This Week's Ideabook On Houzz: The Power Of Art In Design

While studying painting at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I recall many discussions on how people decide to collect art and where they choose to display it. A major theme in these conversations was the idea of "Sofa Art"; art that is chosen simply because it fits with the decor of a home, to be hung to coordinate with the sofa. Ironically I now find myself working for the "sofa" side of the conversation, decorating interiors. I sometimes wonder what my fellow students would say of my art choices and how I now use art in interiors. Would they shake their heads?

Regardless, art is one of the most personal choices to be made while decorating a home. And yes, art is often selected due to how it fits within a design scheme. It is the reality of many consumers point of view. But the best situation is when a piece of art is chosen because it resonates strongly with the homeowner and also just happens to enhance the space it is subsequently displayed in. Here are some wonderful examples of the power art has to transform a space.


Shubin + Donaldson Architects, Inc.

This glowing canvas has quite the impact. It's colors are repeated not only in the roaring fire but the landscape seen out the window. Its scale fills the wall it is hung on and beautifully enhances the room design by bringing in warmth.


Sharon Portnoy Design

A bright painting featuring dots of brilliant color reminds me of sun spots hitting the ground, bringing a jolt of happy color to a sharp lined modern staircase.


Rebekah Zaveloff

The coolness of this space is enhanced by the painting hung above the side table. The painting has a peaceful, yet mysterious presence. The branches, glass chandelier and cloches have an icy appearance that is befitting of the environment suggested by the painting.


Niche Interiors

The abstract landscape featuring beautifully warm tones of orange, yellow, tans and a small touch of green is vibrant against the rich blue walls and graphic lines of the headboard below.


Rodriguez Studio Architecture

I find this painting a very interesting addition to this city loft. The painting has a tranquil feeling to it yet also captures the energy of a city with its sweeping expanse of road. It could be early dawn or the moment when the sun starts to set, that time of day when the light is transitioning, with the street lights adding an eerie quality.

To see more examples of how art can have a powerful effect on the look of a space, read the entire Houzz Ideabook here.

All images from Houzz