Budgeting for Art from the Start

What kind of artwork would give your newly redesigned living that just-right aura you’re seeking? Maybe a cute little print you picked up at an antique shop would do the trick. How about a $5 million Jackson Pollack canvas? They both might work well, but as you can see, the money is a little different.

Admittedly, this example is a little extreme, but I think we’ve all been there. Artwork is a key part of the design scheme of any interior space. The question that arises frequently, though, is how to budget for it. If you’re curious how to decide your spending on art in your design project, I invite you to join me and several of my colleagues this Sunday morning at a panel presentation on this subject. Discussion topics include:

• Budgeting or investing? Art can be a financial investment, so it may make sense to complete your interior design with artworks that are projected to increase in value over time.
• Aligning styles. While we are all surprised by a piece that just looks amazing no matter what, in usual practice, it’s a good idea to match the style of the décor with the style of the art. For example, a contemporary design goes well with contemporary art. Colonial style interiors are complemented by traditional art like 19^th century prints or oil paintings, and so forth.
• How to work with art dealers. The art world is distinctive, in both good and bad ways. It pays to understand what’s going on behind the scenes and driving prices up or down for a particular artist’s work. It’s also helpful to get a sense of when you should buy art at auction versus through a private sale or a gallery.

In addition to myself, panelists will include Sarah Walker, Heidi Woodman, Maryanne Hibner, Krista Nye Nicholas and Tami Ramsay representing the firms Curated House, Cloth & Kind, Haus Love, Hibner Design, and of course, Marshall Erb Design. Susan Jamieson will serve as moderator. Breakfast bites will be served.