Interior Designer Builds Close Relationship with Local Chicago Artists

pg16 Maya Camille
Turning down that chic sculpture or conversation piece painting because they don’t match the living room is a taboo.
Gallerist and textile designer Maya-Camille Broussard doesn’t believe the color scheme of a room should ever dictate a homeowner’s decision to purchase a piece. “Instead of the artwork being an accessory to the room, I convince them to let the art be the star,” she said.
Beginning Thursday Broussard will host a weekly web series called the MCB Project to provide homeowners with design tips, in-depth interviews with artists and the transformation process when redesigning a room. She works with artists and homeowners, helping them benefit the other.
“I want people to be excited about supporting the artists. It’s something that I’m passionate about and it’s something I like to impart to other people,” Broussard told the Defender.
The idea to host the web series originated when, as a gallerist, she would hear potential buyers turn down a piece because it didn’t match the paint or couch in their home. That was her “reality check.”
“If I could convince a homeowner that you can fall in love with the piece of art first, then we can make your room work around the artwork, that’s definitely an investment to not only invest in the piece, but to invest in the artist,” she said.
The process itself usually starts from one of two ways. Sometimes Broussard finds a piece from an artist and tries to find a homeowner who would appreciate it. Other times, the homeowner knows what type of art he or she prefers, but doesn’t know how to find something to fit into the home.
“It’s almost like me playing matchmaker between the artist and the homeowner,” she said.
“You definitely don’t have to buy new couches and a new coffee table,” said Broussard. “The actual transformation process does not have to be an expensive one and I’m also a big fan of refurbishing pieces.”
It isn’t always necessary to drastically change a room and that it’s fine to make small transformations. One of her jobs is showing homeowners that there’s always a way to make an art piece fit.
“What I find is that a lot of homeowners really do love a piece but they’re intimidated in terms of whether or not that piece will actually flow in their room,” she said.
As co-owner of Three Peas Art Lounge, Broussard was exposed to many up-and-coming artists from Chicago. This networking opportunity put her in constant contact with artists who she can refer her clients.
The MCB Project webisodes will appear on www.TheMCBProject.com.

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