The ART of Living
Nothing like Fall to get us back in design mode! The final step in completing a design is hanging the art on walls. However, choosing art can be the trickiest step. Art can be profoundly personal, shaped by family heritage, making a powerful statement, or simply complementing the overall theme.
When designing for the Negron Family, we wanted to make sure that the art really spoke true to them. So I turned to my neighborhood and visited the Chevy Chase Art Walk, filled with local talented artists. Unlike mass-produced prints, their original works add authenticity and soul to a space. I carefully selected pieces from three different artists that perfectly fit her home. Ashley loved having original art hanging on her walls, and the local artists were proud to know their art found a wonderful home.
A Vintage Gallery Wall
My client, Ashley Negron, loved her eat-in kitchen but wanted to give it a life of its own. One way she wanted to accomplish that was with a gallery wall. But it was important for me to create a gallery that gave a more vintage Barnes Foundation feel than a modern black frame structured vibe. Picking the perfect art was key to achieving the look.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Ruth Marcus
Finding Ruth Marcus was such a treat. Her lovely basement studio, filled with acrylic, gouache, and watercolor art, covered walls was so bright and inviting. I felt like I had just traveled with her abroad and was perched next to her easel. I knew her work would add a vibrancy and depth to our gallery space.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Gioia Venezia
Also tucked into a studio basement filled with historic art books, body sculptures, and loose-leaf prints, I found Gioia Venezia. Her hand-drawn portraits took you back to a simpler time. On a creamy background with just two chalk colors, her sitters’ portraits came to life. These pieces would add a warmth and quietness to the gallery.
I rounded out the gallery with commercial prints and antique magazine cutouts. I made sure the frames were unique, a mix of modern, ornate, and whimsical. With everything anchored by a gold and marble console table, it really came together. The black and white abstract rug under the large round wood table with the antique chair all balanced out nicely.
A Modern Foyer Gallery
The foyer of a home is so crucial to setting the tone for your house. When you walk into the Negron’s house, you are greeted by the sculptural art deco with an oblong-shaped mirror above. It is so inviting that I wanted to make sure the art that flanked the halls also gave you the same feeling.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Kamael Mishra
This foyer is where the joyful art of Kamael Mishra came to be. When I was in her finely decorated home during my art tour. Her abstract works really stood out. Her bold colors evoked a moodiness I just love. I knew that they would fit well in the design plan. We chose 3 of her pieces for the hall and office. They really speak to each other in a wonderful way and set the tone for the home.
Go Check Out This Years Chevy Chase Art Walk………
Hi I’m Dana,
Are you ready to add some Original Art to your Walls?? Let’s Talk about it!! Message me!
