Choosing Art for a Personally Dynamic Home with Rachel Loos

Rachel Loos on the Slow Style Home podcast

Today is all about art.  I think art is the one aspect of a home that’s critical to creating your signature style, and it’s probably obvious why.  There is nothing that reflects who you are as deeply as what you choose to hang on your walls.  My guest today is Rachel Loos, author of the book “Art At Home,” where you’ll find both practical information about finding, purchasing and hanging art, as well as inspiration from homes that are filled with it.  Rachel has taken something that is completely subjective in terms of taste and appeal and made it make a bit more sense in terms of how we might all become collectors according to our own personal narratives.  Here’s Rachel. 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Discover the power of collecting and curating art to create a personalized and meaningful living space.

  • Learn how to mix different styles and elements in art and design to create a beautifully eclectic and balanced home.

  • Understand the value of art beyond monetary worth and appreciate the emotional and aesthetic significance it can bring to your home.

 
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box with art. It can be something you already have and don’t know how to display, like old illustrations from a book, or even everyday items like cutting boards. Be creative and make it your own.
— Rachel Loos
 

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY RACHEL LOOS

 

KEY MOMENTS - TIMESTAMPED

00:00:00 - Introduction
Rachel Loos explains her motivation for writing the book and the need for a comprehensive guide to collecting and curating art in the home.

00:01:26 - The Personal Nature of Art
Rachel discusses the personal nature of art and how individual taste plays a role in collecting and displaying artwork. She emphasizes that it's important to have confidence in your own preferences and not be swayed by others' opinions.

00:02:32 - Collecting Art from Travel
Rachel shares her own experience of collecting art while traveling and the significance of these pieces as a way to remember the places she has visited. She encourages others to do the same and incorporate travel mementos into their art collections.

00:04:40 - The Purpose of the Book
The host and Rachel discuss the purpose of the book as a comprehensive resource for art collecting. They highlight the importance of gaining confidence and overcoming intimidation when starting an art collection, and how the book covers every aspect of the process.

00:07:49 - Examples of Artful Homes
Rachel highlights two examples from the book, Sandro Barrio von Herta's home and Dorthist's home. She describes how these homes showcase the personal style and preferences of the residents through their art collections. She also mentions the importance of incorporating art into the overall aesthetic of the home.

00:14:03 - Creating Moody and Glamorous Spaces
The guest discusses how to transform a dark house into a moody and glamorous space by using a mix of eclectic elements, such as glass chandeliers and Moroccan and Persian rugs. The goal is to create a space that captivates and distracts from the lack of natural light.

00:14:37 - The Modern Aesthetic of June and David Rosenkild's Home
The guest describes the home of June and David Rosenkild, which is light, bright, and modern in terms of artwork and furniture styles. June, who used to work in a gallery, started collecting smaller art pieces and realized that art can be affordable. The artwork in their home serves as a central focus and reflects their modern aesthetic.

00:16:07 - Unique Art Displays in June's Home
The guest highlights how June strategically displays artwork in different rooms of her home. In the relaxed living room, a calming pink and gold piece complements the serene mood. In the formal living room, an artwork spans the corner of the room after June proposed the idea to the artist. The unique display adds interest and wraps into the corner.

00:19:59 - Mastering the Mix and Creating Cohesion
The guest emphasizes that there are no strict rules when it comes to mixing different elements in home decor. It's important to consider color, shape, and how pieces speak to one another. Different frames can work together as long as they don't clash. Creating a cohesive look may be a gradual process of

00:27:37 - The Power of Art in Home Decor
The guest emphasizes the inspiration and possibilities that art offers for creating a personalized and meaningful home. She highlights the importance of using art to reflect one's identity and create a space that brings joy and tranquility, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

00:28:16 - Creative Display Ideas
The guest describes a creative display she found in the book, featuring ephemera arranged on a slanted ceiling with string lights outlining the shape of the wall. This example demonstrates the endless possibilities of how art can be showcased to create moments of surprise, delight, and reflection.

00:28:45 - The Significance of Home and Art
The conversation highlights the increased importance of the home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guest emphasizes the role of art in creating a space that reflects one's identity and brings happiness and calm. She encourages everyone to embrace art as a means of self-expression.

00:29:35 - The Universality of Art
Both the host and guest agree that art is for everyone. They express gratitude for the guest's guidance and encouragement in using art to transform homes, making it accessible and meaningful to all individuals.

00:29:49 - Conclusion and Thanks
The host thanks the guest for the insightful conversation and praises her for capturing the essence of utilizing art in home decor. The conversation concludes on a positive note, with both participants expressing gratitude and enjoyment for the discussion.

 

FULL TRANSCRIPT

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Light, Texture & Embracing Imperfection: The Design Philosophy of Sarah Solis

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