To Emphasize Her Rental’s Lofty Ceilings, This Philadelphia Stylist Created a 14-Foot-Tall Gallery Wall

The Philadelphia-based designer, Michelle Gage, and her husband, Alex, embarked on a search for their forever home, which led them to a 1927 fixer-upper in the Villanova neighborhood. The couple prioritized a comprehensive renovation, even if it meant a phased approach, ensuring no aspect of the design was compromised. Gage, known for her bold design choices, has transformed the house with elements like vibrant wallpaper and extensive gallery walls, creating an art-filled retreat. One significant lesson learned from their previous renovation was the value of outsourcing wisely. While they tackled certain tasks like framing walls for built-ins, they strategically hired professionals for detailed finishes, recognizing that time is money in such projects. This approach allowed them to manage the renovation effectively, combining DIY efforts with expert assistance where needed. A standout feature of Gage's home is the expansive gallery wall in the living room, which she meticulously curated. Her method involved starting with a substantial collection of art pieces, emphasizing that a diverse range of items is essential for creating an impactful display of this scale. Gage prefers an organic arrangement, maintaining approximately two inches between each piece for visual coherence. She typically begins the installation from the center of the wall and expands outward, allowing the display to evolve naturally. Nostalgia plays a crucial role in Gage's aesthetic. A prime example is a vintage blue writing desk, discovered in her childhood home's basement, which she restored and prominently features in her living room. Despite its initial neglected state, the desk holds significant sentimental value and now serves as a focal point, symbolizing her personal connection to her decor choices. This personal touch infuses the home with unique character and history. Gage's approach to selecting decor, particularly wallpaper, involves careful editing before shopping. She seeks sophisticated yet playful designs, acknowledging the abundance of less desirable options. For instance, the dining room, benefiting from ample natural light, features a whimsical monkey-dotted citrus motif wallpaper. In contrast, her studio, with stone walls, is painted, as she believes wallpaper does not complement stone surfaces effectively. This discernment ensures each space is adorned with appropriate and appealing finishes. Her office is designed as a vibrant and inspiring workspace. Gage incorporated playful shades of blue and pink to create an inviting atmosphere, emphasizing that a workspace should never be boring given its daily use. The studio is configured to accommodate swatches, meetings, and mood boards, providing an ideal environment for a designer. This thoughtful design ensures functionality is met with aesthetic appeal, fostering creativity and productivity. #HomeDesign #GalleryWalls #InteriorDesign #Renovation #FixerUpper #DesignInspiration #PersonalStyle #VintageDecor

Ilan Cohen, a finance professional and avid art collector, transformed his Manhattan Chelsea apartment into a museum-worthy space designed by the architecture and interiors studio BoND. Cohen's collecting journey began in 2009, evolving from buying any contemporary work to cultivating a distinct personal taste, influenced by artists like TM Davy. His collection, which includes over 45 pieces on the main salon wall and approximately 100 artworks throughout the apartment, features works by artists such as Nash Glynn, Jonathan Lyndon Chase, Louis Fratino, and Mark McNight. BoND, founded by Noam Dvir and Daniel Rauchwerger, had previously collaborated with Cohen on his modernist beach house in Fire Island. For the Chelsea loft, the challenge was to create a space that not only reflected Cohen's personal history and extensive art collection but also provided room for its continued growth and appreciation. Cohen was already familiar with the building's structure, having lived in another unit there in the early 2000s, and recognized the apartment's potential upon his initial viewing with Dvir and Rauchwerger. The project, which commenced in late 2021, involved reorienting the apartment's simple rectangular main living area to maximize natural light and integrate functional elements without compromising wall space dedicated to art. Inspired by Donald Judd's minimalist aesthetic, the designers implemented built-in furniture pieces and maintained a restrained material and color palette. A key design principle was to keep all furniture 36 inches tall or under, a deliberate choice by Rauchwerger to ensure that the eye level remained completely open, allowing unobstructed views of the artworks. The dining area, for instance, features a custom square dining table fabricated by Bill Zuerlein, complemented by Room & Board chairs, with artworks by Johnathan Lyndon Chase, Salman Toor, and Alex Olson adorning the walls. Cohen himself plays an active role in arranging his collection, often experimenting with multiple layouts before settling on a final display, stating that the fourth or fifth iteration typically sticks. This apartment serves as a testament to living with art, where the design thoughtfully supports and enhances a significant personal collection, transforming a residence into a dynamic gallery space. #ArtCollector #NewYorkLoft #BoNDArchitects #InteriorDesign #ArtCollectionDisplay #DonaldJuddInfluence #ChelseaApartment #ModernLiving #SpaceOptimization

