Decorating Guides
5 Homes That Spotlight Art
Spectacular art collections deserve a well-designed showcase, and these homes frame theirs in high style
One of my favorite things about cruising Houzz photos and tours is getting a glimpse of some spectacular private art collections. Some have pieces worth millions, some have treasures unearthed at flea markets, some were created by the homeowners, while others were created by friends and family members. However homeowners have collected their artwork, the collections usually have one thing in common: They are priceless to their owners. Here's a look at five homes we've toured where art collections play a major role in the decor.
1. A Washington, D.C., condominium. This beautiful home was designed around an impressive collection, with white walls, modern railings, rich floors and lighting all highlighting the art.
Upstairs, a loft houses the master bedroom space and the study space. A large black and white piece by Richard Serra dominates one wall.
A handblown glass sculpture by Graham Caldwell was placed to take advantage of the atrium's light and can be enjoyed from both levels of the condo.
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2. An open loft in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Houzz user Gil Rigaud was overwhelmed by space and stuff in his 3,000-square-foot house, so he picked out only his very favorite things and downsized to this airy loft. He brought color and texture to the white walls with his impressive Haitian art collection. A found art piece hangs on the wall to the right, and part of his Buddha collection is housed on the shelves.
This colorful piece over the bed is by Haitian artist St. Pierre. It gives the low platform bed a larger presence and lets it hold its own against the high ceilings.
Creativity runs in Rigaud's family. While he's a great amateur interior designer, his mother, Jeanne Rigaud, has taken up painting. Both of the works in this media room are hers.
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Black and white pin-striped walls are a bold backdrop for the right works.
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4. A split-level in Chicago. This couple collects with sharp eyes for art but they never lose their sense of playfulness. The suspended flying man is by Jonathan Forrest Read, and it seems he enjoys watching TV with the gang.
At first glance, I thought those egg heads on the side table might be Fornasetti, but it turns out that they are vintage condom holders.
At first glance, I thought those egg heads on the side table might be Fornasetti, but it turns out that they are vintage condom holders.
The pair of sculptures in the dining room were made by an art student at Indiana University. The wife picked them up at a gallery when she was a college student.
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5. A midcentury beach house in Orange County, California. This home near the beach has a Palm Springs modern feel that lends itself well to displaying art. Case in point: This glossy and light hallway can handle three paintings that would easily overwhelm another space.
Over the dining room's modern console table is a striking work by Mario Wagner. It was a surprise birthday gift from the husband to his wife, and other pieces in the room pick up on its color palette.
Iconic furniture and street-inspired art mix it up in this bedroom. From left to right, work by Sticky Shaw, The Date Farmers and Clayton Brothers (click photo to see full view).
Tell us: What kind of art do you like to collect, and how does it fit into your home? Please share it with us in the comments section.
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More:
10 Design Strategies for Art Lovers
Expert Lighting Design Secrets
Tell us: What kind of art do you like to collect, and how does it fit into your home? Please share it with us in the comments section.
See the rest of this home
More:
10 Design Strategies for Art Lovers
Expert Lighting Design Secrets