Why Contemporary Art Works in Historic Interiors.
Living in older homes, pre-war era, even Tudor or Victorian style, can pose many challenges for both upkeep and decor. Historic homes come with their own personality and energy, along with plenty of limitations, which can make furnishing them and making them truly "yours" overwhelming.
Features such as stunning crown molding, hardwood floors, stained glass windows, wrap-around porches, and statement doorways speak for themselves, making it intimidating to try to furnish and design outside of the seemingly domineering Gothic Revival-esque style.
After all, this style of house lends itself best to the same era's interior design and art, right?
Wrong.
A common misconception is that mixing styles of different eras in a period home will result in a hodgepodge of confusion, leaving your house looking like the kitchen sink rather than a beautifully curated individual home.
I beg to differ, as said by expert interior designer Claudia Dorsch;
Her personal secret to making antique spaces feel current and interesting is contrast. Especially recommending "modern elements such as contemporary art" to inject a room with "soul, energy, and individuality." It’s easy to play into a style rather than go against it, however, I see it much more as complementing it.
The Artling Artzine writer Carmen Tenney said that contemporary pieces don't detract from historical significance, but rather "add new layers of meaning instead." Allowing dialogue amongst centuries to take place between art and its surroundings unifies a space through a highly individual and eclectic thread, often serving as an inspiration point and conversation starter.
A historic home with antique interior design and art to match has its classic appeal, but it can quickly feel dark, heavy, and like you're stuck in grandma's house, not ideal for daily life. Instead, a historic home with sprinklings of bold, colorful, thought-provoking contemporary art that breaks all the rules of what the space should hold instantly feels younger, fresher, and unique to the homeowner.
Don´t be afraid to go big with the artworks too; creating a focal point in a room through a stunning large-scale piece can often tie the whole room together in harmony. If you don´t take my word for it, take interior designer Catherine Seagrave´s when speaking on period room design;
"For impact, an oversized piece of abstract art or a contemporary rug elevates the whole room and creates a sense of drama."
Nevertheless, we must not gloss over the pinnacle of problems when integrating multiple styles, colors, and textures in an already characterized space; overdoing it. Although exciting, this process entails a certain level of finesse to make sure the room isn't an eyesore when finished. A good tip to avoid this is to stick to a designated color palette. Having a set of colors that dominate the room can allow you to pick contemporary art that will fit right in smoothly instead of sticking out.
On the other hand…Sticking out doesn't always have to be a bad thing. If the room you are dealing with is mostly monochrome, a little drab, perhaps even boring or lifeless, choosing a statement contemporary piece may be the secret ingredient to spicing things up without having to buy new furniture, paint the walls, or reupholster.
Let’s take a case study: Look at this stunning Tudor-style home and observe how art changes the room.
Which image do you like more? Which feels more interesting? Richer? Full of life?
(I´m hoping you say the second)
See how the second one transforms the space from drab and predictable to suddenly exciting and interesting? Contemporary art has that effect like no other style. It injects a proverbial fountain of youth into any space it enters, along with an air of playfulness.
In fact, the second photo´s artwork is from J.Nunez Gallery; Mandarin Duck
Let’s apply this case study to some other historic rooms and see how it fares:
Left side Photo: Liverpool Museums. Sudley House Fireplace.
Right side Photo: J.Nunez Gallery. Sometimes she wears boots. Artwork by Aaron Jackson Bowman.
Top Photo: Nazmiyal Antique Rugs. A modern Victorian House Interior.
Bottom Photo: J.Nunez Gallery. What was I made for? Artwork by Marie P. Mudafort.
Left side Photo: Chairish. English Tudor, Game room by Tiffany Leblanc of LeBlanc Design, LLC. Photo by Michael J Lee.
Right side Photo: J.Nunez Gallery. Apis, Isis, and the Underworld. Artwork by Kazaan Viveiros.
Left side Photo: Charish. English Tudor, Library by Tiffany Leblanc of LeBlanc Design, LLC. Photo by Michael J Lee
Right side Photo: J.Nunez Gallery. Una Sonrisa Muy Especial. Artwork by Cynthia Pareja Dubin.
Top Photo: Houzz. Carter & Company. Traditional Living Room, Boston.
Bottom Photo: J.Nunez Gallery. Frivolity. Artwork by Heather Robinson.
Ah! Finally, beautiful historic interiors elevated through breathtaking contemporary art.
Do you prefer the before or after? (I´m hoping for after!)
In fact, all the art you see in these case study pictures is from one stunning gallery.
Celebrating diverse contemporary artists for 4 years: J.Nunez Gallery. Located in New Jersey, with 2 locations, Millburn and Summit, consider this art gallery for all your historic home adorning desires!
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