Whether it’s choosing a provocative foyer sculpture or an ethereal watercolor for the master bedroom, finding original pieces for your home can be its own complicated art form. That’s why more consultants are making house calls. “Art is something that can make your home unique in the way a sofa just can’t,” says Sandra Pelletier, director of New Canaan’s Sorelle Gallery. Here, local experts share their tips.
Put Art First
Although many decorators seek out art to finish a space, Amie Greenspan of Westport-based Appleton Art Design says think of it first. “It may actually trim your budget for other accessories, or influence how you select them. And it may positively influence the overall design direction.”
Define Your Taste
Collect images of art you like and create mood boards. By doing your visual homework, a consultant can lead you to artists you’ll appreciate. “I’ll know whether or not a client responds to figurative or abstract work and I get a sense of the palette she likes,” says Adrienne Ruger Conzelman, founder of ARC Fine Art, who consults out of Denemede in Darien.
Do A Test Run
Place pieces in your home for a few days before buying. The consultants we talked with even superimpose art images onto room photos so you can see how something looks. “My clients are sometimes surprised,” says Pelletier. “They may love something in the gallery, but go in a different direction after trying it in their home.”
MIx It Up
It’s okay to let artistic originals share space with more pedestrian pieces. “My job is all about editing. I help you mix something new with the posters in the kitchen and the photos in the living room,” says Greenspan.
Invest Shrewdly
While she often helps clients decide on investment-level purchases, Ruger Conzelman says don’t be deterred from considering more affordable pieces, such as beautiful prints on canvas or fine photograhs. “They’re great entry points for the new collector.”