My Process For Selecting Art
When choosing art for a room, one of two approaches can be taken – the piece selected will either finish the room or define the room. Both approaches are appropriate, but will obviously enhance the room design with completely different statements. A beautiful painting that echoes the look of the design adds a classic touch that completes a space. This is art that finishes a room.
On the other hand, a bold, contemporary piece of abstract art that makes a statement on its own merit is art that defines a room. Scott Menaul’s Natural Musings triptych installed as a vertical orientation on a 22’ tall focal wall makes a striking visual statement in this modern living room. The broad strokes of russet, gold and aqua echo and enliven the room’s muted, earthy color palette. The dominant size of the art carries the eye upward to bring the custom, hand-blown glass chandelier into more prominent view. The statement is exciting and memorable. This is art that defines the room!
Karen Brown Interiors, Inc.
6022 River Terrace
Tampa, FL 33604
913-340-2085
karenbrowninteriors@gmail.com
www.karenbrowninteriorsinc.com
Karen Brown, President of Karen Brown Interiors, Inc., has worked as an interior designer for over 20 years serving residential clients throughout the Tampa Bay area. An allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers, she has designed numerous award-winning model homes and designer showhouses for the Florida Orchestra, ASID and, most recently, the Mayfair Charity Showhouse in Tampa.
Having been involved in the restoration of numerous historic homes, Ms. Brown is a strong advocate for historic preservation. During the recent multi-million dollar renovation of Ca’ d’ Zan, John and Mabel Ringling’s circa 1924 mansion turned state museum, Ms. Brown was honored to act as adviser to the curator on the selection of historically accurate fabrics and furniture.
Ms. Brown was featured on an episode of the popular HGTV television series Designers’ Challenge. Her designs have been showcased in numerous publications including the New Kidspace Idea Book, Dream Walls and Decorator Showhouses. In addition, her work has been published in Florida Design, Gulfcoast Design, DuPont Registry, Tampa Bay Illustrated, Tampa Bay Metro, Flair, Tampa Tribune and St. Petersburg Times.
Along with interior design, Brown is also a proficient mural artist and frequently begins with a custom designed mural as inspiration for a client’s room. Ms. Brown was honored to receive a special commission to design and lead a small team of artists to paint a mural on canvas symbolizing the relationship between a Tampa Anglican church and its sister parish in Rwanda. The team traveled to Africa to present the mural to the bishop and congregation in a meaningful ceremony in 2008. Active in community service, Ms. Brown is a member of the board of directors of The Education Channel and also sits on the advisory committee of the newly-formed Tampa Bay Arts Channel.
