I often say, “art in every room”. Art can be the starting point to inspire a space, be layered over time to tell your story, be the final piece to complete your vision. Art in unexpected places can make you smile when you open the closet or wash the clothes. Art made by your kids, local artists, or a family member can pull at your heart strings.

But figuring out how to style art can feel overwhelming. We don’t want to “do it wrong”. Maybe nails in walls feel too permanent. So we we end up with closets filled with frames, blank walls, or we resort to something store bought to fill a space quickly and the space still doesn’t feel right.

This sweet family is not afraid of color. Their lovely collection of art needed reimagining to make the meaningful pieces more prominent. In addition to giving the lamps a more modern feel with paint and new lampshades, we added this personal gallery wall by pulling art from around the room into one location as a focal point. The pieces from local artists, and their own kids creates an inviting space.

BEFORE

AFTER

When it comes to choosing art, I always recommend patience. Shop local handmade markets, consignment shops or galleries locally or when you travel. If you don’t have larger pieces that can fill a space, a gallery wall can work well, although it may not be for everyone. I prefer it when you have a large quantity of sentimental or locally made pieces rather than store bought pieces. Before you hang your pieces:

Choose pieces that have meaning for you and your family - framed kids art, pieces purchased in your travels, words that encourage your heart, etc.
Arrange the frames on the floor and move them around to you are happy with the layout.
Create paper templates for teach frame - I use newspaper or paper grocery backs
Tape the templates on the wall and then nail through to hang your pieces (or use command strips and remove the templates as you hang each piece)