PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 24, 2011 — Affluent homeowners can create a new look for their rooms by changing the artwork, says Donna Hoffman, president of Interiors by Donna Hoffman (http://www.interiorsbyDonnaHoffman.com), which specializes in decorating ideas for the affluent marketplace.
"If you're not in the market for a total makeover, but you want to jazz things up a bit, consider finessing the art in your house," said Hoffman. "Relocating or reframing an existing art piece or painting brings a strikingly fresh feel. One high-end client recently agreed to update and reframe just 3 favorite pieces for their recent downsize and the results were stupendous. Still at other times, it's a question of adding more to a collection."
But there is one major interior design tip for buying art, she says.
"People get intimidated on the subject of art: Renoir or bust? Original or forget it? Frankly, there are no hard fast rules when it comes to purchasing art, except this one: Buy what you love and, if possible, buy it when you see it," Hoffman said. "Must it be museum quality, collector quality or cost tens of thousands of dollars? Absolutely not. Beauty and aesthetic pleasure are so individual," she adds.
To accomplish a winning interior design idea, the designer encourages clients to open their "art thinking."
"Think beyond simply prints or oils hung everywhere," she said. "You can also hang wonderful pieces of architectural salvage too – grates, grillwork, wrought iron, even heavily carved wooden doors with an ethnic bent. Yes, you read that right."
Expand your definition of art and you'll be surprised at what lends authentic beauty and memorable touches to great interiors.
"Frame meaningful items like black and white photos you took yourself. Create shadow boxes for collectible items like your grandmother's handkerchiefs – or a kimono you bought overseas. For a music room or library, frame old faded sheet music or book plates," Hoffman said. "Do try to avoid having every piece of art behind glass if possible. Oils, mixed media pieces and sculptures create much needed nuanced textures to offset a sea of glass. In other words, there's an art to art."
About Interiors by Donna Hoffman
In-demand Philadelphia interior designer and former QVC show host Donna Hoffman has been featured in Family Circle, Real Simple, Country Accents and cnbc.com. She heads up the Bucks County-based interior design group that specializes in home interiors that have 10+ years of staying power. Marrying smart design to your individual design fingerprint – your "interiority" – leads to the rooms clients love to live in, look at – and never want to leave. What's inside matters most. Additional information can be found at http://www.interiorsbydonnahoffman.com
Contact:
Donna Hoffman
215-736-8693
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