a bit of interior advice is my fave

August 23, 2012

We have this all around big bare wall that is in need of some attention. It’s not that I haven’t had ideas for it, I’m just indecisive when it comes to decorating (first home = pressure). I’ve even made pro and con lists about this wall and still flounder. I wish Oprah would just tell me what to do but since our cable subscription doesn’t include OWN, I’m turning to you. Should we:


A. have one giant piece of art

B. go colorful and eclectic with a gallery wall

C. go with some photo ledges and layer that business

OR D. go with a neutral but well arranged gallery wall?

Decide for me and if I don’t like the consensus, I’ll do what I’ve wanted to do all along which I don’t know what that is yet.

I now feel like this is a good time for a little boy to enter and huff “women!” while rolling his eyes.

images: Lonny, Catherine Ledner featured on Desire to Inspire, Emily Henderson, Little Green Notebook, Lonny, Style at Home, Real Simple, ApartmentTherapy

57 Comments »

 
  • On August 23, 2012 , Janey said:

    It’s tough, but I’d go with one big piece of art, I think! Then, of course, you have to decide *which* piece of art!

    Janey x

  • On August 23, 2012 , Samira said:

    love every space!

  • On August 23, 2012 , Elizabeth said:

    I like the “artful” gallery wall best. You don’t have to choose just one piece, like you would with giant art, it’s not permanent, like ledges or shelves, and eclectic gallery walls are HARD to make good-not-crazy, in my opinion. Be sure to let us know what you DID choose, though!!

  • On August 23, 2012 , kaylen said:

    Go with the eclectic gallery wall! That’s what our whole apartment looks like, though…so I’m pretty biased. But it’s so fun to arrange!

  • On August 23, 2012 , Missy said:

    eclectic gallery wall!

    How is it even a question – you have SO many sources of art that you’ve posted on here…you would probably have the cutest/coolest gallery wall ever. Seriously.

  • On August 23, 2012 , Judy said:

    I would say anything but the one big piece of art: WAY too much pressure choosing that one thing, and you would not be apt to change it up, which is at least 47% of the fun!

  • On August 23, 2012 , Kelly @ Studio DIY said:

    I’d definitely go the gallery wall route! It’s fun to be able to change things out, especially if you’re indecisive (like me!) and it’s easy to do so with a gallery wall. Now the eclectic vs neutral is a tougher choice, but I’m all about a good pop o’ color!

  • On August 23, 2012 , Christi said:

    Colorful gallery wall! Whatever you decide, I hope you share here. I’m sure it will turn out fabulous!

  • On August 23, 2012 , Ashley said:

    I vote one big piece of art UNLESS you’ve got a bunch of pictures/art/frames just sitting around needing a wall to call home. Then I’d do a gallery wall.

  • On August 23, 2012 , Sarah K said:

    I will start this off with saying my friends have accused me of wanting my walls “really really full”.
    That being said, I think one of two options would work well. A really big piece of art lined up with the chandelier in the dining room & perhaps some smaller pieces lined up with the kitchen island(?) to help fill up the wall.
    Alternatively, I think it would look really good if you do a grid gallery wall of all the same frames. Something BIG so you can use all of the gorgeous wall space. I think either of these two ideas would work.
    http://pinterest.com/pin/117093659031114365/
    http://pinterest.com/pin/117093659032613297/
    Okay, I’ll stop talking now. Hope you find something that you’d like to do there soon!

  • On August 23, 2012 , SOPHIA said:

    Definitely with A because then your wall will look calm and not all crazy. We have on big piece and its really good for the home.

  • On August 23, 2012 , Lisa said:

    If you have enough special things/pictures/memories that you totally love and will never get bored of (ok, maybe someday but not very soon) go for an eclectic gallery wall. Take the time to build it little by little and not all in one day, to enjoy the real meaning of that. Otherwise just embrace a giant piece of art printed or make up of smaller pieces like a puzzle. You can replace it as soon as you get bored or when you have enough patience for a gallery wall. Good luck and just go for it. It’s your home, nothing will turn out bad.

  • On August 23, 2012 , Gabriela Nóbrega said:

    giant piece of art! because if you don’t like it after all, it’s easier to find something to do with one BIG piece of art than with 10 small ones. but that’s just me, and I get bored easily with stuff on my walls.

