The Frame Game: Choosing the Perfect Frame for Your Scandinavian or Mid-Century Modern Home
Photograph by George Groves
Unveiling the Art of Framing
Have you ever walked through a gallery and seen a stunning piece of art, only to be left a little underwhelmed by the frame? As a fellow art lover and artist myself, I understand entirely. The frame is like a piece of furniture for your artwork; it should enhance the piece's beauty and resonate with the style of the room it will eventually call home.
This is especially true for my new collection, Bottle & Branch. Inspired by the natural world, these pieces feature vibrant colours and intricate details that will look perfect in a contemporary Scandinavian-inspired or mid-century modern home. But how do you choose the right frame to complement the artwork and interior design?
Photograph by Kate Cullen
Ditch the Discount Frames, Invest in Quality
Think of a frame as an investment. A cheap frame can detract from the overall quality of your artwork. For an artist like myself, who comes from a background in design, I understand that every element in a space deserves attention to detail. Spend what you can afford, but prioritise quality. Here's why:
Preservation: A well-made frame protects your artwork from dust, moisture, and UV rays, ensuring it stays vibrant and beautiful for years. Cheap frames often use acidic materials that can damage the artwork over time.
Professional Finish: A professional framer uses specialised techniques and materials to create a clean, polished look. This adds a touch of sophistication that most DIY jobs simply can't replicate.
Customisation: Professional framers offer a variety of frame styles, matting options, and glazing materials. This allows you to create a customised look that perfectly complements your artwork and décor.
“Custom framing can provide access to a wide selection of frame styles, materials, and matting choices. Enlisting the expertise of a custom framer can assist you in choosing the perfect frame options and creating a well-chosen and crafted frame which adds a polished, professional look to your art, making your artwork truly shine.”
Professional Framers: Your Artwork's Best Friend
While many DIY framing options are available, consider the expertise of a professional framer for something as unique as an original piece of art. Look for a certified framer with a Fine Art Trade Guild Certificate – this ensures they're qualified experts who can advise you on the best way to preserve and showcase your artwork. Knowing your artwork is in the hands of a skilled professional can also give you valuable peace of mind.
“Custom framing is an investment that can enhance your artwork’s beauty, value, and longevity. It can protect your artwork by ensuring archival materials safeguard it from dust, light damage, and other damaging environmental factors.”
Photograph by George Groves
From Neutrals to Nuance: Framing for Individuality
In the past, I often relied on neutral or white frames. While lighter-toned frames with subtle details like a chamfer or step can create a clean, contemporary look that's ideal for showing work at an exhibition, there's a danger they can be too generic. These days, I take a more individual approach, tailoring the frame to each piece.
Photograph by George Groves
Frames that Speak Scandinavian and Mid-Century Modern
Today, my preferred framing style remains simple and contemporary, complementing my artwork and the Scandinavian-inspired mid-century modern interiors I love. I gravitate towards wooden frames in light, dark, and natural finishes.
Photograph by George Groves
The Magic of Architectural Details
I'm particularly drawn to frames with architectural details. These could be a shadow gap for a tray frame or a subtle detail that draws the viewer's eye into the artwork. The goal is for the frame to complement the artwork, not compete with it. It should either gently embrace the painting or allow it to breathe. Ultimately, the frame becomes the finishing touch that elevates and imbues your artwork with gravitas. The framing of the "Bottle & Branch" collection is a testament to this philosophy.
Photograph by George Groves
Lightness and Openness
Lustre and Peach Melba are framed with a delicate touch. With the expert guidance of master picture framer Cath Friend of Emerald Frames and Gallery, Chalfont St. Peter, I chose a stepped tray frame in a light pink hue that subtly echoes the soft, blush tones within the artwork. This frame selection goes beyond simply complementing the painting. The lighter colour creates a sense of breathing space and openness around the painting, allowing it to take centre stage. The stepped detail adds a touch of elegance without detracting from the artwork's delicate touch.
Photograph by George Groves
Interestingly, for these pieces, I opted for a wider shadow gap. This design feature is where the artwork is set back or apart from the frame, creating a shadow effect. This seemingly simple choice serves two purposes. Firstly, the increased space between the artwork and the frame reinforces the sense of openness of composition and airiness of the light colour palette. Secondly, the wide shadow gap creates a subtle three-dimensional effect, drawing the viewer's eye towards the artwork. The frame becomes a stage, inviting the viewer to fully appreciate the peaceful and harmonious world depicted within these paintings.
“A well-chosen picture frame should complement and enhance the artwork without stealing the show.”
Photograph by George Groves
Harmony and Support
For the paintings Set Sail for Wellington, Going Dutch, and Double Dutch, with their bold compositions and energetic use of colour, I've chosen a dramatic dark, figured timber frame with a narrower shadow gap. These paintings feature dynamic imagery and pattern work that require a frame to match their energy.
Photograph by George Groves
This strong frame choice perfectly harmonises the artwork on two levels. Firstly, the dark tones of the wood provide a grounding base for the rich colours within the painting. The rich texture of the figured timber adds another layer of visual interest, echoing the energy of the brushstrokes and pattern details within the artworks themselves. Secondly, the shadow gap creates a sense of depth between the artwork and the frame. This allows the painting to subtly float within the frame while the frame acts as a supportive element, drawing the viewer's eye inwards to appreciate the full impact of the composition.
The Art of Framing
Investment in quality framing is not only about protecting your artwork. It's about transforming it. A well-chosen frame can elevate a beautiful piece of art into something truly captivating. It can become the perfect finishing touch in your Scandinavian-inspired living room or mid-century modern haven, creating a cohesive and visually stunning space.
So, the next time you admire a piece of art, take a moment to also appreciate the frame. It might surprise you with its power to elevate the artwork and enhance the overall aesthetic of your home. After all, every detail matters in art, and the frame is no exception.
Photograph by George Groves
Would you like to see more of the Bottle & Branch collection?
The collection is available to view in the portfolio, and a selection of paintings and greeting cards are available in the shop.
Journal Notes
Quotes by Cath Friend of Emerald Frames & Gallery.
Photographers images used in this journal entry are the work of Kate Cullen and George Groves.