Woman creates stunning brick feature wall using only masking tape

Creating a stunning gallery wall is an effective way to personalize and enhance a living space, though the process can seem daunting due to various decisions regarding artwork selection, arrangement, and placement. Susan Tynan, founder and CEO of Framebridge, offers expert advice to simplify this home decor venture. She emphasizes that gallery walls should be seen as evolving collections rather than static displays, encouraging individuals to build them gradually and incorporate a variety of pieces, including sentimental items like framed scarves or antique plates, to tell a unique story. The founder suggests thinking of the gallery wall as a narrative of personal experiences and memories, referencing an example where a two-story gallery wall was created for Cary Sherman, CEO of the Recording Industry Association, filled with framed photos, records, and magazine features chronicling his career. A common mistake Tynan highlights is hanging art too high. She advises treating the gallery as a single large piece of art. If placed above furniture, the bottom of the lowest piece should be eight to ten inches above the furniture's top. For empty walls, the center of the arrangement should ideally be about 57 inches from the floor. Establishing a color palette is crucial for a cohesive look. If starting from scratch, a unifying element such as a specific color scheme or art medium can be chosen. For existing collections, consistency can be achieved through framing choices, opting for similar colors and tones in frames, such as a mix of white and silver or natural wood, even if textures and widths vary. Tynan notes that silver and gold, or silver and rose gold, can be mixed effectively, but gold and rose gold should be avoided together. To simplify the layout process, Tynan suggests using Framebridge’s gallery wall kits, which include life-sized hanging guides. Alternatively, a DIY method involves cutting newspaper shapes matching frame sizes and arranging them on the wall to visualize the final display. For an organic look, which allows for easier expansion, laying out pieces on the floor beforehand is recommended. It's important to maintain a consistent spacing of two inches between each piece to ensure the arrangement appears intentional and cohesive, regardless of its size or future additions. This approach helps demystify the creation of gallery walls, making it an enjoyable and less stressful home decoration project. #GalleryWall #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ArtArrangement #FramingTips #PersonalizedSpace #SusanTynan #Framebridge

Building a non-load-bearing interior wall is a practical home improvement project that can add privacy, reduce noise, and create distinct spaces within a home. This project can typically be completed over a weekend for an estimated cost of $155 to $205, even for individuals with intermediate DIY skills. The construction involves basic materials such as two-by-fours for framing and drywall sheets for the surface. Before starting, it is crucial to check local building codes and permit requirements, as many municipalities mandate permits even for non-load-bearing wall construction. The necessary equipment includes a framing hammer, speed square, circular saw, cordless drill, step ladder, laser level or plumb bob, electric miter saw, tape measure, carpenter's pencil, drywall knife, painting supplies, and potentially a powder-actuated nailer for concrete floors. Materials required are nine 8-foot two-by-fours, two drywall sheets, 2-1/2-inch galvanized nails, 1-1/4-inch coarse-thread drywall screws, drywall joint compound, paper drywall tape, drywall primer, interior paint, and an optional pressure-treated two-by-four for concrete floors. The process begins by locating the wall. For wooden floor systems, the wall should be perpendicular to or directly on top of floor joists or beams. On concrete floors, any point is suitable. Next, stud locations are marked on the top and bottom plates, typically 16 inches apart on-center. The bottom plate is then fastened to the floor, using nails for wood floors and a powder-actuated nail gun for pressure-treated wood on concrete. The top plate is installed directly above the bottom plate, ensuring alignment with a laser level, and nailed into ceiling joists. Vertical studs are then measured and cut to fit precisely between the top and bottom plates. It's advisable to cut studs slightly long and trim if necessary. These studs are then toenailed into their corresponding positions, ensuring they are plumb using a laser line. Once the framing is complete, drywall sheets are hung horizontally on the studs using drywall screws. For walls longer than 8 feet, drywall ends should be staggered to avoid four corners meeting at one point. After hanging, screw holes are filled with joint compound, and drywall seams are finished by embedding paper joint tape in joint compound, covering it with another layer, and sanding smooth once dry. The final step involves rolling drywall primer onto the surface, allowing it to dry, and then applying two coats of interior paint. An 8-foot section typically requires one gallon of primer and two to three gallons of paint. For more complex projects, such as building a load-bearing wall or if the non-load-bearing wall lacks a solid base, consulting a contractor or carpenter is recommended to ensure structural integrity and proper support. The cheapest way to build an interior wall is by performing the work oneself and using standard materials to avoid labor costs for carpenters and drywall installers. #InteriorWall #DIYHomeImprovement #HomeConstruction #DrywallInstallation #Framing #HomeRenovation #BuildingCodes #PowerTools

