Everyday Artwork: Design Using Items for Everyday Life!
Even after designing for many years, I get stumped from time to time on how to create an interesting and meaningful space for a client, or even myself. Looking for some inspiration outside of the standard photograph or painting, I spoke with a good friend of mine about what items he thinks deserve prominent display in a home. I loved his approach so much; I immediately wanted to write about it!
He spoke about people who don’t want to collect photographs or paintings, but instead “see the beauty in the things they buy for everyday life.” He likes to hang his “toys,” as he calls them, on the wall so he can be reminded of the things he’s done or loves to do. By displaying these items, they not only serve as art, but easy storage, and even a reminder to keep using the items versus allowing them to collect dust in a closet or garage.
If you’re stumped as to what all of these means, below are some inspirational photos to help get you started. The ideas are simple and easy to achieve. All you’ll need is an open mind and some hanging hardware.
A Place to “Park” Your Bike
Here is a great example of taking an item that can be difficult to store for some of us and making it work for you! Not only can a bike be hung on a wall for a pop of color and visual interest, it can be used to display other items, too. The Knife and Saw’s bookshelf bike hanger really helps to take advantage of vertical space in a creative way.
Skater-shelves
I think many of us are familiar with this idea by now, but yet we seem to forget about it until we’re tripping over a skateboard in our hallway. Skateboard shelving is super-simple; make happen in your own home using some wall brackets from the home improvement store. Just hang the brackets on the wall, place your skateboard on top, and secure from the bottom. Keep the wheels on for an extra pop of color.
Surfboard Artwork!
No need to bring in a coastal surf theme with a surfboard painting—how about hanging the real thing? For those of us who are familiar with surfboard storage, we know it can be a real space sucker. Rather than your boards sliding down the wall in the corner of your room or hanging from the rafters in your garage, put them on display. Vertically or horizontally, surfboards can make a great headboard, shelf, or static piece of art.
Music For Your Walls
Instruments are amongst the most beautiful items you can display on a wall, whether or not you have a square footage issue. Filled with dozens of intricate details and created in a multitude of finishes, just about any instrument can add to whatever look you’re hoping to achieve…. elegance, rock n’ roll, eclecticism… you name it! Hang the instrument directly on the wall with the appropriate instrument hanger from your local music store or take it even further with a custom frame or some fabric backing. If you’re looking to save a little cash, hang the instrument on the wall with a recycled empty frame around it to complete the look. You can even use some paint to display your instruments inside of some color blocking.
Part Two Coming Soon!
Kindersley Castle Building Centre
304, 12th Ave East (HWY 7), Kindersley SK
306-463-0066