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Design Recipes: How to find the perfect place for big art statements

By Cathy Hobbs
Tribune News Service

Whether your home is small or large, artwork can often make or break a room. Artwork for many is often the icing on the cake. But what are some of the best ways to create a stunning look, especially when it comes to creating art solutions that are larger in scale? The answer may lie in bringing in artwork that is smaller in scale and even mirrors.

Here are some top designer hacks for creating big art solutions.

Artwork placed vertically helps create the look of a single, large art piece.

Do:

1. Use identical or similar artwork in a series. This is one of the best ways to create a diptych (two pieces of art in a series) or a tryptic (three in a series).

2. Consider using a grouping of smaller art pieces or mirrors to fill a space or wall.

3. Frame artwork in identical frames. This technique will help you to be able to place artwork side by side for a seamless cohesive look.

4. Hang artwork both vertically and horizontally to make a big art statement. Similar or identical artwork can feel like a single art piece when hung side by side or one on top of the other.

5. Look for art moments without overdoing it. For example art along or at the end of a hallway or stairwell can help make a bold statement.

Two pieces of bright artwork in a series perks up a family room.

Don’t:

1. Be afraid to experiment with color. While neutral colors such as black and white can be impacting, so can the bold use of color.

2. Overlook alternatives to artwork such as mirrors. Mirrors placed in a series can make a bold and impactful statement.

3. Be afraid to hang artwork above a bed. This can help add a finishing touch of color or texture.

4. Hang large artwork too close to a ceiling. In general, many people hang their artwork too low or too high. A general rule of thumb is to hang artwork so the center point is at 5 feet.

5. Use artwork that is too small or too large in scale for your room.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at www.cathyhobbs.com .