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On the Wall

With so much of our attention being focused on our entryway, I’ve been craving a break away from trim, caulk, more trim and more caulk. It’s been feeling like the never ending chore (just as you’re likely wishing we would stop grumbling about it!), so in-between all that caulk, I’ve been stealing a few moments to put a little effort into the (very sad) studio:

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Finally, we have a bit of art in here! After organizing all my files, it was a quick project to get some of our frames out of storage (and by storage, I mean the scary spare bedroom) and onto the wall. Aah, the view from my desk got a whole lot prettier:

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I knew I wanted to put a salon-style wall in this area, if only to help conceal the television – which I consider to be great company while I’m painting. (You might remember it hanging in the studio of yore?) On a side note, these photos were taken right before we started installing wood caps and more baseboards last weekend; the space is finally, finally transforming! 

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I told Scott that I thought it’d be fun to tuck a small photo of our demolition (from the same room) on the wall, and he – genius that he is! – suggested that we do the same thing in every room. As other rooms start coming together, we’ll definitely be framing pint-sized shots from where we started; it’ll be a nice reminder of how far we’ve come.

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Because gallery walls are such a vast collection of frames – all with different hooks, wires and hangers – we use this screw-plus-paint-stick trick. We take out this homemade tool all the time, and not only will it save your walls from dozens of unnecessary pock marks, but you’ll get your nail in the right spot on the first try. Just lightly push on your frame after you’ve eyeballed the placement, and the screw will make your mark!

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The collage is a mix of some old and some new (mostly old), but all things that I’ll happily stare at all day long – always important. Here’s what we’ve got:

1) Framed deer, thrifted // 2) CB2 clock // 3) Penguin painting, gifted from a friend // 4) Onward! print, from Les Puces // 5) Framed Pinhole photo of us in Paris // 6) Lithograph print, gifted from a friend // 7) No. 9903 by Kari Herer // 8) Bison print by Laura Baisden // 9) Vintage photo and frame, thrifted // 10) Our demolition photo // 11) Beach photo and Ikea frame

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Unrelated (although it could be in a streeetch), but as I was wrapping up taking photos (of photos, naturally!), I caught a silly moment from Libby and her puppy siblings:

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And just like that, she realized who was behind her – and she was gone.

PS… Don’t be afraid to pick up those back-less, glass-less frames from flea markets and thrift shops! If you’re looking for an affordable way to display your growing hoard of frames and photographs, this is what we do.

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  • Marie5.15.14 - 7:01 AM

    Your wall art gallery really adds some personality to the room and your demolition picture is such a great idea ! I think I should have used you trick to hang a frame in my entryway because the marks I draw with my pencil wouldn’t go away on the wallpaper. At least, those are hidden by the frame, but I was wondering how you would do to center your frames on the wall with only your screw-plus-paint-stick trick ?
    PS : You made my day with the last photo !ReplyCancel

    • Kim5.15.14 - 7:27 AM

      Aw, bummer about the wallpaper! Would one of those soft white erasers take that up? Or a magic eraser?

      For centering, I’d just measure the center of the wall and mentally mark where that is, followed up with the paint stick trick. OR if you have someone else to help, have him/her hold the measuring tape up while you paint-stick-trick your frame! No unnecessary holes!ReplyCancel

      • Marie5.15.14 - 9:02 AM

        The white eraser wouldn’t work, unfortunately. Quality wallpaper seems very fragile actually.
        Wow, you’re really good at that, I never could mentally mark the center of my wall ;-) My husband would surely help me, thanks for your advice Kim.ReplyCancel

        • Kim5.15.14 - 9:09 AM

          I have eyes like a cat – haha! Or, you know, go the safer route and have your husband help :)ReplyCancel

          • Marie5.15.14 - 10:29 AM

            Kimmy Cat, I like that !

  • Cara@theprojectaddict.com5.15.14 - 7:02 AM

    Genius hanging tip. Thanks! The studio is looking good!ReplyCancel

  • Anngela5.15.14 - 7:14 AM

    Looks great and I love this hanging method! Is that console a filing cabinet? Where is it from? Love the space and can’t wait to see it complete!ReplyCancel

  • Hannah@Eriesistibull5.15.14 - 8:07 AM

    Love me a good gallery wall. And what a genius idea to conceal the TV a bit!

