After moving not so recently, it’s taken us awhile to unpack the boxes and really get all of our stuff together . Hang pictures on walls, put out the knick knacks, and just make this house our home. As someone who has spent the majority of their life moving around. I am happy to be able to really settle in this time. And make this a cozy space. The key to achieving a “homey” atmosphere lies in decorating with pictures of family/friends and comforting memories. So I’m making the focal point of the living room a gallery wall with some of my favorite moments .
The great thing about Gallery Walls is that you can use mixed media! Whether it’s wall art (a key, a fish, an arrow etc) or paintings, pictures on canvases, pictures in frames, pictures on wood planks.. the possibilities are endless. It’s a great way to showcase your personality and give your space that little something extra. It’s your chance to convey who you are and what you like to those visiting your home, and a reminder to you of what makes you happy!
Step One : Figure Out What You Want To Feature
The best way to start is to pick out some of your favorite things that can be hung up and definitely pick out your favorite pictures . A statement piece is always nice as well! I’ve got a sea inspired theme going on, so I’ve got some beautiful metal turtles I’ll be hanging. Along with pictures of the family including a beautiful Planked Wood photo of my son for the focal point. I received it from photography .com. They do such a great job of making gorgeous works of art, out of your photos and I highly recommend them! I’m including a link below, so you can easily find them and purchase your own photo products. Plus by using this link you can take advantage of the Buy One, Get Three Free deal going on for a limited time! Four amazing prints to get you started on your own gallery wall!
Statement Photography
Statement Photography is a great way to showcase your memories. Using pictures of you, family, friends, or scenery that are printed on mixed media for an artistic impact!
This picture above is printed on Wood! I love the details. The wood has such a rustic charm to it. The Wood prints are made with planked wood. They use High Definition Printing. So, the picture shows up so vibrantly!
I love Photography .Com for these types of products because they offer so many gorgeous options!
Metal Prints -Canvases -Acrylics -Bamboo -Glass -Framed Canvas -Picture Blocks -Picture Plaques -Clocks -Planked Wood Prints -Chalkboard etc.
In addition to the Planked Wood print I also got a Chalkboard from Photography . com. I love that they are stylish, yet functional. They come in espresso or black finishes. When I received the prints I was literally taken back by how well they were translated , they both looked sharp and flawless. And they look amazing on our walls! They offer numerous size options too. So, really whatever look you’re trying to achieve can be accommodated.
I just made over my work space, so this Chalkboard is the perfect finishing touch! I’m hanging the chalkboard over my desk. The print I chose is a picture I took in Florida that is relaxing to me. Now, I have the perfect space to stay organized & not get overwhelmed while working!
Also, one of my favorite amenities is that the products come ready to hang. They already have all of the necessary hardware attached securely to the back. Which is amazing because when they arrive and you see how good they look, you’ll want to get them up on your walls ASAP!
{These products make such great gift ideas too!;)}
Mixing It Up
When considering what you’ll hang, think about mixing up the sizes and colors. You can even mix up the style of frames. Aside from your statement photos consider using: Letters that mean something to you, Words, or a saying.Think : “Home is where the heart is” “Seas the Day” or “The Smiths” Something that inspires or appeals to you. Also, consider using paintings. This could be something simple to add color or something more detailed like a City Scape or an Animal..
Step Two: Collect Your Tools
After, you have successfully decided what you’re arranging on your wall now it’s time to figure out the specifics of where. Ideally you’ll want to use a level to keep things even, and a measuring tape if you want to be precise and figure out exact measurements. You will obviously need a hammer and some sort of nails. I like to use the picture hangers because they just always feel more secure to me!
Step Three : Envision The Wall & How You Want To Arrange It
I have been known to hammer in a few nails before actually figuring out exactly where a picture is supposed to be. When that happens sometimes you can get lucky and cover those unnecessary holes with the actual picture, other times they just turn out to be eyesores and they are not attractive, so this time I’m going to do a little planning..just a little . I’m literally just going to lay everything out on the floor near the wall so I can kind of envision how I want them all positioned . That way I’ll have a better idea before I get too far to turn back!
While envisioning the placement, it is important to consider the sizes and shapes of the items you’ve chosen.
I think it looks most balanced if you have a few different shapes (even if they are all squares but one is just slightly smaller or larger etc) As long as you make sure you’ve got balance it will be cohesive.
Step Four: Hang Your Art:
The best way to keep track of your idea for the layout is to leave them laid out on the floor and start with one picture at a time! Start with the middle pieces and move out and around from there. By doing this you can make sure it’s centered. Once, one is hammered in securely hung, move on to the next!
Step Five: Step back and Admire your work
Now that you’ve got it all securely on the wall, take a step back and really look at it. Don’t be afraid to adjust it and make any necessary changes.
When it comes to decorating there are plenty of dos & don’ts and innovative or classic ideas, but at the end of the day it’s important that the aesthetic you’re creating matches your personality , after all you’re the one who gets to enjoy it everyday and call your house a home!
