Art Hound

When it comes to decorating and finding art, a lot of people have the same questions, “Where do I start? Should my art match my furniture? Or the other way around?”

To shed some light on these questions, Kelly + Olive, super cool Chicago decorating duo, and I have teamed up for a new series, decorate from the ART. The concept is simple: we take a room and show you three different ways you could decorate with art and accessories. We hope this will inspire you and give you confidence to do some decorating with art of your own!

Here’s the starting point for our dramatic black and white bedroom. Lauren and Courtney picked out these striking modern pieces: bed by Anthropologie, table by Room & Board, chair by Z Gallerie, and IKEA wardrobe.

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For the third and final version of our bedroom I wanted to go for a harder, edgier look. I chose graphic, jarring artwork that has a darker (albeit whimsical) side. Clockwise from left: “Obligation” by Ken Garduno, “Nope Never Maybe” by Jason Jagel, Untitled by Julian Callos.

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And here is round 3 of our black and white bedroom…

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To read about Courtney and Lauren’s amazing accessory picks, head on over to Kelly + Olive’s blog!

Part One – Part Two

When it comes to decorating and finding art, a lot of people have the same questions, “Where do I start? Should my art match my furniture? Or the other way around?”

Well, it really depends what you’re starting with. If you have art you love, then make sure any furniture you buy works with it. Looking for art but have great furniture? You’re not beholden to buying art that perfectly matches your furniture but make sure they complement each other. Another big consideration – what do you want to be the focal point of the room? Art, furniture, little doggy?

To shed light on these questions, Kelly + Olive, super cool Chicago decorating duo, and I have teamed up for a new series, decorate from the ART. The concept is simple: we take a room and show you three different ways you could decorate with art and accessories.

For each room we start off by selecting a few pieces of furniture. Then I pick out three sets of art that all work with the furnishings in different ways. And finally Courtney and Lauren (Kelly + Olive’s real names) finish the room with accessories that tie everything together.

To start, Lauren and Courtney picked out this swanky black and white furniture for our first room. These pieces are modern, bold and over-the-top. Bed by Anthropologie, table by Room & Board, chair by Z Gallerie, and IKEA wardrobe.

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So, for the version #1 of the black & white bedroom I picked out This Big Love by Christine Kesler and Hold by Langdon Graves. Why these choices? I was going for art with a soft and feminine feel that was still very contemporary and sophisticated. I love the combination of the blacks and grays with the soft pink. In this version it was important to me that the art not compete with the furnishings but be complementary and subtle.

Courtney and Lauren did a wonderful job finishing the room with bedding, a pillow, a blanket, an alarm clock, and a funky chandelier. All of the pieces are modern and bold without being outright loud. Overall the theme is feminine, delicate, modern.

Stay tuned for two more art choices and accessories for our black & white bedroom!