CasaSugar

Ask Casa: Framing Fine Photography

CasaSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:13 -0800

Hi Casa,

I am adding, for the first time ever, fine photography to my apartment. However I am at a loss when it comes to framing styles and arrangement.

One set of four photographs is horizontally-oriented and black-and-white. I'd like this set in my bedroom but don't know how to arrange them so they look more interesting seeing that they're all horizontal. Tips? Regarding framing them, I'd like to know which types of frames (color, matting, etc.) you recommend for my room seeing that the walls are white but most of the accessory pieces in my room are either antique brown wood or a few wood pieces I've painted bright coral and Yves Klein blue. Are white frames my best bet? Can you frame b&w photographs in brown wood?

The other set of photographs are two color photographs, also horizontally-oriented, that will be nearly facing each other on opposite walls. Tips on framing, matting, and color? They need not match, do they?

I appreciate any tips you might be able to offer me!

Best,
Daniela

To see my suggestions for Daniela, read more.

Hi Daniela,

How exciting! First of all, I wouldn't worry too much about making them "look more interesting" - adding fine art to your home will instantly give it a face-lift regardless of how it's arranged! But, I'll give you a few tips.

As for color, I do think white frames are your best bet. They won't compete with the artwork, and they go with everything. But, you can also go with silver or stainless steel for a more contemporary look. And yes, you can definitely frame black and white photography in brown wood. Another option is to use frameless glass clip frames, which have a more contemporary, minimal look.

I'd say for the set of four photographs, keep the frames cohesive. If you want to choose two different mat colors for the set, you can do that to give it a little edge. But don't get too crazy, maybe go with a gray mat.

For the set of two color photographs, go with a white or off-white mat. For the frames themselves, you can do two different colors or finishes if you like seeing as they'll be on different walls. Select colors that will make the images pop. But make sure the two colors don't clash.

As for arrangements, one option is to use picture ledges. This style allows you to easily move around your photography when it's feeling stale. You can also add a smaller piece of artwork, or even a knickknack, to play with scale. A layering effect (setting one frame slightly in front of the other) is nice, too.

You can't go wrong with a box-shaped arrangement. Just make sure you keep them evenly spaced.

You can also hang two rows of frames a bit off-kilter from one another. It should be enough that the arrangement doesn't look like a mistake, but not too much that the bottom frame is hung between the top two. If you choose an off-kilter arrangement, make sure the distance between the top two frames and between the bottom two frames is the same.

Or, if you happen to have a really long wall, you can hang the four of them side by side. This will give you more of an art gallery effect.

Hope that helps!
Cheers, Casa

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Do You Consider Detail Views When Shopping Online?

CasaSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:00:49 -0700

In my review of the Home Decorators Annandale Jute Area Rug last week, I voiced my concern that the rug didn't resemble the product image on Home Decorators website. An anonymous commenter on the post shared a similar concern, saying she would have passed on the rug from looking at the product image, but after reading my post and seeing my own photos of it, she ordered it! Home Decorators was pleased to receive my feedback and have let me know that they've already begun to add "Detail View" photos to certain rug collections, including the Annandale Rug. And, they've said they will continue to add more photos to other collections and products.

I'm really pleased to hear this, and to see how swiftly they responded. I personally rely on detail photos a lot when I shop online, and I also look at them before I recommend a product to you all. Home furnishings are investment (and a hassle to return), and if you don't have the ability to see them in person, it's important that you can get a good look at a product through photos. I know the power of Photoshop and I am wary of being fooled, so seeing detail views is reassuring to me. Do you consider detail views when you shop online?

November's Architectural Digest Features Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch

CasaSugar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 -0700

If you've ever wanted to see the interiors of Michael Jackson's infamous Neverland Ranch, you can put your curiosity to rest. The November issue of Architectural Digest features two stories about Jackson and his sprawling 2,700-acre Santa Ynez Valley, CA, estate. Inside are many rare photos and a personal story recalled by photographer Harry Benson who visited and photographed Jackson at the estate over the years.

I was intrigued to learn that the icon kept most of the furniture and interiors just as they were when he bought the property from real estate developer William Bone in 1988. I'm also surprised at how dark the interiors are; I expected more color from the much-talked-about "fantasy land." Although, Jackson's playful décor, like his Peter Pan sculpture, more than makes up for that.

Get a sneak peek inside Neverland Ranch and at some portraits of Jackson, and read some memorable quotes when you read more!

