Mason Lane Art was founded in Brooklyn, New York in 2014 out of a desire to help the entry-level collector discover art that brings them long term enjoyment. Their process is approachable and transparent. They help clients discover artwork that helps a space feel balanced, complete, and personalized. The team has grown throughout six years of operation, expanding to Toronto in 2019 with an office that is led by Laura Mann.
Laura was brought on to this project after the amazing 2H Interior Design team outfitted the Toronto pied-a-terre with all the necessities: furniture, styling and even wallpaper. The one thing needed, though, to bring this from a staged environment look to a unique home that reflected our client’s style and energy, was the artwork. That’s where Laura and the team came in to help design this condo.
In this space, they played with scale and mixed materials to create visual interest. They sourced artwork from various mediums and processes – everything from traditional artwork to wall sculptures and abstract paintings. While they absolutely love this entire space, three of my favourite moments include:
Living Room
“I am proud of the relationship between the Fiona Ackerman painting and the Jenna Krypell wall sculpture in this room. Honestly, it’s unlikely that these two have ever met, Ackerman is Vancouver-based and Krypell is in Brooklyn, NY, but there is something so special about the relationship between these two pieces. The organic shape visible in the painting comes to life more in the Krypell sculpture, and from some angles, you can even see the painting reflected in the stainless-steel surface.”
Reading Chair
“We chose a Chad Gerth photograph above the existing gorgeous Eames chair. The photo is actually from 1999 and is a real-time document of sound being released and preserved by the camera to record “A Day in the Life” by the Beatles. Our clients love music, so this piece was so special for them.”
Master Bedroom
“We went with a softer palette in the master bedroom to offset the bustling of downtown Toronto. The Nick Ostoff painting, which echoes the skyscraper windows visible nearby, was perfect for the space. We contrasted this with a fabulous, moody piece by Caroline Cloutier. Her technique is created through very precise lines as she applies oil pencil to the surface with a perspectival approach that reinforces depth and creates a visual escape. “
For anyone looking to incorporate more art into their own space, here are three of our easy-to-follow tips:
- “If you are serious about adding art to your home, consider working with an art advisor. Just like there are experts in stock market investing, art advisors are equipped to answer all of your questions and help you navigate an otherwise confusing industry. We not only can help a client source pieces we know they’ll love but can help a person understand the potential future value of a piece based on key indicators that make appreciation relatively more or less likely.”
- “Buy art you truly love and one with a story behind it. The story is so important and adds to the long-term enjoyment of a piece. You can certainly go to a big-box retailer and pick out something that resonates with you in the moment, but without the story, there will be a lack of connection. The way art makes your home look and feel should be unique to you. What sparks joy for you might do nothing for someone else, but that is what makes it so special”
- “Don’t think about the artwork so literally! Many times, clients come to us expecting my team to help them source paintings. But the artwork is so much more than that. Don’t forget about photographs, sculptures and ceramics – all artwork. These pieces should be considered cohesively when thinking through wall design – including wallpaper, paint colour and shelf styling.”
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