When I look back over my past 20 years of being an art consultant, custom picture framer and now, a “naked wall expert,” there is one situation that has not changed. When homeowners are faced with “naked” walls they sometimes panic. I
’ve always seen my role as the person who can offer solutions that will turn their house into a home. It is very sad when clients comment that they’ve been in their house for a number of years and NOTHING has been hung on the walls. Not only did they panic, they froze.
During my interview process I always find out what collections, if any, the homeowner already possesses. Can the pieces within be “tweaked” to fit the new domicile? Perhaps the artwork is fantastic, but was custom framed in 1968. Obviously, we could proceed to update the artwork using fresh matting and new moulding, provided that the client still has a love affair with the piece.
People invariably have wonderful grist for the framing mill. It just takes someone with vision to look at the “stuff” in the antique chest and design matting and framing to assist in getting whatever it is out of the closet and on the wall. In my opinion a house is not a home until there is evidence that actual people with their own unique history live there. Have you ever gone to someone’s home and each room has a suite of fantastic furniture, but the room looks sterile? I guarantee that if there are wedding pictures, children’s artwork, and or antique family photos on the walls the house will
instantly become a home.
Some examples of “found art” are: antique christening gowns, ancestors’ naturalization papers, scraps of fabric, bills of sale, maps, photos of the town the home is located in, antique postcards, love letters, etc. I’m sure you get the idea. Here is another great idea. How about a multiple opening mat which can be filled with pictures from your latest European trip? A clever custom framer would also offer to incorporate additional memorabilia which would pertain to the piece being framed. Get new pillows and a fluffy throw and the room is now inviting and cozy.
I’m sure you will enjoy the conversations that arise when people come to your home and want to know the “back” story to the pieces hanging on the walls. I personally have 35 antique family photos over the sideboard in my dining room. The only problem is that dinner can get cold when people won’t be seated for the meal because they are fascinated with my “wall of
fame.”
This weekend look for all the photos of the “Moms” in your life. Maybe a design using multiple generations will be just the unique piece which will show your love and good taste all in one.
’ve always seen my role as the person who can offer solutions that will turn their house into a home. It is very sad when clients comment that they’ve been in their house for a number of years and NOTHING has been hung on the walls. Not only did they panic, they froze.During my interview process I always find out what collections, if any, the homeowner already possesses. Can the pieces within be “tweaked” to fit the new domicile? Perhaps the artwork is fantastic, but was custom framed in 1968. Obviously, we could proceed to update the artwork using fresh matting and new moulding, provided that the client still has a love affair with the piece.
People invariably have wonderful grist for the framing mill. It just takes someone with vision to look at the “stuff” in the antique chest and design matting and framing to assist in getting whatever it is out of the closet and on the wall. In my opinion a house is not a home until there is evidence that actual people with their own unique history live there. Have you ever gone to someone’s home and each room has a suite of fantastic furniture, but the room looks sterile? I guarantee that if there are wedding pictures, children’s artwork, and or antique family photos on the walls the house will
instantly become a home.Some examples of “found art” are: antique christening gowns, ancestors’ naturalization papers, scraps of fabric, bills of sale, maps, photos of the town the home is located in, antique postcards, love letters, etc. I’m sure you get the idea. Here is another great idea. How about a multiple opening mat which can be filled with pictures from your latest European trip? A clever custom framer would also offer to incorporate additional memorabilia which would pertain to the piece being framed. Get new pillows and a fluffy throw and the room is now inviting and cozy.
I’m sure you will enjoy the conversations that arise when people come to your home and want to know the “back” story to the pieces hanging on the walls. I personally have 35 antique family photos over the sideboard in my dining room. The only problem is that dinner can get cold when people won’t be seated for the meal because they are fascinated with my “wall of
fame.”This weekend look for all the photos of the “Moms” in your life. Maybe a design using multiple generations will be just the unique piece which will show your love and good taste all in one.
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