Spark

Symmetrical Grouping of Pictures

I’m stuck. I’ve had framed pictures leaning against my wall for weeks because I can’t figure out where or how to hang them in a way that makes sense. What are the rules?

Don’t worry about rigid decorating rules as much as basic guidelines. First, try to group your pictures in a way that makes sense, such as by frame color (pewter) or style (vintage photos). Look at your room and consider which image is most complimentary due to its mood or tonal values. Once you decide what to hang where, jump right in. Remember, this is only a starting point. You can add or edit as you change your mind or collect new art. It’s easy to patch nail holes.

The most common mistake I see, and also one of my peeviest pet peeves, is hanging pictures too high. The goal is to view art or photographs at eye level to best enjoy them. That mean that the upper center point should be about 60″ from the ground. Most of us are not of generous height and it’s better to shoot for average in this case. When installing images over furniture, allow about 5-8″ space between the piece and the lower edge of the frame. The picture should look like it belongs to the sofa and is not hovering awkwardly above. (Note: if you have bouncy boy children you might need to allow a little more space above the sofa.)

Assymetrical Grouping of Large Painting and Small Cluster of Engravings

Look for nooks or spaces that nicely fit single pictures or small groupings. The nautical inspired duo below hangs on a 3 ft. bathroom wall and anchors (pardon the pun) the petite room. It’s okay to allow a little whimsey by pairing a large piece with a small one if they both fit snugly together and have a common theme. When grouping three to five pictures on a medium wall, aim for creating a suggestion of a shape like a sideways “V” or a larger square. For large expanses of wall, create a gallery effect with a thoughtful grouping of various sized images with coordinating frames. It’s like piecing together a puzzle, so use craft paper cutouts and painters tape to arrange a template on the wall until you find the right composition. If you want to make it easier, opt for a pre-packaged gallery hanging system and you’ll be museum ready in no time.

Big and Small in a Nautical Niche

My dear client, Becky, sent me this question about family storage in the entry way. She has a charming vintage cottage that is full of character but short on transition spaces. I am looking at getting some hooks for the entry way by our front door.  We need to hang the kid’s backpacks low and [...]

Q: I was late setting my Christmas tree up and now I’m probably late to take it down. What’s the best way to undo and pack up my decorations to make next year easier? A: Today, January 6,  is also known as Little Christmas or the last official day of the holiday season. Pack it [...]

It’s not too late! If you’re still bustling about prepping your home for the festivities, here’s a last minute inspiration tip from Ashley. When decorating a mantle, it’s best to start with a color scheme. Consider using a mostly monochromatic palette with one additional color to make it all pop. There’s no reason you have [...]

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only one week away. Are you ready? If you’re hosting, you’ll need to plan your Thanksgiving spread and seasonal decorations. Of course you can have your kids make the beloved “hand turkeys” or place a pot of mums and you’re done. However, if you’d like to spruce up [...]

I have boring wooden blinds that are functional but NOT very stylish. I don’t like fussy drapes, so what are my other options? Window treatments should not only serve a purpose but should also add another layer to your room. It’s amazing how a little window dressing can pull a room together. With all the [...]

How do I address that empty space above my kitchen cabinets? Can I just leave it empty? Dear reader, the short answer is a simple YES. But do you know what’s nice? Place some rope lights along the top edge of the cabinets behind the crown molding (or against the wall edge if no molding) [...]

I know you have a design question. Don’t just sit there in despair and wonder what you should do about that hideous carpet or that impossibly shaped room. How do you space plan an “L” shaped living room anyway? Thursdays are YOUR day. So send in a question about your current decorating dilemma not matter [...]