Hello Christine,
I have a wealth of new photos from my very young children. How do you hang your pictures up around your house so they look like timeless artwork rather than a photo display everywhere you look? I would like to arrange in a very transitional manner (traditional yet contemporary). We have two girls, ages 2.5 years and 10 months. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. This really has me stuck, and the pictures remain in drawers.
Here's an example of something that I like:
Here's an example of something that I like:
I do however, have a very traditional home so not sure how to integrate this into our decor. Also, I have more pictures than would go on the track type display, so would need photos to hang in our master bedroom. I have a real problem with things getting too cluttered, so shelves seem like they would take over our bedroom. Please help!!
-mmc
Dear MMC,
- I know your kids must be adorable- but every adorable photo does not need to be on your wall at the same time. It will be too cluttery- it will be "too much." I would select one location in your home to be a photo gallery- but as an interior designer I would not have more than one photo gallery. Maybe that's just me... Readers- what do you think? Maybe just one large picture of each child in your master bedroom. Remember beautiful frames on end tables shelves and nightstands can incorporate more photos.
For some more traditional ideas- check out this post- for Tamlynn's photo gallery- a fantastic example. This post also had another good example.
Tracks do tend to look modern- but how you use them makes a big difference. The track above is from Pottery Barn. Notice how sepia tones were used, and art was incorporated. Different frames were used on the track. Compare the photo above to the photo below. Still Pottery Barn- same track. Using all black frames and black and white photos- it is a much more modern look. I have seen this popular look in people's homes- and when the homes are more traditional- like you describe yours to be- it sticks out. It doesn't work. It is not the right feel. Use a track if you want to- but follow the example above rather than below.
- Decide first if you prefer to use repeated frame styles- for example- the picture at the top (not photos- but shows what I am explaining)-- has only two different frames. You could decide to have one style, two styles, three, four- etc.- but then repeat them- (purchase 5 of each frame style, perhaps) or you could use all different styles- like the stairway below.
If you are not good at this type of thing- go with matching frames (or sets of coordinating frames). Using all different frames takes more talent. :) (I have seen it very poorly done before.) Photo below from Southern Accents.
- For a varied look, include mirrors and other wall decor items in your collage of photos. Perhaps large wooden letters. I was thinking of having made a large letter "F" for my kitchen wall. One large item with smaller frames around it is another way to display. I loved how Tammlyn sent me a picture of her photo gallery the last time this topic came up. Does anyone else have a good example to share? I personally don't have a "gallery." I go with the Mies van der Rhoe philosophy of "Less is More." I have four kids- and my four favorite professional black and white pictures- generous sizes- on a wall in my bedroom.
So- tell me- what look do you prefer- all different frames, all the same frame, or multiples repeated?
Posts
6 comments:
Those new digital photo frames with changing pictures seem like an ideal answer to this dilemma - you get to see lots of those great pictures, just not all at the same moment. My sister uses her computer screen this way because it's in a first floor den you can see every time you walk from the kitchen to anywhere else in the house. Put it where you can enjoy the changing display every time you walk by but be sure you get a high quality diplay - there are reviews out there - search for digital photo frame.
Perfect solution Cheryl!
I love the wall on the stairway with the varied frames. Is there a rule of thumb in choosing varied frames--like they all have the same color in them or some other thing that ties them together? I have a stairway where I might try something like this, but I think I would need some guidance.
I think that a home without pictures of the people in it scattered here and there looks too much like a pottery barn catalog. But then again, I am a photographer, not a decorator. I use my photographs as art and not all the pictures are head shots. I hang pictures of hands and feet and all sorts of things. In my living room I took your advice and put my pictures in frames that matched in color, but not in style. I also have the pictures in the same basic tones. Above my mantle I printed a picture 2'x3' and it is of my girls in a wagon. I love it and it works well.
Becky,
I would say that they need to be consistant in style. There are many "ways" to do it- same color, many colors, two colors (ex- black and gold)- Generally if you layed them out on the floor- it would look good.
Aly Sun,
Don't misunderstand- I am all for photos on shelves and end tables and night stands- but two large photo galleries was what was too much for me. That is where I would limit it to one.
Post a Comment