Kelly Hoppen: 'I keep my walls white because I like art to breathe'

The article highlights an interior design tip from renowned designer Kelly Hoppen, often referred to as the 'Queen of Interiors,' concerning the painting of skirting boards. Traditionally, skirting boards are painted white, but Hoppen suggests painting them the same color as the walls. This approach, she explains, creates an illusion of greater wall height, making the room appear taller and more spacious. Hoppen likens painting white skirting boards against a colored wall to "wearing a sock and your trouser leg being too high," implying an awkward and visually disruptive effect. This advice was shared during a segment on a popular television show where Hoppen provided interior design consultation to viewers. The technique is presented as a departure from long-held decorating norms. The article notes that this method is gaining traction among interior designers, with Abigail Ahern mentioned as another expert who extends this concept by painting ceilings the same color as the walls for a 'cocooning effect.' While Abigail Ahern's method is considered bolder, Hoppen's skirting board tip is proposed as an accessible starting point for those looking to implement similar design principles. The article emphasizes that this trick is particularly effective when dealing with darker paint shades, which are currently on-trend. By eliminating the visual break created by a contrasting white skirting board, the wall color flows uninterrupted, enhancing the perception of vertical space. This recommendation offers a simple yet impactful way for homeowners to update their interiors, aligning with contemporary design trends that prioritize a seamless and expansive feel in living spaces. The piece concludes by encouraging readers to consider adopting this 'game-changing' painting technique in their own homes. #KellyHoppen #InteriorDesign #SkirtingBoards #PaintTrends #HomeDecor #WallHeightIllusion #DecoratingTips #RoomVisuals #DesignAdvice

The author recounts her evolution in home decor, specifically moving away from the traditional gallery wall concept in her living room. Initially, a collaborative gallery wall with her roommate featured colorful artwork, much of it acquired in her early 20s and printed at college centers. This setup, while serving as a bonding experience, eventually felt overwhelming as her personal style developed and her living situation changed. Upon her roommate's departure, the author embarked on a decor "restart" in 2025, a process that included dismantling the crowded gallery wall. She found the previous arrangement of 10 to 20 frames of diverse, colorful artwork visually excessive. Her new preference shifted towards "gallery clusters," a concept involving smaller groupings of one to three frames, which offers a simpler aesthetic. Another significant change in her approach to art was limiting typographical pieces. Previously, her collection included several art pieces with text, which she now finds overwhelming, especially given her professional engagement with words. She now prefers imagery over text on her walls, allowing for a more visually serene environment. Furthermore, the author is embracing large-scale art. She notes that big art pieces can make a significant statement without contributing to visual clutter, unlike a densely packed gallery wall. She highlights two recent acquisitions, "Peaceful Sunday" from PSTR studio and "Gather" from Gavalina, both chosen for their lightweight nature and ease of hanging. She acknowledges that large art can be expensive but emphasizes its impact. While she expresses a personal fatigue with certain popular prints, like the blue Matisse body print, she encourages individuals to choose art that resonates with them. Her current decorating philosophy centers on acquiring personal art and taking a slow, deliberate approach. She advises seeking out vintage shops, art from travels, sidewalk sales, and works by emerging artists to curate a collection that truly reflects one's personality. This shift involves investing time and potentially more money, but she believes the wait is worthwhile for a home that feels genuinely personal. The author acknowledges that some of her walls remain blank, indicating that this is an ongoing process of thoughtfully selecting unique pieces rather than filling space quickly. #HomeDecor #GalleryWallAlternative #ArtClusters #LargeScaleArt #PersonalizedDecor #InteriorDesignTrends #ApartmentLiving #HomeStyling

