Laura's Wall

Dear Christine,

I recently found your blog and love what you are doing! As a former teacher, I really appreciate the "Decorating 101" lessons you include in each of your posts. I'm learning lots!

I'm hoping to get some advice for my living room, which I've been fussing with for years. I've rearranged the furniture in a pleasing (at least to me!) arrangement, that helps highlight one of my favorite features - the windows. I'm still looking for some blinds for the windows... something with a texture. My biggest sticking point right now is the big, blank, back wall. The wall itself is 11' 4" wide by 8' tall. I know I should bring in some height, but how? I'd love to do a picture gallery with photos I've taken from some of our favorite places. I'm not sure how to balance that out without it looking like a giant wall of pictures. I'd like it to have some variety - art and photos, etc. I welcome your suggestions!

Thank you for your time,

Laura Boquist

Hi Laura,

There are many good ways to decorate a wall like this- I will show you one. This is how I would attack such a wall.

1. Select a few key pieces. I like using a couple of larger pieces that keep the wall from being too busy. They also give the eye something to look at from a distance, as small photos are all a "close up" activity. Add a clock- add some art- add some alternative wall decor.
2. Go asymmetrical. Your furniture is asymmetrical- so your wall decor should be also. That is not always true in reverse. :)
3. Add pattern. You have a traditional interior- and yet, I see very little pattern. I think you are perhaps a scaredy cat. Use all future decorating projects as a way to introduce pattern. Starting with this one. (next I want you to replace your coffee table with a patterned upholstered ottoman...)
4. Fill in your larger pieces with your frames. When you do this all on paper- graph paper- to scale- you will know what size of frames you should get. Don't go too thin on your frames. Too thin will not blend nicely with your larger pieces- you don't want the thicknesses to be too different. Make sure you have overlap with your furniture and lamp. Don't hang everything above these items- remember overlap. It is much easier to design first- then purchase- not purchase first- then design.
   

There you go- the wall is done. What do you think? Any other ideas for Laura?

wall decor from Uttermost

frames from The Import Collection

Comments

[Hannah]

I love this. Christine, how the heck do you do that? You must have an extra chromosome or something to be able to just whip this up. This kind of stuff is so hard for me. Laura, these suggestions will really make your room sing!

[Laura]

I really like your suggestions and can't wait to start graphing those ideas this week. You have me pegged for the pattern phobia, lol! I really do like patterns and textures, I just have a purchasing-phobia, I think, and don't want to buy the wrong thing. Been there, done that, a few too many times! I love the pieces you suggested... and hope to replace that coffee table soon!
Thanks again for your help, Christine... your blog is wonderfully informative!

[Super Healthy Kids]

So glad I found your blog. ALL my walls are naked... I just havn'et been able to figure out what would look good. I would love to go buy that clock! thanks again.

[Cheryl]

I love this sort of look. (The furniture style.)
I am considering doing my livingroom like this-
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/pb-basic-love-seat-select-items/?pkey=cslipcovered-sofas
I know I am a fradey cat too. The neutral furniture just seems so safe to me. I am determined to have a color on the wall though. No more white walls.