We are not robots, and so our homes should not be composed in an identical manner. Each home has a different occupant, with his or her own unique aesthetic, tastes, experiences and love for art...I always encourage clients to stay away from trends and to embrace their individuality! For this reason, art should be original for each client. I believe that there is something so incredibly refreshing and powerful to know that the piece hung on your own wall is exclusive to you, reflecting and feeding from the exact space it sits within.

BRING FRESHNESS TO THE ART YOU ALREADY HAVE

As a practising designer, if I am partaking in a full furniture package for a client, I absolutely will be expected to and also wish to partake in the selection of art - from sculptures to curated pieces or selections of ready-made items. I often utilise specific art pieces the clients already have and reframe them, bringing new life and a fresher look to those pieces. Often the actual art is incredibly interesting and stunning however the frame its sits within doesn’t best showcase the unit. With a simple reframe, you can make a vast difference!

Just like with design, there is no such thing as right or wrong when it comes to selecting art.  Art is so personal. However, when designing and having to select art for my clients, I always respond to the general aesthetic, vibe and colour scheme that I have employed throughout the space. This completely directs me in saying yes or no to the countless pieces I search through. Tonal qualities and colour are also huge aspects to consider with this - it is not solely about you loving the art piece but how it integrates aesthetically into the design of the home. Another key aspect to take into regard is the size of the piece. Sometimes I just know the wall needs a monster; something dramatic striking and large. At other times, I feel subtle and eclectic is more suitable – a wall of 10-20 pieces uniquely framed and clustered together can be equally effective and striking.

WALLS AS ART

The art pieces within my own home are always unique works that I have collected throughout my journeys, travels and overseas trips. I frame and hang unique textures and fabrics that have their own story as well as hand knitted macramé. I have hand made Moroccan mosaics which are installed in areas throughout my home, which I consider to be art. These walls add so much depth, history and beauty to our space. The art throughout my home has always had a personal narrative attached and has not been dictated by monetary value. The pieces each tell a unique story, and have been curated and specially selected for the space in which they nest.

I was recently asked what trends I have noticed with regards to art and interior design. I have definitely picked up that Australians are far more interested in using handmade products and are steering away from the massed produced, especially when it comes to art. This is evident in the creative use of materials and textures to create walls of art as opposed to hanging art; ultimately integrating these materials into the interior design of homes.  Although I generally hate the term "trend," there are the odd few that offer perpetual magic!  A great example of this is tiles. It is no secret that I am OBSESSED with Moroccan hand made mosaics.  They are huge at the moment and I think this comes down to their timelessness and their power to offer a point of difference in homes; a product that truly tells a unique story. My side project, Tilesofezra (www.tilesofezra.com) have a beautiful range of Moroccan Zellige Mosaics. These are handmade creations that have been manufactured for centuries, sustaining the craft and tradition of Morocco and allowing for the end-user to have a product in their home which adds drama, intense layering and a very bespoke aura; an aura that could not be achieved through using a mass-produced tile. 

In saying that, I am relieved to see Australians being more adventurous and unique in their styling selections and instead of following a trend or guideline, listening to their own intuition, unique aesthetic and following what genuinely excites them. If you take one thing away from this post, I hope it is the courage to embrace your own individuality when styling your home and selecting the art that goes in it! You won't regret it!