The word 'Art' is most commonly associated with pieces of work in a gallery or museum, whether it’s a painting from the Renaissance or a modern sculpture. However, there is so much more to art than what you see displayed in galleries.

The truth is, without being aware of it, we are surrounded by art and use it on a continual basis. Most people don’t realize how much of a role art plays in our lives and just how much we rely on art in all of its forms in our everyday lives.

The Joy of Art

You may be wondering why all of these things are so important to our daily lives and that you could probably survive just fine with essential items that were non-artistic. That is just the reason why art is so valuable! While art may not be vital to fulfill our basic needs, it does make life joyful. When you look at a painting or poster you’ve chosen to hang on your living room wall, you feel happy. The sculpture or figurines on the kitchen windowsill create a sense of joy. These varieties of art forms that we are surrounded by all come together to create the atmosphere that we want to live in.

Art and Music

The importance of art in our daily lives is very similar to that of music. Just like art, music can make life extremely joyful and can have a huge effect on our mood. In the workplace in particular, music is something that can help people set the mood for what they are about to do. If you have something hard or difficult to work on or are feeling tired, an energetic song will likely wake you up and add some enthusiasm to the situation. Similarly, when stress is high, many people find that relaxing to calming music is something that eases the mind.

Inspirational Art

Inspirational art, such as posters are often found in work spaces to encourage employees to continue being productive. There is now an increasing amount of companies using art in their offices, as well as playing background music, as it is proven to actually work in making end results far better quality. There may be a piece of art that you own that you personally find motivational. Perhaps a print with a positive affirmation or quote beautifully scrolled on it or a painting of a picturesque scene of where you aim to travel to one day.

SOME REASONS WHY ORIGINAL ART IN THE HOME IS AS IMPORTANT AS A BED

1. Creates Mood
2. Adds Personal Character to the Home
3. Makes Memories
4. Provides a Colour Palette
5. Makes a Room Feel Finished
6. Inspires and Fosters Creativity
7. Conversation Starter
8. Supports Artists
9. It is an Investment
10. Creates a Livable Environment
11. Keeps the Brain Active
12. Relaxation
13. Curating Your Own Gallery is Fun!

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Some Suggestions..


 


EST.
Modern Australian
Est. is Establishment Hotel's restaurant situated on the first floor overlooking bustling George Street. Within this luxurious and inspiring room renowned chef Peter Doyle combines fresh Australian produce with French techniques to create a menu that pleases the eye as well as the appetite.
ARIA
Modern Australian
Matt Moran has continued to wow Sydney Diners with this picturesque restaurant situated right across from the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and a stone throw away from the Opera House. ARIA is a true sign of what Sydney Dining is at it's best; relaxed yet professional service and fabulous fresh produce.
SEPIA
Modern Australian
An exciting new restaurant and wine bar has burst onto the city dining scene. From the eclectic but accessible wine list to the seafood-focused menu, Sepia Restaurant and Wine Bar is a classic Sydney dining destination. Try tomorrows food today.
PONY LOUNGE AND DINING
Modern Australian with Asian / Mediterranean influences
Damien Head’s new baby offering a menu to suit any mood with it’s amazing Modern Australian with Mediterranean and Asian Influences carefully crafted into a Tapas and A la Carte menu. Definitely a symbol of where Sydney dining is headed and is a venue that has magically ticked all the right boxes offering sensational food, great personalized service, fantastic décor by Dreamtime Design.
ROCKPOOL
Seafood
One of Australia's most recognized chef / restaurateur's trademark restaurant. Situated minutes away from the hotel by foot. Neil Perry a strong advocate for fine, sustainable produce has being a key player in setting the countless trends that have hit Sydney.
ROCKPOOL BAR AND GRILL
Modern Australian, specialising in Steak
Flaunting a strikingly gorgeous dining room and a premier Australian menu, Neil Perry’s Rockpool Bar and Grill restaurant is a jewel in Sydney’s dining crown. Located in the art deco City Mutual Building in Sydney's CBD, elegant dining within tasteful surrounds is ensured.
CAFE SYDNEY
Modern Australian
With delicious food and a superb view, this eclectic restaurant is a very short walk from Four Seasons Sydney. The terrace offers the most complete view than any restaurant in Sydney Harbour which includes the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Circular Quay.
WOLFIES GRILL
Steak and Seafood
With its breathtaking views across the Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House, Wolfie's Grill is a must for any visitor to Sydney. The large alfresco eating area provides uninterrupted views of the city and Circular Quay.
OTTO RISTORANTE
Modern Italian
A very trendy restaurant for a very trendy area. This restaurant is among other cool restaurants along side a sophisticated wharf in the suburb of Wolloomoolloo.
ICEBERGS DINING ROOM AND BAR
Mediterranean
A very contemporary and trendy restaurant and bar that offers a stunning Bondi beach view. The food is delicious with a great wine list to compliment. This is one of the hottest restaurants in Sydney.
SPICE TEMPLE
Chinese/Modern Asian
Take a step into this oriental house of culinary wonders and discover Spice Temple; a Sydney restaurant that bows down to Chinese authenticity and history. From the sublimely sultry interior design to the beautiful crockery imported from Taiwan, no small detail has been overlooked.
FLYING FISH
Seafood
Sydney’s shining star; Flying Fish is where Peter Kuruvita showcases his passion for all things seafood in Sydney’s sexiest dining room. The menu offers a well balanced insight into Peter’s Sri Lankan heritage, One & Three Michellin starred restaurant experience in London and his past-time as executive chef of Bilson’s for over 6 years. The live tanks, a temporary home for some of Australia’s finest sea creatures such as: Tasmanian crayfish, Queensland and Northern Territory mudcrabs, Balmain bugs, Tasmanian scallops.
SAILORS THAI
Thai
Easily said to be the best Thai restaurant in the city area. Traditional Thai with a spectacular modern presentation. The dining room has a homely feel. There is also the Canteen of Sailors Thai where you can walk in and join a communal table.
MANTA
Italian Seafood
A unique spot across from the Navy base in stunning Woolloomoolloo, set on a wharf amongst other trendy restaurants. Manta has become a stand out restaurant due to it's great food.
PENDOLINO
Italian
The latest addition to Sydney's The Strand Arcade, Pendolino restaurant embodies everything that is deliciously Italian while specialising in oil, wine and delectably traditional dishes.
SELAH
Modern Australian
Bold and lively food with a savoury edge is a welcome change. This casual CBD eatery is an intriguing lunch stop but, at night, feels more like a suburban local in the heart of the city.
GOLDEN CENTURY
Chinese
Regarded as one of Sydney's finest Asian establishments, Golden Century restaurant is as authentic as they come and is one of the only restaurants in Sydney open until 4am. Some of the freshest and best seafood in Sydney is swimming (or crawling) inside the restaurant's tanks, including silver perch, mud crabs, prawns and pippies.
FISH AT THE ROCKS
Seafood
Seated in the heart of the historic Rocks district, the focus here is squarely on the best and freshest seafood, in a charming, friendly atmosphere. If you're tired of slick minimalism, and yearn for quality seafood in a warm, unpretentious atmosphere, then this family-owned seafood restaurant is for you.

