Let's go on an art hop, shall we?

I am super excited; I got a painting for my birthday that I had seen a month or so ago and couldn’t stop thinking about. Most of the others who were with me when we first saw the painting thought the work was a bit “dark”. But I couldn’t stop thinking about it. A young local artist by the name of Ben Norton created something very intriguing to me. It wasn’t unreasonably priced (one of the benis of scouting out new local artists), so when the fam asked me what I might like for my birthday, I just threw it out there. Fast forward to today, and I am taking my baby to the framers!

Blog world, this is Brigette. Brigette, these are my friends.

This led me to consider a designer’s take on art. I have many clients who ask me to select art for them. It’s one of my least favorite things to do. Art to me is personal and I feel a tremendous pressure to find something they’ll love. It’s almost like a test: how well do you know your client. With that said, here are some Vintage Scout thoughts on selecting art for your home.

Collect art that speaks to you. It can commemorate a special trip or event. It can remind you of someone or trigger a fond memory. You can even select art that evokes a mood that you want to create in a space.

Art doesn’t have to be expensive, but buy the best you can afford. You don’t have to rich to collect art. Case in point: Herb & Dorothy Vogel. He was a mailman and she was a librarian. They collected all different kinds of contemporary art and eventually amassed one of the world’s most prized collections.

Local artists are a great source for reasonably priced art. The art community here in Dayton sponsors a “First Friday” every month where galleries stay open late and create a fun social atmosphere. It was at one of these events I found my treasure. If you don’t live close to events like these, many independent artists sell their work on Etsy. I can spend hours browsing that site for art.

Art doesn’t have to be art in the traditional sense. Vintage maps, signs, and posters can be great focal points. I have a vintage German anatomy chart hanging in my living room. Most common comment: “That’s cool.” Think outside the box and don’t be afraid to mix mediums and styles of art.

Old School Map available for sale at Vintage Scout Interiors.

Framing is important when it comes to art. Sometimes the right frame is no frame; but when it’s not, once again remember the rule, “buy the best you can afford”. Archival framing from a shop that knows what they’re doing is important. Selecting the right frame and mat is tough. Do you match the art or the room? Neutral mats tend to work best in most spaces and complement the art without overpowering it. Of course there are exceptions to every rule, so don’t walk into the framing shop claiming, “But Debbie said…” And what can I say about frame selection? I have been known to spend lots of time making sure I have the perfect frame. (my friends at Centerville Framing can attest to this.) This is definitely an area that your designer can help you with, because you have already done the important work yourself- choosing the art. Now that you’ve gotten to this point, it’s time to hang your art. What? Another decision? Hanging your art improperly can negate all the work you’ve done if it goes awry. Sorry to tell you there is no magic formula for how high to hang a piece. Also make sure to consider the association with other things hanging in the room. It’s OK to admit you’ve made a mistake and move your painting. It’s just a nail hole; that’s why they make spackle and you have leftover paint. Still scared to commit? Lucky for people like you, sometimes leaning and layering pieces is just the right answer, especially on a mantle or above a sideboard; but don’t be afraid of just leaning a piece on the floor. Mirrors are great incorporated into groupings like this. Just make sure whatever you lean is secure. Finally, when in doubt, hire a professional. Remember when I confessed selecting art for clients is not my favorite thing to do? Well, there’s a disclaimer to that. I love shopping along with my clients for art. It’s the perfect combination- I can advise them on the design elements of how the piece will work in their home and they can select what they love. I can handle the framing and hanging of the piece. That kind of team work turns out an amazing room.

Now, armed with the knowledge of the Scouts- go, foray into the world of art shopping. Good luck and most importantly, have fun. Report back to us and let us know what you find. Have you ever hung anything really out of the ordinary? Intriguing minds want to know…

Staying Inspired

It's been almost two years since I first walked in to the lobby of the Gramercy Park Hotel. We were at the NYC Gift Show and our friend, Fifi, wanted to share some of New York's finest design with us.The first thing that struck me was all the amazing art. That should come as no surprise, as Julian Schnabel designed the interiors with Ian Schrager, the master of boutique hotels. Pieces by Schnabel, Warhol, Haring and more are predominantly displayed throughout the public areas of the hotel. A super treat to see works in an environment like this.The sawtooth shark chandelier in the Rose Bar was nothing short of completely cool. The vibe was medieval, yet felt like an exclusive men's club. It was almost a little pompous, although that was probably intentional. Then toss in a Moroccan influence and you have combination that no one would think would work, but is flawlessly pulled off. The unabashed mix of rich, bold colors combined with luxurious finishes is a treat for any designer to experience. Fuse that with the storied history of the hotel and the total package is an intriguing feast to behold. While goofing around with a suit of armor in the lobby, a gentleman chuckled at us. Fifi, not one to be belittled, gave him a look that only Fifi can. He stopped to talk to us and it turned out he was the former owner of the hotel, Steven Weissberg. He talked to us about his family, so candidly that we hardly believed him until we googled it. Read all about it here- NYMagazine

Maybe the Scouts will one day be lucky enough to stay at GPH. Until then, we'll take away inspiration for it's blend of styles, colors, and over-the-top furnishings. Have you ever stayed there? If so, let us know how your experience was.

Selecting and Displaying Art in Your Home

Vintage Scout Interiors is pleased to present “Selecting and Displaying Art in Your Home” as part of the event series at the DPVA 10 Days of Design at the Designers’ Show House & Gardens.

Our presentation will be Thursday, June 24, at 3 p.m. and then again at 6 p.m. In conjunction with our information session, we will be joined by one of our art vendors from 3 to 8 that evening with original paintings for sale. Framing will be available as well, and you can take your treasure home with you that day. Sizes of the paintings range from 8 by 10 inches to 36 by 48 inches. Many different subjects and styles, from traditional landscapes to modern abstracts, will be represented. The Scouts will be available during that time to help you with your selections. Feel free to bring photos of your rooms for design advice. Please call the Studio at 937.312.9461, or email us at info@vintagescout.com for more details.