He was hard to miss. I was traveling and antiquing years ago north of Boston, in the incredibly quaint cobblestone village of Newburyport, MA when I stumbled upon an old red barn full of Antiques with the doors wide open. A treasure trove!

My find was an original, beautifully painted portrait of a pensive young gentleman, likely from the 1930’s, that just spoke to me. It seemed he had a story to tell; every time I look at the painting I wonder so he continues to engage. That my painting was only $40 was a score (!) and I later custom framed it in a design collection inspired by Brimfield for the world famous northeast Antique market. To this day, the portrait is one of my favorite artworks in my collection!

ART & DESIGN TRENDS | PORTRAITS ARE HAVING THEIR MOMENT

Long before selfies there was Portraiture. Portraits add such character to a room or Gallery Wall, and they are definitely having their moment in the Spotlight! It may be that the very texture and quality of an original artwork offers a sort of permanence and storytelling rich with quality in a stylish home. Curating portraits over time really adds an eclectic vibe to any art collective.

While designing Gallery Walls continues to be haute style, and art resources are so prolific, I see original portraits pop up everywhere! Artful living by design, indeed.

Pin-worthy Portraits offer an elegant, elevated or edgy look depending on your style or point of view. An original painting or intriguing portrait captures a moment in time with an abundance of character. And oh, the story’s they could tell- If Your Walls Could Talk!

HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU

I love how Artfully Walls uses a consistent Gallery Wall formula, always beginning with Portraits. I’ve long admired Michelle Adams, Editor of their Artful Review and co-founder of Lonny, a trailblazer in the online-shelter-magazine category, as well as domino magazine’s editor in chief. So it’s no surprise the Artful Review is one of my favorite art resources!

For tips and tricks when decorating with art - This recommendation works consistently in styling beautiful gallery wall or salon wall displays of art. AW recently shared these design tips with the Design Community and IVY. From my own design experience, I find this GALLERY WALL // DESIGN RECIPE to be perfectly on point!

Generally, there is better balance when larger pieces are hung on the left. In general, it’s been said that when heavier pieces are on the left, not in the center or the right, more colorful, signature items work well on the right.

// MID-CENTURY MODERN MIX //

// STYLISH SHELVES & VIGNETTES //

// WALLS OPTIONAL //

// SALON STAIRS //

// CURATED COOL //

// PICTURE THIS MODERN LIGHTING //

Of course, I had to seek out the National Portrait Gallery when I was in London! I’ve always been drawn to original art and portraits in all art forms; Ed Sheeran’s portrait by Colin Davidson is stunning in it’s depth of detail. The London art scene is quite incredible!