Decorating & Design
Trending Now: Smalls — Try Tiny Art To Make A Big Statement
Author: Talia Hart
Published on February 1, 2023
Sometimes the smallest moments can have the biggest impact. “While something large shouts for attention and becomes unmissable, it’s the small piece that often draws me in because, to fully appreciate the work, you have to get up close and experience it one-on-one,” says H&H columnist and art advisor Diana Hamm. You don’t need acres of wall space for a small piece of art, so they can fit in kitchens, shelves, compact foyers and small bathrooms. See how designers and artists master the art of playing with scale. Scroll down!
In fashion stylist Erica Wark’s compact foyer, an antique mirror that acts as art may seem off-kilter on the vent hood, but feels right at home in her Victorian home that’s packed with vintage finds and unexpected moments.
Photographer: Patrick Biller
Source: House & Home
Designer: Tom Design Studio
Here, Tom Design Studio plays with scale, juxtaposing a huge gilt mirror with a small contemporary piece.
Photographer: Patrick Biller
Source: House & Home , Art from Art Interiors
Designer: Tom Design Studio
In designer Nyla Free’s bathroom, art she made as a teenager has pride of place above the freestanding tub, along with a vintage chandelier that once hung in her grandparents’ dining room.
Photographer: Phil Crozier
Source: House & Home
Designer: Nyla Free
A small painting draws focus to make a camouflaged cabinet seem all the more invisible. Designer Colette van den Thillart calls this chartreuse dining room an “electric box.”
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home
Designer: Colette van den Thillart
Stacked pastoral paintings are a perfect fit in a bathroom bathed in Cushing Green by Benjamin Moore.
Photographer: Sylvie Li
Source: House & Home
Designer: Laurence Pons Lavigne and Mélanie Cherrier, Blanc Marine Intérieurs
Not all art has to be hung at eye level. Here a petite work is grounded by a vintage chair, which doubles as a nightstand.
Photographer: Sylvie Li
Source: House & Home
Designer: Laurence Pons Lavigne and Mélanie Cherrier, Blanc Marine Intérieurs
A vintage floral painting dresses up a vent hood and is further elevated by brass wall sconces.
Photographer: Mary McNeill-Knowles
Source: House & Home
Products: Painting, What's Lost and Found
Designer: Christi Rivard and Jessica Allerton
Every room needs a hit of black according to Lynda Reeves. In her lakehouse guest room, a bold black frame and lampshade are subtle, but emphasize the artwork and accessories.
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: House & Home
Designer: Lynda Reeves
Open shelves are an ideal spot to display smaller works. This homeowner’s art adorns floating shelves above her bar area, while cubbies under the counter stash art supplies. “Every house has a personality and a history — just like a person — and I wanted where I lived to feel that way,” she says.
Photographer: Jacob Snavely
Source: House & Home
Designer: Ruchi Agrawal Mohan