The article addresses the contemporary relevance of gallery walls in home decor, a popular method for displaying art and prints. It acknowledges that gallery walls have recently faced scrutiny, with some branding them as 'too put together' or outdated. However, interior designers Elizabeth Bennett of Kobel + Co. and Hayley English of Hayley English Interiors suggest that the continued relevance of gallery walls depends on the desired design intent for a space. If the goal is a collected, artistic space with eclectic elements, a traditional gallery wall incorporating mixed media and frame styles can still be effective. The piece highlights that while the conventional display of matching artwork sets may be waning, innovative approaches can keep the gallery wall concept fresh and modern. One key recommendation is to 'mix it up' by ensuring a gallery wall is personal and reflective of individual style. This involves integrating artwork collected over time, representing personal taste, and combining various mediums to introduce interest and texture. Hayley English suggests that if curating multiple pieces feels overwhelming, a scenic hand-painted or wallpaper panel could serve as an alternative. Another modern approach discussed is going 'oversized.' The article advises against using numerous small framed artworks, which can appear chaotic and muddled, drawing the eye in too many directions and making a space feel cluttered. Instead, hanging two or three oversized art pieces can make a bold statement and bring the room to life. Mounting artwork is also suggested as a technique to occupy more wall space effectively and allow individual pieces to stand out prominently. The importance of including original artwork is emphasized to add authenticity. This doesn't necessarily mean expensive heritage pieces; original drawings or photographs that evoke specific feelings are equally valuable. Elizabeth Bennett stresses that genuine artwork—such as vintage oil paintings, drawings, and photography mixed together—will inherently appear more sophisticated than pre-curated digital art sets. The advice is to avoid pre-selected sets that can feel forced or inauthentic, leading to an uninspired and old-fashioned look. Placement, or the 'right place, right time,' is crucial for a modern gallery wall. The article notes that living room gallery walls, particularly those placed behind a sofa, can seem dated due to their repetitive nature. Alternative locations are proposed to refresh the concept. Displaying a gallery wall as staircase wall decor is presented as a way to enliven an often-uninspiring area, offering new visual discoveries. Curating a gallery wall in a bathroom is another novel idea, especially when tiles cover only half the wall, allowing the painted section to showcase beloved artwork, potentially with vintage or thrifted frames to complement traditional bathroom designs. Finally, for those with a minimalist aesthetic, the article suggests choosing similar scales for artwork. Modern minimal homes can benefit from grids of artwork featuring clean lines and uniform scales. Elizabeth Bennett advises that for a streamlined result, repeating imagery in the same scale and format can achieve a clean and tailored look suitable for all art mediums. These updated strategies aim to ensure that gallery walls remain a relevant and stylish element in contemporary interior design. #GalleryWalls #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ArtDisplay #ModernInteriors #DesignTrends #PersonalStyle #OversizedArt #OriginalArtwork

Designers are increasingly focusing on the often-overlooked 'fifth wall' – the ceiling – to introduce unique design elements and elevate interior spaces. The ceiling, traditionally painted white, is now being transformed with wallpapers, fabrics, murals, and even architectural treatments to add character, depth, and visual interest to rooms. This trend is showcased through various examples from interior design professionals. Kim Hoegger, a Dallas designer, utilized her own textile and wallcovering collection in the Hillside Designer Show House in Greensboro, N.C., extending Thybony paper from the walls up and around the ceiling. This creates a cohesive look, complemented by large-scale Buffalo check on pillows and a smaller scale on draperies, with the pattern continuing into an adjacent bathroom for continuity. Australian designer Greg Natale brought a glamorous feel to a space by applying a gold herringbone pattern to the ceiling. This striking ceiling treatment is balanced by a modern abstract rug by Kelly Wearstler. The room's color scheme is further enhanced by hot pink upholstery on Tom Dixon wingback chairs, which echo the colors in the Damien Hirst art on the wall and other artworks, a design featured on the cover of Design + Decoration magazine. In a San Francisco show house study/den, designer Susan Chastain drew inspiration from an ombre drapery fabric to establish the room's color palette. A subtle hint of apricot was incorporated into the ceiling, complementing the wall painting by Willem Racke, which references 1960s geometric art, and a boldly patterned rug on the floor. Another example features a bathroom where a modern suspended vanity is set against gray and white striped stone. The ceiling becomes a focal point with a vibrant floral pattern on a dark background by Stephan Blachowski, providing a dramatic contrast and visual pop. A powder room in the San Francisco Decorator Showcase was brightened by a whimsical montage of lips from artist George Venson for Voutsa, extending from the walls onto the ceiling, creating an immersive and playful atmosphere. For a nursery designed by Dina Bandman for the San Francisco Decorator Showcase, a lattice-covered ceiling creates a garden-like backdrop. This is paired with a custom hand-painted and sequin-embellished paper with a lemon motif from de Gournay. Tailored arched window treatments were also hand-painted in the same pattern, with branches ascending towards the latticed ceiling. Denise McGaha addressed the challenge of creating intimacy in a spacious bedroom with tall ceilings by papering the walls with a gray Phillip Jeffries grass cloth featuring silvery threads. The vaulted ceiling was then clad in a Phillip Jeffries paper with geometric silver and gold squares, adding a warm glow and an intimate ambiance. The room also features a Le Grande stone mantel from McGaha's new collection for Materials Marketing. In a room for the Savannah Southern Style Now show house, Denise McGaha covered the ceiling with lush green lily pads. The green theme continued on the walls, and was accented with peach draperies in a 'Beta' pattern from her new collection for Design Legacy, which evokes the swirling tail of a Betta fish. Jamie Drake opted for a soft shade of boysenberry mousse for a ceiling, pulling out pink tones from the rug and fabrics, contrasting with a hand-blocked wallpaper in light spring green. Alexa Hampton's 'Olympia Folly' show house space featured custom swagged paper by de Gournay on the walls, with a ceiling mural by Chuck Fischer. The trompe l'oeil swag on the walls seamlessly blends into real swag draperies made from Cowtan and Tout fabric. Mark D. Sikes created a cocooning effect in a small vestibule at the Kips Bay Show House by 'tenting' the ceiling and walls with Schumacher's Ojai Stripe in Prussian blue, trimmed with French grosgrain ribbon from Samuel and Sons. Barbara Ostrom incorporated a modern surprise into a traditional room at Kips Bay by commissioning a decorative ceiling mural by Andrew Tedesco, inspired by Frank Stella's work. This integrated tones from the art and walls in a contemporary way, with peach, high-gloss painted walls brightening a formerly dark room. Finally, Jamie Drake and Caleb Anderson wrapped both walls and ceiling beams in a textured fabric with a sheen from Lelievre, distributed by Scalamandre and hand-beaded by Ankasa. The ceiling itself was covered with Holland and Sherry wallpaper featuring a subtle gold-flecked pattern, demonstrating a layered approach to ceiling design. #CeilingDesign #InteriorDecoration #HomeStyle #DesignerShowcase #Wallpaper #TextileDesign #RoomTransformation #LuxuryInteriors #InnovativeCeilings

