Jonathan Rachman on decorating with art - The San Francisco Fall Show

Bay Area interior designer – and 2016 San Francisco Fall Show vignette designer – Jonathan Rachman brings the best elements of East and West, classical, old-school, and current to his individually tailored design projects. When asked about his approach to decorating with art, he shared the following:

“As with everything I do, it is always about the people… So I approach decorating with art the same way, it is for the owner of the space and I make sure they enjoy the art I select. It must be evocative – in a positive way, of course! Art to me is like a jewelry: it can make a room or ruin it. At times, it is the last thing I select, other times it is what inspires me as a starting point.”

A staircase with white spindles and a dark handrail curves upward. On the landing is a dress form with gold details—a nod to Jonathan Rachman’s signature style—accompanied by a dried floral arrangement in a wooden vase. Abstract art panels hang on the walls, exemplifying thoughtful art decorating throughout the space. The floor features a rustic, patterned wood design.

Interior Design by Jonathan Rachman, Photo by David Duncan Livingston

“Art is so obviously personal… By nature I am a sentimental romantic, so my personal art selection is just that: sentimental and romantic – it may not necessarily be romantic in style, but it is romantic in subject matter. I collect all kinds of art: folk, modern, and I enjoy what the experts call classicism. But I also collect silhouette art in various mediums, as well as various types of decorative arts. It all depends on the purpose or intention. Artists I admire from different periods and styles include: Jeremiah Goodman, Gladys Perin Palmer, Marc Antoine Coulon, Bertel Thorvaldsen, Antonio Canova, Ida Bagus Nyoman Rai, Hahn, Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur, Philip de Laszlo, to name a few… When it comes to my clients and projects, it all depends on their collection (I have been appointed to manage their art collection and select for different properties) or what I am commissioned to do – I typically plan the overall scheme and look of a space or a mansion or a resort, and art is a very important factor in my design process.”

A modern dining area with a round black table, three black and white chairs, and a vase of red flowers. On the wall is a framed photo of a black swan with a red beak, positioned above the table against a plain white background—an elegant example of decorating with art in the style of Jonathan Rachman.

Interior Design by Jonathan Rachman, Photo by Suzanna Scott

“When shopping for art, the piece must speak to me personally – it might be the color or pattern, but more importantly what emotions or thoughts does it evoke? Memories? Does it inspire a room for me to base my design on, or does a room need this art?”

A large, minimal line art painting of a seated figure leans against a beige wall, exemplifying the refined approach of decorating with art. Next to it is a classic wooden cabinet with ornate details, books, and a decorative object on top—a subtle nod to Jonathan Rachman’s signature blending of old-world charm and contemporary style. A gray and white upholstered chair is partially in view.

Interior Design by Jonathan Rachman, Photo by Aubrie Pick

And finally, here are Jonathan’s dos and don’ts when to comes to decorating with art:

Be daring in your art selection, but know when to be safe
Make sure the room can handle your art selection: be it in scale, style or placement
Try the art when possible – in the space… many dealers allow a 24-48 hr approval period
Light your art! Be sure to use the proper temperature of lighting
Rotate art in the space you design, change things up, you will be pleasantly surprised with how quickly the room changes!
Never force a piece of art simply because you or your client owns it
Don’t be afraid of using a type of art you have never worked with before
Don’t buy anything simply because the artist is famous
Don’t get stuck in the same period of art because that’s the only thing you know

A vibrant bouquet of purple and pink flowers in a glass vase sits in front of two textured art prints, one of a person in headgear and one of a girl’s face. Decorative objects, including a red coral heart and a seashell, are arranged around the vase, creating an inspiring scene that perfectly embodies decorating with art. This captivating display recalls the style of Jonathan Rachman, where art decorating.

Interior Design and Photo by Jonathan Rachman

by Vera Vandenbosch