Suzanne Gallagher, Wall Design Diva

	Volume 3, Issue 2, May 2008

High or Low, Now you know where it should go!

In my experience, placement is critical and refutably the most important element in achieving the Fine Art of Wall Design. It can make or break an interior space. If the art placement is right and dynamic, the rest of the décor will follow suit. If the decor is wonderful and the art placement is wrong, the interior look will be compromised. Not only that; but the beauty of the art is compromised!

Hang art for viewing from either a sitting or standing position, whichever is done most in the space.

Hang art about 4" - 9" or a hand width above a sofa, chair railing, or table.


The art is hung too high. It does not relate to the sofa.

Wall Design Dilemmas

Dear Wall Design Diva:
We are ready to decorate our new home but seem to be stumped when it comes to art. I like the idea of starting the process with art but it is tough getting on the same page with my husband. He wants to be safe with landscapes and I am crazy for abstract fun art. We both seem to be attracted to blues and reds. But my preference is for the bold splashes of yellow and oranges, too. What do we do with our decor?
Stuck in Art Deadlock

Dear Stuck:
Your dilemma is very common. It is inevitable that two people living together will not agree upon everything! The good thing I see here is that you are in agreement when it comes to color. Yea!

It’s important to satisfy both of your tastes. Keep your hubby happy with a landscape like this one in brilliant blues and reds.

This beautiful image, Kismet by Ann Christenson is offered as a limited edition giclee print on paper or canvas.

Then add an abstract to please your wild side, one that repeats the colors in the landscape. How about this jazzy piece by Mary Ann Leff, When Asked if You Want to Revert to the Original-Say No? See how it blends with the landscape, fantastic!

The following suggestions could follow to fill up more of the spaces in your home.

Study in Orange,
Brenda K. Bredvik

Cats & Pots,
Kate Holmes

Spring Meadows II, Werbelow

Black Hat,
Kathleen Lack

Before & After

This family room was in need of a facelift. The photo display called for help and most of the other furnishings were just tired…

We changed the wall color selecting a “blue” that is has a more contemporary look and feel, painted the ceiling gold to repeat the color in the other living spaces. Then tackled the wall over the sofa. Now it is truly the focal point in the room, reflecting the owners’ passions (tree image) and priorities (children). The wall is generous and brown leather sofa of significant visual weight, so the art collection needed to be wide and prominent to balance the other items in the room. Voila! Now we can say "That’s it!"

Wall Design Diva "Sightings"

Start With Art! Seminars

I love giving Seminars! In March I presented my Start With Art! Seminar, concentrating on an overall view of art and the design process. The ladies of Lake Bible Church were delightful. We had a blast. They sent me photos of their wall design challenges for some specific wall design feedback. Here I am with Joy Roberts, coordinator of the event.

"I had feedback from several women who went home and made immediate changes. Changed lives! How great is that!!"
Jay Roberts

"I was fascinated with the comment of starting with art... it makes perfect sense even if you don’t change your furnishings, art can set the tone, mood and personality of the room... I love your style, you have such an enthusiastic demeanor and it is very evident that you believe in and love what you are doing. You shine with success!"
Laura Donaca Interiors, Portland

Left to Right: Josi Underhill, Bev Landfair, Suzanne

The Landfair Furniture and Design Gallery of Portland hosted a Start With Art! Seminar on April 26, featuring wonderful morning refreshments. A record crowd of interior designers and homeowners were in attendance. Drawing winners received beautiful photo frames by Roma.

"I so thoroughly enjoyed the seminar. Your presentation is filled with enthusiasm, humor, and of course knowledge. I have a new client needing art and your suggestions during the presentation helped me come up with ideas for her home. I spoke with her already and she is excited about the ideas."
Miryam Brewer, Designer

My book, The Fine Art of Wall Design was available for purchase for a special seminar price and of course autographed by the author!

"I highly recommend your book...it is packed with wonderful ideas and instructions. Well written and well organized and chuck full of helpful information. An incredible resource for the beginning designer and others who haven’t had much experience with placing art. Ooh La La to you!!"
Dixie Apperson-Marsh

Here’s one very exciting moment in the presentation, pictured below. Don’t ask me what that was about... good thing it isn’t fly season!

We must have been correcting the Wall Design I.Q. Test. The fun of these presentations is interacting with the participants.

Design Professionals and Retailers

Wall Design Diva Marketing Opportunity

Are you a specialist in art and the interior space?

Many of you have written me to say that you would be interested in licensing my newsletter and branding to use in your business marketing and promotion.

Please contact me if you would like to have more information about this opportunity!

New Artist and Gallery! New Book Retailer!

I am always looking for associations with artists and galleries and last month I found both in the same place. Carlton Gallery, located in the wine country of the Willamette valley in Carlton, Oregon features art by local artist Steve Taylor. Wine tasting featuring splendid pinots by Domaine Coteau is just a step away in the quaint tasting room adjacent to the gallery.

And... Carlton Gallery is educating their customers about art and the interior space by offering my book, The Fine Art of Wall Design! The Carlton Gallery, 503-435-7107, www.thecarltongallery.com

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