Sometimes not placing something in a space make a bigger impact. Yes, negative space is a welcomed design element that allows a room to breathe and open up. We spotted a unique use of negative space...
...by way of frames. Designer M.J. Lanipher uses this design style to accent the space. Just using the frame structure, the smaller artwork inside makes a big impact on the wall. This is an easy and affordable way to create a design.
Check out more artwork ideas from Apartment Therapy:

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they should probably consider some negative space on that table...waaaay too crowded...
Im not too sure I like the frames either
I actually don't like the composition of the items within the frames at all. And really, mats around art within "normal" frames accomplish the same goal of negative space.
I am sorry to diss this decorator, but all his stuff looks like this. His signature flourish seems to be a stack of books crowded on a table with a sculptural "objet" sitting atop them. In other words, much more regard for form than function.
Way too much table clutter -- a total pain to clear -- and I try to steer clear of the "frame" phenomenon (shadow boxes and such are cheesy), but oddly, as much as I dislike mismatched chairs, these work. Clear things out, leave the chairs, pendant and table and I'd hang out.
I think the frames could work in this way theoretically, but these seem contrived and a bit silly to me. Maybe this technique could go farther to make a dramatic statement? Or, just abandon it.
I like the principle idea. Thanks for posting it. It helped shift my thinking.
Not working for me. The lamp is interesting, though.
Does anyone know where that bright red chair is from? I quite like it and am in search of good chairs for my dining room.
Who knew that negative could be so positively do-able. It works.
i like it
I'm always one to leap to comment on empty frames as being a cliche ... done, done, and done to death.
However, the moldings containing smaller frames containing smaller compositions is somewhat interesting to me. I'm not really negative on this, sorry. I think it has potential, as do the combination of different chairs with the table.
Perhaps a little less would be more, but I am intrigued with the possibilities.
Thanks, AT.
I like the lamp a lot. The rest, not so much...
i'm not all about those frames. for some reason, it bothers me, and i can't figure out why. too much negative space in the one on the right?
Tiamat, that red chair looks like it might be the "hippie chair" from CB2. If not, the hippie chair is pretty similar. Not sure if it still comes in red, though...
anyone know the source of that light fixture?
Anyone know where I can get a pendant lamp like this one??? Love it!!!