We know the art works of the artists but often we have no idea of the people behind the art work. Maybe we have read about their personality. But how do they live, what do they wear? Is their interior a reflection of their work? Not always. So let’s get inspired not only by the works of the artist but also by the house they live in. Be ready for some surprises.
Pablo Picasso, no doubt you know some or even a lot of his paintings. Did you know he was trained as a classical painter and has painted a lot of classical portraits before moving to Paris? He is one of the best known pioneers of modern art. He went through a lot of different modern styles. He was quite a character, you only have to read one of his biographies. He had a mansion in Normandy where he would spend the summers. A very classic interior as a background for modern art.
interior via Metric Design- curtain via Estelle - wall lampEarth to Sky Doshi Levien - Folded Tones rug by Enoch Lieu via A’Design Award - Jelly Pea sofa by India Mahdavi for Ralph Pucci - side table Blackwebwood Philippe Hurel
Picasso can inspire us to decorate a Haussmannian house in a modern way. Don’t be afraid to add some colour on the walls. Get inspired by his Cubistic paintings for the furniture. Combine colours as a real artist. Straight lines in combination with round shapes on a background with classical details such as mouldings. Add rich curtains to make this interior as interesting as Picasso’s paintings.
Georgia O”Keeffe was an American artist, recognised as the “Mother of American Modernism”. She was mostly know for her paintings of enlarged flowers, and New Mexico landscapes. She was married to Alfred Stieglitz, a photographer and promotor of American modern art. She divided her time between New York and the Southwest. After the death of Stieglitz in 1946 she moved to Abiquíu, New Mexico. Her house and studio are now part of the Georgia O’Keeffe museum.
bedroom via Pretty Little Space - work by Dominika Kupcova via Arts Thread - antique cabinet via Demode Furniture - armchair via Tumblr
The natural colours we see in her house in Albiquíu are the perfect background for a very relaxing interior. Add natural materials, simple lines for a minimalist approach. The barren and empty landscape of the desert shows us we don’t need a lot. Less is more relaxing for the mind. A more rustic minimalist approach for a very contemporary interior.
I love the work from Cy Twombly. I had twice the chance to see his work in an exhibition. First time was in Venice during the Biennale and the second time was in Paris in the Centre Pompidou a few years ago. Cy Twombly was born in The States but moved to Rome in 1957. He lived in a Palazzo in Rome and had a summer house outside of the city. His work was inspired by the Greco-Roman past that surrounded him, Greek and Roman mythology, calligraphy and contemporary graffito on ancient walls.
Vincenzo De Cotisi’s Milanese home via The Flair Index - painting Cy Twombly - armchair Chandigarh by Doshi Levien for Moroso - chandelier Multi Forme - Random mirror Julian Chichester - Adeline table Baker furniture Maharadja chair by Jacques Garcia Baker furniture
The grandeur of the palazzo in Rome, high ceilings, faux marble paintings, handblown chandeliers can be perfect inspiration. Combine classical motifs with modern shapes. An antique mirror will reflect the patina on the wall and will evoke a feeling from a great past. Greyish pastel colours will bring a touch of romanticism in the home.
David Hockney is an English painter, photographer and stage designer. He was born in 1937 and he is seen as one of the most influential British artists of the 20th Century. An important contributor to the Pop Art movement in the 60s. He divides his time between London and California. He is mostly know for his photo collages and paintings of Los Angeles swimming pools.
colored doors via One Hand in my Pocket - daybed Karen Philippe Hurel - striped rugs House & Garden - mural Wonder Walls - hanging lamp Flower Pot VP7 And Tradition - side table Totem Sancal
David Hockney is a great inspiration for a young and modern interior. Bold colours splashes on a white background. Simple shapes, straight lines. An un-complicated interior that will give you energy. For a modern soul who loves colour.
American artist Julian Schnabel is painter and film maker. He is living in New York in the Palazzo Chupi, a former West Village horse stable that he converted for residential use. His wild and expressive works were classed Neo-expressionism by the critics. He mixes different materials such as plaster, ceramic, wax, photographs and velvet. Schnabel became famous with his “plate paintings”, large scale paintings set on broken pieces of ceramics.
Portrait of Allen Moss via Artnet - interior on the left via Tumblr - hanging lamp Porch Miseria Ingo Maurer - Empire table Moissonnier - Carule chair by Jacques Garcia Interna - Leon chair by Jacques Garcia Interna
An eclectic interior were the past gets paired with color. A darker and intense color palette, graphical motifs, and some objects that will capture your eye from the moment you enter the room. Not an interior for shy people, but extrovert and bold. Not being afraid of matching styles. A theatrical way for decorating the room and giving it a lot of personality.
Can art inspire you to decorate your home? Look how artists or designers live, let their work and their home inspire you to create an interesting interior without following trends.
Don’t miss any of my blog posts! Follow me on my FB page, or Bloglovin' or even better subscribe to my newsletter and get tips for travel, exhibitions, recipes and things I discovered during the week.