We have a nice staircase that leads to our upper floor. And more than a few times, our contractor has commented on the width of the staircase--it's evidently a smidge bigger than typical? Makes for a nice feature, he says. And who am I to argue?
It's got me thinking I should appreciate it more. Enter the idea of a gallery wall. We had one in our first house--down the hallway of our one-level ranch--and I loved it. Plus, I can't ignore the call any longer. Every design blog I visit seems to showcase one these days.
But it was actually a couple of years ago, when I first spied Ashley Putnam's home featured in Lonny, that I started obsessing over gallery walls. Her take was probably the first time I saw an eclectic mix work beautifully in a gallery wall . Before that, everything seemed to trend towards the Pottery Barn matchy-matchy (which I also like, but I like this more).
I think a not too fussy arrangement, jam-packed with color and texture, will work really well, considering my current residents. I want a mix of photos, prints, and artwork. I've started collecting simple pieces from Etsy and have found some great frames at thrift stores (painting a few orange!), and am checking out several online shops for affordable art. I also fully intend to incorporate some of the boys' drawings.
On the upper level, if all goes well, I might do a ton of family prints.
A picture I took last week at the beach will surely make the cut.
Oh--and this print--how I love this print (available here).
It probably won't go on the gallery wall but I think it's a must for the basement play space. Or maybe the top of the stairs? Plenty of ruckus happens there, too (Stair Wars, get it?). Yep. It's perfect.
Sandra