Patricia Altschul's Art Collecting Tips
Patricia Altschul advises aspiring art collectors to visit museums, auctions, and galleries to develop taste, and to inspect paintings for damage using a portable blacklight [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzPRSHj04zE].
Altschul advises those interested in interior design to start with the walls and work slowly, emphasizing that it can take years to achieve the desired look. She suggests that people often underestimate the importance of scale and proportion, which can make a room feel like a hotel lobby if not done correctly. She also believes every room benefits from a touch of gilt, such as painted Swedish or French furniture, mirrors, plants, flowers or Arabian rugs. Altschul champions an eclectic style that remains cohesive. Altschul advises maintaining detailed records of your home's contents, including photographs and receipts, for insurance purposes. She also suggests cataloging items similar to how art is cataloged. Patricia Altschul's Charleston home, the Isaac Jenkins Mikell House, was decorated by the late Mario Buatta, who she worked with for 30 years. She says she learned many design lessons from him, especially his use of scale and color.
