Have questions about wall decor? Barry Goralnick is here to provide answers
The architect and interior and product designer recently shared his insight on this essential product category.
NEW YORK – Wall décor serves an essential role in interior design, but sometimes designers get stuck on the best way to address the category. Architect and interior and product designer Barry Goralnick is here to help, discussing art and his approach to its use in architecture and design projects.
How do you approach the art for a design project?
“Important factors in any room are the location of windows and doors, the layout and scale of the furniture and the color palette; they all inform the selection of art. Art can also create dramatic effects, like having an important piece of art on an axis in a foyer or at the end of a corridor. Every room can have art – including bathrooms and kitchens. Even the laundry room has walls to fill. Embrace fearlessness – don’t be afraid to combine things that are from different periods and styles.”
Do you have a general rule of thumb for what percentage of the project should be spent on art?
“There is no general rule of thumb – it is a wide range. Some clients collect fine art, and some want to add warmth and color, but do not want to break the bank.
In my own apartment, I mix valuable art with things I like from small shops, estate sales and paintings and photographs that were made by friends of ours.”
In general, how much of the art in a design is from the client’s existing collection?
“Some clients have already collected art, and we place pieces that are important or have sentimental value.
An LA-based client bought an East Coast home. It was a blank slate for building a collection. The client was also a talented artist. Together with his wife, we collaborated closely with gallerists at Acme Fine Art to create a fabulous collection of over 30 pieces.
Other clients had several paintings of dogs that were scattered throughout the house. I created an entire room of these pieces, including a dog motif on the fabric. That’s the room where everyone wants to hang out.”
Gallery walls are still popular. Any strategies on how one can make those work?
“Art walls can bring different architectural elements together, create a gallery out of a hall or foyer, or feature collections of items that have meaning. There are no set rules. You can mix paintings, prints, photos and objects. The key is arrangement and proportion. It’s best to keep a collection together, whether it be art or family photos. The style and color of the frames are almost as important as the art. I would suggest looking through Pinterest for things you like and model your wall after them.”
What are the trends you’re seeing in art in terms of size, subjects, and materials?
“20th Century art still predominates, along with large scale photographs and found objects.”
Where do you search for less expensive art?
“Sites like Wendover Art have a wide array of art that you can order in many sizes.”
How about art for middle-of-the-road budgets?
“Shops and galleries that aren’t in major markets often have good values. Art shows and architectural salvage shops are other good sources.”
And then for the higher end?
“Galleries, antique shows and auctions will have higher-profile pieces.”
Do you customize/commission most of the art, or is it generally “off the shelf?”
“Both – we recently commissioned several pieces from an artist in Aspen, though most of it is found in galleries.”
What if you really hate the art the client loves?
“I’m told that I have the gift of being able to deliver critical points of view in a palatable way. I’m honest and tell clients. We discuss openly and based on their attachment to something or sentimental reasons, I will find a spot that is appropriate.”
Any do’s and/or don’ts when buying artwork for a space?
“Do be fearless. Nothing is etched in stone – you can always remove or move things around.
Do choose the proper frame. Consider not only the artwork but the décor.
Don’t under-scale. Err on the side of bigger is better.
Don’t shy away from hanging art on a patterned or dark wall. Take a walk through the Met or the Frick and you’ll see how great it can look.”
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