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DISPLAY CHAT A display provides information, insight into who we are. It may be information about the objects, it may be historical, it may be merely about the shape and color; the expression is endless. These table-scapes, shelf-scapes, wall-scapes are dimensional snapshots that elicit response. They provide transitional respites while integrating into the atmosphere of the room/space. The art off display, like painting a picture on canvass, is concerned with such elements as composition, color, texture, and movement. Then again unlike painting, its components can easily be manipulated. Without a need for a painter’s smock, this directness and flexibility makes creating arrangements virtually risk free. If it doesn’t look quite right, tweak positions, change elevations, introduce the unexpected, eliminate components ~ it is your vision, you are the artist.
From tools to buttons, sports paraphemalia to purses, curcit boards to lace, anything can be displayed.
Here are a few pointers to help get you started.
STAGING TIP: when selling your house keep the displays simple, purposeful, and uncluttered.
Theme: Although not necessary to develop an intriguing scape, a theme will define the display and give direction and structure to its creation. Like any good story it can be “in your face direct” or "obtuse with twists and turns". Nevertheless by having an idea of what you want to convey it will guide your collection choices.
Grouping: When grouping items, an asymmetrical or symmetrical display is the first consideration. Within that context sense of balance is generally sought with either approach.
Asymmetric displays reflect how nature actually is, random and chaotic. Interestingly though, this style demands more thought and skill to make the arrangement look uncontrived. Balance is still the name of the game but it is reached with odd number of pieces, varying in size and visual weight. (Weight is viewed by such fundamentals as height, width and density of color.) This time the imaginary center line is moved to divide the display into one-third and two-thirds in which to achieve balance.
Symmetrical decorating resonates with most people because one’s mind will try to establish order with what it sees. The symmetry achieves a restful, controlled and formal picture through one side of an imaginary center line mirroring the other.
Personal photos – If you like to surround yourself with photos of family and friends, you may find your home filled to the rafters with frames of all colors, styles and sizes. This deluge actually diminishes the importance and significance of the photos themselves.
A solution is to pare down by selecting a hand-full of favorite frames, Group by color, size, texture then play with combinations - looking for balance and interest. Like an artist gallery, rotate images in and out of the framed collection. The photos remain current, fresh and will be noticed.
Levels & Layers: Taking cues from any view outside the window, it’s the levels and layers that bring depth and drama to the scene. By simply dissecting the landscape into three layers, foreground, middle ground and background, one has an effective grid from which to build a display.
Objects in layers register particular properties regarding size and coloration that are useful when erecting levels. Background objects appear larger and darker, middle ground things seem little smaller and hazy,and items in the foreground look smaller and bright.
Color & Texture: These elements can be a welcomed beacon in amidst all the possibilities configuring a display. An absolute winner, every time, is grouping items of the same color together. It can be a repetition of the same object or a collection of things varying in size and shape but are unified by one color. This montage automatically creates a stylish and sophisticated look. Add a textural object to the mix and "BAM” you have kicked it up a notch.
Unexpected: What infuses “art” into the art of display is the knack to bring in a twist or a moment of humor to the scape without over powering or being distracting from the rhythm of the room. It is an art but one worth taking a crack at.
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