Pandas and a Bar of Soap - Where to Hang that New Piece of Art

When it comes to collecting and placing art, one question we get on occasion is about hanging. Not simply how to hang a piece but where to hang art, or how to go about collect it to fill a home. Besides the obvious locations, above a sofa or bed, in an entryway, between windows...etc., etc., is it possible to think outside the box when placing art around the home? Of course more often than not, someone comes to us with a very specific space to fill, and we approach their selection from that angle. But if you simply want to start a collection from scratch, or have built a room or home and are placing art last, there are many unused spaces that typically are ignored. OR, if you have the wonderful problem of too much art and not enough wall space, many of these suggestions would apply to you as well.

So here are some examples of interesting and unexpected places throughout the home to hang/place/prop art. Two of the designers who always surprise us with great ideas of under-appreciated spaces to fill are Miles Redd and Kelly Wearstler, so we took a cue from them on this.

After all, it is so much fun to turn a corner and see a canvas leaning behind wine glasses above a refrigerator! Read on to see some refreshing ideas put into action.

Stay tuned...on Friday we will post our plans for next week's trip to the Big Apple for the Armory Arts Week!

(photo courtesy of Miles Redd)

Leaning and layering pieces on and in front of a bookcase. An absolute favorite of ours.

(photo courtesy of Miles Redd)

Hanging a piece in front of a mirrored wall.

(photo courtesy of Kelly Wearstler)

A group hang above a long sofa, the interesting aspect here being how many pieces Ms. Wearstler squeezed in around the largest piece in the center. And, while there are many elements at play, the symmetrical way that the frames are hung pulls it all together. Anyone want to donate those yellow chairs to the gallery?

(photo courtesy of Elle Decor)

Art in a traditional workspace, very inspiring. I can imagine writing a letter at that desk and getting lost as my eyes wander around the space.

(photo courtesy of Elle Decor)

While having art in a bathroom can be tricky, (careful with the steam from the shower!), these sketches propped on either side of a mirror of the same shape add depth to the room.

(photo courtesy of Elle Decor)

Another piece of art in a bathroom, but again, a surprise! Leaning against a glass shower wall...no, INSIDE the shower, the bright pink pandas rest alongside towels and a bar of soap.

(photo courtesy of Elle Decor)

While not an unusual place to hang a photograph, the off-center way in which this pieces is hung brings a quirky touch to this sitting area. In fact, it makes you notice the piece first, and wonder the story behind it.

(photo courtesy of Architectural Digest)

And lastly, the photograph that inspired this post, from last month's Architectural Digest. In the kitchen of artist Martha Sturdy's British Columbia home, sits a piece of art, very, very high above the countertops. Amid the stainless steel appliances, broad window, and modern stools, the pop of color and texture completes the room.