When working on an interior design project, there are two schools of thought on the subject of finishing a room with an art piece, especially a modern abstract piece of art.
Modern interiors using art with harmonizing colors in an California ocean residence.
First, like any other piece of art, the art should stand on its own merit as to what it represents as an element in the room. Art for art’s sake, as the saying goes.
Modern Interior with Abstract painting "Under Lines" by artist Mark G. Picascio
The second school of thought is that the art should reflect its surroundings by harmonizing with the colors of the space you are designing, to provide a cohesive environment that is relaxing. By no means am I saying to be “matchy, matchy” with everything in the room. Lest we should remember that famous joke between interior designers about the matchy designer who had a green sofa with pink polka dots in the room and then above the sofa put a painting of a crocodile eating a pig! Now that’s just going over board!
For the most part, connecting and harmonizing colors are a great way to finish off a room without adding any confusing elements that would keep the space from being clean and simple in design.
For example, you could go with a analogous color palette where the colors of the painting blend with the interior design colors of the setting and surrounding colors, making a subtle statement using texture and large proportion as interest points. Analogous color schemes use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel in the same family of colors. They usually match well and create serene and comfortable designs. Analogous color schemes are often found in nature and are harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
On the other hand, an interior designer might want to make a “big pop” or “major statement” in a space by selecting a piece of abstract art that adds impact, both in size and color. In this case, you could use abstract art with a complementary family of colors, both bold and distinct. In other words, colors from the opposite side of the color wheel from the colors that are being used in your interior. This can create a kind of vibration between two color palettes that will enhance the art piece and give the interior space that “big pop”.
Abstract art should intrigue and challenge your mind from the traditional views of the expected. However, at the same time, abstract should be pleasing in an emotional way that is very personal to each viewer.
There is so much more to abstract modern art than meets the eye and your modern spaces deserve the best that abstract art can offer, so when looking for abstract art, keep in mind there is a real purpose and meaning in the abstract modern art piece.
Mark G. Picascio is an abstract expressionist artist and fine art photographer.
View more Abstract Paintings and Photography by Mark G. Picascio
Abstract art "Between the Lines", by MGPicascio
Abstract art painting "Someday" by Mark G Picascio, in a modern interior.
Big, pop color in abstract art, "Fluid in the Moment" by Mark G. Picascio.
Modern art in interior with african sculpture. Framed mono prints by Mark G. Picascio.
Intriquing large scale abstract art in living room. "The Vine" painting by Mark G Picascio
"The Vine", an abstact diptych by Mark G Picascio
Abstract modern art with subtle earth tones by Mark G. Picascio
"Kenya Nights 4" by Mark G. Picascio
The Analogous Color Wheel
Original mixed media art, "Distant Lines" by MGPicascio
Modern dining room setting with abstract painting "Distant Lines" by Mark G. Picascio
"Elevated Lines", acrylic on canvas, by Mark G. Picascio
Abstract art in entry dining room area. "Elevated Lines" original painting by Mark G. Picascio.
Modern Interior with mono chromatic abstract painting
"Malawi River", original art by MGPicascio