In a downtown New York apartment, designer Courtney McLeod of Right Meets Left Interior Design transformed two combined units into a vibrant, family-friendly living space, centered around a 40-foot botanical wallcovering. The clients desired an interior that was both sophisticated and playful, suitable for a family with two children. McLeod's vision brought to life a blooming oasis amidst the urban landscape. The design process began with the selection of Menagerie Chinoiserie by Voutsa, a lively botanical wallcovering featuring peacocks, storks, and monkeys. This choice established the foundational color palette for the entire apartment, inspiring a rich tapestry of jewel tones throughout. McLeod incorporated hot-pink and yellow in the sitting area, deep green walls in the main bedroom, and metallic wallpaper in the hallway connecting the children's rooms. The use of varied floral prints, including a Christian Lacroix fabric on the main bedroom's headboard, further enhanced the garden-like aesthetic. Functionality and durability were key considerations for a family home. McLeod addressed these needs by utilizing performance fabrics for furniture and commissioning a custom acrylic top for the dining table, ensuring resilience against daily wear and tear. The designer noted that the vibrant Voutsa mural was chosen, in part, because it would cleverly mask minor imperfections, such as stray marker marks from children. The apartment's floor plan, initially conceived by architect Jory Schwartz of SH Projects, was already largely established when McLeod began her work. Her contribution focused on introducing flexibility through furniture arrangements, allowing for adaptable spaces that could easily transition between entertaining guests and accommodating the everyday activities of a busy family. Each room was meticulously detailed to reflect the overall theme while serving its practical purpose. In the living room, custom Makrosha rugs and a sofa from O. Henry House upholstered in Threads Meridian velvet by Lee Jofa contributed to a luxurious yet comfortable atmosphere. The main bedroom features a dramatic headboard, freehanded by McLeod, covered in Jardin Des Reves Prisme by Christian Lacroix fabric from Osborne & Little, complemented by Benjamin Moore's Colonial Verdigris paint. The dining room, equipped with a Miles Redd for Ballard Designs set, is safeguarded by the custom acrylic table topper and chairs upholstered in Élitis performance velvet, adding both glamour and protection. A dark hallway between the children's rooms was brightened with a metallic, scratch-and-sniff B-A-N-A-N-A-S! wallcovering by Flavor Paper, with trim painted in Sherwin-Williams' Confident Yellow and foreground in Benjamin Moore's Apple Green. The children's room itself features Apple Green paint from Benjamin Moore, with a vintage Italian pendant from Chairish. The kitchen, designed by Jory Schwartz, was integrated into McLeod's scheme by painting the island in Benjamin Moore's Blue Danube and installing gleaming Flos pendants. The main bathroom extends the animal motif with a Mind the Gap wallcovering, Beverly Hills in Mint, featuring flamingos, and walls painted in Benjamin Moore's Frosted Petal. This project demonstrates a successful integration of bold design choices with practical family living, resulting in an apartment that is both visually captivating and highly functional. The apartment stands as a vibrant testament to incorporating personal style and a sense of wonder into a metropolitan dwelling. #InteriorDesign #NYCapartment #OpenFloorPlan #WallMural #BotanicalTheme #FamilyHome #PerformanceFabrics #JewelTones #RightMeetsLeftInteriorDesign

