Design Inspiration
8 Rooms Made better With Sculptures
When it comes to adding art to our homes, many of us can be rather one-dimensional and never think beyond paintings and framed photographs. Still, most of us admire furniture and lighting that is said to have a “sculptural quality,” so incorporating sculpture into our decor shouldn’t be a big leap. If you’re intrigued but need some help finding room for a three-dimensional masterpiece, here are some good spots to consider.
(Image: Photo by Marion Brenner, Design by Matorizzi Pelsinger Builders, Courtesy of Houzz)
1. Stairwell standout.
A stairwell is often an awkward space that is hard to decorate around. Stairs that bend like an elbow are especially prone to creating design dilemmas, or opportunities, depending on how you look at it. A sculpture makes full use of a tight nook by turning it into a focal point that gives the viewer pause, as seen here with this piece by Antony Gormley.
(Image: Photo by Lars Frazer, Design by Ryan Street & Associates, Courtesy of Houzz)
2. A thoughtful transition.
A transition or circulation space is another in-between spot that can be hard to decorate meaningfully. Often it’s easiest to leave it bare and let the materials speak for themselves. However, if you want to encourage people to slow down and reflect for a moment instead of rushing from one room to the next, a sculpture is a great way to apply the brakes. This paper airplane-inspired piece by Kevin Box should do the trick.
Lighting Fixtures to Bring Attention to Sculptures
(Image: Photo by Jon Allen Fine Metal Art, Courtesy of Houzz)
3. Bathroom beauty.
It’s easier to fit a sculpture into a larger bathroom where floor space is at less of a premium, as seen here with this copper piece by Jon Allen. But even in a smaller powder room, you can mount a floating shelf and sit your sculpture on top or clear off your countertop to make room for a narrow standing sculpture.
(Image: Photo by David Blank Photography, Design by Cheryl Morgan Designs, Courtesy of Houzz)
4. Wonder wall.
If you don’t have the floor space for a sculpture, look to your walls instead. Almost every room has space for a wall-mounted sculpture, like these kinetic butterflies by Paul Villinski. Applied directly to the wall, they’re a dynamic alternative to paintings and framed photographs.
Living Rooms That Incorporate Sculptures Seamlessly
(Image: Photo by Benjamin Benschneider, Design by Garret Cord Werner Architects & Interior Designers, Courtesy of Houzz)
5. Zen master.
Sculpture is perfect for creating a meditative focal point. Add it to an already contemplative space, as was done in this Zen bathroom designed by Garret Cord Werner Architects & Interior Designers, and you’ll be well on your way to nirvana. The glass sculpture here was created by Julie Speidel.
(Image: Courtesy of Houzz)
6. Enticing entry.
Some say that Mother Nature is perhaps the best artist there is. Consider turning unrefined earthen materials into sculptures by staging them with an artistic touch. This Phoenix entryway has quartz stalagmites spaced along the corridor with ambient uplighting.
Bring Nature to the Garden With a Sculptural Bird Bath
(Image: Photo by Joe Fletcher, Design by Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders, Courtesy of Houzz)
7. Look up.
We’re already used to seeing movement up in the sky, from birds to clouds to planes. But why not look up indoors as well? This kinetic sculpture by Reuben Heyday Margolin is connected to a small motor in the ceiling that allows it to pleasantly sway back and forth.
(Image: Photo by Jay Gifford Garden Design, Courtesy of Houzz)
8. A natural choice.
You wouldn’t dare keep a painting or a photograph outdoors every day, but a sculpture made of stone, Cor-Ten steel, copper or even treated wood can stand proudly in the elements. This sculpture by Lyman Whitaker moves with the wind, acting as a wildlife deterrent in addition to being beautiful.
