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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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“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.
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