I asked Pamela Smith, our guest blogger from the National Redesign Institute, who specializes in one day interior redesign makeovers, if she had some tips she could share with those looking for advice on how they can decorate with art in their homes successfully. She had so much great information that I thought it would be best to break her ideas into separate posts. Read on to find her tips below, and stay on the lookout for her other tips in the coming weeks.

Expressing ourselves through art has been a significant part of our lifestyle throughout history. Our interiors – from the bleakest cave on up – have always displayed some form of art. Yet I often find myself asking why now, in this art-filled day and age, do I see more and more interiors lacking this important finishing touch?

The rules are easy enough, because really there are no rules! Art, similar to beauty, is definitely in the eye of the beholder. No two people will be affected by art in the same exact way. Therefore, shopping for art does not need to be intimidating or expensive. Your instincts based on your style provide the perfect place to start. Besides, possessing just a few useful nuggets of art and style knowledge will help make the entire experience of decorating with art, a very exciting adventure.

Image: by Carol Woolgar
http://TheLydiannacat.imagekind.com

Tip #1: Look for art that moves you

There should be an immediate connection between you and the art. Does it inspire you? Does it elicit a memory of a happy time? Does it create calm in your stressed-out life? These are all important signals that you’re on the right track! Focus on styles, artists, or genres that capture the essence of you and your home. How you personally experience and connect with art should be one of your top priorities when deciding how to decorate with art successfully.

Have your own tips for how to decorate with art successfully? Share them! What has worked well for you, what have you learned from your experiences? The more knowledge and ides we can share together, the better everyone becomes.

Nate

Pamela Smith, one of the top experts in the quickly rising field of interior redesign, discusses having the proper perspective on trends:

“Are trends merely a designer’s opinion of what’s in fashion, or are they important style markers that add continuity to our lives? When asking for a definition of the word ‘trend,’ my guess is most would say it means transitory – like lava lamps and shag carpeting. However, I imagine trends as sturdier stuff, based on finding beautiful and appropriate core-enhancers for a home. Your home shouldn’t be all about changing styles for change’s sake. Trends are about adding in fresh pieces that solidify the layers around the core.

“Updating your home with stylish, new furnishings has never been easier. There is such a wide array of styles available you’re sure to find several to suit your home’s decor. Whether you prefer ultra-sophisticated, nature-inspired, Zen influence, or country cozy, each of these styles shows up as a trend in 2008. It’s an effortless way to redesign.

Image: Seeing Through by Tara Catalano
http://tcatalano.imagekind.com

Top Five Interior Decorating and Art Trends for 2008

Decorating your home is easier once you have decided on your art decorating style. This year’s hot trends in interior decorating and design feature natural elegance coupled with striking statements. Art and wall decor are major factors in 2008 and their successful use really sets the tone and standard for the rest of a room.

Follow these decorating tips to set your interior wall decor apart from the rest. You will notice trends that pair contrasting elements, colors and styles together in a way that creates a harmonious and peaceful experience.

Image: Burr Oak by Notley Hawkins
http://notleyhawkins.imagekind.com

With the Olympics being held in China this year, look for global inspirations to influence several decorating trends in 2008 including prevalent uses of Eastern, Asian and Moroccan styles. Zen inspired decoration is also prevalent in 2008 to help create a balanced and peaceful interior. Below are the top five interior decorating ideas for 2008 that are sure to help guide how you think and respond to art.

1. Natural Inspiration

The natural look of wood, metal and other elements found throughout nature is a huge interior decorating trend for 2008. Look for gentle greens, earthy browns, rustic silvers, brushed coppers, sky blues, golden yellows and other nature-inspired colors that will add warmth to your interior decor. Look for artwork that pairs the earth-inspired colors with a darker natural touch; artwork that features soft subtle colors accented with dark, woodsy and metallic looking frames.

Image: Harvest Moon by Peggy Garr
http://peggygarr.imagekind.com

2. Contrasting Colors

Look for colors that complement each other in a distinct way. Be careful though not to go overboard with too many colors that would distract more than attract. A delicate balance provides a striking appearance. Softer hues of white and ivory contrasted with rich tones and bright accents. Think soft colors with timely bursts of flare; Asian influences will permeate the color combinations throwing in bright reds, oranges and yellows amongst the darker, softer and muted colors. Look for art trends to find a successful balance of both worlds: soft with hints of bold.

Image: Red Key by Jarmila Kostliva
http://kostliva.imagekind.com

3. Texture

The ability to feel what you see is an important trend for interior decors in 2008. Mixing textures enhances the visual impact and adds a sense of completeness to other popular interior decorating trends for 2008. Think contrasting natural colors and textures in a way that adds luxury in a very dramatic way. Mixing traditional, ornate frames with contemporary and modern art trends is also an excellent way to enhance the harmonizing textured appearance. Look for wrapped or framed canvas artwork that enhances not only your walls but also your entire interior decor.

Image: Golden Brown by Hilary Quinn
http://hilaryquinn.imagekind.com

4. Simple and Sophisticated

Veer away from gaudy and overdone. Luxury no longer means more but rather simple and concise. 2008 decorating styles feature simple statements that enhance the feeling of tranquility. Creating a harmonious atmosphere that inspires peace is also a very popular trend this year. Homes and the decor used are becoming so much more than just a dwelling but should inspire a sense of sanctuary. Keep in mind, simplicity is not minimalism. Think using one word where others would use three; a sophistication of style; simple and relaxing, not cluttered and chaotic. Look for artwork that calms but is not lifeless; everything from landscapes to abstracts should gently inspire rather than confuse and complicate.

