March 12, 2010
The Luxury In Reducing
By Leslie Hassler, Houston Interior Designer
You know when I think of reducing, I’m usually thinking about the reading on the scale. Or some of those bills I hate to pay. But today let’s just talk about reducing in the terms of energy.
The four parts of your home that consume the most energy are going to be heating/cooling, kitchen, bathrooms and laundry. I don’t know about you, but we’ve done the basics of an automated thermostat, and yes my husband sets it higher/lower than I do. And yes, since I’m female, I do feel entitled to bump it up or down according to my temperature at the moment.
So barring a new system, we’ve already replaced 25 windows in our home and have planned for new insulation in our 30 year + home. But what I’m really planning for is the kitchen. It is the heart of our home. It opens to the living room and breakfast area. I can see the boys playing outside, it is where everyone congregates, it is where we cook and we do cook. We bake bread, make homemade pasta (nothing occupies two little boys like cranking the pasta machine), we sauté, we experiment, we contemplate working our way through Julia Child’s cookbooks. But do you know what? Our kitchen stinks! Stinks to high heavens!
We have the original 1970’s cabinets; we don’t even have the clearance under the cabinets to push the pro-style Kitchen Aid mixer under the cabinet. And yeah sure, the pantry is “extra-deep”, but why does that matter when the shelves are only 12” wide. But do you want to know what the bane of my existence is in this kitchen? The dishwasher.
As we have grown as a family, different things have become important to me. Right now, I want to stuff it full, I don’t want to have to scrub or pre-rinse and I only want to do 1 load a day for goodness sakes.
But this is March, our focus on going “Green”. So can we find a dishwasher that is a workhorse, looks good, and is energy and resource efficient?  I do believe we can.
By definition, an efficient dishwasher is going to be energy-efficient and use water sparingly. It will offer you capacity (think tall tubs & XXL tall tubs) and it will offer you the world in customization. Washing China? No Problem. Only washing a ½ load? (As if) No Problem. Want to air dry? No Problem.
So welcome, I’ve done some of the research for you. And looking at the models and the ratings they receive from the Energy Star website, along with my personal opinion, I’ve narrowed it down to 3 models – 2 are ASKO & 1 is a BOSCH.
The higher ranking really goes to the ASKO D5893XXLHS. It has 12 cycles, uses 187 KW/yr, and 3.8 gallons/cycle. It has 3 racks with a ton of ability to adjust, holding 17 place settings.
Asko Dishwasher, D5893XXL
The Bosch, holds 15 place settings, but has a bit better energy efficiency (180 KW/yr), uses a bit less water and has 6 settings. It is quiet and it has three internal trays. Bosch didn’t have an image of the inside of the dishwasher for me to share with you.
Bosch SHX68E05
But my favorite is the ASKO D 5253, a bit of both worlds. It has the energy efficiency of the 5893. It only has 6 settings, but still can hold 17 place settings and can be found for about the same cost as the Bosch. This is the one that will make it into my new kitchen. In fact, it may make it into my kitchen before the rest of the “new kitchen.”
Asko D5253XXL
So what is your checklist for a new dishwasher?
- Energy Efficiency
- Water Consumption
- Tub/ Place Setting Capacity
- # of Cycles
- Price
And really, price should be one of the least considerations. The dishwasher does not represent the major investment for your kitchen, but it is the one of the most used appliances in your kitchen. So think about it, make the investment that will save you money and time at every use.
The luxury of reducing
By Leslie Hassler, Houston Interior Designer
You know when I think of reducing, I’m usually thinking about the reading on the scale. Or some of those bills I hate to pay. But today let’s just talk about reducing in the terms of energy.
The four parts of your home that consume the most energy are going to be heating/cooling, kitchen, bathrooms and laundry. I don’t know about you, but we’ve done the basics of an automated thermostat, and yes my husband sets it higher/lower than I do. And yes, since I’m female, I do feel entitled to bump it up or down according to my temperature at the moment.
