Buying art is to invest in your happiness. To fall asleep and wake up to see something beautiful is a joy every day.
Picking out that beautiful piece is the trick though, which is why we’ve called on Anna Hunter of Belgravia Gallery for her top ten tips.
As an established dealer/gallerista in the art business, who has won the trust of the Prince of Wales and also has the exclusive rights to sell Nelson Mandela’s signed lithographs, Anna knows art.
Over to her.
By Anna Hunter
No home is complete without carefully chosen art, whether paintings, photographs, posters or sculpture.
Houses where artwork complements the rest of the interior, will photograph more effectively for sale or letting, adding a sense of luxury and discernment.
Art need not be expensive, the most important consideration is subject matter.
The trick is to complement, add ‘wow factor’ but never make too strong an attack on the rest of the space. My experience of installing artwork ranges from former council houses to palaces, with budgets to fit.
So, here are my top ten tips:
1. Photographs
Digital photographs, blown up in proportion to the size of the walls, and printed on canvas, can revitalise an interior.
Even in a stately home, family photographs, mottos, pictures of animals and holidays can be incorporated into kitchens, bedrooms and the all important downstairs loo.
2. Reproductions of paintings
Large posters of Marilyn by Warhol are the same size and look almost identical to the signed limited editions.
Warhol works well in most interiors from student digs to silk-lined rooms in stately piles, giving a cool contemporary look.
3. Do it yourself
Have a go at painting yourself – we all have some inner talent for colour. It may be the start of a new career!
4. New talents
If funds permit, then look regularly in galleries for emerging artists. Try to spot winners at an early stage in their career when they have been exhibited by a reputable gallery.
Before long they may be in museums and private collections, prices can rise enormously.
5. Sculptures
Don’t forget sculpture which will add form, interest and style. Better to go for a large piece, small sculptures can look cluttered.
6. Auctions
Buying at auction is great fun too, but make sure that you set a budget and stick to it. Don’t wave at your friends during the auction though!
7. Cheaper options
When funds are limited black and white vintage fashion photographs, in identical slim black frames, can give a living room an edge of elegance in the style as produced by a top interior designer.
One living room in Bristol used eight 1950s images of diverse sizes on one wall and another three on a side wall of the same room. Try Heals on the Kings Road.
8. Lithographs
A dramatic lithograph can be the centrepiece of a room, one designer used a Damien Hirst Purple Butterfly Lithograph which she said set the ‘vibe for the whole house.’
9. Home offices
Studies have shown that just as employees like to work in a light airy building, the art there can have a soothing, uplifting and even motivating effect.
Art is more relevant in the workplace today than it has ever been, so if you’ve got a home office then you should try and brighten it up with some art.
10. Young artists
Buying art from local art school is a good way to decorate inexpensively, if you have faith in your own taste and judgement. Vivid fresh seascapes by young painters work well.
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