Our third #MyPersonalSanctuary blog dives into the various new ways we all relax and reenergize within our own homes.
Our third #MyPersonalSanctuary blog dives into the various new ways we all relax and reenergize within our own homes. Inspired by Michelle Ogundhein’s recent article on the impact and importance of wellbeing by way of interior décor, our community of collectors, galleries and Affordable Art Fair teams share the vision behind their spaces. Read on to find out where they go when they seek peace and a moment for themselves:
One of the things that really sold this house was its views. I was truly blown away by them and fairly regularly it still stops me in my tracks. On a clear day like today, you get the two best views from this window – straight ahead you see Cave Hill, the imposing mountain that towers above North Belfast and to the left, you get a sweeping view right over Belfast Lough.
Sometimes I find myself getting itchy feet and wanting to move. I always wanted a period home in the city, closer to our favourite eateries and independent stores but our budget constraints pushed us out to the suburbs. When Instagram pushes me to start late night browsing property sites, I try to take a step back and gain some perspective. This view helps me find it. Mountain and sea views and still only 10 minutes from the city – we really do have the best of both worlds.
So, I thought I’d create a little reading nook here. Somewhere to pause and take a moment. It needs a little more styling – a nice rug to cover the carpet of doom, a blanket for when winter rolls in, some more plants or perhaps some pampas and maybe a little colour blocking on the wall but it has potential as a little personal sanctuary.
This has been a peculiar time in all of our lives and I have experienced an even greater desire to make my home beautiful. I want to surround myself, both in my studio and in my house, with the things that make me feel good; my artworks, favourite books, artworks, generous bouquets of flowers from the garden. I think it’s important, especially right now, to find those sources of joy, peace and inspiration wherever they may be as we adjust to our new normal and begin to enjoy life once more.
My personal sanctuary is a little corner of our dining room (above). A trio of treasured artworks hang against a backdrop of dark, floral wallpaper above a 1940’s crystal cabinet that houses our glassware. As we’re partial to a tipple, it’s a cabinet that is regularly accessed! Artworks include a George Bell nude study, William Buckley portrait by my partner David Beaumont and a study of a child by an unknown Spanish painter – purchased from a gallery in San Sebastián during a joyful trip at a time pre-Covid when we took travel for granted. I rarely return from a holiday without a few mementos as evidenced by the taxidermy duck, nouveau lamp and candelabras.
My Personal Sanctuary at home, is our bedroom. During lockdown I snapped up my first piece of original art – a gorgeous Eva Ullrich painting which is now the centrepiece.
I really wanted a dreamy feel and natural soft colours in the bedroom and this piece definitely completes the look. The hazy rippling layers remind me of holiday sunsets and swallow murmurations; it’s the perfect piece to fall asleep beneath.
I’ve been a fan of Eva Ullrich for a while since seen her work at Affordable Art Fair UK plus repeat browsing online, so I’m over the moon that I own it! The very lovely people at Bristol Contemporary Art let me purchase on a payment plan making it possible at all – yes, that is totally a thing with art!
At Elisa Contemporary Art, we believe the bedroom should be a sanctuary filled with art that is calming and meditative. In our bedroom space, we have five artworks all inspired by nature — each with a unique creative vision. Shown here is Rhosen by Michelle Gagliano and an early Eric Zener swimmer. Rhosen is a cloudscape created with oil and gold leaf on wood panel. As you move around the painting or the light shifts throughout the day, the colors and the tones change as well. It brings you into a calming space filled with optimism. It is a wonderful way to begin the day or bring it to a peaceful close.
Before I became an art dealer, my husband and I would buy a new piece of art every year to celebrate our anniversary. This Eric Zener painting was one of our first. Water has always brought me a sense of delight and wonder. When I look at the painting, it creates the sounds of an ocean breeze.
Thanks to Sinead, Emilia, Salt Contemporary Art, Sarah and Elisa Contemporary Art for giving us a sneak peek into their homes. It’s so lovely to witness the power of art and how it can revitalize and transform not only a space, but also our art lovers in the process.
Visit our #MyPersonalSanctuary digital wall to see more impeccably arranged interiors and share your own styling designs, insights and how you crafted you own personal sanctuary on Instagram to be featured on our wall! Remember to use #MyPersonalSanctuary and tag us!
Whether you’re in need of a work to bring you peace or want to reignite various sections of your space, we’ve got some new curated collections for you to explore! Peruse our Cool and Calming or Uplifting and Energising selections and get inspired to create your very own oasis at home.
Main Image:
Elisa Contemporary Art share their calming and meditative bedroom.
Featured art from first to last:
Image courtesy of interiors addict, Sinead Doyle.
Emilia Linderholm shares her creative personal sanctuary.
We love Salt Contemporary Art’s collection of mementos above their home bar.
Sarah Lyons, Head of Marketing, shares her dreamy and natural bedroom.
Elisa Contemporary Art share their calming and meditative bedroom.