This article details a creative and cost-effective approach to interior design, focusing on a mermaid-themed feature wall developed by Katie Blackbourn for her daughter's bedroom. The project utilized free wallpaper samples, significantly reducing the overall cost to under £18. This budget-friendly design strategy is presented as a hack for parents aiming to decorate their children's rooms without incurring substantial expenses, drawing parallels to a previously popular patchwork sample feature wall idea. The process began with Blackbourn collecting free wallpaper samples from high street stores and incorporating existing unused wallpaper pieces. To achieve the distinctive mermaid scale pattern, she fashioned a template from card. This template was then used to trace and cut out individual scale shapes from the collected wallpaper samples. Although the cutting process required patience, Blackbourn dedicated a few hours over several evenings to complete this stage. Once the individual scales were prepared, she painted the designated feature wall with Dulux Feature Wall paint in a shade called 'Proud Peacock,' providing a vibrant base for the mermaid theme. The wallpaper scales were then meticulously arranged in a diagonal pattern and affixed to the wall using wallpaper paste. A small circular mirror was added as a finishing touch, completing the whimsical mermaid aesthetic. Blackbourn shared her finished project in the 'Extreme Couponing and Bargains Facebook' group, where it garnered significant attention, receiving over 17,000 likes and 2,400 comments. The widespread positive reception highlighted the appeal of her innovative and economical design solution. Blackbourn, who identifies as an NHS Credit Controller with a passion for art and design, expressed surprise at the level of interest her project generated. Inspired by the positive feedback, she plans to share more of her creative content on Instagram. She also offered suggestions for adapting the design, proposing different color schemes, such as oranges and golds, to create a fish-themed wall. Additionally, she noted the versatility of the mermaid scale concept, suggesting its suitability for bathroom decorations. The article concludes by emphasizing the ingenuity and cost-effectiveness of Blackbourn's project, presenting it as an accessible DIY option for personalized home decor. #DIYHomeDecor #MermaidTheme #BudgetDecor #WallpaperSamples #FeatureWall #InteriorDesignHack #KidsBedroomIdeas #CreativeHome

