When it comes to our homes, I bet we all have something in common we'd rather not admit—walls, somewhere or another, left woefully bare. If you just haven't gotten around to hanging what you already own, what are you waiting for? It's the New Year, so get to it! On the other hand, if you're anything like me, still searching for that perfect piece—traditional but with a fresh, new look that's sophisticated and modern—check out the new Biltmore Collection from my friends over at Artaissance, my favorite online source for beautiful, affordable art. They even have a blog of their own, called Art That Fits, with a few of my thoughts today on decorating with art. Stop by and say hello! This collection, as you may have guessed, follows in the great tradition of the famous Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, built by George Washington Vanderbilt in the late 19th century. A couple of weeks back, while Jaithan and I were down in Atlanta for Scott's with our friend Steve McKenzie from Larson-Juhl frames, we were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the collection (and the incredible story behind it!) before it even debuted. Well, it officially launched this week, and you're the first to know about it! Here I am with a grouping of prints, all inspired by black and white etchings of settees from books housed in the library of the Biltmore. Never before have these images been seen by the public, and certainly never like this!
Here I am with Steve, listening to the fascinating story behind the collection and how it came to be. Every one of these images, I learned, was painstakingly photographed using the most cutting-edge digital equipment, then enhanced and reproduced by expert graphic designers at Artaissaince. This collection of Hepplewhite chairs in a palette of greys and whites would be perfect for our apartment.
What I love most about this collection is that this is the kind of artwork that looks rare and expensive, as though one-of-kind prints from the flea market, but is actually quite affordable and available to everyone. The secret is in the production process. Every print from Artaissance is made-to-order, so whatever size space you're working with, it's fully customizable. Check out the printing room where all the magic happens!
Because every print is digitally produced, the color options are fantastic!
I love the blend of modern and classic—familiar forms updated with fun, fresh colors. Here's one of my absolute favorites, a big, beautiful Upholstered Settee in a soothing sky blue. This piece I can see just as it is in a super modern loft space. Or, do what my friend Kerry on Top Design is going to do when he moves out of his old digs and into the city—the same gorgeous print but in a shocking shade of orange.
We all know how much I love a set of antique china, so here's a plate from the collection in a gorgeous kelly green.
And finally, check out this decorative "E" I'm coveting for a monogram above the fireplace mantel. Or, for a surreal effect in the bedroom, spell the word DREAM in all your favorite colors.
So why are you living with bare walls? Check out the Biltmore Collection and tell me which one you love! I'd love to hear about it.
I love it!
Posted by: Chloé | May 14, 2009 at 12:20 AM
what happened to handmade art? The main art that I see involved here is the current trend of the day, the art of pinching pennies as we paid artists fade slowly into the sunset- vivre la rip-off print!
Posted by: Jamie | January 27, 2009 at 05:54 PM
that large blue settee is to die for and sends my mind reeling with options for it! beautiful!!!!
Posted by: Joni Webb | January 26, 2009 at 10:00 PM
I found two of those sofa prints in Homegoods on clearance for $50.00 each! They were framed in HEAVY glass like frames. Beautiful and identical.
Posted by: Tamstyles | January 26, 2009 at 01:53 AM
Eddie what an impossible request. I couldn't possibly pick a favorite,I love everything. I'd probably pick th blue dish though.
Posted by: Judy | January 25, 2009 at 09:02 PM
I agree with Clara, that "art" is a personal experience. As an artist myself I know that my process and creations are as much of the art as the finished work. There is another element to art as well and that is the viewer and their relationship to the work. I know that once a piece is done and in the world others get to define if they think it is art or not. At Artaissance we are proud to provide a venue for those artists that want their art more accessible. In the case of the Biltmore Collection we were thrilled to go into the library and bring images out that have not been seen for over 100 years and use new technology and the skills of SCAD Art Student graduates to bring a new voice to these images. We agree everyone gets to define what is Art but we think a lot of creativity, passion and self went into the creation of these images. We hope everyone enjoys. And Eddie, please keep on inspiring all of us to live with beauty.
