Decorative Solutions Using Art Creative Ways to Deal with Decorating Challenges

In many interiors artwork is brought in as the finishing touch. It's one of the elements that can instantly warm up a space and make it feel like home. Art can expand a space both visually and emotionally, give us a window to the world, add color, create a theme, and infuse welcome doses of personality and interest in a room.

Page 1, 2

However, there are some spaces that pose special decorating challenges. Spaces that feel too large, rooms that seem small or narrow, or furnishings that are devoid of character are just some of the opportunities where creative art placement can help minimize problems and provide pleasing solutions.

To get more ideas on hanging art in problem spaces I've asked Ari Siegel of ArtSelect.com to share some of his problem-solving decorating techniques using artwork. Here are some of his suggested design solutions for several common decorating dilemmas.

Challenge:		Solution:
Expand a small room...		One way to expand a small room is to hang a large landscape print with a faraway horizon. This will create the illusion of more space.
Broaden a narrow room...		Paint one wall a darker, richer color. Hang an exciting print on that wall, then hang a custom framed mirror on the opposite wall. The reflected art will make the room appear wider. On the ArtSelect website you can preview your pictures on your choice of wall colors.
Heighten a low ceiling		In a room with a low ceiling try using a darker floorcovering. Then choose a light color to use on both the ceiling and walls to draw the eye upward. Hang prints with strong vertical lines to heighten the ceilings. Using portrait format (taller than wider) will add to the sense of height.
Warm up a stark space...		Warm up a stark space by using Country-inspired prints. Mix the prints with antiques, quilts and country accessories for a cozier feeling. Next Page

Special thanks to Ari Siegel of ArtSelect.com
-- All photos courtesy of --
ArtSelect.com

© 2000, Thanks for your interest in this article. Links to it are always welcome, however, please request PERMISSION before reprinting it to another website. Thanks! -- Glenna J. Morton - #000410GJM - ArtSOLUTa

Back to Top