High ceilings are often seen as a luxurious architectural feature, providing a sense of spaciousness and ample room for grand decorative elements like large artworks or statement lighting. However, decorating a room with high ceilings can be a challenge. If left bare, the expansive walls can make a room feel cold, empty, and cave-like. Conversely, over-decorating can lead to a cluttered and overwhelming aesthetic. Designers featured in the Kips Bay Show House in Dallas offered several strategies to balance these extremes, making high-ceilinged spaces feel both grand and inviting. One effective technique involves integrating unexpected art and window treatments to visually break up the vertical expanse. Designer Jean Liu, for example, used a rust-colored patterned wallpaper on a portion of the wall, contrasting it with a blue-gray paint color on the ceiling and upper walls. To draw the eye upward and add dramatic texture, she installed a 13-foot macrame sculpture. Additionally, floor-to-ceiling window treatments were employed to emphasize the architectural beauty of the windows, ensuring they contributed to the room's overall drama rather than being dwarfed by the height. For those seeking to replicate this look, tall sculptures can effectively create a focal point that highlights the ceiling height. Another approach is to use bold wallpaper to add visual interest and warmth to the walls. Alessandra Branca transformed a high-ceilinged living room by using a custom color and dégradé version of her 'Foglia' wallpaper, which features a large-scale vine pattern. This design made the room feel like a lush garden, effectively preventing the walls from appearing sterile. When choosing patterned wallpaper for such spaces, it is important to select designs with a sufficiently large scale to avoid a busy or cluttered appearance. Smaller patterns can get lost in the vastness, whereas larger motifs help fill the space more effectively. Matching furniture scale to the room's proportions is crucial for creating a harmonious environment. Natasha Baradaran’s design for a primary bedroom with high ceilings exemplifies this by featuring an oversized, color-blocked headboard. This piece not only complements the room's grandeur but also adds a dramatic touch. She further enhanced the ceiling's height by using a feminine wallpaper that stopped just above the bed, and incorporated contemporary panels on the ceiling to juxtapose with the floral wallpaper, creating a layered and sophisticated look. Utilizing extra-tall furniture and experimenting with contrasting elements can achieve a similar effect. Dramatic light fixtures and ceiling designs can also play a significant role in decorating high-ceiling rooms. The Fisher Weisman team designed a custom, enormous chandelier for a dining room, complemented by four cylindrical pendants in the corners, drawing attention to the immense height. They also introduced a coffered ceiling painted in a bold red hue, adding another layer of visual interest above the gilded light fixtures. Incorporating large-scale artwork, such as a triptych, further helps to balance the room's symmetry and colors, unifying the various design elements. Oversized lighting and vibrant art pieces can transform a large space into a captivating area. Finally, a creative paint treatment can dramatically alter the perception of a high-ceilinged room. Lance Scott of LC Studio addressed a 15-and-a-half-foot ceiling by darkening it to make the space feel less cavernous. He painted the moldings a rich, midnight blue lacquer and applied an ombré effect on the walls, transitioning from navy at the top to a beigey-gray at the bottom. This technique visually lowers the ceiling and adds a unique aesthetic. For those hesitant to commit to a full ombré, simply painting the ceiling a darker color can create a similar illusion of a lower, more intimate space, making the room feel cozier and less overwhelming. #HighCeilings #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignerTips #WallpaperTrends #FurnitureScale #LightingDesign #PaintTreatments

This article highlights various 3D wall art options to enhance home interiors, moving beyond traditional art prints to introduce depth and texture. It features ten distinct pieces, each offering a unique aesthetic and functionality. The Project 62 Gold Decorative Wall Sculpture from Target, priced at $30, presents a mid-century modern feel with its burnished gold, angled metallic leaves that interact with light to create a multi-tonal effect. Despite its delicate appearance, it is noted for its sturdy construction. Next, the Umbra Prisma Decorative Accents, a set of six wire-frame gems available on Amazon for $36, offer versatility in gold, copper, or black, suitable for holding flameless tea lights or air plants, and can even be combined to form lightbulb pendants. West Elm's Floating Brass Shapes Wall Art, originally $249 and now $100, showcases three interlocking, hand-poured metal shapes with a brass finish, designed to be oriented in various ways to evoke different sentiments. The UncommonGoods Fire Escape Shelf, reduced from $129 to $99, merges form and function, mimicking urban fire escapes to provide a unique display for small potted plants. World Market's Gold Metal Leaf Wall Decor, available for $10, introduces a naturalistic touch with its golden, corrugated iron frond, complementing spaces rich in plant life. The Benzara Flock of Birds Wall Installation, costing $92 on Amazon, provides a minimalist, sturdy iron depiction of sea birds, suitable for various decor styles. Pier 1 Imports' Natural Woven Round Wall Decor, priced at $100, is a substantial sunburst-like sculpture, over 3 feet in diameter, crafted from cornhusk to bring natural softness indoors without overwhelming the space. CB2's Graham Wire Wall Art, discounted from $100 to $40, is a brass-plated steel sculpture designed to appear to float, offering a fresh perspective on a blank wall due to its lightweight build and easy mounting. The Home Sweet Home 3D Cursive Wall Décor from AllModern, at $62, adds a brass-colored, hand-scripted touch, ideal for an entryway. Lastly, the Grandin Road Aspen Metal Art, available for $199, is a woodland-inspired metal sculpture celebrated for its airy, naturalistic look, intricate detailing, and high quality despite its higher price point. These selections collectively offer diverse ways to integrate three-dimensional elements into home decor, providing visual interest and adding character to any room. #3DWallArt #HomeDecor #WallSculpture #InteriorDesign #DecorativeAccents #ModernHome #MetallicArt #UniqueShelving #ArtisticDecor

