Sculptures and Ornaments

Sculptures & ornaments in home decor 

Home decor is incomplete without the finishing touch that a sculpture or ornament can bring. Sculptures of all profiles and sizes add character to a living room or any living space. They reflect the owner's personality and uplift the setting with unique flair. The style and type is typically a matter of personal preference be it abstract or classic, tabletop or wall-mounted, if it works for its owner - it's the right choice.  

Sculptures and ornaments are suitable for nearly every kind of interior in New Zealand. A great statement piece will elevate the style of a functional or transitional space, like a kitchen or hallway. Besides aesthetic value, they can also help attract the eye away from an unsightly feature or fill up a hard-to-reach empty corner. However, finding an ideal spot to place a sculpture is an art in itself and requires careful consideration.

How to choose the right sculpture size 

Passionate art collectors in New Zealand have no issue navigating their way through interior design rules. For others, it can be a challenge. Selecting the sculpture that will promote rather than disturb a room's proportional harmony is not always an easy task. While the curation of home art is a personal journey, it should also work with its surroundings.

Room size matters and it's logical that ample rooms will better accommodate any kind of medium to large-sized sculptures. Sculpture volume should also properly juxtapose the rest of the room’s features. A giant ornament in an otherwise delicate atmosphere will feel uneasy and overwhelm the entire space. Similarly, a single small sculpture will get lost in the crowd of a busy room.

Tips for placing sculptures and ornaments

The rule of thumb for any sculpture is that it lооkѕ best when adequately projected. It needs a prominent setting to shine in its full glory. 

Modern sculptures in New Zealand are often abstract and striking by nature, making a great fit as statement pieces in fashionable interiors. In minimalist-oriented interiors, a cluster of classic, elaborately carved sculptures rarely work well. One simplistic sculpture placed as an accent, away from any crowded area, is a much better solution. For added drama, it can be combined with strategically placed mirrors. 

However, the contemporary approach to sculpture placement allows some playful bending of rules. An innovative blending of modern interior with classical wall art can work in some instances, but it should be limited to one striking visual feature. 

Smaller classic pieces work great in vignettes, conveying a special kind of old-world charm. Such a setting brings a modern twist into traditional refinement. Clocks, vases, wall decor and similar pieces in the same style can coordinate well in a cluster. Photo frames may also be a good choice. 

In New Zealand, the perfect home sculpture should reflect and highlight the mood of the room. A subtle glass ornament will work great in a bedroom. At the same time, a vibrant, kinetic sculpture would be a guaranteed conversation starter in a living area.

Decorative statues are dimensional items that require sufficient space. It's more than a simple placement - a sculpture also needs to be safe from accidental hitting and breaking, especially in crowded areas. Whenever possible, this kind of ornament should be conveniently placed at nooks, niches or corners, away from the main traffic flow.

Large figure sculptures work great at entrances, often seen in big halls and conference rooms across New Zealand. These pieces should be turned to greet visitors. This often makes an exception from the rule that a sculpture should always face into the room. 

Other things to consider

There are a few other things to take into consideration when buying a sculpture or ornament in New Zealand. These range from practical to stylistic both of which have equal importance in the home environment. 

The type of material used in creating the sculpture should be asked about and the ramifications understood. Some materials are more robust than others and the environment you’ve got in mind might not be suitable for the piece you’re looking at.

Trusting your instincts when it comes to tastes is important too. Our instincts are relatively trustworthy when it comes to visual elements, honed over our lifetimes. If you’re unsure about the look or style of a particular piece, don’t rush to buy it as uncertainty has a greater tendency to lead to regret.

You also shouldn’t underestimate the weight of a sculpture, especially if you have not quite decided on the exact location. Moving sculptures should be done with tremendous care and the heavier an item, the harder it becomes to reposition on your own. Heavier pieces may also incur unexpected costs for freight and delivery which is another thing to bear in mind.

Do your research about the artist and ask about the history/meaning of the piece. The more you know about it, the better informed your final decision will be. This will also mitigate the risk of any unexpected surprises about the artist or piece itself that, in retrospect, may have changed your mind about it. 

If you need assistance to curate your sculptures and ornaments, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various artists in New Zealand, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.