Why not transform your monotonous walls and ceilings into a space full of surprise and fun with trick art? This time, we'll introduce the appeal of trick art as interior design and practical ways to incorporate it.
table of contents
What is trick art?
・Basics of optical illusion effects
・Interior use cases
Recommended installation locations
·living
·entrance
・Children's room
How to choose trick art
・Relationship with the size of the room
- Color and theme selection
・Recommended works by budget
DIY trick art
・Easy to make
・Necessary tools and materials
・Points to note and tips
summary
What is trick art?
The basics of optical illusions
Trick art is an artistic expression that creates the illusion that pictures or figures drawn on a two-dimensional surface appear three-dimensional or are different from reality. This effect takes advantage of the way the human brain processes visual information.
The main optical illusion effects include:
- Depth illusion due to perspective: The effect of lines and shapes drawn on a flat surface appearing three-dimensional
- Contrast of light and dark: Skillful use of light and shadow creates a sense of relief and depth.
- Repeated patterns: The regular repetition of patterns creates the impression of movement and distortion.
- Color illusion: A visual illusion created by complementary colors or color combinations.
By understanding and utilizing these effects, you can transform an ordinary space into a fascinating and impressive one. Trick art as an interior has value beyond mere decoration, and is an important element that brings surprise and enjoyment to a space.
Another feature of trick art is that it looks different depending on the angle from which you view it. This allows you to discover and enjoy different aspects of the same piece, creating a space that you won't get bored of for a long time.
Interior use cases
Let's take a look at some examples of trick art being used as interior design.
Use in the office: By incorporating trick art of natural scenery on an entire wall, an office space that can easily become monotonous can be created with an open and relaxing atmosphere, contributing to reducing stress and improving creativity among employees.
Café/restaurant presentation: The blue sky that hangs from the ceiling and the three-dimensional artwork that seems to jump out from the walls create an extraordinary space. It is also a popular photo spot that looks great on social media.
How to incorporate it into your home: The playful 3D designs on the floor, such as the "underfloor abyss" and "stairs to the basement," are sure to spark conversation with family and guests. They're also popular as educational elements that stimulate the imagination of children, especially in homes with children.
What these examples all have in common is that they are not just decorative, but have the power to completely change the atmosphere of the entire space. The following effects have also been reported:
- Can create the appearance of spaciousness
Create a conversation starter
Create a memorable and impressive space
・You can create a fresh space by changing the wallpaper to suit the season or your mood.
As you can see, trick art is not just a work of art, but is used in a variety of places as an important element of spatial design. In the next section, we will take a closer look at specific installation locations and their effects.
Recommended installation locations
living
The living room is the space where the family spends the most time, and is the place where trick art can be used to its fullest. Trick art of the view from the windows that cover the entire wall, or a blue sky painted on the ceiling, brings a sense of openness to the room and transforms an ordinary space into a special place.
We recommend the following ways of using it:
Accent wall: By applying trick art to just one wall, you can create a modern and artistic atmosphere, dramatically changing the overall impression of the room.
Ceiling design: Looking up at the sky, the universe, fantastical patterns, and more will provide a sense of wonder and relaxation. Even low ceilings that give a feeling of oppression can be transformed into a spacious impression.
Window effects: Trick art combined with real windows creates a more natural sense of depth and openness, allowing you to create the ideal scenery, such as a night view or garden view.
You can also use removable trick art that can be replaced according to the season or event, allowing you to enjoy fresh spatial effects all year round. It is important to pay attention to the combination with lighting and to devise ways to make it look effective at night.
Furthermore, it is important to coordinate with the furniture and interior accessories. By choosing sofas, tables, curtains, etc. that match the color tone and atmosphere of the trick art, you can create a more unified space.
entrance
The entrance is the first space that visitors see, and is an important place that influences the overall impression of the house. By incorporating trick art here, you can create a playful and welcoming space. The following are some effective ways to use it.
Floor design: 3D floor art creates the illusion of deep holes and water, providing surprise and fun while also ensuring safety.
Utilizing the walls: By applying trick art such as three-dimensional windows, doors, and landscape paintings to the walls of the entrance, you can create a sense of spaciousness and depth in the space. This is particularly effective in creating a sense of openness in windowless spaces such as the entrance to an apartment building.
Around the shoe closet: By adding trick art to the storage area, you can add artistic flair to a functional space, creating a fun atmosphere even during everyday activities.
Things to keep in mind when choosing trick art for your entrance.
- Select highly waterproof and stain-resistant materials to make the product resistant to dirt and water from the outside.
- Consider compatibility with the entrance lighting and choose a design that is visible at night.
・Arrange the furniture so that it does not interfere with daily activities such as putting on and taking off shoes or cleaning.
- Consider temporary decorations that can be changed according to the season.
Also, since entryways are often relatively small spaces, special care must be taken with the scale and placement of trick art. Avoiding overly flashy decorations and choosing a simple yet effective design will help create a sophisticated space.
Furthermore, it is important to coordinate trick art with practical items such as entrance mats, lighting fixtures, umbrella stands, etc. By coordinating these elements comprehensively, you can create an impressive entrance space that is both functional and artistic.
