Page 118 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2020

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE
story and photos by Holly Harrison and Shannon Stage
^ Sarah Harrison’s newest collection features Magnolias.
The art in our homes makes a statement about who we are and what we think is important. It adds color
and texture, creating an ambiance
and setting the tone of each room.
The right pieces of art create design harmony or as our mamas would
say the art “pulls it all together!” Art becomes the focal point of any room. If you are a new homeowner or starting over, begin with a great piece of art and build your decor around it. If you need something to refresh a space, the right piece of art can be transformative.
Original artwork can be a hefty investment but well worth it if you can swing it. Original pieces of art have depth created by layers of paint and rich vibrant colors that are hard to duplicate. But there are other options that o er beauty and value.
A giclée is created using a high-quality ink jet printer and high-quality canvas, usually with some cotton content. Giclées are an a ordable way to own a great piece of art if the original is not available or just not in the budget. A
print is just that – a copy of a piece of artwork. There are no quali cations on the type of paper, ink, or printer that is used. Prints can vary in quality and the value really is in the eye of the beholder (or the one that’s paying). Don’t let the absence of a signature on any piece derail you. Leonardo da Vinci didn’t sign the Mona Lisa!
Only buy art you love – the pieces that move you the rst time you see them. Consider buying a big piece. While it can be a little scary to take the leap, a big piece of art can add a “wow” factor to a home like nothing else can. Blank walls are begging for big pieces of art. A good rule of thumb when buying art for a speci c space is to consider that the artwork should cover about 2/3 of the length of the furniture it hangs over.
Don’t hang anything too high. Art needs to be enjoyed at eye-level. Art hanging over a sofa or seating can be tricky. Hang it a bit lower, about a spread hand’s width above the furniture.
Gallery walls will always be in style.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast thrives on art experiences. There are museums, festivals, galleries, and studios from stem to stern across the shoreline that celebrate art. So there’s no excuse not to surround yourself with inspiration and ll your home with art!
HOLLY & SHANNON
Holly Harrison has been a licensed interior designer for over 35 years. Shannon Stage has spent nearly 20 years in the giftware industry. Together they own Sassy Bird Interiors in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Harrison creatively mixes collected original art, with a piece her daughter Sarah painted as a child.
118 | July 2020
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