I am working on this fabulous loft in Yaletown (to be unveiled in September) for one of my equally fabulous clients, Kareen Zimmer and I mentioned her in this post when we talked about the colours we chose and why?
The artwork was just installed last week, (photos from her travels around the world, sample above) as the photo shoot is this Monday, but here’s a sneak peak at the dining room side of the loft.
Most of the walls stayed white as she is renting this loft, but the fixed colour in the space was the yellowy beige carpeting, which I repeated in the fabric we selected for the drapes and the striped parsons chairs.
Up until last week, I have always hung all the artwork for my clients but I knew hanging 12 pieces, perfectly on this wall would have taken me forever, so I googled ‘Art Installation, Vancouver’ and found Kent Southwell (above).
When he got there I said “Where have you been all my life?” he said “Waiting for you to call me!” Then I mentioned that [on-line] it looked like he was the only guy in town that specialized in hanging artwork and he said “No I’m the only one that does website optimization!” So smart!
Designers have been using IKEA’s RIBBA frames for years to create maximum drama for less! You can display the matt and photo at the front or back of the frame which means it also works as a shadow box if you wanted to display a collection of shells, or coins or even plates!
I learned how to hang art symmetrically and perfectly (without a single mistake) that day, but I would still hire Kent to do it for me next time. Watching a professional do their job reminds me of my favourite quote by a commenter “Hire a professional for everything you can’t do professionally yourself”. So much easier!!
It was Kareen’s sisters kitchen that got my blog into the Washington Post Blog Watch for the second consecutive week in a row back in March, and now Kareen’s loft is going to be famous as well!
After – All photos by Maria Killam Colour & Design
I was so happy with Kareen’s photos and she is thrilled to finally have her travel photos on display! See the finished space here.
Related posts:
Warning: You are the Colours in your Home
Great job, Maria. Being involved with a Photography Gallery I know the difficulties of properly arranging and hanging pictures, but some tools help a lot and of course calling a professional, like in this project.
Looks fab!!! And it's great that Kareen will be able to enjoy her beautiful travel pics 🙂
I did a similar frame layout in our hallway, 3 pics x 3 pics. My hubby did a great job of getting them all even 🙂
Kelly
Looks great! There certainly is power and presence in a large grouping like that, just what the space needed.
This is a wonderful composition! I think it is safe to say, "it is an art to hang Art". 🙂
Out of curiosity, about how long did it take Kent to hang them?
What a beautiful job you have done, especially considering it is a rental. Does it not just kill you not to be able to paint those walls?
The grouping of photos has inspired me and of course, I have been avoiding dealing with hanging a similar grouping because of how tedious it is! Your guy did a great job!!What a wonderful new source for you.
Is that Kent good or what? He did a fabulous job, and so did you. Can't wait to see the Pro photos that I'm hoping will show more rooms in this Loft.
It looks great and amen! that the frames are all in unison…I go nuts when I see all different colored frames on the same wall :o) Have a great 4th of July!
Maria ~ That looks fantastic! With those pictures you don't even realize the white wall behind them. I love having photos hang in a series like that, but I dread having to be the one to hang them.
Hi MrsBen,
It took him just 2 hours!!
Thanks for your comment!
Maria
Looking fabulous!!!
Amazing look on a tall wall, love the use of color in the art, 3 colours in the drapes and the green vases…there is always a way to get colour in!
Great post, Maria
Beautiful work, Maria.
Your client must be thrilled .
Her beautiful photography is now a fantastic focal point in her home. I love the way the dark frames look against the white wall and compliment the dining table and lamp.
It's always a treat to see your work.
xo
Brooke
Love those pictures there! And good for you for hiring a prof!
I always find new and interesting things on your blog. A professional for hanging artwork! I believe we should all be able to do what we love and the money will follow, and I am so proud of you, Maria, how you have done that with your color and design business, but hanging artwork for living! I would have never thought! That's great! Maybe one day I will make my living as a writer! Please, go check out my new post and find out what I'm up to!
thank you for this post! I am going to ikea.com right now!
Gorgeous …wha a great job
!
Maria,
Fun project, great client, professional picture hanger, who could ask for anything more! The photos add a burst of excitment, color and modern twist in the room.
Fun, fun!
Bette
Hanging those photos was a great way to spend a Saturday morning.
Of course I wouldn't recommend trying this yourself…
It could end in tears.
ALWAYS hire a professional.
Maria was great to work with, and I look forward to working on future projects with her.
What a focal point. Lovely job.
X
V
that is a wonderful way to deal with such a large space! it is very beautiful. i’ve always liked those types of arrangements… i’m just not sure i would have thought of it as a solution for this wall. good job!
ps. not so sure about the little ones going up the stairs on the very same wall…
Lovely post, and great idea for displaying the client's art. The height of the artwork really complements and accentuates the height of the room. I have those frames (in white) in my own house, they really are the best.
Maria… this looks terrific! I've always loved the look of grouping photos or art this way and hope to do something similar in my place… that is, if I EVER get to the hanging art phase of things!
I think what I love best about this particular grouping = oftentimes you see this look with black & white prints. Utilizing all of Kareen's travel pics in colour meant that you were able to bring splashes of much needed colour to this large wall. Fab!
Victoria @ DesignTies
looks beautiful Maria!!!! LOVE LOVE!!!
i just recently did a very similar install on a stairway— definitely had to hire someone too hahah
My two cents for what it's worth. Hanging small photos that high does not offer the viewer much in the way of a viewing experience.
Just stumbled across your blog and wanted to say hi. Love this post