Posted by: Steve McKenzie | January 25, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Eddie,Where are you,MIA for the last 3 days??????
Posted by: Clara | January 25, 2009 at 08:11 AM
"art" isn't necessarily something that looks good over the sofa, and mass reproductions of "art" isn't really art.
art is a personal experience that should touch something deep down within you and evoke emotions of some sort.
so. I applaud you for prompting people to look for appealing things to hang on bare walls, however, it isn't art that you are promoting. it is decorating.
Posted by: pippa | January 24, 2009 at 01:53 PM
Ok..I am so busted! I have not 1 but 2 gallery halls in my house and they are completely bare due to my fear of hanging art.... I have collected many pieces of art that I cherish from my travels to the Caribbean. I really have to "get to it"! and just start hanging them.. Eddie, can you come to Cleveland and help me.???..pretty please!!!
Love the "E" and that green print on the plate..gorgeous!
Posted by: Ivy Lane | January 24, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Hi Eddie
The Biltmore estate is totally awesome, and I love the Biltmore Collection. The oversized print of the settee interest me big time. I am a big fan of large paintings and murals even in small spaces. (You should have your on show! After all you have great taste and talent; you're cute, and funny.....winning combination! :-) )
Thanks Eddie!
Ciao
Posted by: ralphie | January 23, 2009 at 10:14 PM
oops, here's my blog link :)
http://starrynightimpressions.blogspot.com/
Posted by: starrydeborah | January 23, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Hi Eddie,
I know you are famous and I feel a little strange commenting here to you, but you just have one of the most fun and informative blogs and I wanted you to know that I have put you on my fav blog award list.
Hope you don't mind :)
blessings,
starrydeborah
Posted by: starrydeborah | January 23, 2009 at 05:45 PM
fantastic!
Posted by: DecorPad | January 23, 2009 at 04:24 PM
well, eddie I think I like the monograms best. I just did something with monogram letters above my front door(interior),so between that and the monogrammed silver flatware flea market finds you are always featuring, I'm really into anything monogrammed right now. thanks for this additional inspiration.
Posted by: Shawn | January 23, 2009 at 04:06 PM
these are so beautiful - I especially love the letters. But how can anything not be beautiful when it's based on the Biltmore? Makes me want to go back for a visit...
Posted by: Tabitha (From Single to Married) | January 23, 2009 at 02:28 PM
Thank you so much for introducing me to this site....it is awesome! I love the E and all of the prints. I really love Kerry's idea of the bright orange....a hot pink would look so cool in my office/craft room. I am going to have to spend some time browsing the site and choosing new artwork for my home! xoxo Aline
Posted by: hanako66 | January 23, 2009 at 01:55 PM
watch me swoon.
Posted by: paula | January 23, 2009 at 01:40 PM
Wowwwww.Baltmore collection is amazing.Yes I have bore walls.But if I have a house Ill use Baltimore collection.By the way Eddie ;you look very nice my friemd.Loves from İstanbul
Posted by: ESRA | January 23, 2009 at 12:02 PM
So inspiring. Time to hang!
Posted by: Kwana | January 23, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Love the post, Eddie! Those prints are great. Could you tell me how large each black and white print is (you are standing in front of the 6 framed prints) and how large the sky blue Upholstered Settee is? Just trying to get an idea ... Thanks!!
Posted by: tzd | January 23, 2009 at 11:41 AM
While I do like the idea of affordable art for everyone, I gotta say, this is definitely art with a lowercase 'a', you know? I mean, to be able to fit an image to a space, to choose its colors? This is like when I used to work at a frameshop and folks would come in to buy a the proverbial Big Poster to go Over the Couch as long as the colors matched the living room. Frankly, I think Etsy is a much better place for affordable art that supports *artists*. I guess I just feel that Art should have some measure of inspiration and passion in it, artist to collector, and not just be about filling that hole on the wall *perfectly*.
Posted by: Carolyn | January 23, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Hi Eddiue.
