Fast forward to the 2010s, when DIYers created gallery walls with evenly spaced, matchy-matchy framed art.

The intent is to show more of a curated reflection of the homeowners style.

Adding a touch of thoughtfulness by including personal mementos is now considered the hallmark of a well-appointed gallery wall.

Living room with black and white gallery wall

Credit:Cathy Glazer

Looking for a gallery wall refresh?

Ahead, top designers share their reinvention tips.

One way to ensure this is to include imagery that tells the story of a space and its location.

Dresser with mirror, lamp, and two chairs

Credit:Cathy Glazer

you’re able to even match your frame color to introduce unity.

I love to hang whimsical metal sculptures alongside colorful abstract paintings to create balance and structure.

I love to layer a paisley print with art Ive collected from around the world.

Purple room with gallery wall

Credit:Beth Diana Smith

Its all about out with the blah, in with the hyper personality!

But in 2024 were being more experimental, says Alissa Johnson, the principal and founder ofAlissa Johnson Interiors.

Try placing a gallery wall in a corner.

Living room with blue wall and large pink art print

Credit:Nick Sargent

Embrace Texture

Texture is a powerful tool in modernizing gallery walls.

The vibe was both relative and current, says Cynthia Tran, the founder ofCynthia Lananh.

A successful gallery needs to tell a story while enhancing the design narrative of the room.

Room with wallpaper and muted green gallery wall

Credit:Cathy Glazer

Mixing scales adds dynamism and visual interest.

I love to incorporate an oversized grid pattern to keep things feeling fresh and symmetrical.

Adding a three-dimensional element like a sculpture or sconce to a gallery wall creates depth.

Room with fish wallpaper, a pink couch, and a gallery wall

Credit:Sarah Crowley

Tap Into Your Collectibles

Nadia Watts

Gallery walls allow you to showcase collections or quirky decor.

I once filled a gallery wall with whimsical shell masks featuring unique shapes, says Watts.

The key to keeping it modern is switching up the interior framing.

Bedroom with yellow and black beds and yellow chairs

Credit:Barbara Montgomery

Not all matting has to be exactly the same or, alternatively, wildly different on a gallery wall.

Art or sculptures hung with symmetry in mind create a feeling of structure, says Watts.

The repetition is comforting and pleasing to the eye.

Dining room with bench seating, green chairs, and a gallery wall

Credit:Ryan McDonald

My favorite way of doing this is by framing sections of wallpaper.

Gallery walls work best when the art is collected over time, agrees Harmatz.

A modern approach is to present a gallery wall in sections, says Glazer.

Sideboard with gallery wall against blue wall

Credit:Beth Diana Smith

A room with windows is an ideal way to achieve this goal.

Add Side Pieces

A four-top gallery wall looks simple and chic.

A headboard tends to be the design focal point in most bedrooms, says Montgomery.

Gallery wall above black sideboard

Credit:Cynthia Tran

“Today, mixing words, names, and phrases gives voice to a gallery wall, says Tribbett.

When youre ready to hang, avoid nail holes by using a tool like Command Picture Hanging Strips.

Living room with gray couch, green wall, and gallery wall art

Credit:Aimee Mazzenga

Black and brown dining room

Credit:Eddie Lee

Mask gallery wall above bar cart

Credit:Nadia Watts

Living room with white and black gallery wall

Credit:Cathy Glazer

Restaurant with gallery wall and orange chairs at tables

Credit:Richard Riveire

Patio with outdoor seating and six wall prints

Credit:Emily Minton-Redfield

Entry table with three art prints

Credit:Megan Plug

Bar counter with small prints on the wall next to it

Credit:Julija Stoliarova

Small table with lamp, plants, and art

Credit:Leah Harmatz

Living room with two gray couches and colorful artwork

Credit:Emily Minton-Redfield

Living room with high ceilings and a gallery wall over a media console

Credit:Laura Tribbett

Living room with vaulted ceilings, fireplace, and gallery wall

Credit:Mark Wilson

Living room with wallpaper, a gray couch, throw pillows, and a gallery wall

Credit:Beth Diana Smith

Small gallery wall beneath a shelf

Credit:Christine Carney

Nursery with gallery wall and printed rug

Credit:Margaret Rajic