JACKSONVILLE, Florida – If the walls of a home could talk, imagine what they would say.  Walls provide a great setting for many décor enhancements, including mirrors, clocks, architectural pieces, artwork and photographs.

“If a home has a lot of walls within the same room or space, I like to vary the size, composition and materials used for wall décor to create more interest,” said Judith Sisler Johnston, president of Sisler Johnston Interior Design and ASID Allied Member.  “If you hang a large piece on one wall, consider using a smaller group, an architectural element or a mirror on an adjacent wall.”

Sisler Johnston says a general rule regarding size is the larger the wall, the larger the item should be.  Ceiling heights are also an important consideration when selecting wall décor or artwork.

When it comes to decorating the walls of a home, interior design clients often ask Sisler Johnston questions regarding the best way to select art.  Should artwork and décor coordinate with the furnishings and is there a proper size for the available wall space?

While the questions are specific, the answers are not.  Some people purchase artwork or décor when they travel and use it as a remembrance of their experiences.  Others receive artwork or decor as gifts.  Many enjoy visiting galleries and purchasing items that have great personal appeal.

As an interior designer, Sisler Johnston works with each client to choose the location best suited for artwork and wall décor within the home.  If the items are valuable or meaningful to the client, they may serve as the starting point for the redesign of a room or a home.

There are many forms of wall décor and a wide range of pricing.  With every interior design project, it is important to determine a budget.  The cost of original, one-of-a-kind art often depends on the artist’s notoriety and the complexity of the work’s composition, size and framing.

Upscale quality décor includes original art, limited-edition prints, serigraphs, hand-textured giclees, artistic and exotic hand-crafted mat treatments and elegant imported moldings.  Frequently these upscale collections are designed by recognized artists and designers.  They may feature classic images embellished with ornamentation and hand coloring.

Serigraphs are hand-screened prints where colors are separated and silk screened one-at-a-time to create the image.  Serigraphs usually include a certificate of authenticity.
                                                           
There are also several cost-effective design alternatives, according to Sisler Johnston.  She often suggests clients purchase an original artwork giclee print signed by the artist.  Known as a limited-edition series since a restricted number of prints are manufactured, the purchaser typically receives a certificate of authority attached to the back of the print.

Shadow box art provides depth and dimension.  Shadow boxes may be used to display unique items including antique purses, metallic leaves, masks and jewelry.

Frescoes are a new alternative to framed art under glass.  Prints are textured and surrounded with a fresco-type mat and frame.  Layers of texture and color are hand-applied to imitate an Old World art form.

Fabric or wallpaper mounted onto panels provides another design alternative.  The technique involves selecting an interesting fabric print or paper and stretching it over framing to use as wall décor.

Architectural wall décor includes framed and colored blueprints of historic buildings, antique fragments or carved wooden leaves, vines and trees. Architectural wall decor may be constructed of wood, metal or synthetic materials.

Resins can portray images ranging from traditional to contemporary.  Contemporary images can be abstract, floral, whimsical or coastal.  Frames are often streamlined and minimalistic to complement the simplicity of the piece.

Global imagery has grown in popularity since today’s technology offers a look at distant cultures.  Images include tropical birds, exotic animals, foliage, European village landscapes and rain forests.  Other décor images reflect personal interests.

Sisler Johnston recommends consulting with a licensed interior designer before beginning any home interior design project, including do-it-yourself endeavors.  It can be a valuable investment to have an expert review the plan and provide recommendations.

Sisler Johnston Interior Design offers comprehensive interior design services for residential and commercial clients.  The company designs private residences, builder model homes, community centers, hotel guest accommodations and office suites.  Sisler Johnston Interior Design also provides marketable designs for senior lifestyle communities.

Sisler Johnston Interior Design offers comprehensive interior design services for residential and commercial clients.  The company designs private residences, builder model homes, community centers, hotel guest accommodations and office suites.  Sisler Johnston Interior Design also provides marketable designs for senior lifestyle communities.

ASID Allied Member Judith Sisler Johnston and her team of licensed, talented designers help clients enhance their surroundings with designs that range from traditional elegance to classic contemporary style.  Sisler Johnston is Jacksonville’s leading authority on designing spectacular spaces that are beautiful, functional and reflect her clients’ personalities and lifestyles.

Sisler Johnston’s design work has been featured in numerous books, newspapers, magazines and television programs.  Sisler Johnston Interior Design celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2004 and has been recognized with more than 100 industry awards.
                                                           
For more information about Sisler Johnston Interior Design, call (904) 288-0908 or visit www.sislerjohnston.com.

Photography:

1. Istoria - Sisler Johnston chose a dramatic hand-textured giclee floral for Brylen Homes’ Istoria model home.

2. Fleet Landing - Architectural-style wall décor of embossed metal shells was Sisler Johnston’s choice for the guest bedroom at Fleet Landing’s Villa model at The Palms.

3. Kensington - A metallic architectural-style and embellished mirror provide wall décor in Sisler Johnston’s Kensington model for Mattamy Homes