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Kerrie-Ann Jones on how to style with art
A piece of art can make a space. It can add colour, depth, dimension and intrigue. But equally, the process of selecting the art and placing it within a room can be utterly overwhelming.
For Style Director Kerrie-Ann Jones, art is the secret sauce to interior styling. Kerrie-Ann is known for using art in her styling, completely transforming a space with a single work of art.
“Art elevates a room, sets the mood and adds colour and personality to a space,” she explains. “It's such an essential element to styling that it can't be ignored and must be prioritised. Art gives a room dimension, layers and depth. It also brings so much joy too!”
With this in mind, Kerrie-Ann shares her expertise on using art in interior styling.
The Fleur Sofa, Issho Coffee Table and Oliver Tub Chair are brought to life with surrounding artwork.
What comes first, furniture or art?
One of the things that throws people the most when introducing art into their home is the question of when to select the art. Should they start with the artwork and build their furniture around this? Or is it best to find the right artwork to complement the existing furniture and decor.
Kerrie-Ann says that there is no single approach, it comes down to what best suits the space.
“For some homes, it’s best to start with the furniture and then select the art to enhance the space,” she explains. “The art can add the extra layers and colour a room may need, especially if the furniture is of mostly neutral tones.
“On other occasions, it's best to start with the art first to guide the colour palette for the room, upholstery choices for furniture and overall scheme for the room.”
With thoughtfully chosen pieces and stunning art, Kerrie-Ann transforms the Eric Edge Buffet.
There are no rules
If it’s worrying about breaking the rules of art styling that’s holding you back, Kerrie-Ann wants you to know that there are no rules. Choosing and styling with art is highly personal.
But if the thought of unleashing art in your home without any guidelines at all is equally worrisome, Kerrie-Ann has some tips that will help.
- Hang artworks at eye level. The centre will ideally sit approximately 145–150 cm from the floor.
- Consider the scale and proportion of the artwork in relation to the wall it’s hanging on. Kerrie-Ann’s preference is to go bigger rather than smaller. “Oversized artworks can create a statement, while undersized artworks can look awkward,” she explains.
- For artworks hanging above a sofa or bed, centre them directly above with a gap of between 10–25 cm. This draws your eyes into the room and creates an intentional relationship between the artwork and the furniture. “If they’re too far apart from each other, they look disconnected,” adds Kerrie-Ann.
- Ensure the orientation of the artwork – portrait (long) or landscape (wide) – will suit the space. Landscape orientation is ideal to hang above a bed or sofa. For a narrow wall or the end of a hallway, portrait orientation is best.
- On a more practical note, be sure that the wall you’re hanging the artwork on can support the hook holding the art. “Heavy artwork should hang on a brick wall or on a stud in a gyprock wall,” says Kerrie-Ann. “For safety reasons, I also prefer not to hang artwork framed in glass above a bed. Perspex looks the same as glass but it is much lighter and safer.”
The right artwork will make your home feel like you. Featured above is the Bellaire Bed, Eto Desk and Quay Indoor Dining Chair.
Follow your heart, not trends
Art is subjective. You may have a preference for abstract art, landscape paintings, black-and-white photography or sculpture. The process of selecting the art for your home starts with understanding what your preferences are. Kerrie-Ann suggests researching art galleries on social media to determine which styles speak to you.
Once you’ve found your style, Kerrie-Ann says you then need to hone in on how you want the art to work in the space.
“Consider the mood,” she says. “How do you want to feel in the room? Does the art reflect that look and feel?
“Also consider the colour palette. Does it suit the furniture and work with any existing pieces in the room?”
But most of all, Kerrie-Ann suggests going with your heart and avoiding trends.
“The most important factor is, buying art because you love it, not because it may be on trend,” she explains. “The art you buy will stay with you for the rest of your life, so you must enjoy looking at it every day.”
At KING we take a similar approach to design, opting for classic styles that will look as beautiful in your home now as they will in 20 years' time.
For more interior styling inspiration from Kerrie-Ann discover how to create a timeless bedroom and explore quintessential Australian style, or follow Kerrie-Ann on Instagram.
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