Are Interior Designers the New Gallerists?
In recent years, the world of interior design has evolved into curation, leading to the question: Are interior designers the new gallerists? There is also a blurring of lines between art and interior design, where designers are now more involved in the artistic process, often working closely with artists to commission unique pieces that resonate with the overall design vision. This article shares how LA designer Kelly Wearstler has crossed into a gallerist’s role, and why that could be the way of the future.
The Downtown LA Proper Hotel, curated by interior designer Kelly Wearstler.
The Evolving Role of Interior Designers
Traditionally, interior designers were seen as professionals who beautify spaces, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and client preferences. However, their role has evolved dramatically. Today, many interior designers curate art collections, commission bespoke pieces, and even influence art trends, much like gallerists.
The blurring of lines between art and interior design is one of the most notable trends. Designers are now more involved in the artistic process, often working closely with artists to create unique pieces that resonate with the overall design vision. This collaborative process mirrors the role of a gallerist, who not only displays art but also often plays a part in its creation and promotion.
Interior designers are increasingly impacting art sales and trends. Their choices can propel unknown artists to fame or bring forgotten styles back into vogue. With their finger on the pulse of both design and art, they wield significant influence in what becomes popular in the art world.
White Wall Galleries or Designer Curated Spaces?
To source art, often collectors would walk into galleries - featuring huge white walls - and they would be presented with a collection of art to discuss and choose from. Now, art is also sold online, often on white screen backgrounds. However in this environment, the art exists out of context. The collector has to use their imagination to place that art into the space they intend it to be.
Enter ‘designer curated spaces’, where the experience of viewing and purchasing art for buyers becomes very different. In these spaces, art buyers are more able to see the art in context and imagine it in their own environment. Whereas art galleries can be perceived as intimidating, designer curated spaces can feel more accessible and welcoming. After all, interiors designers excel at curating spaces that people what to be in. The Downtown LA Proper Hotel (pictured above) by Kelly Wearstler is a wonderful example of a designer curated space that draws people in to spend time there.
Interior designer Kelly Wearstler crosses into a gallerist role
Have a look at any of Wearstler’s work or design concepts (her Broad Beach project is pictured above), and you’ll see how she brings art into client spaces. “Artists’ works truly make my projects shine,” says designer Kelly Wearstler, looking back at the newly opened Downtown L.A. Proper. Head over to her website, and art is a focus. She has a ‘Gallery’ section that focuses on the stable of artists she represents. The concept of curating spaces adds a gallerist-like aspect to interior design. Designers select pieces not just for their aesthetic appeal but for their ability to tell a story within a space. This is a clever approach and something I think we will start to see more of as clients rely on interior designers for advice on art.
Interested in selling your art via interior designers?
Most artists focus on selling through galleries and online marketplaces, however as the role of interior designers as art curators and gallerists are developing, so are the opportunities for artists.
Our new online course 'Work with Interior Designers' takes you step by step how to find, connect and develop relationships with the right interior designers for your art practice. This course is created for artists who already have a professional practice and want to learn the nuances of working with interior designers as a sales channel.
If you are at an earlier stage in your professional art journey, ‘The Full Time Artist Formula’ online course will be more useful for you.
This article was originally published on my blog Sarah Daly Art.