Adding Joy To Your Walls With Ty Pennington
Ty Pennington- carpenter, model, television host, author, et al. -may be a jack of all trades, but what unites his body of work is his commitment to making great design accessible.
What you didn’t know about Ty Pennington
As Ty told us with the title of his 2008 book: Good Design Can Change Your Life, he has spent his career sharing skills that help people love the spaces they inhabit.
What you may not know about Ty is that he’s an aesthete at heart, and an avid patron of living artists. Ty and Elisa met through UNREPD gallery in Los Angeles, a gallery focused on hosting the work of underrepresented artists.
He was gracious enough to talk with us, In the Studio, to discuss his love of the arts, and to share some wisdom about decorating one’s home- from art selection to display- especially for people who don’t know where to begin.
The carpenter and designer, who became a household name through his roles on TLC's Trading Spaces and the original Extreme Makeover: Home Edition series, will headline his own feel-good home renovation series, “Ty Breaker” on HGTV this January .
“Adding original art to our homes is one of the most satisfying ways to personalize our spaces.”
Ty on the role that art plays in his personal life
Being a huge fan of art and artists, I'm always on the lookout for new works that I'm drawn to, and inspire me. As someone who lived in New York, I seldom walk by a gallery without going in. Instagram and Etsy are also great platforms for finding art. I’ll find an artist I like on Instagram and then check out who they follow as well.
Adding original art to our homes is one of the most satisfying ways to personalize our spaces. There are so many places to find working artists as well these days. Whether it is online, through social media, at a local art fair, student shows or studio tours, I must say some of my favorite pieces which I've acquired are directly from the artists themselves, and anyone can find amazing art and support artists this way.
Art inspires me so much that I tend to surround myself with it. No corner or wall is left unadorned. I have a couple pieces by Chris Roberts-Antieau that I really love. Her pieces just have so many layers to them you tend to notice something different every time you look. She is incredibly talented and I really love the element of humor in art. I mean, I’m just a big fan of humor anyways so to get it in art is a bonus.
Can’t take life too seriously, you know?
On finding one’s own aesthetic:
Get inspired! Go to a museum or art gallery to get a feel of what you like but more than anything, take your time! We live in such a rush rush culture now but remember that good things take time. That wall might have to sit empty for 6 months until you find the perfect piece and that’s OKAY.
If design is something that’s new to you, I would say start with a stack of magazines or design books - could even be from the local library. Flea markets are also amazing ways of finding local artists and artisans. Of course there is always Instagram and Pinterest but when you really want to focus there’s nothing better than going old school.
Another thing you want to think about is your personal fashion sense, what colors do you like or do you feel good in? This goes for textures too! Linen, cotton, silk or corduroy- the things that you enjoy in fashion, you’ll enjoy seeing in your home.
What I love about art is that it’s so personal and different in everyone’s home. You might see a lot of people with similar furniture or accessories but art tends to be so vastly different from home to home. I love seeing what other people are into.
“Art inspires me so much that I tend to surround myself with it. No corner or wall is left unadorned. ”
On Buying Art
Go for something that moves you, something that evokes real emotion- joy is always a good one! If a painting brings you joy you can never go wrong.
If you are really struggling with a decision, it’s a no.
And while yes, [purchasing a large or expensive art piece] is a commitment, I don’t believe that if you purchase something you need to display it forever. I love to move art around in my home from time to time and I also love swapping art out.
Maybe the piece lives on a wall for 5 years, perhaps you take it down, store it for a few and later bring it back again in a new room or a new house with a whole new feeling- like an old friend you haven’t seen in a while.
“Maybe the piece lives on a wall for 5 years, perhaps you take it down, store it for a few and later bring it back again in a new room or a new house with a whole new feeling- like an old friend you haven’t seen in a while. ”
On Framing and Display:
Keep in mind that the art itself is the most important element, and the purpose of the frame is to define and compliment the piece, not overpower it. For example, with modern artwork, Less is More! A simple minimal frame is an easy choice. Black, white or grey almost always provides a nice, basic gallery look.
It is interesting with traditional artwork, the standard has long been wood frames in tones to complement the image, which are often carved and have elaborate details. For pieces framed under glass, more detail can be added with colored matting which relates to the image, however I still like to keep it simple with the focus on the art.
For a more decorative look, there is the option to choose a frame that is one of the colors in the piece of art. This works best with a single piece of art. If you have multiples or a series that will hang together, keep it simple with matching frames.
I prefer a small grouping or a triptych on a wall, but I do love a good gallery going along a staircase- the funkier the better!
If you want to avoid nails in the walls, you can always put super small hooks in the ceiling and hang the art from clear fishing line on either side. This also gives the art a cool floating look.
Ty’s Take On “The Rules”
What's better than breaking with Tradition? It's the basis of creativity right? I'm more of a 'suggestions' guy than a rule follower. Taking risks with design is what gets noticed most. Just one example I've used in the past, why do we think hardwood flooring is just for floors? I put it on the ceiling, on the walls and I even make furniture out of it.
Think outside of the box!
As for design “rules” I tend to never break, personally I’m just really drawn to symmetry. Having designed countless bedroom suites over the years, you'll notice, when possible, the bed is centered on the main wall, 2 matching side tables with matching light fixtures, pillows in their place and neatly folded blankets and throws.
Symmetry is my Zen.
On Design Informing Art or Vice Versa
& Displaying Figurative Nudes
I think it goes both ways. Whatever inspires you first. Sometimes it’s the art, sometimes it’s a couch or an antique and then you have to find the art afterwards that completes the look. I do love mixing new and vintage artwork.
In terms of figurative art, I guess it depends on personal preference or if you have kids etc. For me, I have no rules. Art is art (nude or otherwise) and I’ll put it where I please. I have a nude painting in my living room at the moment.
“Go for something that moves you, something that evokes real emotion- joy is always a good one! If a painting brings you joy you can never go wrong.”
A Bonus Design Hack
One of my favorites is to use large canvas art that is fairly blank, and use it as a television screen for your projector. I much prefer this over a traditional television set.
The most important thing to remember, when designing your space and adorning it with objects d’art, is that YOU are the one who inhabits it. Take Ty’s advice to really give yourself the time and space to find pieces that resonate personally with you, especially those that bring you joy. Whenever you can, take the opportunity to connect with living artists, to find pieces that can speak to you in more ways than one!
-Elisa
Photos Courtesy of Ty Pennington