the rest of the world discovers this talent!   And you’ll be surprised to find that photography is his hobby and not his full time career!!

Cosh –  www.coshuk.com

This site has an extensive selection of artists and styles of captivating contemporary artwork.   Most works are in limited editions and are printed in the Gyclee fashion of fine artwork prints so you get a really nice piece at a very reasonable price.  Just be cautious when you peruse the pricing because all price quotes are in Euros.   I like the “view scale” button on each page that allows you to click on the button and get a visual representation of the size of the piece.   This site also offers professional framing so your piece can arrive ready to hang and enjoy.

So, now you have a starting point . . . .what are you waiting on?!   Peruse these sites and start your own art collection today!!

For more information, contact Jamie R. Kern with Design Theory Interiors at www.designtheoryinteriors.com or email jkern@designtheoryinteriors.com.

REJUVENATe YOUR HOME FOR 2009: PAINT AND FURNISHING PLACEMENT!

Whether you need to freshen up your home for resale or revitalize your existing surroundings there are numerous cost-effective ways to get a new look for a new year.   Over the  next few weeks I’ll be addressing some of these techniques starting with painting and rearranging your furniture plan and following up with tips on window treatments, artwork consultations and much more.    

While all of these techniques can be accomplished on your own, I always advise people to hire a designer even for these simple projects.   Too often homeowners put time, money and energy into fluffing their homes on their own only to find that the end result is unsatisfactory.  To get the desired result, let a designer lead you through the process so that you spend your money once and you spend it well.  Most designers also have relationships with skilled contractors and can coordinate projects for you so that you can go about your daily life. 

–       A New Palette for a New Perspective

Paint is the easiest way to change the personality of a room whether you are staying in the home or getting it ready to sell down the road.  Paint will also have the most immediate visual effect.  A new wall color can work wonders when integrated correctly with the style and colors of surrounding furnishings.  But don’t overlook doors and trim, especially at eye level.   Doors and door trim are the first surfaces to show age and grime due to daily repeated use.  

A relatively inexpensive investment,  hiring a designer to help select your wall/trim color palette and appropriate paint finish can reduce frustration and save money in the end.   Designers work daily with a broader palette than the average homeowner and may have a fresh suggestion that you would never have considered on your own.    Many people don’t realize the scientific element involved in the selection of color.  It has been proven that color elicits a very physical response in the people who are living, working, and learning within a space.    For instance, we all associate pink with soothing, sweet rooms for little girls.   Did you know that studies show that a pink room will instantly relax the person who enters the space?  Unfortunately in 30 minutes, the person becomes irritable, fidgety and anxious in that same pink space?  

Let a professional evaluate ways to make your space more functional and aesthetically pleasing through the appropriate use of color.

–       Rearrange to Revitalize

Rearranging furniture, accessories or artwork can create a whole new dynamic, traffic pattern and lifestyle.   When preparing to rearrange, first take a good look at the way your family uses a particular space.  Do you spend your time watching tv in a relaxed setting?  Do you need extra space for children to play or do crafts?  Or do you use the space for more formal entertainment?  Often you’ll find that living spaces must serve a multitude of functions. 

Notice the direction and placement of light fixtures and glare from windows.  A television screen that takes a direct hit from sunlight will be ineffective and can cause eye strain and irritability.   Relaxing in your favorite club chair will be somewhat less enjoyable if light fixtures shoot a beam of light directly into your eyes.  And an evening with a good novel is fruitless without appropriate task lighting.

Pay close attention to walkways and make sure you have plenty of space for movement around tables and seating elements.  Furniture placement should enhance rather than hinder your lifestyle.  

Let’s face it.  Most people don’t have the time, energy or vision to know how to best plan the placement of furniture elements within a room.   It can be trial and error and it’s not always easy to move large pieces of furniture several times until you find the placement that works for your lifestyle.   Done incorrectly a room can feel crowded, chaotic, messy or cold.  

Hiring a  professional designer in this instance is another cost effective method of achieving the end result that will work best for you.  A designer will take measurements of your room and furnishings and sit down with paper and pencil and sketch out options until the desired result is achieved.   Your designer works closely with bonded, insured warehouse personnel and can arrange to have your furnishings placed according to an approved layout and it’s done right the first time!

If you are considering putting your house on the market, this is a great route to take.   Competition’s tough and you need to present your home in it’s most attractive light.