Children's room
A child's room is a special space that fosters imagination and creativity. By incorporating trick art, you can create an engaging environment that combines learning and play. Here are some effective ways to use it:
Educational element: By incorporating scientific trick art that teaches spatial awareness and how optical illusions work, you can create an environment where children can learn while playing.
Fantasy space: Trick art with themes that interest children, such as space, underwater, and the jungle, can create a dreamlike space.
Adaptable as your child grows: Peelable trick art allows you to flexibly update your space as your child ages and interests change.
How to choose trick art
Relationship with the size of the room
When choosing trick art, it's important to carefully consider the size of the room where it will be installed. Bold 3D effects and designs that utilize perspective look great in large spaces, but in small rooms, choose a simple design that creates a sense of depth to avoid a feeling of oppression. It's also important to consider furniture placement and traffic flow, and consider the appropriate size and location so that it doesn't interfere with daily life.
Color and theme selection
When choosing the colors and theme of your trick art, it's important to consider how it will harmonize with the overall atmosphere and interior of the room. Use the colors of your wallpaper and furniture as a guide and choose colors that harmonize with them to create a sense of unity in the space. You can also create a more sophisticated space by choosing a design that matches the overall theme of the room, such as modern, natural, or classic.
Recommended works by budget
There are many trick art options available depending on your budget. On the low end, wall stickers and poster-type trick art are affordable options, costing around ¥1,000 to ¥5,000. In the mid-range (¥10,000 to ¥50,000), you can choose authentic trick art using high-quality printing and durable materials. On the higher end (¥50,000 and up), you can choose more original options, such as original artwork by artists or custom designs.
DIY trick art
Easy to make
Here are some basic steps to create your own DIY trick art:
Create a draft: First, draw a design on paper to see how the 3D effect will look. Deciding on the composition and size at this stage will help you avoid mistakes.
Setting the reference line: Lightly draw a grid of lines with a pencil on a flat surface such as a wall or ceiling to check the perspective from a reference point. If this reference line is not accurate, the 3D effect will be distorted, so proceed carefully.
Draw the outline: Draw the outline of the desired 3D shape along the reference line. If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with a simple shape such as a cube or stairs.
Coloring and shading: To emphasize the three-dimensional effect, determine the direction of the light source and add appropriate shading. The stronger the contrast between light and dark, the more pronounced the three-dimensional effect will be.
Adding details: Adding textures and fine details can create a more realistic three-dimensional effect. However, overdoing it can sometimes diminish the effect, so be sure to find the right balance.
Of particular importance is the position of the viewpoint from which you view the work. The key is to check the work repeatedly as you work so that the three-dimensional effect is most effectively felt when viewed from this viewpoint. Also, taking photos and videos as you work will make it easier to check the effect and make corrections.
Tools and materials needed
Here are some basic tools and materials you'll need to create your own DIY trick art:
Drawing tools: pencils (HB, 2B), erasers, rulers, compasses, water-based pens, acrylic paints, etc.
Measuring tools: tape measure, level, protractor - necessary for accurate measurements of dimensions and angles
Substrate: White wallpaper, canvas, board - choose according to the condition of the surface
Finishing tools: brushes, rollers, sponges - used for painting large areas and finishing small details
Protective equipment: masking tape, protective sheet, gloves - necessary to avoid making a mess of the surrounding area
Please select the tools you need based on the scale and technique of your work. We also recommend that beginners start with basic tools and gradually acquire more tools as needed.
Precautions and Tips
Here are some important points to note and tips when creating your own DIY trick art:
Consistency of light source: Maintaining a consistent light direction throughout your piece will create a more natural three-dimensional effect, especially when it comes to shading.
Fix your viewpoint: To maximize the effect, decide on the best position (viewpoint) from which to view your work, and create while keeping in mind the perspective when viewed from that position.
Step-by-step production: Instead of aiming to complete the work all at once, you can avoid mistakes by working on it step by step: draft → outline → coloring → details.
It is also important to regularly test the effect while creating your piece, checking how it looks when viewed from different angles and distances. Choose materials that are safe for indoor use, and be sure to use non-toxic materials, especially when using them in a child's room. Furthermore, consider how your piece will age over time, and plan for appropriate protective coatings and regular maintenance to ensure it can be enjoyed for a long time. It is recommended to start with small pieces and gradually build up your skills and experience.
summary
Trick art is a wonderful interior item that brings surprise and fun to your room. By choosing the right installation location and artwork, and by creating it yourself, you can create a special space that is uniquely yours. There are many ways to incorporate it depending on your budget and skill level, so why not try enjoying the world of trick art in your own way?
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About the author
Author: Shiori
FROM ARTIST management staff. They write feature articles and columns, and provide operational support from an artist's perspective.
Supervisor: Shoma Toida
CEO of BUSCA LLC. Head of FROM ARTIST. Started his career as a marketer, he worked for a business company and an advertising agency before going independent. He completed marketing-related programs at several graduate schools and business schools, including the University of California, Berkeley and London Business School. He also completed the MBA core curriculum at Macquarie University and studied the importance of art in education at the University of British Columbia.
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