Designing with Portraiture

Designing for Impact

The placement of portraits in relation to the room’s furnishings is critical when their purpose is to create a dramatic decorative focal point.  Whether the artwork is the central component of a room concept or an isolated accessory, all of the elements of design- style, color, size, and framing- must work together to complete the create statement.

Selecting a Style

The decorative intent of the room in which you plan to display portraiture will set the design tone for the portrait and help in your selection of clothing and setting.

Achieving Color Harmony

The portrait’s overall color theme should blend with or compliment the room’s color palette.  Carefully chosen clothing and background elements can add richness to the room’s color scheme.

Determining Size

An appropriately sized portrait is one that dominates the space in which it is hung, but does not appear to crowd that space.  When planning an individual portrait or collection of images to be hung together, be sure to establish whether the space lends itself better to a vertical or horizontal composition.

Portraits are appropriate as focal points in both public and private rooms, so display them where you, your family and your guests can enjoy them every day.

Choosing the Framing

Truly the "finishing touch" of portraiture, framing must be both complimentary to the image- so as not to distract the viewer's attention from the subject matter- an an appropriate accent for the room's furnishings.

Choosing Subject Matter

Portrait images communicate how we feel about ourselves, our world, and those closest to us. Their subject matter and settings are limited only by imagination: children as they grow, family times or events, artistic personal statements- all are appropriate subjects for decorative portraiture.

Planning Your Artwork

Giving life to your personal art work begins with a planning consultation, during which you and the photographer can explore your ideas and discuss creative possibilities.

When the finished work is on display in your home or office, it will serve as both a tasteful reflection of you individual decorating style and a tribute to the ones you love.

As these examples illustrate a well-designed portrait, when it is properly sized, creates a decorative focal point that can add both drama and personality to any room in your home.