The use of works of art in Tuscan decoration
Bare walls just beg for attention. And luckily, these are the perfect places to display art and other decor. In many interiors works of art are added as a final touch. And just like accessories complete the look of an outfit, artwork completes the look of a room.
Whether you prefer traditional, contemporary, modern, abstract, or classic art, there are numerous options for frame types, mounts, and media. Most homeowners don’t want to make the financial investment to start a collection of original art…and you certainly don’t have to for a rich, original look.
Since my home décor preference and area of expertise is Tuscany, I will focus on a few options for creating an exciting environment that brings the beauty and serenity of the Tuscan countryside and lifestyle into your home. Works of art can, and should, be considered for every room in your home. None are too insignificant or remote to benefit from a beautifully curated piece of art. The way one treats the walls in your home is an integral part of good interior design and will ultimately bring you the most pleasure out of your room.
Wall colour: While you could spend days or pages on colors, types, and textures for wall treatments, I’ll assume this has already been done and you’re ready for your art. Just make sure you’ve selected a wall color that is rich (yes, even whites and off-whites can be rich), warm or cool depending on the size and purpose of the room, reflects light, and complements your flooring and furniture. For a Tuscan look, you can use any color from the palette created by Mother Nature… every variation of tan, red, yellow, blue, green, orange. This is your foundation and everything else will only enhance it.
Subject: The first thing to consider when selecting artwork for your room is the theme. This can be based on the purpose of the room, personal interests and tastes. Landscapes? Architectural? Still life? Wine labels or bottles? Inspirational quotes? Sports? animals? Wooden or iron bars? crosses? The options are endless and any subject can be framed and displayed in a manner consistent with the theme of Tuscan decor. Just make sure that what you select is something you’ll enjoy looking at for a while.
Half: Again, there are a multitude of media available including various textures and finishes such as photographic paper, watercolor paper, poster-like reproductions, fabric prints, and one of my favorites, glicée. Glicee is probably the most original looking, two-dimensional, true-to-color, and fade-resistant medium in reproduction art, and lends itself well to Tuscan decor, as seen in Roma Molding’s collections.
Each of these means has its place in the decoration and has its own merits that lead to its selection. Art prints, created primarily using offset printing, are plentiful, inexpensive, and found in almost any superstore, but custom framing can often offset the savings on this type of “art.” Usually you’re better off buying something you love that comes complete with frame and often other enhancements such as mats or fillets. Visser Enterprises produces hundreds of beautifully framed Tuscan-style reproductions creatively and beautifully encompassing wood trim, matting and purfling frames.
Framed: Everyone knows what a photo frame is… but, in many cases, the frame would not be complete without a mat. A mat or mat is a thin, flat piece of paper-based material that is enclosed within a picture frame and is sometimes used in conjunction with a fillet. A fillet is a small piece of trim that fits inside a larger frame or under or between mats. Both the mat and the fillet are used as additional decoration to enhance the look of a framed piece.
Picture frames have traditionally been made of metal or wood and are often gold, silver or bronze, either in its purest color form, antiqued, painted or gilt on natural wood. One of the most prestigious is made of molded or carved and gilded wood. A picture frame can be any color or texture, but gold or antique accents are common, especially in vintage or distressed frame styles that are very Tuscan.
Glass is generally used in framed art reproductions, with the exception of acrylic or oil paintings or glicée prints. The glass must be lifted out of the print and this is accomplished through the use of mats and/or fillets.
Picture frames are generally square or rectangular, although circular, oval, and arched frames are not uncommon. They range in size from the smallest 2″x2″ to large pieces over 5′.
With all of the above, consider the size and placement of the wall you’re decorating and whether you want one piece of art or several of the same or a variety of sizes, shapes and styles. There are a multitude of framed art reproductions available on the home décor market. Two of my favorite manufacturers are Roma Molding and Visser Enterprises. I encourage you to look to these two sources for great options in Tuscan decor.
Remember, sometimes all it takes is a well-chosen piece of art to turn a boring room into something extraordinary.