May 9, 2011

Design Dilemma

Hope you all had a fabulous Mother's Day weekend! I did! I ran a quarter marathon for leukemia/lymphoma in honor of my sweet mom. I thought that would be better than sitting on the couch being sad, right?

Ok, so here is the Design Dilemma.


  The picture above is my living room. It doesn't look so drab in real life. It is actually really cozy and warm, but do you see the blank wall above the couch, yeah that's the problem. We have been in our home four years and I have tried a handful of ideas but nothing works. Why, because the two windows are not centered in the room or between the couch! We can't center the couch under the windows because then it wouldn't be centered with the fireplace and more importantly our flat screen T.V. My talented friend Camille gave me the idea of a gallery wall. I really like the idea, but how would I do it, and have it look symmetrical with and tie in the windows?

Here are some inspiration photos I came across.












If I am missing something or you have ANY advice, please leave me a comment! Thanks Ladies.

XO,
Heather

* All images were found at Decor Pad using the keyword "Gallery Wall."

9 comments:

  1. I love the idea of a wall gallery! It does not have to be symmetrical I think. I believe some cute photos would look great in the room! Different color frames would give it some personality.

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  2. Oh, the first three images just blow me away. Are you thinking you will also install a pair of lights above the couch? Just curious...

    I feel your compulsion to have everything centered, which is so frustrating when builders don't contemplate those details...

    What did you decide about the orange print for the living room?

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  3. Ashley- I would want to add some sconces above for some character, but they would have to be plug in. I don't want to pay for the hard wiring. If I do the wall gallery I won't do the orange print just because it would feel by itself on the wall away from the gallery. I would probably get a smaller print of it to incorporate it in.
    Are you getting excited about the wedding? I thought of you when I saw peonies at the farmers market this weekend.

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  4. Ok if I weigh in with a clueless answer? I love what Molly said about using a mirror somewhere in the composition. It might be that if you added something heavy and attention getting at the center of the couch like a round mirror or really colorful art that acts as a target, along with a matching pair of lamps or sconces on either side, it would balance out the entire thing. But I'm going to have to think on that some more because maybe trying to balance it will offset the whole thing, whereas if you randomly put pictures up, you would look at the composition as a whole. It might be one of those things where you have to play with it...
    Camille

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  5. P.S. Forgot to say that your living room does not look drab!

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  6. Yes, a gallery wall with a mirror in the mix. Can't wait to see what you come up with.
    Bravo for your run over the weekend. I just signed up for a full marathon in January and I'm scared to death already!!

    Thanks for the sweet bday wishes yesterday.
    Hugs~
    T

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  7. I think a gallery wall would look great! And, your family room looks anything BUT drab! It is a beautiful space and I just know you will make it even more beautiful with whatever you do. Good luck and let me know if you want any help! :)

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  8. A gallery wall does appear to be the answer but for me I would not align any symmetry to it - it will only emphasise the lack if symmetry with the windows and coach, Keep it relaxed. A great tip if you can’t be bothered drawing out the shapes of the art on paper and sticking to the wall try just laying them out on the floor in the arrangement directly on front of the wall.

    Mix and match the frames and art – add photos – I think an eclectic mix would work really well with your rug and sofa.

    P.S Just found blog and love it!!

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  9. I am a bit late here but I agree on the assymetrical gallery wall - anything else will look off center and I feel the same as you about symmetry - I'm pretty uptight about that so I feel your pain! :) I have some gallery wall pics here for more inspiration: http://bjdhausdesign.blogspot.com/2011/02/gorgeous-gallery-walls.html Just found your blog and I love it! I'll be back! :)

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