How to Tame an Art Wall {Gallery Frames}

If you know me, then you know things rarely stay the same for long around here!  Like, for instance this gallery wall over our sectional sofa that I talked about a little while back.

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See what’s changed?!? Here’s how it looked back then…

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Yup, I removed some of the fussiness (the basket, the mirrored botanical print, and the wine label art), and whipped it into shape with some modern, clean-lined gallery frames. I was happy enough with how the gallery wall turned out before, but after living with it little awhile, I decided it was a little busier than I had planned. I think that’s because of the saturated colors (the reds and teals) AND the fussy lines in all of the pieces (i.e., the florals).  It needed to be tamed! Plus, I had really wanted to incorporate some family photographs to make it feel more personal.  I’ve experimented quite a bit with gallery wall groupings in our home, and photos are definitely the key to bringing a collection to life. (For some other gallery wall tips, click here.)

.I’ve always loved, loved, loved photos in gallery frames, but was reluctant to use them on this particular art wall because of the more traditional style of the painted canvases.

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I immediately loved the contrast between the clean lines of the gallery frame, and the more detailed canvases.   The simplicity of the gallery frame (with its white matting) helped bring some much needed ‘quietness’ to the collection.

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It’s a good lesson on how mixing up styles (in this case, traditional with modern) often works better than just one style on its own.  I think gallery frames work really well with any style of decor.

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This collection of wall art feels so much better to me now!  For me, the whole process of decorating our home has been one of trial and error – just like this example – and of making small tweaks and adjustments along the way. I usually have to live with something awhile before I can commit to it.  If at first you don’t succeed, just try again when you feel inspired! No biggie.  It’s just decorating, after all!

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Until next time,

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Kerri