View 4 Photos ›

Here are a few quotes from Benson:

Michael took me into the rehearsal studio where he had refined the moonwalk. He told me he often brought Prince there to watch him practice in front of the mirrored wall and said they would dance together someday. I was convinced that was going to be the next act.

One could see how Neverland could take Michael’s mind off all his worries and transport him from the reality of his stressful life. He had everything he wanted there.

Standing outside his bedroom was a wax figure of a queen’s Household Calvary guard. The bedroom itself was dark and quite plain, in tones of beige and brown, and, to be honest, a bit depressing.

Pick up your copy on newsstands today, and be sure to check out these other exclusive online photos.

Photographer to Watch: Kari Herer

CasaSugar — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:00:05 -0700

I came across the work of Portland, ME-based photographer Kari Herer on Etsy and was absolutely swept off my feet. She does commercial, portrait, and fine art work, but it's her floral photography that really gets me.

Fresh peonies and hydrangea make wonderful subjects for anyone behind the camera, but take a look at Herer's work and you'll be convinced she's truly a stylist at heart. Here, she's arranged and captured a delicate magnolia on a gorgeous botanical illustration - buy an eight-by-10 print here for $25. In Peony No. 9364, flower buds prove to have strength in numbers in her well-composed arrangment. A pinecone in a teacup? Unusual, but ethereal. Herer's composition is flawless and she almost gives her subjects a vintage feel, which I adore. See more of her work when you read more.

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How Many Throw Pillows Are on Your Sofa?

CasaSugar — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 05:30:19 -0700

I spotted this photo in the portfolio of photographer Catherine Gratwicke and nearly choked at the sight of all those throw pillows! The photograph is a beautiful one (love the natural light!), but seriously, where's a girl supposed to sit? Have you ever seen anything like this? How many throw pillows are on your sofa?Source

Guess Who Is Climbing His Tree House?

CasaSugar — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:00:32 -0700

For photographer Tom Atwood's recent book Kings in Their Castles, which features at-home portraits of unique individuals and celebrities, he snapped a well-known interior designer and former fashion designer climbing his tree house. Yes! A tree house! Can you guess who he is?

Photographer to Watch: Roger D'Souza

CasaSugar — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 06:15:14 -0800

Sydney-based photographer Roger D'Souza shoots interiors, exteriors, and portraits all with equal skill and expert composition. Many of his photos happen to feature stunning architecture, though D'Souza highlights the gorgeous buildings with his expert use of natural light. Whether documenting worn floor boards and peeling paint or sleek, newly erected homes, he manages to give every photo a beautiful polish. To see more of his photographs, read more.

View 15 Photos ›

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Cool Idea: Door Panes Become Picture Frames

CasaSugar — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:00:03 -0800

My grandmother was the ultimate creative, painfully chic and actually an interior designer herself. So, it didn't come as a surprise when she revamped this French door in her living room (which leads to a rarely used closet), using it to frame black-and-white family photos. She had mattes made to border each photo, or each arrangement of photos, and placed them behind the glass door panes. Then, she had a piece of plywood cut to size, and secured to the door to keep it all in place. It was the sort of great idea that needed to be well executed to succeed, and I think it did. The fact that she used black-and-white family photographs made it all the more nostalgic, timeless, and cohesive. Somehow I don't think color photographs would triumph there. What do you think?

Etsy Find: Jennifer Squires 2009 Photo Desk Calendar

CasaSugar — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:15:23 -0800

It's that time again. Well, actually, it was time for calendar-shopping in December, but you can't expect a person to think ahead, can you? Canada-based photographer Jennifer Squires has fashioned a beautiful desk calendar ($20) out of 12 of her stunning black and white and color images to carry you through the year in style. A chilly tree in January, a retro fan in July, and a bursting daffodil in June, Squires's photography is subtly appropriate for each month, but charming enough to enjoy year-round. The calendar also arrives in a plastic jewel case, which folds back to serve as its convenient stand.

Do You Take Family Portraits?

CasaSugar — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 08:30:33 -0800

I just came across these adorable and wacky family portraits by photographer Akihiro Furuta, and couldn't help but share one. Since it's the holidays, I'm sure family portraits are on a lot of your minds, and you may have already sent out a holiday card with one.My family only successfully mailed three holiday portrait cards, and they were the cliché kind: matching smock dresses and little red mary janes one year, in full ski gear the next, and turtlenecks and "seasonal" sweaters on an ice skating rink another year. I wish we'd gotten a bit more inventive with our portraits like Furuta has done. This photo celebrates his dog's birthday, and I think that the cheekiness of this family's costume attire is much more festive.
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