  • On August 23, 2012 , Marisa said:

    I love eclectic gallery walls, but I’m a colour lover ;)

  • On August 23, 2012 , Kate said:

    I love all the options – but I think I would choose one big piece! If you can afford it, it would make such a statement and there are probably other smaller walls in the house for gallery collections. One large piece can also be simultaneously a statement, or a neutral, I think, depending on what you choose. Please show us a final photo of what you do! :)

  • On August 23, 2012 , Diane @ home sweet homemade said:

    If your room is pretty well grounded with regard to your furnishing arrangement and floor/rug then you could go with any option. If your room is not already well grounded, then option A is the best choice because you need to steady the eye.

    But you know what? Nothing is permanent. Do something – you can always change it. So excited for you!

  • On August 23, 2012 , Cherish said:

    I like one big piece. It is calming, beautiful, and daring all at once. It makes a strong statement and can pull a room together. Good luck choosing.

  • On August 23, 2012 , claire said:

    less is always more (except for when more is more, but you have to have a crazy amount of more to pull that off) so I vote for one big piece. there’s also the option of a triptych, you get the multiples effect with the more subdued overall impact of one image.

  • On August 23, 2012 , Bear said:

    A! Love your site!

  • On August 23, 2012 , Kate said:

    I am always a fan of an ecclectic gallery wall. I have one in my house and it makes me happy every time I look at it. It is full of photos in fun frames, art work (my own and others’), and a mirror or two and a ceramic plate. It is a great way to add color and interest to a space. I get many complements when people come over and see it.

  • On August 23, 2012 , Lena said:

    They’re all gorgeous, but I do think a more neutral gallery wall will probably be something you like for longest–so you don’t have to torture yourself again in 6 months!

  • On August 23, 2012 , Ryan said:

    one big piece of art

  • On August 23, 2012 , Jessica Thiessen said:

    I think that if you already have a lot of decor in the room (pictures and nick nacks on side tables, colourful pillows, etc.) go for the one large piece of art. But if your room is pretty neutral looking, then go for the awesome colourful gallery wall!

    I wouldn’t over think it too much if I were you. Do what makes you smile. That’s the one problem with have TOO much inspiration all over the internet.

    Have fun decorating. And hey, worst case scenario, you really hate it, you can change it!

  • On August 23, 2012 , Kelsey said:

    Either A or D! I love giant artwork!

  • On August 23, 2012 , Doireann said:

    One big piece! Especially since you’ve got your little bundle, your house will get crazier and crazier, and one big piece of art will help offset the floor covered in toys. A gallery wall might end up making the space too distracting and stressful. And you can always change out the art piece to suit the season or your mood – big art doesn’t have to be expensive!

  • On August 23, 2012 , Evelyn said:

    Am I the only one who LOVES photo ledges? Layer that business!

  • On August 23, 2012 , Beth B. said:

    Definitely B! Go colorful and eclectic with a gallery wall!

  • On August 23, 2012 , Marlena said:

    I vote for the picture ledges – that way it can clean, simple, and you can rotate favorite art and prints – a must-have for when Beck is older and you are inundated with art. You could paint the wall behind that a fun color, do some color blocking, or paint the ledges. Lots of way to layer texture and color.

  • On August 23, 2012 , ginger from the style of being said:

    I have the same dilemma. I’m almost certain I’m going to go for one giant piece on my own wall, so that is my pick. But what art? The real trick is finding something once you’ve decided.

  • On August 23, 2012 , Lashley said:

    I appreciate the point about maybe wanting a calmer option (one big piece) as babies inevitably come with clutter as they increase in size and entertainment requirements. However, I was looking at options in that department and it is TOUGH to find something reasonably priced that really makes an impact.

    We started a gallery wall above the piano and haven’t looked back. Two 20×200 pieces (in 11×14″ frames we bought with a coupon got us going and we’ve had a lot of fun expanding it since then. Therefore my official vote is for eclectic fun gallery wall.

  • On August 23, 2012 , Lacey said:

    we recently just put up some pics of family and friends in our living room in gallery wall form and we love it! it’s definitely added character to a much needed space.

  • On August 23, 2012 , Katie said:

    We did semi-crazy gallery wall in our house. I liked that I have the ability to change it around all the time when I get new art/pictures/trinkets I like.

    Actually, i want it to be crazier, but my man kind of put his foot down.

  • On August 23, 2012 , Katie said:

    I can totally see you doing one giant piece… if you find one you love. decisions, decisions.

  • On August 23, 2012 , Nikki Kelly said:

    I have this same exact problem! I’ve always thought one big piece of art would be best. Our wall is so big that any sort of gallery would just look puny, and even if we did try to fill it up you’d never be able to see most of it. Good luck!

    Nikki Kelly @ the ambitious procrastinator

  • On August 23, 2012 , sarah said:

    so many options and all great! but i’d say for you mel, one big statement piece is calling!

