A GUIDE TO ENHANCING YOUR HOME & OFFICE WITH PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAITURE

DECORATING WITH PORTRAITURE

DESIGNING FOR IMPACT

The placement of portraits in relation to the room's furnishings is critical when their purpose is to create a dramatic decorative focal point. Whether the artwork is the central component of a room concept or an isolated accessory, all of the elements of design –color, style, composition, and size– must work together to complete the decorative statement.

ACHIEVING COLOR HARMONY

The portrait's overall color theme should blend with or complement the room's color palette. Carefully chosen clothing and background elements can add richness to the room's color scheme.

SELECTING A STYLE

The decorative intent of the room in which you plan to display portraiture will set the design tone for the portrait and help in your selection of clothing and setting.

DETERMINING SIZE

An appropriately sized portrait is one that dominates the space in which it is hung, but does not appear to crowd that space. When planning an individual portrait or a collection of images to be hung together, be sure to establish whether the space lends itself better to a vertical or horizontal composition.

CHOOSING THE FRAMING

Truly the "finishing touch" of portraiture, framing must be both complementary to the image –so as not to distract the viewer's attention from the subject matter– and an appropriate accent for the room's furnishings.

DESIGNING WITH CREATIVITY

Today's portrait photographers possess a wealth of artistic techniques that range from softening edges and adding text to creating photographic watercolors and color-tinted images. With each new technique comes a new opportunity for decorative creativity.

PLANNING YOUR ARTWORK

Giving life to your personal artwork begins with a planning session, during which you and the photographer or design consultant explore your ideas and discuss creative possibilities.

When the finished work is on display in your home or office, you will find that it serves as both a tasteful reflection of your individualized decorating style and a tribute to the ones you love.

DISPLAYING PORTRAITURE IN YOUR HOME & OFFICE

Families today are choosing to preserve their heritage and commemorate their lifestyles in photographic portraits that serve as decorative focal points in their homes and offices. When portraiture is a primary design element, it makes the decor of any location you choose more personalized and cheerful, or even more dramatic.

EXPLORING CREATIVE POSSIBILITIES

Portraits present an endless array of decorative possibilities that are as diverse as the individuals and families they reflect. They are appropriate as focal points in both public and private rooms, so display them where you, your family, and your guests can enjoy them every day.

CHOOSING SUBJECT MATTER

Portrait images communicate how we feel about ourselves, our world, and our loved ones. Their subject matter and settings are limited only by imagination: children as they grow, family times or events, artistic personal statements –all are appropriate subjects for decorative portraiture.

Your precious family photographs –new or old, original or restored– can become treasured heirlooms and decorative accents when creatively displayed in your home.

Because they reveal something about the character or the interests of the individuals who work there, portraits personalize the decor of office environments as well as enhance the enjoyment of those who work or visit there.