Skip to next element

CANVASES, CARATS AND CURIOSITIES

The Art of Interior Design

Some collectors of fine art begin with their favorite masterpiece to build the color scheme of their room, but for most of us, redecorating around a single painting is not always feasible. Lucky for us, it is possible to find museum-quality art that will fit right in with your home design scheme using just a few, easy interior design tips. A basic understanding of interior color schemes can help you choose a piece you love that is the perfect fit for your home.

 

 

First, begin with the basic color scheme of your room. The following three examples are the most popular, and each offer a myriad of options for inspired design!

 

 

 


 

 

 

1. Monochromatic

 

Perhaps the easiest to understand, the monochromatic color scheme is also the most versatile, and can range from soothing to dramatic depending on your chosen color. This scheme uses just one shade of a single color throughout the entire design. Most often seen in neutral schemes of white and grey, other more adventurous types may choose a bold blue or theatrical red to pull a room together. Regardless of your hue, choose a painting that matches it to complement this scheme. Or, get daring and add a dramatic pop of color to an otherwise neutral room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Falaise-Monet

Falaise by Claude Monet exudes tranquility with its blueish-grey monochrome palette

 

 

An Italian Beauty by Tito Conti

Tito Conti's An Italian Beauty would suit a neutral white scheme

 

 


 

 


2. Analogous

 

Allowing for more diversity in a room’s palette, the analogous color scheme brings together hues that sit next to one another on the color wheel. Blues, teals, and greens are popular, while reds, oranges, and yellow offer a warmer feel. When choosing a painting for an analogous room, ideally you can find all three hues, though just one will do!

 

 

The Russian Emigrants by Lucien Levy-Dhurmer

Lucien Levy-Dhurmer favors a warm red, orange and yellow palette

 

 

Pont sur la Seine by Achille Laugé

Pont sur la Seine by Achille Laugé combines three analogous hues, purple, blue, green, in one stunning scene


 

 

3. Complementary

 

The complementary color scheme – the use of two colors on opposite sides of the color wheel – can add the most depth to a room. Generally, one color will predominate, while the other provides vibrant, contrasting pops of color. This scheme is all about balance, and when used properly, it can draw maximum attention to your work of art. Just be sure to choose a piece that matches your accent color rather than your primary color to truly benefit from the contrast.

 

 

For instance, if the primary color of your room is green, choose accents that provide pops of red:

 

 

Football by Fedor Ivanovich Zakharov

Football by Fedor Ivanovich Zakharov

 

 

Study for Nude with Bad Abstract Painting by Tom Wesselmann

Study for Nude with Bad Abstract Painting by Tom Wesselmann

 

Alternately, if your room is red, go green with your accents:

 

 

 

Dans le Jardin à Sorel-Moussel by Blanche Hoschedé-Monet

Dans le Jardin à Sorel-Moussel by Blanche Hoschedé-Monet

 

 

Jeune Fille au Manteau Vert by Berthe Morisot

Jeune Fille au Manteau Vert by Berthe Morisot


 

 


Both color and art have the ability to transform an entire room. Bringing together the two can achieve something truly dramatic and special, all while displaying your own personality and tastes. When displayed well, art has the power to enliven your home – you need only to choose your favorite!

 

 

RECENTLY POSTED ARTICLES

WANT MORE BLOGS AND ARTICLES LIKE THIS?

Sign up below to be the first to know about new acquisitions, exhibits, blogs and more.

back to top
back to top