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 are the type of person who has enjoyed a long afternoon strolling through a gallery space feeling as if there is nothing more sophisticated or peaceful, you can bring this feeling into your home or workspace. There are numerous benefits to designing a room in this way, and the design can be expensive or affordable. It is important that you create a budget and do your best to stick to it during the entire design process. If you would like a gallery style, the first thing you should do is think about the gallery qualities you enjoy when in a space like that. 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 you are attracted to the open feel of a gallery, you should move everything out of the room before you begin. 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 let the idea of an open space with the focus on the art guide your color choices. 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 much of your art is bold 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 for you gallery space, you have a choice to make about furniture. The furniture in the room needs to be part of the canvas, or be additions to the art collection. Choose furniture options that are art pieces themselves. There are plenty of handcrafted, antique, or custom pieces that are no different than sculpture or painting when it comes to artistic interest.
Evaluate your other pieces and choose furnishings that match the feel of the other art pieces. Modern art should mean modern furnishings. 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.