Before & After: How a Frame Can Completely Transform Art
Sometimes the artwork doesn’t need to change, the frame does.
This portrait came to us in a bold, lacquer red frame. While beautifully crafted with a pinstripe red inner mat and tan top mat, the high-gloss finish and ornate detailing of the frame overpowered the softness of the watercolor and distracted from the subject’s expression.
The art itself was timeless. The framing? Not so much.
The Update
For the redesign, we chose a distressed black ornate frame: still classic and detailed, but quieter and more refined. The darker tone draws your eye inward to the subject's contemplative eyes. A dark matching fillet inside the mat allows the warmth in the subject’s skin tones as well as the subtle washes of color to pop.
We also updated the matting and glass, giving the piece:
- A cleaner, more contemporary presentation
- Improved light protection and perfect clarity with museum glass
- A cohesive look that feels intentional and elevated
The result feels completely different - more sophisticated, balanced, and aligned with today’s interiors.
Why Reframing Matters
Styles evolve. Homes change. Tastes shift.
An outdated frame can unintentionally age a beautiful piece of art. But with thoughtful redesign - including new matting, upgraded conservation glass, and the right frame profile - an older piece can feel entirely new again.
If you have artwork that feels “off” but you can’t quite put your finger on why, it might not be the art at all. It might just need a fresh frame.
We’d love to help you reimagine what’s already on your walls. Schedule an appointment today!