Speaking of Walls No. 12 - The Art of Picture Rail Systems

 

It all started with an idea that came into vogue in the 1840's. Decorative moulding to hang pictures from using hooks that could be moved at will to display artwork without marring the wall surfaces. And then came the brass picture rail systems inspired by art galleries.

Several years ago I was designing the lobby areas of a commercial space and curated very large pieces of artwork to hang under contemporary benches. This project was the perfect place to install the artwork suspended from lengths of well-scaled brass chain, which complimented the brass legs on the benches. Since each piece of art was going to be hung individually, we opted to forgo the railing system to keep a polished look. The solution was to hang the artwork directly to the wall and then install the chain to create the illusion the artwork was suspended from chain. It turned out fabulous.

 

It's important to treat the picture rail system in a space as another moulding. It can be hung very close to crown or frieze wood moulding or drop down from and hang at a parallel level below that. Consider the all architectural elements in the space for proper height. Some of the determining factors are ceiling height, architectural challenges, furniture placement, and artwork to be suspended from the railing system.

Another design element that may come into play is the finish on the metal or alloy rail system. You play by the rules and need your metal finishes to match or you don't. Or the artwork collection has a patina that works best with one finish or another. It's like selecting the jewelry to complete your outfit.

And metal or alloy rail systems come with their own "jewelry" too! Beyond the finish choice is the finial style, if the railing isn't running wall to wall. Does the artwork that is being suspended from this railing system need illumination? What choices are best for lighting that artwork? 

Another decision is how much picture railing system in the space. Too much of a good thing is too much, a mistake. May seem like an oxymoron, but too much is underwhelming. It is underappreciated because a well-thought out design includes restraint.

What story are you telling with the artwork collection you want to suspend from picture railing? Or should it be to emphasis one special piece, one gorgeous mirror, or a trio of small pieces whose perfect place is suspended from picture railing on a small alcove wall?

Be inspired to explore the art of picture railing. 

Sources: Robert Kime Design, Collier Webb, Eye for Design, Pinterest, British Institute of Interior Design

Rethinking the Look of Things No. 66 - Coloring Outside the Lines: A Guide to Hanging Artwork

We all can remember when we starting coloring with crayons from the big yellow box. "Stay inside the lines" was a phrase often heard. I wonder how many creative wings were clipped with this lesson. I hope that those wings learned to spread wide and fly high so that a strong creative mind was cultivated.

In design we can find ourselves with limitations that present challenges, but how many of those limitations are unshakable?  Many times I've found myself with my tape measure in hand measuring inside the boundaries of wood moldings and been disappointed to find that the perfect piece of artwork wasn't going to fit. Until I realized that the lesson of staying inside the lines I was taught while coloring do not need to apply in design.

Learning to stretch design boundaries and push yourself to recognize the challenge is not always architectural, but often in playing by the rules. And sometimes rules are meant to be broken or rewritten. 

Don't get me wrong, I am a designer who loves a well-curated space, everything in its place, in unity and pure beauty. What I find myself thinking when a challenge arises is that in this space in front of me now - what is the best outcome for a meaningfully designed room?

After all, every design project is a different work of art. Not all rules apply to all projects. So let's learn to color outside the lines and see where that takes us. What we will see is that the perfect piece of artwork becomes even more perfect in its rebel state. That the seating not centered with the lines of the wood molding interrupts the architecture but it certainly doesn't change its beauty. 

Rethinking coloring outside the lines allows us to notice that every piece of artwork in a collage hanging over top wood molding rather than inside is worth a pause. It elevates each piece of artwork in the collage to pause status. It says, "notice me." 

We'll notice that hanging a wall of artwork where some are inside the wood molding and some are ignoring it is an indication that a creative genius was at work.

And when all the layers are placed carefully in their spots the entire space, where rules were broken; traditional thrown to the wind, has answered the call to color outside the lines.

Be inspired to rethink coloring outside the lines!

Resources: Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, House & Garden UK, Veranda, Decor Pad, New England Home, Tumblr, The Glam Pad, Pinterest