How to create a gallery wall with frames | Idea Interiors

If you're like the average person, you are probably stumped by this one.
The magazines make it look so easy, the designers have a knack for it, even

 the boutiques and hotels have a way of placing frames just right.

I have plenty of  frames with gaping  holes behind them, luckily I am the only one who knows they are there!

I did some digging and found some useful tools for you all to use and abuse, so that your walls do not look like they've been riddled by machine gunfire!  

I put together some terrific links to tools sources that can help you layout your frames 
Pottery Barn,    Another Reason to Smile,    Ann Beck Photography. 
Sapphire rain design guide,     Picture Wall Company - frames & templates

Visit Grady Bug Designs where you can source templates to help you with the daunting task.  I must admit there are more configurations for wall

 art that can be imagined, so here are some terrific images to inspire you to take action, and put up those frames as expertly as the pros do!

An interesting collection of prints are just as bold as this striped settee!

Above and below, the benches act like an anchor to the picture frames which would unmistakably float if they stopped at the height they are 

currently placed.  Beautiful vignettes in both of these settings.

Above, a mix of artwork, photos and sketches. I like the idea of the frames going above the door's threshold, 

drawing the eye up and through the doorway.

This is a favorite - empty frames.  Notice how they are thick and ornate, so that they take up a good chunk of the empty space and make a bold statement. 

Even if they are empty. they say,  I'm here!

These white frames have space between them that is consistent, even if not aligned to each other.

An interesting set of keys is included in the mix, mixing it up a little.  I find this a fascinating way to display mementos,
  perhaps baby's shoes, a piece of memorabilia too tiny to display elsewhere.  If combined with a meaningful photo has even more of a pull.

An unusual way to display artwork above, allowing for empty space to also make its own statement.

Artwork does not have to be forsaken in the kitchen either!

Sleek rails make for an easy way to prop photos by leaning them against the wall.  This takes the thinking out of aligning each frame, and also
 indulges you  to change your mind whenever you feel like it. You can re group these images easily,
not worry about making the holes, and change it up to your hearts' content!

A great opportunity to use your 'home's real estate', the hallway often goes bare and without much flourish.
Here it has plenty of dazzle and drama, allowing the guest to linger while moving from one part of the house to another.
 It is an unencumbered space so it really does afford the gallery feel and look.

Note how low to the ground the lower railing is.  Use your space!

If you're like my sister, Rania, you want order in your home.  Some people just love symmetry and ofcourse what better way to show that
than in how you group your frames.  Great precision and care has to be taken in this case.  So give yourself plenty of time to set up,
 have all your tools handy, level, plugs, nails and screws and get to it.  Two heads are better than one, but make sure your
 partner is patient, because this is not a job for the faint of heart!

The only guest not wowed by this gallery as you see would be a cat!

Above a large map, divided into 6 equal parts, makes for an inexpensive piece of artwork and also brings the color blue to it's full potential.

The paneling here affords enough real estate for picture frames, and also does double duty by creating the alignment itself.

Nothing is more compelling than floor to ceiling galleries, here again the hallway or landing is easily transformed into an art gallery.
I love the composition - very little space between the photos but the alignment of them on the top and bottom.
 Still symmetrical but within it's borders affords some creativity for the playful personality, like mine!

I fell in love with this setup, bright candy apple red frames with black and white prints.  

Drama for hallway and also for the artwork.  

 Lighting sets the mood in the evenings and puts the focus on the images.

One of my absolute favorite images on the net is this one featuring the staircase.
Staircases are functional, but  this one does double duty.
 Here, it transports you upstairs in addition to providing up close and personal views
 of smaller images that might go unnoticed if placed too far away to approach.

Grab your hammer, nails and a friend and get to it!

Enjoy!

Size matters: Over Sized Art Work!

My friends make fun of me, cause I love all things oversize. If I wear a necklace it's bold and makes a statement, a ring

 might look like a space ship has landed on my finger, my couch is huge and invites you to linger, my dining table massive.

Of course my artwork can't be puny! 

 I guess, for me, size does matter!

Lots of people are afraid of big furniture or art work in their home. 

 The strangest thing is that even in a small room a large piece of furniture might

 just make the room appear larger than it actually is!  For example, if you have  high
 ceilings  as I do, a tall cabinet appropriately placed has the effect of drawing one's eye 
upward and away from the small footprint of the room. Don't cram the room with too much,
and if placed  appropriately it will shine as a  focal point and also fool the eye.

These wild horses by famed New York photographer Robert Dutesco, are perfectly proportioned
above these sleek lined lounge chairs.  The furniture doesn't compete with the artwork,
nor vice-versa, it all works together.

When framing large works of art, your pocketbook goes through a beating, this ingenious 

print was framed using simple black plastic stripping that''s nailed into the wall.
  Inexpensive and almost invisible.

Don't be afraid to 'hide' part of your artwork behind a showpiece like this swivel 

egg shaped leather chair.  The over sized art, creates the perfect backdrop for this
 jewel of furniture.

Again the piece of furniture is grounded by the artwork, it works in unison to create an

 enormous yet welcoming vignette.

I recently decided to create my own piece of art work which can be seen here, and I 

admit I am not an artist, I was just trying to create inexpensive over sized art work. I

 simply created a tableau by stretching  a piece of canvas then primed it for painting.  Any art 

shop will tell you how you can do this.  I then used the same hues and  leftover latex paint that I 

had used to paint my home.   I just went ahead and played with large swooshing motions,

 and after 'learning to let go' created a unique piece of work.

Both above and below an oversize photograph is used to create a backdrop in these 
black and white settings.

A modern, minimalist look works just as well with over sized art as shown here.

Set in an Art Deco building in the heart of Upper West Side sits one of the homes of 
Donna Karan, which houses this gorgeous piece of art work above. 

 The size of this ripe orange art is an ideal example of how to fill an empty 
space, make a statement and yet, not go overboard with too many cumbersome
 pieces that don't allow the piece to breath.

Note how this nude above creates height, making the room appear even taller by drawing the eye upward.

Above, height, is again created by using a tall piece of artwork above a chunky piece of furniture.

Below a simple piece of wallpaper is used to create inexpensive art, in contrasting hues.

Enjoy!

How to: Staircase runner & picture frames

image via www.belinda.net.au

Sometimes more is more!  And I'm all for it.  One of the biggest mistakes people make when styling their homes

 is underplaying the size of the images displayed on their walls.   A minuscule print or frame is lost above a huge sofa,
 or in an expansive hallway.  Proportion is so important.  How much empty space is left is as important as how much is used!

 I love the bold statement made with this staircase.  It screams  "I know what I'm doing, and I love it"!  What confidence!

You could ofcourse, pare it down a notch or two.  This collage takes full advantage of the ascent.  It creates an
instant gallery, where guests may stop at each riser, and at eye level view image details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The grey, black and white tones of the runner, wallpaper and charcoal banister tie everything together like a perfectly wrapped gift.

Who said less is more? Not me!  
Be bold! Take a dive into  the deep end of design.

I dare you!