Art consultant Carrie Neely, founder of Art Loves, spills her insider tips to curate, collect and hang artworks like a gallerist
Interviews: Róisín Carabine
If you've always longed to display art better in your home, then look no further than these three top tips from expert Carrie Neely, founder of Belfast-based art and creative consultancy Art Loves.
1. The leaning gallery
Using picture ledges or shelving is one of the easiest ways to create an engaging art display. Also, the images can be shuffled around on a whim, changing the layout and look instantly. Take care, though, when overlapping pictures so as not to damage the frames, and consider attaching a hinge to more expensive artwork so it can lean into a hook on the wall for added security. Painting the ledges the same colour as the background wall can help the artwork to stand out.
Above: Wishbone-style wooden dining chairs, from €120, Cult Furniture
2. The focal point wall
Don’t know where to start? My Top tip is to start with the biggest piece, the hero print. Hang it centrally on the wall and work around it, keeping the gap between the frame edges the same. Plan out your design on the floor first to see how individual frames will sit together. Alternatively, you can download ready-to-print gallery wall templates with instructions and dimensions for hanging from Etsy.
Above: Vibrant Escapism AW24 Art Collection, prints from €6.95, Desenio
3. The eclectic salon-style wall
A gallery wall isn’t just prints and paintings; don’t be afraid to mix it up for an authentic salon-style gallery wall. Put a landscape beside a colourful pop-art piece and maybe hang a plate or a black-and-white photograph next to it. Mix frame and art styles and pepper with plaques, animal heads and curiosities for added interest and dimension.
Above: Knoppang frame with poster, set of 8, little things €45, Ikea
For the rest of Carrie's brilliant insider ideas, check out the November/December 2024 issue of House and Home. But if you can't get to the shops right now, why not buy a copy via our app? Find all the details on how to download it to your device here.
And don't forget to check in with the team on Instagram too @houseandhomemagazine.
