Decorating Walls

Hopefully, decorating walls is the last thing you need to do in order to finish off the rooms decor scheme.

DON'T buy things because you think they will be a good investment.

DO BUY ONLY THOSE THINGS THAT YOU LOVE!!

But DON'T hang anything with an inflammatory subject matter.

Your room's design should already have a theme (i.e. Contemporary, or Southwest, or Greek Classical (just kidding)). What you hang on the walls should support that theme. So don't hang your Renoir up in your country kitchen.

This doesn't necessarily preclude you from going eclectic - if that's what you love. It can be made to work within the theme of the room, but for me, it would be difficult.

PAINTINGS

You could choose paintings done by a single artist, in the same style or color palette. Or, you could go with uniform content - all seascapes, or all abstracts, as examples. Of course, if you think ahead, and know what you will hang, you can choose your room's color scheme around your favorite painting.

The color of the matting should contrast the wall color. This will make the art stand out. What kind of atmosphere do you want to create? Do you want the room to be relaxing, or stimulating, or are you looking for a conversation piece?

When in doubt, stay neutral. Nature scenes will often give you the color palette that will work with anything. Your artwork should make your home inviting. The overall impression should be that your decor was well thought out.

When possible, buy the artwork for decorating walls in a particular room as a set. There could be 2, 3, or 4 pieces. This will keep your color and style consistent, and will probably be enough on the walls so that you won't have to add any odd pieces.

Center the pictures at eye level. If you're 6'-8" tall, make it neck level. If it's real art - like an oil painting - light it properly. The proper light on a painting makes a big difference is how you appreciate the art. Look for that next time you're in a museum.

WHEN TO USE A SHELF

There are situations when you want to display an item which is difficult to hang - statuettes or other small sculptures, for example. In cases like that, you can employ a shelf (hopefully with a couple of decorative corbels) upon which you may place the art. (If you think my English is getting somewhat aristocratic, it's only because I'm talking about art).

Family photos are always a good thing to hang when decorating walls because they provoke lots of pleasant conversation - not to mention the memories.

But they should go in the less-formal rooms, like the den, great room, kitchen, or possibly in hallways, or along staircases. They probably don't belong in a formal living room, unless it's a portrait of one or more people in the family.

WALLS IN THE HOME OFFICE

The home office (a growing trend) is an interesting example of a room with a theme. It lends itself to "inspirational" art. Keep the frames simple. Very ornate frames tend to be too "residential" looking.

When thinking about decorating walls in your office, consider pieces that might appeal to your customer base. For instance, tropical setting for a travel agent; or lakes and boats for a marine equipment supplier.

Here's a short video about choosing a wall color.

Don't let your office become a catch-all for mis-matched pieces because you don't have other places to hang them. A scattered environment could lead to scattered thoughts.

Not the best thing when you should be focused on work. You'll be more productive in a room that you want to be in. You deserve that much, don't you?

Fill out this quick form and get free bids from contractors in your area. This service is completely free with no obligations to hire. You will never be asked for credit card information.

Find pre-qualified contractors to do the work you need - call 866-452-3059

Any questions or comments, contact me about decorating walls here.

As always, if you want to contact me for any reason, click here.