It’s often true in decorating that you simply can’t do it all. There’s only so much budget to go around and sometimes you have to quit before you’re truly ahead. Such was the case with my client Nikola. We worked wonders on his space with the money available but the budget just did not stretch far enough for a great piece of art to finish off his living room. Yesterday, we settled the score with two amazing original works by Toronto artist Rose Lindzon.
Nikola had invited me back to spruce up his bathrooms and if the budget permitted, to find some art to finish off the living room. Well, a few weeks ago I got an email from a friend notifying me about an estate sale in Rosedale on the next street over from me. The daughters of deceased architect Peter Hamilton were clearing out their father’s home prior to closing the sale of the property. Among the treasures were two works on paper by Lindzon, a small, beautifully-framed, mixed media collage and a very large, very exuberant painting.
The big piece is nearly 7′ wide and is exactly what I needed to balance Nikola’s 42″ television. The work is so big we elected to hang it below the top of the TV to make it feel more integrated into the space. We could never have afforded work of this size and quality any other way so my sincere thanks to Sarka for letting me know about the estate sale. We secured both works for less than $1,000 which was, simply put, a steal.
The art purchase ended up crimping the bathroom budget but I assured Nikola it was better to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy great art and hold off a little while on one of the baths which is perfectly serviceable for the time being. Yesterday I observed that of all the purchases we’ve made for Nikola’s home, these works were the very best. Opportunity knocked and thank heaven Nikola was in a position to answer.
July 1st, 2012 at 9:37 am
Talk about the icing on the cake, ‘er wall! A sweet decorating denouement indeed!
As for that wide screen TV . . . last month there was an amazing hydraulic TV stand on craigslist – now you see it now you don’t. I’d rather see the art.
Nice work Cap’n!
July 1st, 2012 at 9:58 am
WOW, that room “POPS” with the addition of that stunning painting. Congratulations to Nicola and KUDOS to Chris!
July 1st, 2012 at 11:36 am
This is the perfect example of why I love the second hand art market. There are such great pieces out there if you’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time – or have a friend who’ll let you know where that place and time is. Well done gentlemen!
July 1st, 2012 at 1:14 pm
What a ‘wow’ factor that puts into the room! I love it….really beautiful! A great investment too, I’m sure.
July 1st, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Great art, but the TV is the elephant in what would otherwise be a great room.
February 4th, 2013 at 9:43 pm
I agree with the others… please let me see the art. Maybe mount the TV on the wall over the fireplace? OR select different art. Perhaps a short but wide piece. Or a line of small art.