The prints are excellent, these form good wall decors.
Thanks.
Lucy
Posted by: Best Bedroom Designs | January 23, 2009 at 11:07 AM
As Art Manager for Artaissance, I am just overwhelmed by all the fabulous comments about the Biltmore Collection! THANKS, Eddie, to you and all your wonderfully loyal blog readers!
Posted by: Anne | January 23, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Thanks Eddie for the great comments. We are having fun over here at Artaissance and it was a real inspiration to have you sit down and give us your perspective about Art and Framing. I hope everyone can read your advice on our artthatfits blog. Let's plan to flea market again soon!
Posted by: Steve McKenzie | January 23, 2009 at 10:13 AM
Wowza, Eddie! The Biltmore collection is fascinating! I love it and will spend more time later browsing. Thanks for a great post today!! xoxo
Posted by: Mimilee | January 23, 2009 at 09:23 AM
Hi, Eddie, what a great resource, I just love the looks of all of these. I'll be checking out the website (even though my walls are far from bare!). I may have to trade up for some of these.
Posted by: Rhoda | January 23, 2009 at 09:17 AM
What a great resource. The prints are beautiful. Thanks for the great post!
Posted by: Laura Casey | January 23, 2009 at 08:09 AM
Madonna and Child I is my favorite, it would be fun to see it in crazy brights.
Posted by: Naomi | January 22, 2009 at 11:08 PM
OMG - I love it all and I want to go to work for your friend!!!
Posted by: melissa i | January 22, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Why are my walls bare? I'm still trying to figure out what to put on them. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: sandra/tx | January 22, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Ok, I'm loving the lion dog of malta along with a lot of the landscapes. (The monograms are amazing too!!!) Thanks for sharing!!!
xoxo,
Lauren Liess
Posted by: Lauren Liess | January 22, 2009 at 10:07 PM
I just got back from the viewing the art.OMG I emailed 4 prints to a client for her family room,it is just what we are looking for. I can tell this is going to be a great resource for my personally and for my clients. Thank you Eddie, this is great and so reasonalble.I love the sample program, I could get those and present it to my clients.Yeah!!Kathysue
Posted by: Kathysue | January 22, 2009 at 08:03 PM
What a fantastic resource Eddie! I have bookmarked it and hope to get a chance to use it soon. This collection is particularly fun. Thanks!:)
Posted by: katiedid | January 22, 2009 at 07:44 PM
Oh my Goodness I am going bonkers.i love anything black and white and monograms an silouettes and make it of furnishing and I have died and gone to Design Heaven.Love this now I am off to go take a peek at the web-site.Thank you for sharing this!!!!Hugs Kathysue
Posted by: Kathysue | January 22, 2009 at 07:36 PM
I live in Asheville and love the Biltmore Estate! It is just full of inspiration! Those prints are beautiful. Thanks for sharing-
Laurel
Posted by: Laurel Long | January 22, 2009 at 06:51 PM
okay, I just looked through the collection. Ho.Ly.Smokes. I think I just created my wish list for Christmas '09.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 22, 2009 at 06:20 PM
gorgeous! I just love those gray and white chairs. and yes, we have woefully bare walls galore, though not for lack of trying. thanks for the great resource!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 22, 2009 at 05:41 PM
Eddie... those are so much fun. I customize my things with non-copyright art from Dover publications. Their cds come with scans at 600 dpi. I can't wait to check Artiassanece's site.
Posted by: pigtown-design | January 22, 2009 at 04:17 PM
These prints are TO-DIE-FOR!!! I'll take one of those, two of these, and one of each of those there settee prints - YUM! ;)
Thanks for the heads-up!
Posted by: alison g. | January 22, 2009 at 03:35 PM
Gorgeous prints! Fabulous blog.
I only wish I could see all of the wonderful pictures in my Google Reader...could you *please* switch to posting the full RSS feed?
Posted by: Aleksandra Podbereski | January 22, 2009 at 02:54 PM