Hello art, goodbye blank walls

Here's what makes this display at Chapters in Sudbury look dynamic
and interesting: There's a nice mix of frame sizes, horizontal/vertical
orientation and scale of the motifs. There is also repetition of colour;
black & white, golden yellow and blue. The letters break up the sharp
edges and enhance the irregularity of the display, which means that
more pieces can be added later on. If you want a more structured grid
pattern, this works best when the pieces are all of the same size, and
follow a single motif. 


 

Have any blank walls at home that are begging for some action? It's easier than you think to make them come alive.

Rather than focusing on finding that one "perfect" painting with which to cover the space, take some of the pressure off and make a gallery of several smaller pieces of art instead.

Getting the composition right takes a bit of practice. But if you apply a few design principles, described in the photo caption, you'll be on your way. Lay out the pieces on the floor first, to see how to combine them, or create paper mock-ups that you tape to the walls in different combinations before taking out the hammer and nails. 


 

Or, if you want to make it even easier for yourself - and why wouldn't you? - buy any of the following curated collections of frameable, original prints, available for the traditional, eclectic and contemporary home. Ready to tear out and be placed in frames, they are an inexpensive way to cheer up your walls.



 




 

Here are some other artful displays that I've pinned onto my Pinterest boards:




Here, the chair is part of the mix. This display
is confined width-wise, but is allowed to really
stretch out towards the ceiling, which is enhanced
by the fact that all the pieces have a vertical
orientation. Photo: Dwell.



A composition of "empty" frames can also make for an
artful display. In this composition, two of the frames are
actually mirrors, reflecting light back into the room. I also
like the two, smaller frames inside larger ones. Photo: Houzz.

Another gallery striving upwards. The
high placement of the pieces accentuates
the high ceiling and creates a bit of tension
in this hallway - unconventional and bold.
Photo: Houzz.

Botanical prints, neatly displayed in identical frames.
Photo: Houzz.