    Also, I just want to smush up CC’s face and smooch it all over! Those eyes! That mouth!ReplyCancel

    • Kim5.15.14 - 9:27 AM

      I KNOW. Isn’t it ridiculous?! Yummy, yummy.ReplyCancel

  • Darnetha @ ChippaSunshine5.15.14 - 8:14 AM

    I use that same hanging method. Love the demolition photo! That space has come a long way and it looks great.ReplyCancel

  • Jillian5.15.14 - 8:44 AM

    This just may be my fav gallery wall ever! I spotted your Kari Here print from a mile away, been coveting one of her prints for a looooong time now! The dogs spying on Libs is hilarious! HahaReplyCancel

    • Jillian5.15.14 - 8:45 AM

      Herer. D’oh!ReplyCancel

      • Kim5.15.14 - 8:48 AM

        Thanks, woman! It was so hard to decide which one I liked the best… might need to get another one. (And larger!)ReplyCancel

  • Heather5.15.14 - 8:44 AM

    Looks great! I have the same frame (also painted white!) that you used to demonstrate how to hang pictures. I’ve never seen a twin frame (!) – I got mine from my mother years ago and promptly painted it white since the dark brown wasn’t doing it any favors. ;)ReplyCancel

    • Kim5.15.14 - 8:47 AM

      Oh, awesome! We got it at a thrift store in Pittsburgh – and you’re right. The sad brown just wasn’t working.ReplyCancel

  • Isn’t it nice to actually put something on the wall? This is such a cheery arrangement. I love the small shot of the reno in progress :)ReplyCancel

  • Julia [Chris Loves Julia]5.15.14 - 10:22 AM

    The demo photo is so smart and charming. I love the whole thing.ReplyCancel

  • Lyndsey5.15.14 - 10:25 AM

    Love, LOVE, love the gallery wall! You trick for hanging frames is ingenious, and i can’t wait to use it myself– thanks so much for sharing! I’m really envious of your vintage frame collection……those gold frames, sigh. so wonderful.ReplyCancel

  • Lyndsey5.15.14 - 11:36 AM

    ooh- one more question. Can you share what white spray paint you use on your frames? thanks!ReplyCancel

    • Kim5.15.14 - 11:38 AM

      No problem! We’ve used anything from Rustoleum to Krylon, although our favorite brand is Design Master (found at Michael’s craft stores). No matter what, we always use a spray primer first to prevent future scuffs and chips.ReplyCancel

  • Erika5.15.14 - 12:19 PM

    Love the wall of art! On a completely unrelated note. We rescued a Pittie in Dec and she is not doing well getting along with other dogs, any suggestions or tips that you used? Any help would be awesome! Thanks!ReplyCancel

    • Kim5.15.14 - 12:31 PM

      First, HOORAY for you for rescuing a Pit! I’m so sorry to hear that you’re having difficulty. I would recommend contacting the adoption/rescue organization that you adopted her from. Many times, these rescues will have at least 1 training class in place or a program where you can get free training and/or help. Also, it’s VERY likely that the owner of the rescue will be more than happy to provide some tips and tricks, as their #1 goal is to ensure their fosters have a great transition and happy home. He/she will also know the ins and the outs of your new BFF, and will be able to provide insight.

      Most of all, don’t force your new girl into anything she’s uncomfortable with! But I’d definitely start with the suggestions above. Best of luck, and congrats on your newest family member!ReplyCancel

  • Liz5.15.14 - 12:27 PM

    Oh my goodness that screw plus paint stick idea is GENIUS! I cannot tell you how long I have craved a good way of making a photo collage with a bunch of pictures in frames in my bedroom but have been too terrified because we have ancient plaster walls and I knew I wouldnt get it right the first time. Bless you for sharing that awesome trick!

    Love the demo photo too- what a fun nod to your home :)ReplyCancel

  • Julia@cuckoo4design5.15.14 - 5:31 PM

    Love the TV mixed in with the beautiful art. I couldn’t live without my TV while I work. Shame on me.
    Love the silly cat and dog moment you caught on camera.ReplyCancel

  • Barbara5.15.14 - 5:39 PM

    Looks so nice! And you have really nice art there. I like that buffalo illustration a lot.

    And cat and dogs :) What a great photo. I even imagined conversation between them
    “What are you doing, cat? Go away dog, go fetch a bone or something”ReplyCancel

    • Kim5.16.14 - 8:50 AM

      Awesome. I also imagine Jack is saying to CC, “Hey, you go check it out; I’ll stay back. Give a signal if it’s a go!”ReplyCancel

  • Joanna @ TheNestbook5.16.14 - 12:10 PM

    Love the demo photo idea! So original. Also, I may need to purchase that No. 9903 photograph. I’m dying over it!ReplyCancel

    • Kim5.16.14 - 12:37 PM

      Definitely! All of her photographs are beautiful, and the quality (in person) is stunning.ReplyCancel

  • patricia schaff5.17.14 - 12:07 AM

    Clever idea.ReplyCancel

  • Gabriela5.17.14 - 5:14 AM

    Is very original place but is very hard to make cleaningReplyCancel

  • Melissa5.18.14 - 8:42 AM

    What a great tip about hanging the pictures! I’m definitely going to have to start using that, my walls (and hubby) will thank me. Your wall looks great! I love how much light you get in the house.ReplyCancel

  • Melanie6.1.14 - 2:47 PM

    I love the paint stick idea! We’ve a massive wall of frames I want mounting and I usually have to wait for my husband to get his fancy laser took out,…..he has to be in the mood and it isn’t often that he is!!! I think I might be able to manage this myself though…….
    Melanie x
    Pebbledashedpad.wordpress.comReplyCancel

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