So barring a new system, we’ve already replaced 25 windows in our homes and have been planning for new insulation in our 30 year + home. But what I’m really planning for is the kitchen. It is the heart of our home. It opens to the living room and breakfast area. I can see the boys playing outside, it is where everyone congregates, it is where we cook…and we do cook. We bake bread, make homemade pasta (nothing occupies two little boys like cranking the pasta machine), we sauté, we experiment, we contemplate working our way through Julia Child’s cookbooks. But do you know what? Our kitchen stinks! Stinks to high heavens!
We have the original 1970’s cabinets; we don’t even have the clearance under the cabinets to push the pro-style Kitchen Aid mixer under the cabinet. And yeah sure, the pantry is “extra-deep”, but why does that matter when the shelves are only 12” wide. But do you want to know what the bane of my existence is in this kitchen? The dishwasher.
Let me be clear. As a child, my job was the dishes. I have a theory – that which you were made to do as a child, you detest as an adult. I HATE dishes. So, we are in our third dishwasher in this house, our third in 5 years. As we have grown as a family, you know, different things have become important to me. Right now, I want to stuff it full, I don’t want to have to scrub or pre-rinse and I only want to do 1 load a day for goodness sakes.
But this is March, our focus on going “Green”. So can we find a dishwasher that is a workhorse, looks good, and is energy and resource efficient?  I do believe we can.
By definition, an efficient dishwasher is going to be energy efficient and use water sparingly. It will offer you capacity (think tall tubs & XXL tall tubs) and it will offer you the world in customization. Washing China? No Problem. Only washing a ½ load? (As if) No Problem. Want to air dry? No Problem.
So welcome, I’ve done some of the research for you. And looking at the models and the ratings they receive from the XXX, along with my personal opinion, I’ve narrowed it down to 3 models – 2 are ASKO & 1 is a BOSCH.
The higher ranking really goes to the ASKO D5893XXLHS. It has 12 cycles, uses 187 KW/yr, and 3.8 gallons/cycle. It has 3 racks with a ton of adjustability, holding 17 place settings.
The bosch, holds 15 place settings, but has a bit better energy efficiency, uses a bit less water and has XX settings
But my favorite is the ASKO D 5253, a bit of both worlds. It has the energy efficency of the 5893. It only has 6 settings, but still can hold 17 place settings and can be found for about the same as the bosch. This is the one that will make it into my new kitchen. In fact, it may make it into my kitchen before the rest of the “new kitchen.”
So what is your checklist for a new dishwasher?
- Energy Efficiency
- Water Consumption
- Tub/ Place Setting Capacity
- # of Cycles
- Price
And really, price should be one of the least considerations. The dishwasher does not represent the major investment for your kitchen, but it is the one of the most used appliances in your kitchen. So think about it,
March 9, 2010
Luxury: The Hunt for Beauty in Composting
By Leslie Hassler, Houston Interior Designer
We all hear, “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.” Today I have some ideas on the recycle concept. I’ve spoken to you about the new focus for us this year, incorporating more environmentally friendly products and practices into our life, like eating less processed foods (which is hard for a busy family of 4!) So, less processed foods means an increase in our organic waste. Since we are also planting a huge amount of vegetables this year, wouldn’t it be nice to have some compost to feed those garden beds?
With that in mind, I’ve been searching for compost pails for the kitchen. Not too surprising, there isn’t a plethora to choose from. I, of course, want ones that have charcoal filters, but if it is going to sit on my counter, I’d like it to be attractive too. Here are three that offer some style for you.
The mega stainless steel compost pail from Williams Sonoma, represents the most prevalent style available. It does come in a 1 gallon capacity and the extra-large 1-1/2 gallon capacity. Not a bad choice if you’re cooking for an army!
- Stainless Steel Compost Crock – Williams Sonoma
This green glazed ceramic would work perfect in any traditional kitchen, especially with a French or Tuscan flair. This crock is so attractive, your guests wouldn’t guess it’s true purpose.
