Joanna James
Whether built or bought, modern or ancient, temporary or permanent, one’s abode needs to reflect one’s personality and preferences. Art and interior decorations are a simple yet powerful way to make a space your own.
Art or any form of ornamentation should help to make the room its placed in larger, and airier and add colour or an element of light. The orientation, size and colour of the painting have a strong bearing on the suitability of a piece of art in a particular space. Certain walls which are tall or wide require large paintings but to avoid the room becoming too cluttered, lighter shades can be picked or images which seem to be at a distance. The darker colours with distinct images need to be placed on walls that have ample space to occupy the heavy painting. Paintings should also be placed based on their artistic value such that visitors can admire the aesthetic.
Having some amount of uniformity or pattern can help elevate the appearance of your house and bring in a touch of class. Sri Lankan artists' paintings are renowned for their charm and relative similarity in style. Combining two artists for the indoor spaces and outdoor spaces or living spaces and personal spaces is acceptable but one must be watchful so as not to define a completely different aesthetic in different parts of the house unless it is supported by similar deviations in the layout and architectural design.
One may spend a fortune to buy a timeless painting similar to what is displayed at the Sri Lankan Art Gallery, yet, if it does not complement the style and theme of the house, it would do little justice to the walls and interior. Step back, and take a long look at the walls, the ornaments, the structure, layout and design of your house before wandering off to make a purchase. Open-layout houses need more modern or abstract art while houses with a traditional appearance skew towards cubism and rustic houses look best with impressions or black-and-white images.
Above all, each piece of art in your house needs to reflect the inner you and make the entire ensemble one that you are grateful for every day. The brightness of your outlook or the softness in your voice, the enchanting smile on your lips or the shyness in your eyes should be at peace with the works of art that adorn the walls. Be bold with the paintings if they reflect your personality or choose something more subdued if you are someone who appreciates more modest drawings.
If you have kids and want to instil in them an appreciation for arts, crafts and the like, this is one of the best ways to expose them to the world of arts. Let them join you when you pick up your next masterpiece and teach them how art is an expression of thoughts. Help them to interpret the meaning that the artist tries to convey through his or her creation and encourage them to choose pieces that are close to their heart for their rooms.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