This article outlines a detailed guide on creating a gallery art wall, offering a trendy and flexible method to transform any room. It emphasizes that gallery walls allow individuals to inject personality, add color, and establish a specific mood by filling empty spaces with their favorite artwork, making a statement focal point. The beauty of an art wall lies in its versatility and adaptability, allowing for modifications and additions over time as personal collections grow and tastes evolve. The guide begins by advising on how to choose the right space for a gallery wall. It suggests measuring the available area and considering eye-level placement from the floor. It encourages using the entire space, from floor to ceiling, for a comprehensive effect, providing examples such as running prints up a stairwell, extending from skirting boards to ceiling coving. Other suggestions include creating a bold statement above a sofa, bed frame, or desk area, theming food prints above a kitchen dining table, or replacing a mirror with prints above a mantelpiece. Next, the article discusses collecting pieces for the gallery. It states that there are no strict rules, whether one prefers a classic collection of framed family photos or an eclectic assortment of artwork. It suggests mounting family photos in black and white frames, arranging travel snaps in multi-photo collage frames, or displaying colorful illustrations and prints in ornate frames. The guide encourages mixing different media, such as illustrations, vinyl sleeves, magazine covers, canvases, mirrors, maps, 3D signs, and old plates, to create an eclectic display. It also recommends theming or complementing pieces to a specific color scheme or room, for instance, floral pieces for a garden room or pastel prints to match wall paint. Furthermore, it suggests being bold by contrasting colors, designs, and prints, particularly against dark or white walls, for a versatile display. Before making any permanent changes, the article recommends laying out the arrangement on the floor to plan the gallery effectively. For those using picture hooks, brown paper templates are suggested as a handy way to transfer the design to the wall for precise placement. If a staggered layout is preferred, the largest or favorite piece should be positioned first as a focal point, with other pieces arranged around it. The process involves drawing around each frame with a pencil to create templates, taking a photo of the layout, and then cutting out each template. For picture hooks, making a small fixing mark in each outline to indicate the pin's placement is also advised. Finally, the guide provides instructions on correctly hanging the pieces. It mentions various methods for affixing pictures securely, including adhesive strips, traditional picture hooks, or wall plugs and screws for heavier items. When using brown paper templates and picture hooks, the templates should be taped onto the wall, starting with the focal piece aligned with eye level. After taping the remaining templates and adjusting their placement, a pin can be hammered into each fixing mark, the paper removed, and the artwork hung. For grid layouts, which are ideal for collections of photos or series of pieces in matching frames, a gap of 2-5 inches between frames is generally recommended, scaled according to the space. If using adhesive strips, the focal piece should be placed first, followed by the remaining pieces until the design is complete. #GalleryWall #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ArtDisplay #WallArt #CreativeSpaces #HomeImprovement #DIYHomeDecor

Kimberly Awad, a tech professional in New York City, meticulously sought out a unique living space after 12 years in the city, transitioning from a modern high-rise to a Brooklyn loft with character. Her search on StreetEasy utilized keywords such as 'loft,' 'exposed beams,' 'exposed brick,' 'industrial,' and 'high ceilings,' leading her to the perfect unit which she secured on the same day as her initial viewing. This studio apartment, spanning 900 to 1,000 square feet, is situated across the East River in Brooklyn. The defining features of Kimberly's loft are its impressive 15-foot ceilings and expansive walls, which she envisions as a canvas for a growing art collection. To complement this gallery-like aesthetic, she has opted for a minimalist approach, keeping the walls white and selecting low, neutral-toned furniture. A significant design element in her home is a 12-foot Audrey Ficus tree, a striking plant that often leads guests to question its authenticity. Her furniture choices include a secondhand white linen Restoration Hardware Cloud sofa and a white linen Soft Frame Designs bed, both chosen for their quality materials and harmonious visual flow. While the loft largely met Kimberly's criteria, the kitchen initially presented a design challenge with its orange subway tiles. Rather than replacing them, she embraced the existing color scheme by painting the kitchen walls in a similar shade, Farrow & Ball's Dutch Orange, with plans to add a third coat. The kitchen features a substantial 6-foot-wide solid wood slab table from Burke Decor, which serves dual purposes as a workspace for her two to three days a week of remote work and as a gathering spot for weekend hosting. She prioritizes a well-stocked bar and an updated Spotify playlist for entertaining. Kimberly's home reflects her personality, which she describes as akin to a Libra: embodying romantic details, an aesthetically pleasing environment, and serving as a social hub for friends and laughter. She maintains a strict 'shoes off, no bad vibes, speak nicely to Audrey (the tree)' policy within her home. Despite being a single-room studio, Kimberly perceives the space as well-distributed, with the bed feeling sufficiently separate from the kitchen and entry areas. The loft also boasts ample storage, which Kimberly humorously refers to as her home's 'dirty secret.' Future plans include upgrading the bathroom. The inspiration for starting her art collection came from the previous tenant, an artist whose work was displayed throughout the loft, from whom Kimberly even purchased a piece. #BrooklynLoft #HighCeilings #IndustrialDesign #InteriorDecor #HomeStyling #ArtCollection #KitchenRenovation #SpaceUtilization #NewYorkLiving