Green Stoneware Compost Crock from The Gardeners Supply
I LOVE the last version. The bamboo crock is made from a renewable source (another eco-philosophy) and is an attractive addition to any transitional or modern kitchen. This may be the choice for me.
Bamboo Compost Crock from The Gardeners Supply
What is your favorite one? Have you found one that works and brings luxury to your kitchen – Share with me!
Luxury For The Home believes that true luxury is not about ostentation or expense. It is about simplicity. Sanctuary. Comfort. It’s the beauty that happens when everything, including you, has its own ideal space.
Are you ready to bring luxury into your home? For more ideas sign up for our newsletter, or to schedule a consultation, please call 281-701-2461.
March 1, 2010
The Luxury of Buying Local
March is finally here, our weather is warming, the trees are budding and for those reasons and many more, we are going green this month. I’m like you. I’m not an expert in this area. I have no certifications for green design, but I have a new focus for the topic. So, join me this month as we wade through the hype and find ideas, products and designs that are well worth their salt. If you haven’t had the chance already, sign up for our RSS feed and have the blog delivered to you.
Today, I thought that I’d highlight a green topic – Buy Local. Now the concept began with food, “Eat Local, Buy Local, Be Local”. Buying local is beneficial in many ways, it supports the local economy, the transportation costs are less and thereby the fuel emissions are less. But if we take it to my world, the one of Interior Design in Houston, TX – what would it look like?
“The 3/50 project” started by Cinda Baxter turns this concept to our local retailers. Simply put these are the tenets of the project:
- 3 – Think about which three independently owned businesses you’d miss most if they were gone. Stop in and say hello. Pick up a little something that will make someone smile. Your contribution is what keeps those businesses around.
- 50 – If just ½ the employed U.S. population spent $50 each month in independently owned businesses, their purchases would generate more than $42.6 Billion in revenue* Imagine the positive impact if ¾ of the employed population did that.
- 68 – For every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.
- 1 – The number of people it takes to start the trend…you.
So the challenge is simple, choose 3 locally-owned businesses to support this month. An easy challenge, it can be a coffee shop, a restaurant, a landscaper or even an interior designer.
Doubt the impact of 1 person? Look at this illustration, showing how many people a simple drapery order could affect. First, there is the direct effect of the 3 people in my office, and then there is the showroom, usually another 3 people there. The UPS deliver guy, the drapery workroom (at least 4, the estimator, the seamstress, the scheduler and the installer). Directly, your single drapery order has touched 11 people. Indirectly, it is exponential. So while all of our supply chains may not be 100% local, the effect of your single purchase can be tremendous on the local economy.
So today’s challenge, buy local at least 3 times this month.
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February 17, 2010
The Luxury of a Greener Future
by Leslie Hassler, Houston Interior Designer
I’ll be the first to admit it. Green design hasn’t been the biggest focus for me. Most of my conversations with other professionals based outside of Texas go a little like this -
” Well, we are really excited about the work we are doing within the green movement. Is there a lot of interest in green design in Houston?”
Me: ” Umm, not really. We incorporate low-VOC type products, but we don’t get asked about green design very often.”
So because I am like you, when I don’t have the direct need for information, I don’t seek it out. But something has changed for me this year. It seems that more and more of our family and friends have been diagnosed with a variety of ailments and cancers. So in the back of my head, I’ve been thinking more about organic and unprocessed foods. In fact, I have 5 vegetable (small ones) beds in my yard so that we can grow some of our own vegetables this summer. But I also have thought about our exposure to the multitude of chemicals in our lives, and how we might live a bit cleaner.
But perhaps one event that has lit a fire in my soul was a seminar I went to at New Living, at 6111 Kirby.
New Living at 6111 Kirby Dr, near Rice Village
So what makes this business different? Number 1 – the people, Number 2 – the concept & Number 3 – the resources.
Let’s face it we all have a fair amount on our plates, so when someone is trying to make it easier for you, you take notice. According to New Living’s website:
” New Living is more than just a store. The idea behind what we are doing is to make the green building and green living movement accessible and affordable for everyone. We want New Living to be a community store that encourages new thinking, ideas, and helps foster a local green economy. We are open and look forward to the opportunity to listen and grow with Houston’s emerging green community.”
