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. 64 - Redefining the Easel

The easel, a word derived from the German language, is defined as a self supporting wooden frame for holding an artist's work. I'd like to redefine the easel as anything that supports art in our home. So it could be an actual easel or let's rethink it.

I love the use of a furniture piece as an redefined easel. This furniture piece can be one that the actual art is propped onto or; how about sitting beneath it,  supporting the art without even touching it? 

A bookshelf that supports the art piece inside or outside its shelving is brilliant! There is something about art being displayed in a manner other than just hanging it on the wall because it brings all the colors of the room together. Reconsider that art piece truly being unique by rethinking where it is placed. Think actual easel or think the definition of easel and find a supporting piece that holds the artist's work.

Interestingly, the word easel is a synonym for donkey. The beast of burden. Like a fine wine pairing, the art and its "easel" must be carefully thought out. Just as the artist studies his blank canvas on the easel so must the art owner study the perfect perch. Is it a settee? Is it a console table? Is it a chair? The supporting "frame" that hold the art has a burden to partner, but not steal the show.

Whatever you choose to support your art piece it almost becomes the period at the end of the sentence of meaning of the art. Or the exclamation point! The supporting role piece provides the quiet completion of the art.  

When one chooses to prop a art piece it provides for an interchanging of favorite art pieces of the same size. Allowing one to enjoy a "new" art piece up close and set apart for a time and then another holds its spot to start the process all over again.

How will you rethink the easel for your art piece? Be inspired!

Sources: Home Bunch, Remodelista, Room for Tuesday, Rustic Chic, Vicente Wolf, Veranda, Tumblr, Apartment Therapy, Domino, House Beautiful, Pinterest, Etsy

Be Inspired No. 77 - Hang Outside the Lines!

I love wood mouldings! But they shouldn't define where art should be hung. Be inspired to hang outside the lines. 

This inspiration actually brings more attention to both the wonderful mouldings, as well as the selection of art. A match made in heaven!

Having no limitation as to what art you can hang on a wall of beautiful wood moulding is only right. Art isn't meant to have limitations. 

Just seeing a wall with art hanging outside the lines of the wood moulding makes me feel I must meet the owner of the space! Because this dweller has an open mind and a rebel's soul. This dweller has great stories to tell.

Are you ready to hang outside the lines?

Image Sources: Atlanta Homes, Greige Blog, La Dolce Vita Blog