A gallery wall offers a transformative element for any room, injecting personality and style into even the most simply decorated spaces. The key to a successful gallery wall lies in thoughtful design and curation, regardless of whether it's in the living room, kitchen, or bedroom. This article presents 17 distinct approaches to crafting a gallery wall, suitable for various aesthetic preferences and architectural features. One effective method involves designing the gallery wall around a specific motif, ensuring a cohesive decorative layout without overcomplicating placement. For instance, a beach-side home might feature a nautically-inspired color palette that harmonizes with the room’s serene and colorful scheme. Another approach leverages unique architectural details, such as an A-frame configuration in a light-filled LA home, where the gallery wall extends over a doorway to create a dynamic focal point. Incorporating a television into the gallery wall can also transform it from an eyesore into an integrated design element. For those seeking a bolder statement, a gallery wall can emulate a specific shape, like a subtle triangular formation above an elongated media console. Artist studios often showcase vibrant, thematically-grouped blocks of original works, demonstrating how color and personal art can dictate the overall aesthetic. Fireplace mantels provide an excellent backdrop for gallery walls, where an asymmetrical arrangement of wall-mounted and propped-up prints can add depth and character. The inclusion of children's art is another heartwarming and cost-effective way to create a stunning display, as seen in an Australian home. Even a trio of intricate prints can constitute a compelling gallery wall, especially when aligned with a bright and refreshing aesthetic, as demonstrated by Sleepy Jones’ NYC shop. In bedrooms, an immaculately-styled gallery wall, paired with an enthralling wall color like blue, can elevate the entire space. Dining rooms, often prone to feeling monotonous, can be revitalized with a floor-to-ceiling gallery wall that complements the existing color scheme, turning minimal spaces into lively and chic environments. Minimalist designs can benefit from nearly monochromatic displays with subtle hints of color and soothing motifs. Boho-chic influences can be incorporated through textures and three-dimensional details, moving beyond standard art prints to include wall-mounted sculptures and an eclectic mix of multi-finish frames. When inspiration is scarce, organizing the gallery wall by theme, such as colors or aesthetics, can complement eclectic room decor. In monochromatic spaces, wall art can introduce a healthy dose of color, with subtly unstructured compositions proving that meticulous measurements are not always necessary. Scandi-chic living spaces can feature watercolored greens set against live plants, creating a harmonious natural theme. For those intending a gallery wall to serve as an inspirational setup, a maximalist approach lining a workspace with numerous prints, photographs, and art can create an all-encompassing mood board. Reading nooks are ideal for gallery walls, where a well-styled display can complement the decorative palette of the area. Finally, a multi-dimensional composition can instill added depth, proving that gallery walls can be adapted to almost any space within a home. These diverse methods underscore the versatility of gallery walls as a powerful tool in home decoration. #GalleryWall #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ArtDisplay #RoomDesign #CreativeWalls #HomeStyling #WallArtIdeas #DecorativeLayout

The article details designer Dee Murphy's kitchen renovation, focusing on her unconventional choice to install floorboards on the ceiling. As part of a six-week One Room Challenge, Murphy transformed her 1920s kitchen, which originally featured gray linoleum flooring, into a space with an inviting, European aesthetic. The renovation involved replacing the linoleum with rustic, white terracotta tiles, installing a forest green range, and incorporating vintage-looking trinkets. A vintage rug was also added, demonstrating that this often-debated kitchen accessory can enhance a small space. The kitchen design features floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and vertical-lined shiplap, which visually expands the tiny room. A key design element is the hardwood-esque ceiling treatment, which acts as a showstopper. This unique feature was inspired by Murphy's desire for a wood beam ceiling, a concept that was impractical due to the kitchen's existing cabinet placement. The chosen wood treatment offered a similar European country-kitchen style without the structural challenges. Murphy describes the effect as instantly adding warmth to the room, comparing the transformation to "fireworks." For those considering a similar project, Murphy advises thorough planning. This includes narrowing down the desired wood type and tone, such as the medium-warm tone she selected from Ross Alan Reclaimed Lumber, and having the wood precut to exact specifications. She emphasizes the importance of allowing extra time for preparation, noting that the installation itself took about six hours. While confident DIY enthusiasts might attempt the installation themselves, Murphy suggests hiring professionals, especially given the precision required to avoid issues like lopsided ceilings or crooked cabinetry. She still recommends having the wood precut to simplify the adhesion process. The article highlights the practical benefits of a wood ceiling, particularly in a kitchen environment. Unlike other ceiling treatments such as wallpaper or paint, wood is less susceptible to issues like cooking splatters and humidity, even when left unfinished. Murphy chose to leave her reclaimed wood unfinished to achieve a natural look, affirming its durability for a "messy chef." Finally, the versatility of a reclaimed wood ceiling is emphasized. Murphy notes that it is often the first thing visitors comment on and that it can complement various aesthetics. For a minimalist approach, the ceiling can be highlighted by surrounding it with neutral accents. Alternatively, a maximalist design can be achieved by pairing the wood with funky lighting and bold cabinetry colors, such as blues, greens, or even sunny yellows, to create a bright and bold effect. The article also suggests incorporating limewash for an authentic old-school charm, drawing a parallel to the ambiance of a rustic Tuscan villa. #KitchenRenovation #CeilingDesign #InteriorDesign #EuropeanStyle #DIYHome #ReclaimedWood #DesignInspiration #OneRoomChallenge

