PFMs Do It Better: How to Create a Gallery Wall

We've been in our house for over a year, and between work and the holidays and life in general I feel we're finally settling into our sweet little abode. In the past I've shared my exterior paint job, how-to make your flat screen tv more attractive, and my lust for some seaside art, but the main floor has overall been a work-in-progress. I fell in love with the 1920's bungalow style of our beach house and its arched doorways, vaulted ceilings, and wraparound front porch. I had tons of inspiration around me to make this place our own. We decided to it was about time to liven up our blank living room wall and give it a personal touch...can we say gallery wall?

You need: 

a hammer

painter's tape

tissue paper (or newspaper)

tape measure, (level; optional)

picture hanging hooks, nails, screws, etc

 First- collect, collect, collect. Think about framing a favorite postcard, fabric swatch, or a record album to create an impact. I saved a wallpaper remnant that sadly never made it onto an accent wall...but it did make it into our gallery arrangement! A couple of works by our artist friends make this collection even more special to us.

mirror | bracket | sconce | bust | giant buttons | shelves | plate

Go beyond the frame. Add some depth, texture, and dimension!

That rhino bust...yep, I went there.

Play around with placement. To do this, lay the tissue paper on top of your pieces and cut carefully. Use painter's tape to try them on the wall in different arrangements...you won't end up with a wall full of holes before committing. A general guideline (not a must) is to hang pictures at 57" on center from the floor. This is "gallery height" and roughly the average human eye level. We loosely used the 57" line to dictate the center of this gallery-style grouping (meaning, the row with the Ferris Wheel is at this line so we can still hang more pieces below/above and it will work out oh-so-well.)

image via bitohoney

image via bitohoney

There is right or wrong way to do it. Uniqueness is built on imperfection! Still... creating a stylish arrangement can be intimidating, so here are some suggestions: 

~find an inspiring arrangement via the net or a magazine and make it work for you

 ~keep a few inches between all pieces for consistency

 ~make sure you hang dimensional pieces higher if you are curating a wall near heavy foot traffic

~when in doubt, just hang your most loved piece in the center of the wall and work your way out 

~vary the frame style for a diverse eclectic vibe

~unify the frame style for an updated contemporary vibe

~consider transforming an inexpensive frame with paint or tape

Leave room for the unexpected. I love the concept of an ever-changing and growing gallery wall. I've started small, but will be adding new pieces as I get them, eventually stretching this into a salon-style installation from chair rail up to ceiling!

(Clockwise from top left to right: Mirror-West Elm, Painting- gift from Anthony Santamaria, Savannah Story Bust- Anthropologie, Typography Art Print- Ashley G, Coney Island Ferris Wheel Print- Minagraphy, Print- gift from Ann Farrell, Salton Sea Print- Leah Giberson, Wallpaper Swatch- Anthropologie)

Have a great weekend and don't forget to enter our giveaway, it ends on Monday night!

Design Lust: Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.

What was once my favorite source for vintage style lighting has now become my favorite source for, well....everything. Schoolhouse Electric's site has recently grown to include a wide range of new products for the home- including furniture, rugs, and accessories.

1. I currently have two of these pendants in my own kitchen over the breakfast bar, and I love the metallic bulbs and vintage modern look.

2. Add a bold pop of color to an all-white kitchen with these industrial style blue beauties.

3. Holiday gifts anyone? Or just pop them up on the mantle in your favorite candle holder.

4. Are you planning on painting your bathroom a bold color like a rich turquoise or a bright yellow? This black and white vintage print shower curtain would be the perfect contrast, and it's oh-so-charming.

5. The Hamilton Bed in Industrial Yellow. Swoon! Yellow and grey is an absolute favorite color combo of mine, has been for a long time, and probably always will be.

6. Complete the look with this fab wool throw.

7. This round mirror is a lot of things- nautical, fresh, current, and timeless. It would add visual impact to any room.

8. Love the subtle variations in tone of this rug. It would instantly add a cozy feeling to your space and is so easy to work into most color schemes.

9. Industrial style pieces of furniture are another obsession of mine. These chairs strongly remind me of the iconic Emeco Navy chairs. Both are made of alumininum, have a classic timeless look, and are longing to be paired with a reclaimed wood dining table.

10. I have an unusual infatuation with hardware, specifically antique-looking faceted glass knobs like these. Use them on kitchen cabinets for an instant update. Or a bathroom vanity. Or the hutch in your dining room....so versatile.

If you are one of our clients, don't be surprised if we suggest styling up a room with a piece or two from here. Classic and inspiring!!!