How to create an art-friendly room

    When you walk into a gallery or museum, what do they all have in common? White walls and lots of light. Wall that are wall-papered or painted a color other than white are limiting. It limits the choices for hanging art that will look good on it, but this doesn' t mean that if you use color you can't have art - only that you will need to be more carful in selecting that art. Just know that dark colors are not a friend of art.

    If your goal is to make art the center of attraction, play down the other elements of the room like window coverings, carpeting, wall coverings, and even furniture. A room crowded with other colors, textures and objects will take the spotlight away from the art.

    You may want to select one room in your house to focus on art. Paint the walls white or off-white. Lay hardwood floors or a neutral carpet. Install window coverings with clean simple lines and neutral colors (or no window coverings at all). Put up ceiling spot lights that can be adjusted to focus on the art, or use individual lighting for each piece. For the furniture, follow the principle that less is more. Keep it spare. This is not the room to display your collectibles. Let the art star. Then relax and enjoy it.

    Selecting and displaying art is an art form itself. Don't be afraid to experiment and learn what pleases you. You'll be well-rewarded for the time you invest by finding more satisfaction both in the art and in your home.