framing Archives - McKenzie Interior Design

Now that the Christmas garland is stored away for another year, you may be staring at your walls and want a fresh look in 2020.

Perhaps adding art has been on your list, so maybe now’s the time. Then it occurs to you, how do I find some art for my home? As an artist and art collectors, we get this question a lot. I guess when your walls are full, and I mean chock full, of art, I guess it’s an obvious question. We’ve got some easy tips for you, breaking it into actionable pieces.

Gallery wall in our living room as seen in Atlanta magazine HOME. Photo credit: Anthony Masterson Photography

Where do I find art for my home?

First tip, start local, explore your city. Now get out your calendar (digital or paper), as you have an amazing opportunity this month to see over 350 select artists in one spot at Spotlight on Art at Trinity school. Preview night is Monday, January 27 from 6 to 9pm. Another tip, make it a date night…it’s a very fun evening.

Many artists will be there (including Steve McKenzie), so as you are perusing the art, introduce yourself to them, ask about their process, say ‘tell me more about this piece’.

Cirque by Steve McKenzie which will be at Spotlight on Art

When I visit a gallery or show, I like to make a full run through of a gallery, then circle back to stop and ponder the ones that caught my heart. And that’s what it’s all about. What speaks to you. Don’t worry about investment, is it going to be worth something later – it’s about bringing joy into your life and home.
Two other favorite galleries are Huff Harrington Fine Art in Buckhead and Kai-Lin Art in midtown west. Sign up for their emails and get yourself out there, expand your horizons and see some new things.

Ready to go? Make a list…

Before you start shopping, make a list of places where you would like a new piece of art. Take measurements, even take a photo of the space. Does it need to run horizontally? Should it be a vertical? Could it be 3 dimensional? Keep this in mind as you look at art and remember you could always frame a small piece to be bigger. See how we added this vivid painting by Elias Rivera in an otherwise empty space!

Jill with a favorite painting by Elias Rivera. Photo Credit: CatMax Photography

Have fun with this! Art is good for the soul, mind and home. Show us what you find with the hashtag #inspiredtailoredauthentic.

Last week Jill had the pleasure of visiting the north Georgia countryside, full of fall color, to tour the This Old House The Cottage at Cloudland Station in Chickamauga, Georgia. Not only is it set in a picturesque valley, this 1,998 square foot house packs a punch with refined colors, textures and design, thanks to the talented designer, and good friend, Yvonne McFadden.

Here are some highlights and notes: Partial to these peacock blue cabinets combined with the Montclair Danby marble countertop.

Versatile seating in the family room, and that smart mahogany coffee table by Holland and Company with clever pull outs…must remember that…

Two inch thick stairs from homegrown wood on the property – conservation and recycling at its best!

Shot in the heart by this stunner! Black penny tile on the walls and white penny tile in the bath, combined with the black tile border, black pearl marble countertop, blue cabinet color and then the arrow motif stencil by Cutting Edge Stencils. Top it all off with a custom mirror, framed by the venerable Brooks & Black Fine Framing.

Outdoor living plays a huge part in this cozy cottage with a 10-foot-deep porch that accesses the family and dining rooms. Yvonne and her team continued the relaxed feeling outside with the colors, textures and wrapped the spaces together with the Franklin Iron Works Hickory Point outdoor light collection by Lamps Plus.

Make plans to visit this dreamy development this fall – pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, perhaps around the communal firepit, or the pool or the adult size tree house! Thank you to Vicki Bolick (The Ace of Space) for joining me on this mountain adventure. Happy Fall y’all!