How to Arrange Art

  • "People have a tendency to hang art too high," says Linda Crisolo, Art.com director of merchandising. "The center of the image should be at eye level." In living rooms, people are usually sitting, so artwork should be lower. A good way to ensure you're placing artwork at the right height is to hang it one hand width above the sofa.
  • A common problem when hanging artwork above a sofa or sideboard is that it's not in scale. Having pieces that are too small or too large will make the whole arrangement look strange. "Make sure artwork is at least two-thirds the size of the sofa or sideboard," Crisolo says. "For example, a 9-foot-long sofa should have a 6-foot-wide expanse of art above it."
  • In the bedroom, choose personal art, such as family photographs or your own photography. If you're arranging the pieces in groupings, Crisolo recommends sticking with one color theme, either all black-and-white or all color photographs.
  • "Above a mantel or fireplace is the perfect place to layer pieces," Crisolo says. "A house looks like a home when you can see layers of artwork and accessories."
  • In the kitchen, hang art in a place where it won't get damaged by water or heat. Consider placing art above an office space, near the dining table, or above open counter space. Crisolo also recommends avoiding kitchen art in the kitchen. "I tend to shy away from pictures of asparagus in the kitchen," she says. "Vintage art with traditional frames works in a traditional kitchen. In a modern kitchen, try bright colors with stainless-steel frames."
  • A symmetrical arrangement creates a striking and simple focal point. All-white frames and mats unify this grouping. "I like to use the same frames to create homogeny," says Crisolo.
  • When deciding where to hang images in your home, consider the wall space available and the arrangement of the room. "Use small pieces between windows and doors," Crisolo says. "If small items are in a space too large, the pieces look lost. With larger pieces, allow room for people to step back and admire the work."
  • Artwork collaborates with other accessories and decor to create a visual story. Make sure images, moldings, and shelves all work together. "Hang artwork in front of a bookcase, on the face of the shelf," Crisolo says. "The shelves and ledges become part of a decorating story."
  • Make sure your arrangement matches your decorating style. "Symmetrical arrangements are more traditional or formal. Asymmetrical is modern," Crisolo says. "Also look at the image and style of the frame. For cottage-style rooms, stick with vintage images or botanicals. In modern rooms, choose large and abstract pieces."