Today I wanted to share some display ideas I saw in the Swedish Elle Interior and UK Elle Decoration magazines. I help many of you with displays and thought you might like to see what inspires me. My taste ranges from loving clean, classic lines to an eclectic mix.
Today's displays are definitely eclectic. If I had to describe it I would say it is a mixture of a small New York City apartment (because they always look artistically cluttered), Moroccan color (because they use vibrant color for their accessories) with a whitewashed, beachy background (because the large pieces tend to be white or light). What I like about this is it looks like the pieces have a history. It looks time-worn, yet modern and purposefully unfinished. I love to walk into someone's home and see family photos and art they have picked up during their travels. It gives a home a personality. It gives a home life.
These displays may or may not be your cup of tea. However, there is still something to be learned from them. Notice that by grouping your art closely together, it becomes more of a single focal point. Over the years, our collection of family photos may range from black and white to color and are in a variety of different sizes. This can make putting them all together difficult. By placing them closely together and creating a one large focal point, you take the focus away from the fact that they don't all "match".
Also, I have been asked quite often if you can display color images with black and white. As you can see from these, the answer is "yes". But if this look is just a little too bold or messy for you, then keep your displays larger and fewer. I think a great way to get a nice look is to do 5 images together. Do three of the larger ones in black and white and do the two smaller ones in color. This way, the color doesn't overwhelm the black and white. Now, not everyone will agree with this. I am sure a lot of designers here would say to never mix your color and black and white. And I will say I think this is best done with artistic looking images. But, it can definitely be done, and done well. During ordering appointments, I have shown this to several people who loved the idea. So give it a try.
So here are the images. I should mention that all these interior images were taken by James Merrell and were in the October 2007 Elle Decoration, UK edition and the November 2007 Elle Interiors Swedish edition magazines. I found them while visiting one of my favorite sites called Decor 8. Perhaps they will inspire you as they did me.
So, are you geared up to do a display wall now? I know I am! I have tons of pictures just waiting to be hung! I think it will be easiest to lay all my prints out on the floor to decide on their layout first. Then, all I have to do is start hanging! Oh, I should mention this great little product I love. They are called the Hercules Hooks. You can get them at Bed, Bath and Beyond. They are so easy! You don't even need a hammer. I highly recommend them. Trust me, this will make your life much easier when you finally decide to tackle your gallery wall.
Now for today's photos (taken by Studio193), here is a cute little one! She's such a doll!
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!
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