  • On August 23, 2012 , Janssen said:

    I’d go with the one big piece of art. I’m kind of tired of gallery walls, frankly.

  • On August 23, 2012 , Paula said:

    Giant piece of art! Giant piece of art! Giant piece of art!

  • On August 24, 2012 , Treva said:

    Ha! That is totally me! I ask every waiter at every restaurant what their favorite thing is and what they recommend, and although I often go with their recommendation, sometimes it nudges me in the right direction for what i really wanted all along. My husband loves this cute thing i do me.

  • On August 24, 2012 , Lela said:

    I would go for the very first picture. I love, love, love the beach print!

  • On August 24, 2012 , Erin said:

    I’d go with C. I love that look. But its probably because I currently have A., and the grass is always greener…

  • On August 24, 2012 , Laura said:

    I love D….it is fun to put up rotating black and white family pics – and your friends and family will think you are so on top of things when really you just wanted to see your baby’s smile up on your wall. I am a big fan of the multiple frames to make a giant square on the wall….

  • On August 24, 2012 , Erica said:

    I love the yellow painting. So simple yet bold.

  • On August 24, 2012 , Karen said:

    Ryan & I pretty much agree on the one big piece of art. I say “pretty much” because (and you know what I’m going to suggest here, right?!), you need to get both of these:
    http://www.nova68.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=Enzo_Mari_LaMela&Category_Code
    http://www.nova68.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=nova68&Product_Code=Enzo_Mari_LaPera
    (But maybe one at a time so R. doesn’t have a panic attack?)

  • On August 24, 2012 , Danielle said:

    You crack me up. Go with the eclectic wall!

  • On August 24, 2012 , Kate said:

    I guess that B is the best. I have a wall organised like this myself and I am still not bored of it!

  • On August 24, 2012 , Trude said:

    It’s always such a hard decision. If there aren’t pieces you already own that you’d love to have up, then I’d go with a big trio of canvas prints from your newborn session. That would be so lovely.

  • On August 24, 2012 , Sara said:

    One big piece of art. You can always create those gallery spaces and ledges in any nook or cranny. Take advantage of the large space for one incredible pic that makes you smile.

  • On August 24, 2012 , Adrienne R said:

    is it only me, option C!!!! and layer its ass off, by theme, size, colour, number of rabbits in each picture. Much easier to refresh like flowers on your table and isn’t smothering like the gallery.

  • On August 25, 2012 , peimin said:

    i think the big piece of art sounds gorgeous! not framed up cos it might seem too stuffy, just a canvas haphazardly pinned to the wall looks relaxed but impactful (like in the picture) and is easily replaced.

  • On August 25, 2012 , emily -- a denver home companion said:

    one big piece of art.

    so many people (including myself) have the frame cluster or gallery wall. save that for hallway space.

    p.s. do what you like best ;)

  • On August 27, 2012 , marie said:

    I don’t know what to tell as I have same problem as you … looking for ideas in pinterest since weeks !
    Do you also have a husband/boyfriend who ask you every week end what your decision is ? big pressure

  • On August 27, 2012 , Lindy said:

    I like all of those options but I will say that I’m very happy with how are photo/gallery wall turned out! It was a lot of work and took a year to actually finish because it’s a brand new house so one wants to be very sure where holes are put before puncturing a beautiful flat wall….anyway….everyday I look at it and am happy we did it. That’s my two cents! : )

  • On August 28, 2012 , Jamie Herzlinger said:

    Oh I love all the options! I have the hardest time deciding what to do with an open wall! I love the one giant piece of art, but then again I can’t resist the gallery look either! So pretty, thanks for posting!

    Love, Jamie Herzlinger

  • On August 30, 2012 , Sydney said:

    I’m personally all about the one big fat piece of art. It’s timeless, design-wise, and from the photo you linked to, it would keep with the clean, clutter-free look you have going on. I think gallery wall and layered picture ledges can look a bit over done and can so easily look contrived. I’m sure though, whatever you do will look beautiful!

  • On September 2, 2012 , Eva said:

    The oversize photo is beautiful, cost effective, and easy to achieve. Do that first and plan one of the others when you are bored!

  • On September 13, 2012 , Janna Gould said:

    I vote ledges and layers. Gallery walls are too hard to do right—you to have the perfect frame combination, hanging, balance, weight. Too much to pull off! The ledge will allow you to switch up artwork often so nothing’s super permanent (except the shelving). Plus the linear aspect of the ledge would be awesome on that long wall, especially with the line of the table.

  • On October 25, 2012 , loree said:

    Duh! “A”, silly.

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