I’d have to say they are on track to fulfill that mission. The space has several work spaces, a great display system that explains the products, their eco-benefits and the investment level they require. But more than that, they have prices across the spectrum, enabling you & me to find a product that also fits our budget. The team at New Living has worked hard to also develop partnerships with installers who understand the products and their installation methods.
Let’s look at some of the products you can find here -
Solid Woven Bamboo - Sahara, available through New Living
Doesn’t look like the bamboo you are used to? You’re right. This is bamboo strands pressed together to create a softer look. I love the versatility of this product.  I love bamboo floors anyways, but they create a linear, almost modern or contemporary feel; where as this is a product I could use for a variety of styles and homes.
3form Ecoresin Panels - Capiz Shell
New Living also carries the “Organic” line of ecoresin panels from 3form USA. Just to be confusing, I am showing a style from the “Play” line because it was just too beautiful not to show. The resin panels are comprised of recycled materials, along with other materials such as shells and grasses. The uses for me extend past walls and cabinet doors, I can see end tables, backlit desks, coffee tables…oh the creativity that this product sparks. As a side note, I just figured out that 3form also manufacturer the Wovin Wall, a lovely focus I spotted at the new STRATA Restaurant in Vintage Park
Bear Grass Light, Organic Series by 3form USA, available through New Living
I am intrigued by how many Texas-based recycled products New Living has pulled together. Not only is there a locally-produced cabinet line, but there is also a locally-produced countertops. In fact, some of the recycled glass in these countertops has been collected from the Houston area. I find that many of my clients are interested in concrete countertops for their outdoor kitchens – this would be a great product to install for them.
Recycled Countertops by Texstone, available through New Living
So, I’m excited to say the least and am looking for opportunities to bring these new ideas into my home and your home. How important will the green movement be to you this year?
Luxury For The Home believes that true luxury is not about ostentation or expense. It is about simplicity. Sanctuary. Comfort. It’s the beauty that happens when everything, including you, has its own ideal space.
Are you ready to bring luxury into your home? For more ideas sign up for our newsletter, or to schedule a consultation, please call 281-701-2461.
February 10, 2010
The Luxury of Vintage Pieces
By Leslie Hassler, Houston Interior Designer
Well the unit is just about complete and the open house is on Thursday. My feet are exhausted, along with the rest of me. 
But it has been an exciting challenge to install the unit so quickly. It has also been fun to see all the other designers and their work. Really, if you haven’t decided to come yet, you should. There are 18 designers among the 6 units showcasing everything from Modern & Art Deco to Regency and Western – a feast for the eyes.
One of the last sponsors I wanted to share with you is Metro Retro, a retailer with an amazing inventory of vintage modern pieces. You can also find them on 1st Dibs and Ebay.
So did you ever fall in love with a piece of furniture at first sight? This chair was one of many loves for me. The design is stellar, the finish is exquisite. By Danish designer, Poul Jensen Selig, the Teak Z Lounge Chair is one of those designs that endure. I really would love a pair of these.
Danish Poul Jensen Selig Teak Z Lounge Chair - Metro Retro
What about this beautiful credenza from Thomasville? It is timeless and a great value, plus vintage furniture is a great way to make environmentally friendly choices. It has often been said that “Good design is timeless”.  Many of the pieces classified as Mid-Century Modern are the basis for so many designs in furniture today. If you can have an original, why not?
Vintage Renzo Buffet - Metro Retro
Ok, a sneak peek to one of the pieces in our unit. This slate blue suede settee is the perfect size for the breakfast area. Our space is a bit challenging, only having 8′ in width to work with, so this small-scale piece foot the bill. Since there is a dining room directly next to the breakfast area, we felt free to be more casual and playful with our table setting.
Vintage Italian Settee - Metro Retro
I do hope you make it to the Opening Night Party or the show, for ASID Showrise tickets, go here.
