The Fine Art of Background Art

I'll be the first to admit, I've never decorated my home to impress people. I live in 500 square feet and rarely have people over, even before the pandemic. For most of my adult life I picked home decor items for my own amusement and nothing more.

So I find it ironic that I've been prohibited from having guests in my condo during the pandemic, I am constantly broadcasting my living room whenever I do business. Now when I decorate, I have my Zoom background top of mind.

It's become the new "sitting room" - that room houses used to have before open-concept living took over. The space with the nice furniture, no TV and pretty little art pieces to use as conversation starters when someone pops by for a visit. And when it comes to picking art or background styling, you need to think of what message you're sending your "guests".

Do they have pretty things to look at? Are there any conversation starters? Is your background messy, or clean?

I'm a firm believer that the more inviting your frame on a video call, the more people will pay attention to what you have to say. TV is built around non-verbal ways of holding someone's attention. Your background is doing more for your business than you realize.

The artwork should be subtle, with neutral colours. Recently my client changed up the artwork in her background. Since the start of the pandemic she conducted her press appearances with this gorgeous custom piece behind her.

On its own the painting works. I'm sure it's a favourite item that she's had for years and presents well in whatever room it's in. It's a stunning pencil drawing. But on TV, the face behind Kelley was distracting.

So she found a wallpaper print in the same muted colour palette and created her own custom wall art. The space feels lighter, brighter, with more breathing room. The speaker takes centre stage.

Personally, I always like to add a plant (usually a fake one I don't have to worry about maintaining). A set designer I used to work with would fill the studio with plants. She would say "living things bring a space to life" and I completely agree.

But at the end of the day, you don't need to fill your background with a lot of stuff. Just enough touches to add some texture and visual interest behind you. Anything that helps the other people on the call feel warm and welcome into your space.