It’s no secret, maintaining a home adds value to the most-important investment people make, but many overlook how art can elevate and even express a unique standard of living.
“When you include original art in your home you have a home unlike anyone else, so it really has the ability to make your home stand out and carry your personality,” said Megan Hoban with Prairiebrooke Art Gallery.
The Overland Park based gallery is a leader in original art and knows first-hand how the right art piece can showcase a residential and commercial space. For more than 30 years, they’ve represented a wide variety of artists and have international, regional and local selections available at different price-points.
“Once you buy your first piece of original art, you know the difference, and you truly learn to value the art that's on your wall as part of the design and part of telling your story,” said Hoban.
Purchasing original art depends on the homeowner's taste and what they are drawn to.While some may have luck finding a piece on their own, others go to art consultants who can narrow down pieces catered specifically to clients. From landscapes, portraits to abstract pieces; the options are endless, but once found a piece can be a staple in a home.
“We really want our clients to love what they're buying and enjoy it for years to come,” said Hoban. “We want that art piece to be something that’s valued in a home, not just something you want to switch out in a couple of years.”
A perk some galleries including Prariebrook offer is the flexibility to bring pieces to homes, which not only helps with selection but also gives clients a better idea of a painting's size. As for framing, it’s best to select a frame that compliments the original piece. Often sticking to a traditional frame is a safe bet, according to Hoban.
Next is hanging, which can be a frustrating step, but a good rule of thumb is to have the center of the frame at 57 inches from the ground. Keep in mind, depending on what medium was used to create the piece, some paintings need to be placed in a well-shaded area or dim hallway so they don’t get washed out by the sun’s rays. Overall, Hoban says,, if you’re serious about buying art for your home it’s a process that takes time.
"It's not like going and buying a refrigerator,” explained Hoban. ”It’s something you need to have a passion about.”
It takes dedication and commitment but once the piece is yours and it’s proudly displayed inside your home, entertainment and appeal will come by easier.
“When people come to your home, your art makes your home look different from everyone else because you've gone through the effort to find an original piece of art rather than just pick something up from a big box store,” said Hoban.
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“Once you buy your first piece of original art, you know the difference and you truly learn to value the art that's on your wall as part of the design and part of telling your story,” - Hoban.