Exposed brick walls, while offering a charming, vintage aesthetic, can sometimes present a challenge when homeowners aim for a fresh or modern interior design without resorting to painting. This article provides ten innovative strategies for updating exposed brick, drawing insights from five interior designers. These methods go beyond simply applying a coat of paint, offering diverse approaches to integrate brick walls seamlessly into various home aesthetics. One effective technique is to create visual contrast using large, eye-catching art pieces. Interior designers often recommend abstract art to complement the texture of brick, and collaborating with emerging artists can result in unique, custom pieces that enhance the room's character. Another suggestion for infusing softness and warmth into a space with exposed brick is to hang a vintage area rug on the wall. This not only introduces a tactile element but also improves room acoustics, contrasting the brick's inherent roughness with a softer texture. Strategic lighting can dramatically transform the perception of an exposed brick wall. Instead of concealing it, accentuating the brick with uplights positioned along the floor highlights its natural charm and irregularities, turning it into a focal point. Combining modern lighting fixtures, such as contemporary chandeliers, with historic brick creates an intriguing tension between old and new design elements, making the brick feel updated and stylish. For those seeking to add depth and interest, shadow boxes filled with curated items are an excellent option. Incorporating battery-powered lights within these boxes further emphasizes the displayed objects, such as art glass, creating a beautiful juxtaposition between the brick's ruggedness and the glass's sleekness. Another architectural enhancement involves integrating molding, such as picture frame or chair rail molding, with the brick wall. This can be done with a contrasting color for a bold statement or in a color similar to the brick for a more monochromatic and subtle effect. Hanging art from a picture rail with wires or ribbons adds an additional layer of depth, making the design appear more thoughtful and intentional. Beyond traditional painting, techniques like German schmear offer a way to update brick while preserving its character. This method involves applying a mortar or over-grout wash that gives the brick an aged, weathered look, modernizing the space while retaining an old-world charm. It is particularly recommended for fireplaces, utilizing natural color tones. For areas prone to moisture, such as shower walls or kitchen backsplashes, glazed bricks provide a solution that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, offering a modern yet historically resonant feel. When installing new brick, homeowners have the opportunity to experiment with various patterns beyond the common running bond. Exploring historical brick patterns can introduce a unique and fresh architectural detail. For example, alternating courses of vertically and horizontally installed bricks, or utilizing a herringbone pattern, can create distinctive visual interest. Finally, the choice of brick type itself plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetic. Different brick colors and finishes—from pink-tinted tiles of the '60s to crisp red of the '50s or taupe yellow of the '80s—can define a home's era. Opting for white-washed or thin-set brick offers further flexibility in achieving a desired look. Extending brick from one wall to multiple surfaces, such as wrapping it into a foyer or using it from floor to ceiling, creates a cohesive, textural design that elongates spaces and adds continuous lines and dimension, fostering an “outside-in” approach to interior design. These diverse approaches underscore that updating an exposed brick wall does not necessitate covering it entirely, but rather finding creative ways to integrate and enhance its natural beauty within a contemporary design scheme. #ExposedBrickWall #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #WallDecor #DesignTips #HomeImprovement #DIYHomeProjects #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesigners

Decorating a large blank wall presents a unique opportunity to add character and warmth to any space, whether it’s a new home, a rental, or a redecorated room. The options range from vintage art to family heirlooms, wallpaper, accent walls, or gallery walls. To navigate these choices, interior designer Johnice Katz offers five key considerations. First, it is crucial to consider the budget. Professionally framed artwork can be expensive, and large pieces might strain financial limits. Katz suggests that if a large piece is beyond budget, smaller, meaningful pieces can be arranged to mimic the scale of a larger display. Many individuals possess sentimental items they wish to exhibit, and it is perfectly acceptable to keep the display understated. The primary goal is to adhere to established financial guidelines. Second, instead of treating a large wall as a single, continuous space, incorporate existing furniture to break it up. Katz notes that a common mistake is assuming the entire wall must be decorated as one visual unit. For example, a long wall can accommodate a media area on one side and a desk vignette on the other. Using rugs can further define these separate spaces, making them feel more intimate and reducing the need for extensive large-format art. Third, gallery walls are an enduring trend for a reason, offering an excellent way to showcase the occupants' personalities through eclectic artwork, traditional pieces, or family memories. When styling a large wall, Katz advises starting in the middle and expanding outwards. For staircases or hallways, the approach is to work from one end to the other. Since most people do not have 40 art pieces readily available, integrating sculptural elements, sconces, wall hangings, or other non-flat, framed decor items is recommended to create a diverse and interesting display. Fourth, avoid impulsive purchases, especially for significant visual elements. While it might be tempting to quickly fill a blank space, being thoughtful about featured items enhances the home's overall style. Katz emphasizes that collecting takes time, and observing a space evolve is part of the enjoyment. She specifically warns against digitally printed art on stretched canvas, advocating for patience to find items that evoke joy and contribute meaningfully to the home's aesthetic. Finally, be bold with your design choices. A large wall is an ideal canvas for making a statement. This could involve grouping small frames, displaying a single large, well-lit piece, or creating several distinct vignettes. Katz encourages letting go of the fear of being "too much," as it is rarely possible to overdo it when expressing personal style on such a prominent feature. These strategies aim to transform a daunting blank wall into a curated and personal focal point within the home. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #WallDecor #GalleryWall #BudgetDecorating #DesignTips #HomeStyling #PersonalExpression #ArtDisplay