Photo Credit: Christie's International Real Estate Seattle
You purchase art because it speaks to you - it speaks to your emotions, it speaks to your soul. So when you are in the market for a new home, it is essential to take your collection into consideration.
Collecting and showcasing art is very personal. The luxury home you choose should be able to accommodate an expanding collection whether your passion is paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, or other media. It should create a complementary atmosphere for the work. Modern architecture and contemporary art pair beautifully, while traditional-style homes offer a more classic setting for Impressionist or Old Masters paintings. Architectural style, however, is a preference almost as personal as the art you choose.
It is important to remember that living with your art is a much different experience than viewing it in a museum or gallery. When building or purchasing a home, you should take into consideration the best way to safeguard your art, honor its beauty, and integrate it into your daily life.
“We work with many clients who collect art,” says Scott Wasner, co-founder and executive vice president of Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle. “It’s important to evaluate each client’s lifestyle and how art fits into it. Is entertaining important? Do they have children? Do they want to live on the waterfront?”
Photo Credit: Christie's International Real Estate Seattle
“Lifestyle factors play a crucial role in how to display art. For instance, if you live by the water, it is important for some art to be in climate-controlled spaces to eliminate the chance of damage from humidity or saltwater,” explains Wasner.
While museums offer neutral backdrops for art, a residence should express the owner’s personal style and their feelings about their collection. Neutral walls in white, taupe or grey may be ideal for some collectors, but black, blue or hot pink might be a daring, imaginative and perfect choice for others. Just as art is personal, so should how it is displayed.
“Our clients have an appreciation for the finer things in life,” says Wasner. “There is a strong relationship between art and real estate. For 250 years, Christie’s auction house has been a brand associated with extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise. As Christie’s exclusive brokerage in Washington, we have access to the world’s finest properties, making our firm uniquely qualified to assist art collectors find homes that are perfect not only for them but also for their collections.”
“It is our goal to help our clients find a home that is not only a work of art itself but is perfect for their works of art.”
For more information about luxury properties throughout Washington, please contact Scott Wasner at 206-910-1410 or scottwasner@christiesrealestateseattle.com or Kendra Ratcliff at 503-330-6677 or Kendra@LuxeCIR.com.
