Let me start by saying, I am NOT a DIY-er. I’m very much in the other camp of, if I can hire someone, I will. I’d truly hire someone for everything in my life if I could! In fact, I DID hire The Hills Design Co. for styling my gallery wall in my current house. But I’ve grown, I’ve learned a thing or two, and I don’t mean from HGTV (no shade, but they’re here for good TV) and I’ve put together my favorite resources for you to build your perfect gallery wall.
I like to say your perfect gallery wall, because we all have different visions of what it should include. My perfect gallery wall has pieces that I love, have spirit and meaning. Personally, I’m not a Home Goods/West Elm art buyer. I want character on my walls, dimension and texture, and weird things like my tambourine.
So let’s do this, let’s create your gallery wall…
First step, find your inspiration.
Let’s think about this, do you want the same color family? Do you want grid style (symmetrical items) or freeform? Is this an eclectic wall? What’s the mood and energy you’re seeking? My number 1 resource for this, is of course Pinterest. Scrolling through ideas totally helped me to discover my favorite gallery wall vibes!
If you’ve found something you love, try not to copy it. What I mean is, be inspired by the look and feel but not necessarily the items. It shouldn’t be a copy and paste of someone else’s wall to your wall. This is your time to find those pieces that speak to you, and NOTHING is off limits. Hats, hooks, a LED lightening bolt, a book….the wall is your canvas! I truly feel like the best gallery walls reflect you and your personal style. I love when my friends come into my home and tell me that it feels like an ‘America space!’
Step 2: Collect + Play
Start collecting your art pieces. Lay them on the floor, play with placement, try them in different spots to discover what you love best. This part is best done with your favorite music blasting. :)
Think about your design. I seem to like art closer together with a good number of items. Whereas, you might gravitate toward fewer items, or more space between them. The best way to discover what you like is to place the items out on the floor and move them all around, and don’t worry, there’s no right or wrong.
Another design factor I personally love, artwork wrapping around the corner of your walls! I also love the pieces going all the way to the floor. Now, these may not be practical for your space but there’s so many options, and now’s the time to explore with your items to discover what you want.
Step 3: Hang Loose
The fun part, getting these babies on the wall. I won’t give you all the details on how to actually hang them (I mean, hello I’d just hire someone. JK JK) but I’ve linked this post that is really helpful (scroll to the bottom).
I love this post about creating an axis for hanging the art. This allows you to have a focal piece and built around it.
Most importantly, have fun with the project and the art. The gallery wall should be something you love because it’s your home. The best part is that it can change year after year. I love that I can add new pieces, and move current art to a new place at any time.
Key Things to Avoid (if you want, I don’t make the rules):
too many elements of the same size (unless you in fact, want everything to be uniform)
filler art. Adding a piece just to take up space, that’s a no from me dawg… leave it blank until you find the right artwork.
not balancing your ‘heavier’ pieces. Large prints or items should be balanced so the wall doesn’t feel off centered.
copying. Create your own thing, it gives it that much more life and love!
Message me if you have any questions and send me photos of what you’ve created! I can’t wait to see.
