art on the walls

Art is in the eye of the beholder. Not an original thought to be sure, but an accurate one. Area experts agree that art has as many faces as there are individuals, and what appeals to one may not to another.

Two particular trends appear to be a leaning toward more contemporary art and toward non-pictorial art.  Kelly Roberts of Design Interiors says she is finding that buyers are moving away from traditional to more contemporary art. “Art can and should make a statement of one’s personality,” Roberts says. “It adds color, texture, and ambiance to make a room more enjoyable and thought-provoking.”

When a home lacks artwork, there seems to be something missing, according to Gail Adkins of Change Magic Interior Redesign. “Visit galleries and art shows to explore your preferences and purchase pieces that resonate with you. Have art professionally framed,” she says..
Home owners are more aware of art types and choices, according to Tanna Miller of Trends & Traditions. “There is a trend toward non-pictorial art: not abstract paintings, but dimensional iron, leather, plaster, glass, and other media in architectural, ethnic, or simplified nature motifs. Shadow boxes of artifacts are great to use also in creating a sense of place or mood rather than telling a story as paintings often to.”

Miller reports she is shaping panel bottoms to pull back or puddle in various ways, trimming, banding, and contrasting with hardware or other details. “We like to plan the design for the space, even if it means complicated adaptations to hardware and construction,” she says.

Art buyers have changed in the past decade, according to Amanda Sweeney of Yessicks. “There are so many more options for finding art of all kinds. And local art is hot. Most buyers love local images, sculptures, or paintings that have a story they understand and can share with their family and friends.”

Shelley McBurney of Gallery One says, “One can have the most fabulous, well-appointed house made from the finest of materials, but it is the art—that tangible expression of the homeowner’s taste, interests, and personality—that helps make a house a home and gives it it’s soul.

Nothing engages the senses and evokes a personal response quite the way that a piece of art can.”

Color and texture are the appeal of art, according to Anna Aycock of Designs by Anna Aycock. “It is the emotional appeal of art that makes it distinctively different for each person that views it, and important in setting the tone of a room,” she says.

Art takes many forms and Cindy Moore of Fancy Vents says that there is a growing interest in the company’s decorating cold air returns vent covers. The vent covers are custom designed and hand-crafted of ornamental iron and come in a variety of finishes.

Kelly Harwood, who recently opened Gallery 202 in Franklin, says his customers express interest in all types of art from repurposed metal and wood to paintings that range from Andy Warhol to landscapes of local scenery.

“Today’s art buyer is generally committed to buying what appeals to them—they don’t necessarily label it contemporary or traditional. They know what they like and favor art that makes them feel at home.

There are a number of sources for art in the Nashville area including:

Change Magic Interior Redesign
Nashville
615/ 375-9514

Designs by Anna Aycock
Brentwood
615/ 414-5694

Design Interiors
Gallatin
615/ 497-7695

Fancy Vents
Brentwood
615/ 376-2971

Gallery One
Nashville
615/ 352-3006

Gallery 202
Franklin
615/472-1134

The Snooty Fox
Brentwood
615/ 661-4565

Yessick’s Design Center
Brentwood
615/ 376-2971