Luxury For The Home believes that true luxury is not about ostentation or expense. It is about simplicity. Sanctuary. Comfort. It’s the beauty that happens when everything, including you, has its own ideal space.
Are you ready to bring luxury into your home? For more ideas sign up for our newsletter, or to schedule a consultation, please call 281-701-2461.
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February 4, 2010
The Luxury of Quality Pieces
by Leslie Hassler, Houston Interior Designer
We are a little over one week away from our ASID Showrise project opening night and we are getting all the details finalized to install on Monday. I’ve mentioned one of our sponsors, Laura Rathe Fine Art in The Luxury of Urban Living last week. Today, I want to highlight another sponsor, Bo Concept Houston at 4302 Westheimer Road, 77027 (713-877-1900).
Quality of line, texture and form defines good contemporary design; much more so than traditional design. Contemporary design, since it is not a widely popular as traditional design (in Houston at least), is also not as widely available either. It’s not like you can pop into a Hobby Lobby store and pick up great contemporary accessories. You really have to set out to find those pieces. Bo Concept Houston is one of those retailers who showcases luxurious contemporary furnishings at an outstanding value.
Room Divider, Bo Concepts Houston
This is one of the pieces we have selected for the Showrise. This room divider in a chocolate-brown is truly a versatile piece. I love the asymmetry here and that we can style it to look stunning from any view in the room. Often times, we need pieces of furniture like this to help divide a large space into two different areas, like a living room & dining room.
Another group of furniture that Bo Concepts is great for is wall systems. Sometimes, hi-rise homes and condos come with their unique set of challenges, soaring ceilings, but no storage. It is up to me to find ways to accent the positive in a way that adds usefulness. This line, Volani, is one of several styles Bo Concepts has. I love that the pieces are modular and that you can use the pop of color to have a great impact on the space.
Volani Wall System, Bo Concepts Houston
I’d be doing you an injustice if I didn’t mention the lighting that they have to offer. Since our unit and the show is temporary, we needed to improve the lighting, but were not able to make any permanent changes. What a better way to add style and lighting than with this fixture? This image doesn’t show the true size of this floor lamp, the fixture is 73″ H with a 24″ diameter shade. What you also can’t see is the quality of the shade. There is a warm golden glow that comes through with this black shade. This is one of those things you just need to see for your self to truly appreciate.
Empire Floor Lamp, Bo Concepts Houston
We’d love to see you at the show! Our unit at The Commerce Towers (914 Main – downtown) is “Modern Sophistication”, and the show is open 11am to 5pm – Feb. 13-14 & Feb. 20-21.
Luxury For The Home believes that true luxury is not about ostentation or expense. It is about simplicity. Sanctuary. Comfort. It’s the beauty that happens when everything, including you, has its own ideal space.
Are you ready to bring luxury into your home? For more ideas sign up for our newsletter, or to schedule a consultation, please call 281-701-2461.
January 20, 2010
The Luxury of Urban Living
By Leslie Hassler, Houston Interior Designer
Well, if you follow me on facebook (Luxury For The Home) or twitter (@luxuryforthehom), you may know that we are getting ready for the ASID Showrise Project at The Commerce Towers in downtown Houston. The event benefits the Houston Downtown Alliance and ASID. This will be our first showcase project and we are very excited.
Based upon our designs for our unit, our space titled, “Modern Sophisticate”. The unit is a two-bedroom loft with a very urban view. We are designing the entry/stair/landing and the Kitchen/Breakfast areas. When we first saw the unit, what struck me the most is the very URBAN view. But after many trips to New York, where the view is not always the best outside apartments, I felt inspired to create a stunning view inside for this urban home.
I could see a very successful businessman calling this place home. Which meant that we need very tailored lines, a welcoming space for those pre-evening festivities and the Saturday night poker games. With that in mind, I’d like to highlight our partners for the unit who have graciously allowed us to use their products as part of the Showrise.
