Ask an interior stylist how to display small art

Whether or not you can maximize the appeal of the art you have acquired depends on how you display it. We asked interior stylist Masato Kawai for some tips that will make you want to try his hand at placement and combining it with other interior decor.

photo: Reiko Toyama / text: Masae Wako

Match the texture of the furniture and materials to limit the overall number of colors

If you want to incorporate art into your everyday space, it is important to make sure it blends in with the surrounding interior items, such as furniture and lighting.
"By matching the texture of the art and furniture and limiting the overall number of colors,
It's easy to put together," says Kawai Masato. It's also important that the art itself looks comfortable.
To avoid a cramped impression, make sure to leave enough space and distance between the surrounding objects.

POINT 1 Grouping the chunks

Masato Kawai's Shelf

"When displaying books and art on a shelf, think of them as a group of several books. Arranging them with art while leaving some space will create a neat arrangement," says interior stylist Kawai Masato. For stability, place lighter objects on the top shelf and heavier items such as Mihara Ken's stoneware on the bottom shelf. You can also lean the books against each other with their covers showing.

POINT 2 A conversation starter at the entrance

"Art displayed in the entranceway can also be a communication tool to spark conversation with visitors. It's nice to change it to match the tastes and personalities of your guests." The art in the photo is by Kawaida Takeaki. It's a mud stencil work made using soil and stencil paper. The coat rack was chosen to be simple so as not to interfere with the artwork.

POINT 3 Creating a "window" with photography and greenery

"In a space without windows, creating a 'window' by selecting artwork that evokes outdoor scenery or nature can brighten the mood." The photo collage of camping scenes was created by Italian architectural group Superstudio. Adding plants and green items is also effective. The lighting was designed by photographer Man Ray.

POINT 4 Display it on the wall that can be seen from the next room

If you're unsure where to hang your art, consider the view from the door when looking at it from the next room or hallway. "Matching the texture of the furniture and lighting will create a sense of unity and a high-quality view." The object that stands out against the painted wall is a creation by Sato Nobuaki, made by peeling, tearing and weaving parts of plywood. The furniture is by FRAMA.

POINT 5 Use a book as a stand

"When placing an object on a living room table, simply using a thick book as a base will make the art stand out and give it presence. You can also stack several books, or create a contrast by using a black table, white books, and black artwork." The iron object was made by metal artist Tanaka Jun. It has a casual feel and can be displayed casually.

POINT 6 Enjoy the variety of shadows

"I like to shine light on geometric objects and enjoy the beauty of the shadows they cast. If the shade is movable, it creates a more dramatic effect. You can also place it by a window and let the natural light cast soft shadows." The ceramic objects, which feature Pablo Picasso and Dora Maar as motifs, were made by Studio Pepe. The lighting was by Serge Mouille.

VOILLD: How to Display Small Artworks with Ise Kasuga

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