The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge features a striking 25-foot vertical living wall in its lobby, blending industrial aesthetics with natural elements. Designed by Harrison Green, this living wall diverges from conventional green walls by emulating the natural migration patterns of plants, allowing vegetation to grow organically across concrete and steel surfaces. The installation serves as a dynamic, artistic focal point, continuously evolving with its plant life. The design strategy emphasizes a graceful and simple framework, supporting a diverse selection of plants including staghorns, ferns, vines, and creeping ficus. These species were chosen specifically for their suitability to the interior environment and lighting conditions of the hotel. To supplement natural light, custom-designed pendants equipped with daylight spectrum bulbs are installed, mimicking sunlight to support the plants' growth and vitality. This living wall is a central feature within the eco-conscious 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, contributing to its overall design ethos. The hotel, situated by the Brooklyn Bridge and New York's East River, integrates natural themes and sustainable practices throughout its design. The living quarters and accommodations, designed by Marvel Architects and INC Architecture and Design, further synthesize the natural world through their material selections and overall motifs. The installation transforms the lobby into a luxurious space that feels both sculptural and organic, yet modern and raw. It embodies the hotel's commitment to harmoniously blending history, design, and nature, offering guests a unique waterfront retreat experience. The strategic placement and organic growth of the plants create a visually compelling experience that connects visitors with nature even within an urban setting. By creating a living, breathing art piece, the hotel enhances its ambiance while reinforcing its eco-friendly credentials. The living wall not only adds aesthetic value but also contributes to a healthier indoor environment, aligning with the hotel's mission to offer a sustainable and immersive natural experience. This innovative approach to interior design highlights how green elements can be thoughtfully integrated into commercial spaces to create dramatic and impactful installations. #LivingWall #HotelDesign #Brooklyn #HarrisonGreen #InteriorDesign #EcoConscious #GreenArchitecture #BiophilicDesign #UrbanNature

Gallery walls, a home decor trend that allows for the display of diverse artworks and personal objects, are gaining popularity in residential settings, offering a way to personalize living spaces. This concept, also known as 'salon-style hangs' in the art world, traces its origins to 17th-century French Royal Academy exhibitions. The appeal of gallery walls lies in their ability to combine various mediums—photographs, paintings, prints, and even taxidermy or embroidery—to reflect an individual's personality and experiences. Design professionals like Ariel Farmer of Homepolish highlight the versatility of gallery walls, noting their capacity to incorporate whimsical and eclectic collections. For example, a client's taxidermied bat was integrated into a wall alongside illustrations and pastoral landscapes, creating a unique and personal display. Magazine editors Garrett Munce and Adam Rathe exemplify this trend, using their gallery wall to synthesize their shared aesthetic, displaying a range of items from Richard Kern photographs to a Marcel Dzama drawing and a vintage mirror. While personal taste guides the selection, designers emphasize that the collective arrangement can transform individual pieces, making even initially unloved items, like Munce's kitschy vintage mirror, more appealing when integrated into a larger display. The flexibility of gallery walls allows homeowners to easily rearrange or add new pieces, ensuring the display remains fresh and conversational. Accessibility to creating gallery walls is wide-ranging. Retailers like West Elm offer services that include free consultations for arranging existing art and objects, and even installation services for a fee. They also provide affordable framing options, with frames starting at $12. For those seeking expert guidance, contemporary art advisor Irene C. Papanestor assists clients in curating new works to complement their existing collections and advises on professional installation for optimal presentation. Budget-friendly options for materials are readily available, with designers often recommending inexpensive frames from retailers such as IKEA, Blick Art Materials, and online custom framers like Framebridge.com. Affordable artworks can be sourced from online platforms including Etsy.com, Minted.com, Art.com, and UpriseArt.com. When composing a gallery wall, a methodical approach is crucial. This involves carefully selecting pieces that complement each other and meticulous measurements to achieve proper spacing and flow. Professional installers are an option for those less comfortable with DIY installation. Key design principles for successful gallery walls include mixing scales, using frames of different sizes, and embracing asymmetry. Experts suggest working with odd numbers of items to create unity, as this appeals to the eye more than perfect symmetry. Celebrity designers, such as Kelly Wearstler, advocate for variety and surprise, encouraging the use of diverse materials like sculptures, canvases, lithographs, and photographs to inject energy into a space and tell a soulful story. #GalleryWall #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ArtDisplay #EclecticStyle #Personalization #DesignTips #ArtCollection #SalonStyleHang

Gallery walls are a popular and diverse interior design technique used to add personality and character to any room. However, without proper planning and consideration, it's easy to make common mistakes that can detract from their intended visual impact. This article highlights five prevalent gallery wall missteps and provides expert advice from designers on how to avoid them. One significant mistake is failing to establish a common ground or cohesive link between the pieces in a gallery wall. While a slightly chaotic arrangement can be appealing, a lack of thematic unity in colors, frames, or prints can lead to a disjointed look. Designers recommend selecting a consistent element, such as frame style, art medium, or color palette, to ensure cohesion. For instance, using frames with a similar vintage vibe or prints sharing a common shade can create a harmonious display, even with diverse artwork. It is important to decide whether the artwork itself will tie together or if the framing will provide the unifying element. Another critical error is neglecting to plan the layout before hanging anything. Impulsive hammering and hanging can result in inconsistent placement, a cluttered appearance, and a lack of focal point. To circumvent this, it is advisable to meticulously plan the gallery wall. Measuring the available wall space and the dimensions of the frames is crucial for even spacing and alignment. Designers suggest laying out prints on the floor or using paper templates on the wall to experiment with different arrangements. Maintaining a consistent spacing of 2 to 3 inches between frames is generally recommended to achieve a visually appealing arrangement that captures attention effectively. The article also warns against using identical frames for all pieces. While a uniform look might seem like a safe option, it can lead to a monotonous and uninteresting display. Instead, mixing and matching different frame styles and sizes adds depth, color, and texture, making the gallery wall more dynamic and engaging. Although variety is encouraged, there should still be some similarity in color, shape, or material among the frames to maintain overall cohesion. Combining various artistic mediums, such as pen and ink with oil paintings or textural pieces with black and white photography, can create an eclectic yet unified look, provided the framing remains complementary and streamlined. Incorrect spacing between frames is another common pitfall. Placing prints too close together can create an overwhelming block, while spacing them too far apart can make them appear isolated. Achieving the right balance is essential for visual harmony. The general guideline of 2 to 3 inches between frames allows each artwork to stand out while contributing to a cohesive whole. This optimal spacing can vary based on the size and style of the frames, the dimensions of the wall, and the desired aesthetic. Experimentation with arrangements and distances is encouraged to find the perfect blend of unity and variety. Finally, disregarding the overall room design when creating a gallery wall is a mistake. A gallery wall often serves as a focal point, and it should seamlessly integrate with the room's existing style, colors, and textures. Pulling shades from the current color scheme instantly creates cohesiveness. Designers emphasize the importance of considering color and balance to avoid overcrowding or overwhelming the space. If the room's decor is neutral, the gallery wall can be an excellent opportunity to introduce color and life. Ensuring frames coordinate with the room's palette helps create continuity among diverse pieces, ultimately enhancing the entire interior. Planning ahead, choosing a theme, and mixing frame styles and sizes while considering the room's overall aesthetic are key to creating a successful and chic gallery wall. #GalleryWall #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #ArtDisplay #DesignTips #HomeDecor #WallDecor #SpacePlanning