The first partner I want to highlight is Laura Rathe Fine Art on Colquitt (713-527-7700). I can not say enough positive things about Laura, Kathy & Carol – they are friendly, gracious and very knowledgeable about their art. If you have never been here and love contemporary art, you owe it to yourself!
That being said, I also wanted to share with you the beautiful art and artists we’ve selected. Pictures never do the pieces justice, so plan on coming to the show February 13-14th & February 20-21st to see it in person.
Christopher Martin - Dreamscape (96" x 48") Acrylic on Acrylic. Available from Laura Rathe Fine Art
Meredith Pardue - Pods VI , Available through Laura Rathe Fine Art
Ray Phillips, Face 37 43" x 50". Available through Laura Rathe Fine Art.
Katherine Houston, Chaos, 40" x 60", Acrylic on Acrylic. Available through Laura Rathe Fine Art.
Marissa Starr, Water Wing Teal Red, Mixed Media. Available through Laura Rathe Fine Art.
Luxury For The Home believes that true luxury is not about ostentation or expense. It is about simplicity. Sanctuary. Comfort. It’s the beauty that happens when everything, including you, has its own ideal space.
Are you ready to bring luxury into your home? For more ideas sign up for our newsletter, or to schedule a consultation, please call 281-701-2461.
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January 4, 2010
The Luxury of the Art Salon: How to Hang Your Art – Part 2
by Leslie Hassler, Allied ASID; AKBD
In our first segment of “How to Hang Your Art” we focused on ways to hang your art as a part of composition. A very effective technique, to say the least. But my most favorite technique for hanging art is in the style one of the great Paris Salons. Apartment Therapy gave a great history of salons (check out the historical illustrations). If you want a truly technical way to hang art in this style, check out ArtEmerging.com. (Who said design isn’t about math?)
But while I researched this idea a bit for you, it seems that this style of hanging art is hitting a resurgence of popularity. There are several manners of organizing your art that can tell a story or even provoke a response from the viewer, afterall wasn’t that the intent of many of the artists that submitted art to the Paris Salons?
If you collect your art along a theme of subject or technique, consider organizing your art in a manner that tells a story, or shows the evolution of a subject, artist or technique over time. But, perhaps a more thought-provoking way to look at your organization would be a study of contrasts. Done well, the contrasts do more to highlight each individual piece as it stands so closely to its neighbors.
Salon style of hanging art of Houston home by interior designer Michael J. Siller. Architectural Digest 2007.
In this first example, the art has a bit of an ethnic feel, showcasing Native American, Egyptian and African art. The consistency of form and color help create a cohesive display of art. I especially love the contrast of the ethnic art against such a formal traditional interior.
Ralph Lauren's Bedford NY Home. Architectural Digest 2004.
In this lovely blue living room, the composition and compression of space between the paintings and photography works superbly. All the “guidelines” I’ve talked about, consistency of frame, similar subjects, composition; are followed here. The reason this really works is because the guidelines are loosely followed, and mixed with an artistic interpretation of the guidelines. This example of salon style is subtle and invites you in to study each piece.
This last example shows yet another way to interpret the salon style of organizing your art. I love that this example is a small, cozy space with a library feel. Most of us feel that we need large walls to use this style of hanging art, but this shows you can accomplish it is small areas as well.
Salon style example in a small area by designer Anthony Browne. Architectural Digest, September 2002.
I love how the art wraps itself up the staircase, and is in every nook possible. I even love the portrait displayed in the bookcase. The composition again is successful because of the invitation to sit, study and enjoy the art.
That is what you are doing when you hang your art. You are conveying parts of yourself to visitors in your home. How ever you display your art – you want to make it invitational to contemplation and enjoyment. Consider the salon style of hanging your art as a way to bring luxury into your home.
If you’re ready to bring luxury into your home, we’d love to be your interior designer. Call Leslie at 281-701-2461 to schedule an appointment.
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December 16, 2009
Luxury Platters For The Season
By Leslie Hassler, Houston Interior Designer
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Festive Kwanzaa! Well, I don’t know about you, but my social calendar is pretty full this time of the year. And whether I am the hostess or the guest, I love the food we share even more when it is on a beautiful platter. With that in mind, I wanted to share a few ways you could bring luxury home with these decorative platters.
