Show off your photo's



Wall of frames by The Novogratz design team





Show off those photo's!

Making a statement with a wall full of frames is one of my favorite ways to decorate. Its a creative way to display memento's, collections, thank you letters, postcards, photo's and keepsake treasure's. It add an element of visual interest to a room. By producing a Wall of Frames, a room can be completely transformed. 

 

Chose a theme, any theme. A family photo wall, a kids artwork display, or if you are brave, use anything and everything framed. When choosing the 'no theme' route, set a challenge to ensure there really is no cohesive theme. The end effect of the wall will look finished and be organized chaos.



(You've been framed.)

 

Frames are the most important feature to a wall of frames, (hence, the title). Again, decide theme or no theme. By hanging all the pieces in similar colored frames, the wall will appear relaxing and organized. By using eclectic, mismatched frames of all sizes and shapes, the wall will be exciting and visually stimulating. 

 

 

The items displayed in frames do not have to be professionally matted. Precut mattes can be purchased, although inexpensive for a few frames, the costs can quickly add up when producing a wall of frames. Think outside the box. If the photo doesn't fill the entire frame, use another resource as the matte. Old sheet music, book pages, scrapbook paper, maps or artwork. A favorite choice for matting is pages from old encyclopedia's. Its gives a lovely overall visual effect and it is inexpensive.

 

This wall doesn't have to cost a fortune. Shop the sales. Check the clearance aisles every time shop. If the glass is broken, no problem. Some frames without glass will add a nice visual effect and dimension to the wall of frames. If the frame has a scratch, no problem. Mask scratches with a little effort. Sand the entire frame to give it a worn look or paint the frame a new color. The most cost effect way to accumulate frames is to search thrift stores, second hand stores and consignment shops. Unique, inexpensive frames are the best finds!

 

(Make a statement.)

 

When planning your grand statement, be sure to add some eye-popping visual effects. Using mirrors is an easy and great eye-popping element. Mirrors reflect light and open up a space. Another element is hanging items directly on the wall, not framed such as badminton rackets, vintage plate's and old architectural element's. Anything works. Its something unexpected and the eye will natural "pop" to that item first. 

 

Some designers say to carefully plan out a wall of frames, using paper templates and measuring tapes. That sounds like a ton of work, and it is. The answer is its simple and relatively quick to complete. Pick one corner of the wall and work your  way down. No rhyme or reason is the best philosophy. Don't worry, there are no mistakes. If you don't like where a frame is, switch it with another. Occasionally step back and view the progress. No need to go to through the hassle of cutting templates to space out the frames - unless you like making more work for yourself!

Last tip, have at least one visual element that is unexpected. Hang a set of frames touching. Yes, touching! It gives people an uneasy feeling, but adds a great visually exciting feature. If the wall is all black frames with white mattes, incorporate a few white frames with black mattes. Add a visual surprise to complete your overall design.

 

Pick a wall to express yourself. Whether it be a hallway, a powder room or the family room. Add in personal artifacts, design elements and make a grand statement.

 

[ Kismet Junk ]