How Art Makes a Space

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Not everyone who enters a space notices the flooring or furniture like designers do. But one thing most people notice is art.

Art adds color, movement, and dimension to otherwise blank walls. It can engage people in conversation and bring out people’s creativity and connectivity.

At a recent real estate law office renovation, we completely transformed the building’s dated interior and reconfigured the space to better meet the client’s needs. The first phase was to modify the layout and fit-out the space with new finishes, light fixtures, doors, and furniture. The space looked refreshed, bright, and modern, and the client was able to move in on time. To fully align the renovation with the client’s brand and further personalize the space, following this initial renovation phase we completed a second design phase to incorporate environmental graphics and artwork into the new office.

For the art, we reached out to Suzi Hlavacek an art consultant who spent nine years at Boston Art. To give you some insight into her process we’re sharing our conversation with Suzi so you can learn as we did.

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RM: How do you determine the right scale for the different pieces? You presented a larger scale than I expected (and I was really happy you did!)

SH: It’s a feel! In corporate spaces I tend to go larger. Art is what gives the space life, and energy, and usually you have more expansive areas in offices that can handle a grand scale. Even in smaller corporate spaces, like a conference room, art is often the only statement in a room, so it needs to carry the space. Even if I can’t visit the space, I imagine how large the overall feel is, not just the wall. The art needs to reflect the dimensions of the entire area.

RM: How do you determine if a certain piece should be a canvas, print, or have a frame?

SH: I like to stick with the intention of the artist. For example, photography can be printed to canvas, but film can only be exposed to paper. So I will exclusively print photos on paper.

For framing, it’s the marriage of what enhances the piece itself ­in that space­. I give both considerations somewhat equal weight. It’s about making the artwork shine in a given location.

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RM: What is your typical process when working with a designer?

SH: We start with the life of a space. Who is inhabiting it? What kind of environment do they want? Should it be soothing? Energetic? Bold? We need to start with who will experience these pieces. Then we move onto the aesthetics – has furniture, wall coverings, and paint been selected? How can art be that rounding moment. Art is always the eye’s resting point.

RM: What is your favorite part of the process?

SH: I love the initial pull, the first deep dive of really getting into a project. I think of it as burrowing into a creative nest.  And then of course, install day! People are so excited to get artwork up in the homes, offices, properties, and spaces. Art brings immense joy.

RM: How do you think art elevates a space?

SH: We have adorned our walls with artwork since the dawn of humanity. We can’t live without it. Ultimately no space is finished until artwork is there.

RM: What do you look at or for to inspire your selections?

SH: I spend an inordinate amount of time in museums and galleries – in person and virtually. I let what I see, and how I experience it – the feelings I get –guide my decisions. There are incredible resources out there and anyone and everyone should take the opportunity to find what works for them.

To see more photos from QuickSilva visit the project page.

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