Invaluable - Contemporary Color

Elizabeth Bauer Design

Whenever I'm working on a space, I look at the layout, furnishings, curtains, etc. But the one thing that probably gives a room the most personality - and the thing that can punctuate the personality of the owner so well - is art. I've done posts about this in the past, but I was recently approached by Invaluable to do a different sort of post. Invaluable is an auction website devoted to the sale of all manner of beautiful paintings: abstract, landscapes, portraits, watercolors. However, they understand that figuring out how to make those pieces work in your home can be a challenge. That's where I come in!

Invaluable painting by Marie Raymond

In order to give you some inspiration as to how to incorporate artwork into your own home "gallery", I thought I'd create three very different spaces in three different styles, all featuring artwork currently on auction at Invaluable.

Living room by Jolene Ballard and Amanda Malson of Domicile ID

Foo Dogs from FeelinVintage on Etsy

For the room in today's post, I'm imagining a bright feminine space, full of fun and life. First, I would drench it in a color like Benjamin Moore's "Cactus Flower".

Then I would bring in accessories that complimented the boldness of the color, but put a cool, glamorous, modern spin on it.

Chair - Leaves - Pillows - Bar Cart - Pottery - Lamp

How fabulous are those Chiang Mai Dragon pillows! Indigo blue, hot pink, and leafy green make such a great color combination too. And don't forget a little bit of gold!

Then I would do a light, modern style sofa atop a fun floral rug like this....

Rug by Safavieh

But then you need your artwork!

Living room by Angie Hranowsky

I love how Angie Hranowsky's work usually involves a good dose of color and a really good dose of abstract art.

Invaluable painting by Rod Withers

 I would do a few mid-size pieces like these, hung vertically, maybe over the bar cart.

Invaluable painting by Roberta Harris

Is this painting not fun?! There is just something so playful about it.

Entryway by Jonathan Berger via House Beautiful

I think "playful" is probably the best way to describe this kind of room. But what better way to start and end your day, than in a space that makes you smile?

Invaluable painting by George Kleiman

I already talked about my obsession with oversized art here, and this piece certainly fits that bill. It clocks in at a whopping 70 inches tall by 93 inches wide! Love it!

No matter what pieces you choose, the key is to have fun and not take the whole thing too seriously. It's your home and you're the one living with it, so make it a place you love!

More fun with art next time so stay tuned!

V for Vignette

Vignette by Jeffrey Bilhuber

I thought we would wrap up the week with the simple beauty of tabletop arrangments. Creating vignettes is like having a real, evolving still life in your own home: an opportunity for artistic expression and a place to showcase your treasures!

Vignette by Dan Marty

I love Dan Marty: his interiors are exotic in that Colonial sort of way, perfectly curated, and yet so comfortable and warm.

Bedside arrangement by Scout Designs



Photo courtesy of Victoria magazine



Vignette by Paula Caravelli

Caravelli uses artwork by her uncle, Augustus Mino, to give personal meaning to the arrangement on this lovely secretary.

Vignette by Perch owner Caroline Robert

And last, but not least, some fabulous New Orleans style by Miss Robert to end our week.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

A Dash of Drama

Living room by Charles de Lisle

Hello, all! I am quite excited today, for I am finally posting from the comfort of my own home, at my very own computer! My internet connection was set up mere hours ago and my pretty new desktop has a screen so big and bright, I am practically drooling at my collection of design photos!

So, without further ado, let's get to the pics! Today I wanted to post a couple of photos that exude drama. (I am just in a dramatic mood, I guess!)

I think what sets that tone in the room above is the black/white contrast, the graphic, modern artwork, and the bold pattern on the chair fabric. (Is it Vervain perhaps? They seem to like the fuzzy embellishments!)

Despite the limited amount of furniture/accessories in this entry by Katie Ridder, the space feels pretty dramatic. I think it is due to the color and finishes (i.e., white/black contrast again, bright artwork, polished floor, sparkling chandelier). What do you think?

Design by Delphine Krakoff

Okay, I'm starting to see the pattern here... More black and white perhaps?

Living room by Windsor Smith

I believe that Miss Smith certainly knows drama, but I think the best word to describe her work (especially this room) is "glamorous"!

Our last photo of the day is of a room by the talented Madeline Stuart. I have not been so into red recently, but I cannot help but be drawn to the drama it so delicately imbues in this warm, sophisticated space. Many of her interiors seem to have this mysterious hint of the exotic that takes what would be traditional spaces to a different level. A true talent indeed! (What do you think of that floral wallpaper? I am actually a fan!)

On a side note, some of my friends have suggested that I start adding more personal touches to the blog, such as fabrics I am in love with, furniture I am having reupholstered, etc., so look out for these new topics in the near future. And definitely let me know what you think!

Have a good rest of your week!

Modes of Expression

One good way to make a home more personal, a reflection of one's particular interests or personality, is to display art. I, for one, must have tons of paintings, prints, and photographs around me. Nothing feels more homey than a room with the walls blanketed in rich artistry!

So, today, I am featuring two of my favorite artists who use two very different modes of expression: Massimo Vitali, the cinamatographic (it's a word!) photographer, and Michael Wayne, the abstract painter.

Massimo Vitali's website describes his work (especially the Beach Series, of which I included several pictures) as a "sanitized, complacent view of Italian normalities, at the same time revealing the inner conditions and disturbances of reality: its cosmetic fakery, sexual innuendo, commodified leisure, deluded sense of affluence, and rigid conformism."..... Yes, yes. But also, these pictures are graphic and just plain pleasing to look at!

I love all the natural settings that the pictures feature. Obviously the Beach Series focuses on coastal destinations, but, as the photos above and below illustrate, he does display more lush locales as well (achieving the same visual reward).

Aren't they fabulous? I could just stare at these forever! It's almost like "Where's Waldo", looking for the detail in all the action.

Michael Wayne introduces us to a whole new form of exposition. His paintings are huge (some as big as 12 feet long!) and, although the layers and the materials in his work are many, his paintings maintain that same pleasing, graphic quality as Massimo's above. That texture and complexity of color also keeps your eye moving all over the canvas (which, at times, is made of pure silk!).

And my two favorites.....

I came across Michael Wayne's work while on a visit to San Antonio, Texas. A friend and I stopped into a great little gallery there, called AnArte, and I immediately spotted one of his works from across the room. I can't begin to tell you how much more awe-inspiring and detailed these paintings are in real life. You absolutely must check him out!

So, as you can see through the work of these great artists, inspiration and interest can come in an array of media. As Michael himself puts it best, "There are no limitations on the means to create beauty."