When you hear “silhouette” in the context of home décor and immediately think of those old, framed family cut-outs in black of everyone’s profile that always seems to include the girl with the pronounced ponytail, you need to be introduced to the modern silhouette. She’s quite a beauty.
Silhouettes are all the rage in current design concepts, and they are popping up on walls as decals large and small, in frames that would rather display furniture profiles over those of people, and in all matters of paper products. If you would like to see them casting some shadows on your walls, you are just a few suggestions away from implementation.
Wall decals (which are essentially big sticker murals) that display the silhouettes of tree branches, chandeliers, candelabras, birds, and furniture may rank at the top of the list of the most popular and can make a big visual art impact. You can search for near-countless varieties online, and more and more selections are showing up in-store as well. The process of adhering them to your wall is not as daunting as you may think. A good eye, a steady hand for burnishing, and some patience can turn a plain living room wall or bedroom backdrop into a focal art piece without ever lifting a paintbrush.
Hanging a collection of framed silhouette art is gaining in popularity as well. If that self portrait isn’t your style, you may consider adding in silhouette art featuring furniture or accessories, right down to lamps and high heel shoes. One thing I really like about small-scale silhouette art is the ability to add something you admire to your home that regularly comes with a huge price tag, such as Louis XIV chairs and dangly chandeliers covered in crystals to the hilt.
Apply the same principles to modern invitations, note cards, and stationery. Using silhouettes of anything applicable to the theme, whether wedding, shower, or birthday in nature, conveys your message and can add a simple elegance to your future event from your first mailing. If you just want a great set of note cards for yourself for your personal correspondence, look for options that can add your initial or name and one graphic that truly reflects you and your style.
Silhouettes have a brand new take in today’s home. Whether you dress them up or dress them down, this shadowy art element can be used in limitless ways to add unique personality and flair to any room in your home.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star February 27th.