Empty walls present a significant design challenge, offering a blank canvas that requires careful consideration to transform into an engaging and aesthetically pleasing space. The process of selecting and arranging wall décor is akin to accessorizing an outfit, providing the final touch that completes the overall look of a room. This article provides a comprehensive guide to various wall decoration techniques, catering to a wide range of aesthetic preferences, from minimalist to maximalist styles. It aims to inspire individuals to fill their blank walls with creative, practical, and impactful solutions. The article explores diverse approaches to wall ornamentation, starting with the use of decorative plates, which can be arranged in collections featuring varied sizes, shapes, and patterns to create visual interest against contrasting backgrounds like dark floral wallpaper. Personal touches are highlighted through the suggestion of framing maps that hold sentimental value, such as vintage maps of hometowns or city subway systems, adding a unique narrative to the décor. Innovative solutions for integrating technology are also presented, such as concealing a television behind a sliding artwork panel, allowing for a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics. Textile art is prominently featured, with recommendations for displaying cherished quilts or framing fabric pieces like vintage blanket segments, heirloom linens, or patterned scraps, transforming them into custom gallery displays. The integration of nature indoors is encouraged through wall-mounted planters, allowing for a biophilic design element. Alternatives to traditional wallpaper include textural fabric wall coverings with large-scale prints, offering a tactile and mural-like effect. Mirror gallery walls are suggested as a way to add dimension and light to a space, using mirrors of various shapes, sizes, and complementary frames. The article also delves into functional décor, proposing the display of favorite clothing and accessories as art in areas like bedrooms or foyers, showcasing their aesthetic value. Wine storage is reimagined as a decorative element, treating bottle labels as miniature artworks. Architectural elements such as geometric wall paneling in bold colors are presented as a means to make the wall itself a focal point, especially when framing opulent furniture pieces. Strategic paint choices, like using deep navy paint with three-quarter-height wainscoting, are discussed for their ability to create contrast and highlight framed artworks. Furthermore, the guide explores the interplay between art and wallpaper, suggesting that patterned wallpaper can enhance the statement made by arranged art, albeit requiring careful balance to avoid visual clutter. Oversized abstract pieces with high-contrast color schemes are recommended for making a strong impression without overwhelming a room. Mixed media displays, combining framed art with other objects, and the strategic use of molding to define mini galleries, are also covered. The impact of large, oversized artwork as a focal point, as well as the artistic potential of empty, painted frames, are highlighted. Creative use of bookshelves, such as painting them vibrant colors and organizing books by color or size, transforms them into decorative features. Woven art pieces are suggested as alternatives to traditional mantels, offering a natural texture against stone backdrops. Eye-catching sconces are presented as dual-purpose items, providing both practical lighting and decorative appeal. Floating shelves are recommended for displaying essential objects and favorite items as part of the décor, especially when the shelves themselves are stylish. Maximalist gallery walls, covering multiple walls with a mix of sizes, frames, and media, allow for a comprehensive display of collections. The article also extends to displaying outdoor items like colorful oars in appropriate settings and using single, oversized photographs to create a focal point in a dining room, enhanced by complementary lighting and drapery. Unique textural elements, such as fluted clay walls, are suggested for creating restful and soothing spaces in neutral bedrooms. Color-block paint designs are proposed as an easy way to dress up walls in children's or guest rooms, utilizing darker tones near the floor for grounding and lighter tones near the ceiling for an airy feel. Reflective surfaces, through collections of matching mirrors or statement vintage mirrors, are discussed for adding light and character. Finally, the combination of different wall coverings for unexpected contrast and the use of sconces to frame artwork and collectibles are explored, along with incorporating natural materials like wicker baskets for a subtle yet impactful biophilic touch. #WallDecor #HomeDesign #InteriorDecoration #GalleryWalls #TextileArt #BiophilicDesign #PaintTechniques #MirrorDecor #StorageSolutions

Gallery walls, defined as collections of artwork or various objects arranged on a single wall, have a rich history dating back to prehistoric cave paintings and gaining prominence during the European Renaissance as "salon walls" for showcasing art. While the concept of a gallery wall is inherently timeless, its contemporary application requires careful consideration to avoid a dated or dull appearance. Interior designers emphasize the importance of thoughtful curation, proportion, and cohesion, noting that merely hanging disparate items does not constitute a successful gallery wall. A common denominator in framing, subject matter, finish, or style is crucial for unifying the display. Despite evolving design trends, a well-curated gallery wall is not expected to go out of style, as its fundamental appeal lies in its ability to tell a story through art, create a focal point, ground an oversized room, and add texture without occupying floor space. However, experts caution against using gallery walls in certain situations. They are generally not recommended for narrow hallways or small powder rooms, where the entire collection cannot be appreciated at once. Similarly, walls already crowded with other hanging decor or elaborate storage should be avoided to prevent a cluttered feel; a blank space is ideal for a gallery wall to truly stand out. Additionally, in rooms with a minimalist aesthetic or those with dim natural light, a gallery wall might overwhelm the space, suggesting that alternative styling approaches would be more appropriate. For those seeking alternatives to traditional gallery walls, several expert-approved methods can achieve a striking focal point. One option is to select a single, large piece of art that covers approximately 60 percent of the blank wall, adjusting for furniture placement to ensure correct proportion. Another approach involves creating a mini-collection, such as a pair of large works or a triptych, displayed linearly with equal spacing. Using an odd number of frames in a series can also introduce dynamic energy. Incorporating furniture like an armchair, cabinet, or console table can break up a large wall and serve as an anchor for art groupings. Bringing the outside in with large houseplants or potted trees is another effective way to add visual interest and fill space. Finally, utilizing large mirrors can brighten a room and make it feel more spacious, while textured art, decorative screens, or patterned wallpaper can introduce visual interest without the need for multiple displayed items, balancing personal style with the room's overall aesthetic. #GalleryWalls #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #WallArt #HomeStyling #FocalPoints #DesignTrends #ArtDisplay