Gallery spaces create a feeling of calm. If you love strolling through these open, sophisticated spaces, you should know it is possible to bring this feeling into your home or workspace. There are numerous benefits to designing a room in this way, and the design method can range from affordable to very extravagant. It is important to budget during the entire makeover process. If you are planning a gallery-style space, the first thing you should do is consider the appeal of your favorite galleries. Is it the artwork or is it the bright, open feeling? If you want to highlight art in your space, consider using cordless picture lights above or below your favorite pieces that will be hung on the walls. A cordless picture light brings the focus entirely on the art when you enter the room.
You can also use this method for lighting sculpture or other pieces. Finally, make sure the other lighting in the room is soft and does not take away from the art.
If it is the openness of the gallery space you crave, empty the room or office and begin from scratch. You will probably like the look of hardwood or concrete floors. They should crisp, clean feel and serve as a background for your art pieces. The walls should do the same, so let the idea of an open space with the focus on the art guide your color choices. You can still choose a bright, bold color for the walls, but make sure it is consistent. The important thing is to create a canvas for your art pieces. If much of your art is bold and bright, red, yellow, or orange walls may be great, but the art needs to pop.
The same can be done with cooler colors and neutrals, as long as it is smooth and consistent. Once you have created a background for you gallery space, you have a choice to make about furniture. The furniture in the room needs to be part of the canvas, or be additions to the art collection. Choose furniture options that are art pieces themselves. There are plenty of handcrafted, antique, or custom pieces that are no different than sculpture or painting when it comes to artistic interest.
Evaluate your other pieces and let the feel of the art guide your choice. If the paintings are modern, the furniture should share this style. If you have more craftsman style furniture pieces, choose artwork that reflects this style. Once you are done, your space will feel like an open, sophisticated gallery room.