I love theses Michael Wainwright platters. The enamel work is beautiful, the colors are rich and the design really would work with so many peoples homes. Brie served on these platters would probably be too luxurious to eat! Well, maybe…
Beautiful Enameled Trays from Michael Wainwright, Almafi series
Michael Aram seems to be everywhere this year, but I love the simplicity of this platter. The olive branch detail offers a convenient handle, but the tray would look just as lovely on a fine cotton tablecloth as it would on a rustic linen tablecloth. Whether a casual or sophisticated event, this platter would serve you well.
Williams-Sonoma, Michael Aram Platter
This line is one of those that just takes my breath away. The simplicity and quality just shine. I might almost have a hard time actually using this piece, because I just want to stare at it. Want to impress? This platter will do that and then some.
Saks Fifth Avenue - Christofle - Silver Tray
I love pieces that are useful throughout the year. If your signature color is red, then these “Kyoto” platters with gold embellishments are for you. Red is known for being great to spark appetites and conversation, both ideal for your holiday gathering.
Neiman Marcus - Kyoto Platters by L'objet
Ok, not truly a platter, but functional and luxurious at the same time. I don’t know about you, but my serving area in my kitchen is limited. I love pieces like this that give height to the food I am serving, and take up so little space. A great alternative to tiered serveware.
Horchow, Nambe Table Server
Best wishes for you and your family this holiday season, travel safe, eat well, enjoy your family and friends!
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November 2, 2009
The Luxury of Composition: How to Hang Your Art – Part 1
Example 1 - Hanging Art as a Grouping. www.designholeonline.com by Interior Designer Jennifer Mitchell
 The first example shows the grid shape to the art display, even with the sprinkling of the candle sconces, the grouping is very uniform but interesting. Botanicals, Architecture, and Audubon prints make great subject matter for this large of a display. As a side note, notice that all the fabrics lack a pattern that would compete with the pattern created by the artwork.
Example 2 - Grouping - non structured from www.designholeonline.com by Interior Designer Jennifer Mitchell
 I really liked this photo for an example of how to treat multiple sizes of art and still hang the art as a grouping. This was very skillfully done and I feel sure that it took a fair amount of time to achieve the look. If you find yourself with inconsistent sized artwork and want to hang the art as a group, I would either grab some brown kraft paper, or a handful of paper bags. For each piece of art, cut a piece of paper the same size and shape. Label the paper for the piece of art that it represents, and tape the paper cutouts with blue painters tape on the wall. This technique does take time, but allows you to individually move the pieces around until you have created a pleasing composition. Before you pull the pieces of the wall, either take a picture, or lightly mark your walls with a pencil so that you can recreate what you mocked up.
Example 3, Grouping Art, by designer Jeff Woosley, as appeared on Southern Accents website.
 This example from www.southernaccents.com, shows the vertical columns of art hung very tightly together. Although the picture doesn’t show above the mirror, I’d guess there is something there, whether art or a decorative accessory. With the artwork extending past the mirror, there would need to be a piece to balance the composition.
Example 4 Grouping, by Shannon Bowers, Veranda.com
 This grouping of rosette tiles shows how you can group art around architectural details of your home. The positioning of the tiles, help to accent the stair case, as well as create a secondary grouping with the furniture. When you are also grouping your art to a piece of furniture, you are going to do raise the art composition up from the furniture, by at least 6″ as shown above, or have the piece sitting on the furniture as seen below.
Examples 5-7 Groupings, by Interior Designer Windsor Smith, Veranda.com
 I fell in love with this photo because there are so many examples of grouping shown at once. The first is the mirror with the furniture. This could be done with a painting, as well as a mirror. The second is the gold framed artwork to the right of the mirror and the third is in the reflection of the mirror, where we see two frames position tightly together. The repetition in this room adds strength to the overall composition, helping everything work seamlessly.
Next Topic: Hanging Art as a Statement
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