Designer Spotlight: Wesley Moon, A Designer’s Balancing Act
Wesley Moon, of the Manhattan based interior design firm Wesley Moon Inc., specializes in crafting customized high-end interiors. A small boutique firm, he and his team of four designers work with clients to create interiors that reflect their personal tastes.
We sit down with Wesley Moon to discuss the balancing act of design, the true definition of art, and a few how-to’s for designing a space and displaying art.
1. Tell us a bit about your design projects.
Before taking on a project, we consider every detail. We prefer projects where we design both the built architectural environment as well as the decoration to ensure an overall harmony and cohesion of details. Being in New York City, we know how to get the most function out of every square inch of a space, and we can do it in a way that uber sophisticated as well as durable for families or entertaining. We do not believe you should have to choose between aesthetics and function.
2. How would you describe your design aesthetic?
We tailor our projects specifically for each client. However, the common thread in all our projects is that we understand how to layer furniture, finishes, and textures in a way that creates warmth and depth without clutter.
We also make sure to avoid clichés and we give anything that would be considered "common" a detail or twist that makes is special in some way, even if it's subtle. We have a way of making our rooms all hum together so that no one piece is screaming "look at me!," which creates peace without being sleepy. It's a balancing act that we've mastered.
3. How do you select art for your design projects?
Art is very personal. Many of my clients come to me with their own collections that they have been developing for years. So, sometimes we will help add to that collection and, in some fun cases we get to start from scratch.
I usually leave art to the end to see what the room needs to round it out. There are so many choices when it comes to art and the right piece will jump out at you when you see it. Once I know the sizes I need, I start to search galleries and websites, working in the price range I know is comfortable for my client.
4. What are the most important things you look for when selecting art for a space? Is it purely aesthetic or are there other considerations as well?
I never decorate around the art; meaning, I would never pick the colors of the fabric to match the colors in the painting. That's too cheesy for me. However, I do believe the decoration and the art should complement each other and be on the same level in terms of quality and vibrancy.
5. At UGallery, we believe that original art gives depth, character, and a story to every room. What does original art mean to you?
Exactly that. Owning original art is what's great about art in general! It doesn't have to be an expensive piece to be original. You can find great pieces from unknown or up and coming artists that you love as much as something that costs a million dollars. That's why art is so personal.
But before I will spend a penny on a print, I would invest a little bit more and get something original or at least limited edition so that it's an investment. Otherwise it's just wall decor, not art.
6. What advice would you give to our collectors who are looking for the best way to display their art?
Don't hang your pictures too high! Keep the middle of the piece at eye level for the activity of the room. I don't know why people tend to hang art up by the ceiling. You shouldn't have to tilt your neck to look up at art. Hanging it on the lower side makes your ceiling feel higher. Also, be conscious of the wall color or material and make sure it allows your art to shine instead of overwhelming it or making it blend right in.
7. If you could pick a single piece of artwork from UGallery to own, what would it be, and why?
This is tough. There are a lot of pieces I want. But, if I have to pick a single one, it would be Surf Study by Joe Davis. It just makes me happy. I love the colors and I love that it is people having fun. I love beach weather, so this really appeals to me.
Special thanks to Wesley Moon!