However subtle, contemporary art has always had the ability to shift the mood, energy and style of any space or environment. When investigating this subject I look to renowned designers and artists for examples. Architects and designers, Kelly Wearstler, Jonathan Adler, Jean-Louis Deniot, and Philippe Starck do a great job incorporating contemporary art aesthetics into functional objects and forms, playing on the piece(s) of art for inspiration and direction. Prints, patterns, color schemes and designs are taken from a few key pieces of contemporary art and are then scattered throughout an interior environment or space, ultimately enriching the lobby, office, living room, hotel etc. Perhaps a Keith Haring pattern is transformed into wallpaper that is then sparsely applied within the environment along with minor functional objects for the finish out of the space (rugs, carpet, tile, pillows, furniture). Even simple color scheme influences can achieve transformation and direction of an interior space. Jeff Koons’ reflective Balloon Dog sculpture or an original Andy Warhol Soup Can painting may lend itself to the direction of colors used to transform the environment by the interior designer.
Like many things art and design are constantly changing. What might have seemed cliche or low brow is now becoming the standard in the world of contemporary art, architecture and interior design. When the goal of public contemporary art and interior design projects are to enhance the visitors’ experience and association to a brand, company or building renowned architects and interior designers lean on the local environment and contemporary art for guidance and inspiration. Unique color schemes also transform spaces and is always an element when transforming an interior space. Orange, turquoise and white reads very differently than sky blue, orange and antique white. Subtle shifts and updates in color to an interior space can have impactful effects. Black, gray, and red may portray a more contemplated and serious feel than say gold, poppy pink and cheerful orange, which is better suited for a high end boutique as opposed to a bank or financial setting. Contemporary art and interior design for hospitals look for comforting, soothing color palettes incorporating many shades of blue and green with hints of yellow which symbolizes hope. For contemporary art and interior design in children’s hospitals primary colors of blue, red and yellow are often combined with base patterns and designs. Most artwork installed into children’s hospitals do not utilize any angle under 90 degrees in the designs or patterns. It is said that acute angles make some feel uncomfortable due to their association with shots, instead of ice cream cones or kites. Bright color pallets of greens, oranges, reds, and blues are always a sure hit with many interior design and contemporary art installations that can transform a space when used in thoughtful, masterful ways.