There is something about a gallery space, with its open, clean feel, its focus on art and design, and its sparse yet warm feel, that creates a feeling of calm. If you love strolling through these open, sophisticated spaces, you can bring this feeling into your home or workspace. There are many reasons this look works in a private space, and the design method can range from affordable to very extravagant. It is important that you create a budget and do your best to stick to it during the entire design process. If you are planning a gallery-style space, the first thing you should do is consider the appeal of your favorite galleries. Is it the focus on the artwork in the space, or is it the feeling of openness and brightness? If you want art to be the highlight of the space, consider using cordless picture lights above or below your favorite pieces that will be hung on the walls. A cordless picture light brings the focus to the art pieces.

You can also use this method for lighting sculpture or other pieces. Finally, be sure the other lighting in your room does not detract from the lighting that focuses on your art pieces.

If it is the openness of the gallery space you crave, empty the room or office and begin from scratch. You will probably like the look of hardwood or concrete floors. They should be clean and crisp and serve as a background for your art pieces. The walls need to have that same feeling, so choose colors that create the feeling of a canvas. You can still choose a bright, bold color for the walls, but they need to be chosen for how they compliment your art pieces. If you have bright, bold art and bright, red, yellow, or orange walls may be great, but the art needs to pop.

The same can be done with cooler colors and neutrals, as long as it is smooth and consistent. Once you have created a background you can choose furniture. The furniture in the room needs to be part of the canvas, or be additions to the art collection. The other option is to choose furnishings that are art pieces themselves. There are plenty of handcrafted, antique, or custom pieces that are just as beautiful as the paintings and sculptures.

Evaluate your other pieces and let the feel of the art guide your choice. If the paintings are modern, the furniture should share this style. If you have more craftsman style furniture pieces, let your artwork follow suit. Once you are done, your space will feel like an open, sophisticated gallery room.

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