What a picture is worth...

I love wall art hung in a gallery style arrangement!!  It is a fabulous way to combine the pieces that make people happy into a display that reflects those who live/work in the space!! 

Sometimes these walls are symmetrical, neat, tidy and soothing because of the similarity of content and the layout of the pieces in an even grid-like pattern.


Houzz.com

Other wall galleries are a selection of various pieces, but create the same symmetrical quality thanks to matching frames that pull the look together.



Houzz.com

  In other settings, the display is set apart by the rich colors but the cohesion of the subject and framing keep the look very tailored.


Tobi Fairly

  For those who prefer a more eclectic aesthetic, the trick to pulling it all together is in the arrangement. The obvious forthought that went into this gallery wall, make it a purposeful arrangement and not just a "hodgepodge" collection!



Houzz.com

 We have all seen the wall gallery that was just a bit too eclectic...and sometimes we wonder what makes the difference??  How do you take a seemingly disimilar group of objects and create a vignette that makes you smile??  It is all in the planning, layout and execution...



AsterHouse Design

 Whether you are going for a symmetrical look...or you want the thrown together eclectic style, you will need to plan it well for it to be successful!!  (And yes, this will require a tape measure and quite possibly a level!!)

Check out this adorable video tutorial put together by my fabulous sister-in-law, Ashleigh Graber with Design Aglow...then get out your hammer and nails and make your walls talk!!!!

Quick update....

So, after my last post...I was thoroughly inspired...out came the tubs of spring decor...the tops of the buffets and niches were dusted...(not that they needed it, of course!) and here is what I came up with...

Happy Spring!!

Who does your space look like??

Anytime someone walks into the room, they say, "it looks just like you!" Perfect!!-- AsterHouse Design Client

This note just came across our desk and I must say, that is about the biggest compliment Amanda and I could ever receive!! We are passionate about making design decisions for our clients that reflect those that live in the space...we often tell our clients that when the project is complete we each go home to our homes and we don't live in this new space but they do!! It is so important that their space fits them, both in function and aesthetic!!

When our client called to say that she and her husband had decided to give each other the Christmas gift of a new living room, we were delighteed to help out. Her request to us was to keep things very livable as they have three young children and actually "live" in their living room!! They had decided to freshen their furniture, but really liked the color palette already in the space. They just felt the room lacked depth and character............

And here is what we left this sweet family with...

We added a layer of warmth with a muted paint finish on the fireplace wall and in the tray ceiling.

(The glider will be replaced with a camel colored armchair in leather

and the ottomans for the sofa should arrive anyday!)

We adjusted the window treatments to add depth and raised the rod to add volume to the space. We freshened the accessories, keeping in mind small children and their habit of "loving" on anything and everything!!

We even brought out some "trial art" from our local gallery for the dining space!!

Amazing what a little color can do to a space!

Does your home reflect you and those who live there??

Display What You Love

When I was a girl displaying what you collected meant having is splayed out all over a shelf, mantel, or a buffet. So, I revolted and opted not to display anything. After a few years I realized that my house was like everyone else's home, there was nothing that defined it as "mine". So, I slowly started to bringing out those once loved items stashed away in the attic.

Instead of spreading things out over an entire wall or shelf I decided to create groupings or collection. Grouping items together is more interesting visually and can tell a story all on it's own.

My grandfather during the Korean War and my great-grandmother's Bible and reading glasses.

My beloved collection of antique rolling pins.