You are sitting at home, searching for something new to put your hands on? Amanda Farrell of Farrell’s Frame and Design has some hot tips to help put your artistic powers to work. Get creative and design the perfect gallery wall for your home.
The first thing you must do in creating a gallery is to TRUST YOURSELF. “Many of my clients just need some reassurance that their ideas are going to work. I am an excellent sounding board, and by following a few basic guidelines creating a gallery wall is easy, and don’t forget fun. “ explains Farrell.
Step1: Pick your wall. Your gallery will need plenty of light. Be wary of any dark corners or hallways.
Step 2: Select your art to showcase. This is where your personality shines. Have fun and be creative. Don’t be afraid to mix it up a bit. Galleries can incorporate mixed mediums; fine art, family photographs, architectural pieces, and folk art. There are no limitations.
Step 3: Decide if you will design a salon or geometric-shaped gallery. Salon-style gallery walls tend to be oriented a bit higher on the wall and have an unpredictable composition. At the same time, geometric galleries will share common exterior lines top and bottom or left and right. Also, these are often grouped in linear 3s or layered pairs.
Step 4: Lay it out. Making a template is a lot easier than adjusting pieces on the wall. With a cutout paper of the size of your art frames, arrange them on the floor to achieve the balance that pleases you. Note: large and dark-colored art creates a more substantial look on the wall. Be sure to stagger these pieces and not crowd them together. You may consider using these as a central focal point and work outward to create a sense of balance on the wall.
Step 5: Measurements and hardware are vital. Be consistent with your spacing between pieces. “Three inches is always a good starting point,” recommends Farrell. Whatever you choose, stick with it; otherwise, your gallery may look chaotic and cluttered in spots. Avoid nails and use picture framing hooks. Heavier pieces of art will need more than one tension point. To keep your frames from shifting every time someone opens or shuts a door, the secret is to use museum putty on the inside corners.
Gallery walls are as dynamic and unique as the art they showcase. Look at some examples online, see what you like, and mimic it. Using the golden rules of light, composition, spacing, balance, and hardware, you will be sure to create an excellent gallery, but it all comes down to trusting your eye and enjoying yourself expression.
https://www.farrellsframeanddesign.com/
519 Broad St suite 101/103, Rome, GA 30161
