Tag: accessories

When Clients Want to Accessorize Their Homes Themselves

I designed the living room in this contemporary home to focus on the fireplace and amazing millwork. Correctly accessorizing bookshelves is very important to give a room a finished and sophisticated look.
Comments like these usually can signal to a designer that the project will not live up to the designer’s expectations. I personally have experienced this more times than not, so there needs to be conversation between the client and the designer throughout the project in order to avoid a clash at the end.

For the Designer

Clients usually don’t want to be told what to put in their house as an accessory, so the designer should start off with a discussion about what the client has and what they want to accessorize with, find out what their interests are and add that to the accessory scheme. Some clients simply don’t know what to do and don’t know what to spend, so discuss this and create a budget so they don’t worry throughout the process…if you can incorporate this in the overall project and accessorize as you go this may help your client to bring you into the process.

If you discuss art books, candles and candle snuffers, orchids and containers, plants, etc. this will help start the subject of accessories. Listen to what the client says in response, but let them know your thoughts when you select a piece of furniture — that this would look wonderful with “this or that” item on that piece or how this accessory would “make” the room appear more finished. Discover something they already have or something you think would be perfect for them and discuss the costs of this portion of the project and have them set a budget so you can find some pieces along the way…be clever, not expensive, so they see this aspect of the project is not so daunting. I had a client who inherited a lot of Asian artifacts during the middle of the project and he did not want to display them all nor did he want to get rid of them, so we created a small display area for a few items, but built hidden storage behind the display area, so he can change his collection several times a year…this allows him to enjoy the entire collection, but not all at once which would be too overwhelming.

Some clients don’t have any idea of what they have or what they need, so ask to see their dishes and glassware, table settings, placemats, etc. and ask if they intend to use these or are they looking to augment their collections. If they have something they like to collect, ask them where they want to display these pieces and direct them to the right setting. Often clients want to accessorize with photos of family trips and memories, so I usually direct them to put those items in a family place such as a master bedroom corridor or study, or a family space such as a game room.

Often, a client will put out something that is totally out of character or is really awful…instead of overreacting, simple let them know this is not the same quality as the furnishings they have now, and maybe find a place more suited to the piece they purchased. When I photograph a project, I often put things away because they won’t photograph well or are simply not necessary for the photo. I have brought in paintings, plants, etc. and usually when I do, the client sees their home as I had envisioned it for them and they see what I had meant all along. While they may not want to keep the items I bring in for a photography session, it can’t hurt to allow them to see something wonderful in place of the items they put together.

For the Client

Fear of discussing such a personal aspect of a project could ruin the entire look, so be brave and tell your designer your thoughts and listen to what they say in reply…you may be better off putting Aunt Betty’s purple vase away and using it in the spring for those spring bouquets — which would be more appropriate anyway.

For a client to say this to a designer is really a bit insulting….you can do my home, but I’m going to finish it without you…your designer needs to be involved in this arena so your home works with your artwork. If you don’t have any, determine with your designer what can be brought in, or maybe learn about art with your designer and you may be surprised to learn what you actually like. It’s a bit like clothing…buy the belt and shoes along with the pants, shirt and jacket so you will have a completed outfit and then bring in the accessories. Accessorizing usually brings in the final touches that make a project, so whether it is inexpensive or costly, it reflects your tastes but your designer can make it appear beautiful and you might see your old possessions in a new light.

Accessories, Accessories, Accessories

The Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann cabinet by Frank Pollaro with amboyna burled wood veneer showcases a stunning glass collection with pieces by Louis Marjorelle, Daum Nancy, Emile Galle, Sabino and Linossier.
All too often, a client will hire a designer and not allow them to either finish the project with art and accessories or the client believes the designer should not be involved in something so personal. This is really a “Death Nell” to the designer and possibly the project as well. Some clients have extensive art collections and will always keep updating their collections and this is usually a welcome aspect to the designer; however those who do not are wrong if they think this is not part of a designer’s overall responsibility. Most designers would prefer to carry out the “look” to the end and complete the original concepts.

For the Designer

Always, always let your client know if you want to work with them on their art collection, discuss your knowledge with them and whenever possible, show them art and artifacts as part of the shopping experience and always make room for this in the budget. If you are not comfortable in doing this, there are plenty of consultants with the expertise to help you bring this to a wonderful conclusion. Understand that art can be the most important portion of the project and can also be the most costly. Most clients won’t want you to help them do this, but you will need to learn what their intentions are about the inevitable results of having either bad or no art in their homes. Also, “Decorative Art” is usually terrible, so look for galleries who specialize in original paintings, antique pieces, artifact collections and learn what galleries are reputable and those which are not.

If you don’t do anything with the artwork, you may have your entire project slide down the drain when they hang those velvet paintings of Elvis…be forewarned.

For The Client

It is understandable you feel your art is personal…all of us do, however your designer can be a resource for you so discuss how you wish to handle this at the beginning of your interview in order for your designer to understand where you stand on this issue. If the designer wants to help you an you don’t want to have to pay for this time billing, ask if you can do the shopping and pass your ideas on to them for their review. While this may work for you, the designer has no idea of what you will want to hang and I have seen many homes be rejected by editors because of the art collections and unless you really know what you are doing and have invested yourselves in learning about art, your concepts of good art are not necessarily up to the standards of most gallery owners. It would be most wise to visit a lot of galleries and discuss their art with the curators and gallery owners to understand why these pieces are considered “good” art. Most of what you see will not interest you, but you will learn a lot and quite possibly become a fan.

Also, conventional wisdom prevails…if your designer has been in the field for a while, they have seen good and bad art and most likely will be able to guide you or at least point you in the right direction of a few great galleries which will work with what you and your designer are doing.

For the Designer and Client

Usually I would not buy a lot of art at the local art fairs, but Art Chicago or Artropolis at the Merchandise Mart has such a broad spectrum of galleries and artists, you can find new and emerging artists to well established artists as well as vintage works and a wide array of pieces ranging from paintings, tapestries, sculptures, artifacts and even new and interactive pieces to help broaden your viewpoint….It’s all good for you and your designer, so ask him/her to go with you so you both can discuss what would be great in your space…remember, your designer knows scale, color and has a style for which you hired them.

Currently Cannon Frank is working with several clients who have large and established art collections and since we have broadened their viewpoints with regards to antiques and high-end furnishings, they have also found their taste in collecting art has also taken an up-swing on the “learning curve”. They know the simple fact that there is so much art to see and to enjoy, and we are proud to have had this influence on them and while they still love to collect for themselves, we are consulted on most of the pieces as well as the placement and if something doesn’t work, they now are willing to “trade up” to items which will work best with their décor.

Art is part of the décor whether the art comes first, is a wonderful existing collection or is something you will endeavor for many years to come…just include your designer for a better overall look.