Image: Conch Shell in Color by Art Media Pix
http://artmediapix.imagekind.com

5. Impressive Impact

Look for wall art style trends that make one statement powerfully instead of many statements quietly. Use oversized decor in a way that makes an impact. Present one large focal point that can make a lasting impression. The proper use of impactful pieces is a popular idea when creating a harmonious and peaceful surrounding. Using large pieces helps shifts the focus of perspective of what is typically thought of as important; it’s very Zen. Look for massive art prints on canvas or framed that includes all the right accents to increase the dramatic impact the piece has on any home decor.

Image: Ironwork Roof by Justin Short
http://shortwork.imagekind.com

Related: Fall 2008 Art Decorating Trends

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Pamela Smith is a guest blogger for Imagekind and is one of the top experts in interior redesign and decorating. She is the owner of PSRedesigns, which specializes in “one-day interior makeovers.” We are happy to share her insight of new decorating trends and great tips on successfully decorating with art. Pam was a founding member of the redesign organization IRIS and is now proud to be a part of the National Redesign Institute as an instructor of interior redesign, real estate staging, and decorating.

Pamela Smith is a guest blogger for Imagekind who is one of the top experts in interior redesign and decorating. She is the owner of PSRedesigns, which specializes in one-day interior makeovers. We are happy to share her insight of new decorating trends and great tips on successfully decorating with art. Pam was a founding member of the redesign organization IRIS and is now proud to be a part of the National Redesign Institute as an instructor of interior redesign, real estate staging, and decorating. Read on to find her expert hints and tips.

Thank you to Rich Collins for inspiring this latest blog topic. It’s always important to know your audience. For me as a designer it’s obviously my client; but as a guest blogger for Imagekind my audience seems to be you, the professional artist! We are all in a similar boat, trying to find the optimal way to reach our target market. Hopefully my insights will help you gain a better perspective in how art buyers find you.

Image: Iron Creek Below Iron Creek Falls by Rich Collins

I believe there is a general perception that original art (I’m using this term loosely so that it applies to all artistic mediums) is an expensive purchase. The onset of giclee prints combined with the power of the worldwide web has ultimately created the perfect marriage, one based on affordability, diversity, locate-ability, and quality. Now, the question arises: If you build it (a web-based art house), will [they] come? I believe with Imagekind’s help the clients will come. I encourage my clients to look on quality art sites such as Imagekind and see what they’re drawn to (no pun intended!).

The client definitely needs to be the primary in this scenario. I never (she said emphatically) choose blindly for my clients! They must be involved. Plus, online viewing is so easy and can be done any time of day (which matters a lot to my busy clients), it just makes sense. And, as I am directing them to specific sites, they trust that I am helping them make good decisions at prequalified sites. I have never had any problems with this art-buying strategy.

Image: White Oak in Fog by Rich Collins

The beauty of Imagekind is that the art buyer is not only able to view art, but meet the artist! Rich, I’m going to use you as an example. I looked up your photography on Imagekind. I clicked on your name, got to see you, view your helpful advice, and feel like I started a connection. This is an amazing marketing tool – thank you Imagekind! This wouldn’t be possible unless I happened to live in your hometown and meet you at your studio (if you happen to have one). It’s this sort of touchy-feely, emotional connection stuff that I think strongly aids the sale.

I truly believe that the emotional click can happily coexist with the mouse click. It certainly works for me.

Pamela Smith is a guest blogger for Imagekind who is one of the top experts in interior redesign and decorating. She is the owner of PSRedesigns, which specializes in “one-day interior makeovers.” We are happy to share her insight of new decorating trends and great tips on successfully decorating with art. Pam was a founding member of the redesign organization IRIS and is now proud to be a part of the National Redesign Institute as an instructor of interior redesign, real estate staging, and decorating. Read on to find her expert hints and tips.

Art has a lot to do with connecting: connecting emotionally, visually, and viscerally in one very important triad between the art, the viewer and the environment. As a guest blogger for Imagekind, it’s my pleasure to connect with you, introducing you to some valuable information on art and your interior spaces. And thanks to the world of blogging, I hope that this information connects to a world of art enthusiasts. Thanks Imagekind!

Image: Van Gogh Giraffe by Linda Nordstrom

So, who am I and why do I feel entitled to dish out my opinions on art and design? Well, I’ve been involved in designing interior spaces professionally for ten years. I’ve worked in Southern California homes and offices, providing design services that have focused extensively on the use of color and art, as well as utilizing existing furnishings, artwork, and accessories (Green Design before its time!). That’s my forte. I’ve had the honor of being a guest redesigner on HGTV’s Decorating Cents, I’ve had my design work featured in Sunset Magazine, and I’ve been teaching for seven years. For more about me you can visit my website at www.psredesigns.com.

Image: Boats in the Sunset by Lieze Truter

For those of you unfamiliar with the term interior redesign, it’s the concept of using what you have in your home and getting an amazing new look, all in a matter of hours. But in any design (even redesign)  there’s the need for growth and change. And, it shouldn’t have to come at a budget-busting cost. That’s how I started my relationship with Imagekind. It’s a mind-boggling resource for designers and all art lovers! I am constantly searching for unique art pieces for my clients. Utilizing Imagekind’s online resource to reach and choose from thousands of artists from around the world is a very special opportunity indeed.

Imagekind has begun the thread for me. As I take it up I hope that it inspires you to join the connection. Together let’s weave an exhilarating tapestry of information on all things art!