Anna Albury, a textile designer, freelance interior stylist, and cofounder of Cool Stuff NYC, integrated her personal design philosophy, described as “colorful, joyous, and human,” into the redesign of her Brooklyn living room. As a rug designer for Crosby Street Studios, Albury applied her professional expertise to her personal space, creating a custom rug that became the central element of her living room's refresh. The rug's design originated from a cut-and-paste collage, which she subsequently digitized and refined, adjusting the layout and color scheme to fit her vision. Her approach emphasizes the inclusion of hand-drawn elements, a technique she learned in college, where the focus was on beautifully rendered individual components rather than simple pattern repetition. The process of transforming her living room around this custom rug involved a thoughtful selection of existing items to retain and new elements to introduce. Albury kept a navy couch, a chartreuse side table, and a pink reading chair. Items that were removed or repurposed included red velvet curtains and a media console, with a wooden coffee table finding a new home in the bedroom. To complement the new icy blue rug, a fresh set of curtains was installed behind the couch, also serving to conceal closets. This strategic integration ensured that every piece in the room harmonized with the rug's aesthetic. For individuals who may not have the option of commissioning a custom rug, Albury suggests exploring vintage options as a starting point for room redesigns. She recommends using specific keywords on platforms like Etsy, such as desired colors, to narrow down searches. For instance, if a room features a green couch and the owner wishes to introduce pink and yellow, these colors should be included in the search terms. This method allows for the discovery of unique pieces that can serve as foundational design elements. Albury also highlighted the importance of considering the rug's pattern and details in relation to furniture placement. In her own living room, she meticulously planned where different shapes and colors within the rug would fall, ensuring that the light blue sections were near the navy couch and the pink dots were close to, but not directly under, the pink chair. This careful consideration of spatial relationships ensures that each color in the rug interacts with an alternating color in the surrounding space, creating a cohesive and visually engaging environment. The outcome of her design process is a textile that genuinely reflects her artistic identity, resonating positively with anyone who experiences the space. #BrooklynLivingRoom #TextileDesign #CustomRug #InteriorStyling #HomeDecor #RoomRedesign #VintageRugs #ColorPalette #SpacePlanning #AnnaAlbury

Ever Atelier, a Dallas-based wallpaper company founded by Ashley Leftwich and Sarah English, has made a significant impact on the interiors world with its vibrant and distinctive wallpaper designs. The founders describe their wallpapers as edgy, artistic, luxurious, and whimsical, emphasizing that each design incorporates artistic experimentation and tells a unique story or idea. They aim for their patterns to evoke a feeling, similar to the experience of viewing an art piece. The design process at Ever Atelier is dynamic and varies for each pattern. It typically begins with gathering inspirational imagery, which is then combined to form an initial concept. The creation of the interpretation can involve various techniques, including hand-drawn linework, hand-painted illustrations, photorealism derived from photography, and often a combination of these methods. For instance, their 'Rose Mary Rose' pattern integrates all these techniques. After the initial layout is completed, a detailed revision process begins, involving the generation of multiple strike-offs to refine the design. Some designs materialize quickly, meeting expectations early on, while others require more extensive development and time. The creative energy that drives Leftwich and English is fueled by their collaborative dynamic and a continuous search for inspiration. Sarah English notes that she actively seeks inspiration and sometimes encounters it unexpectedly, visualizing patterns in various everyday situations. She cultivates an openness to creative thinking and seeing, regardless of her environment or activity. This discovery aspect within the creative process is something she particularly values in her collaboration with Ashley Leftwich, as they mutually encourage and propel each other forward. Currently, Ever Atelier is engaged in numerous custom projects for clients. Beyond these bespoke endeavors, the company is actively working on developing and launching a new collection of designs. Additionally, they are in the process of expanding their product offerings to include Ever Atelier textiles, signaling a diversification into other interior design elements while maintaining their signature artistic approach. This expansion reflects their ongoing growth and influence within the interior design industry. #EverAtelier #WallpaperDesign #InteriorDesign #DallasDesigners #ArtisticWallcoverings #LuxuryInteriors #CreativeProcess #HomeDecor