I spent most of the Christmas holidays painting the hallway. It was a huge job, but it's done and I'm really happy with the new colours (Pratt & Lambert Windham).
I figured that seeing as we were patching holes and fixing damaged drywall, I may as well get hubby to remove the niche on one of the walls. I never liked it, and it looked stupid on the wall because it was just sort of randomly positioned off-centre. Hubby also moved the thermostat over to above the light switch. So now I have a nice, clean wall that's a blank slate :) (In progress & after pics posted below -- forgot to take before pics).
I'm planning to do a picture wall from ceiling to floor, like Samantha Pynn did on an episode of Pure Design and in her brother's apartment (featured in Style At Home a few months ago). I have to measure the wall and then figure out which of the frames below will work the best (both in terms of layout and price!!)
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WOW looks amazing!!!Please post more pictures when your done, thanks!!! I would love to seem them.
I think it looks great!!! Cant wait to see what goes in the frames.
It looks great. I'm undecided about the dog, looks good as is, but maybe the above poster is right and a little to the left would be more balanced. :confused:
Nice job of co-ordinating house to puppy though :clapping:
Great choice...and perfectly hung! (DH & I always seems to have problems with the lining up thing:o)
Can't wait to see what pics you use!!
Wow, what a great looking wall. It looks great.
LOVE IT!:clapping:
Looks GREAT!
that looks really good Smoodgie but I think the dog needs to move a little more to the left for balance.
OK, here you go -- the picture wall in the hallway (minus the pictures!!). Hubby did all the measuring and hanging. I unwrapped the frames :) Oh, I also loaded them onto a cart at Ikea, unloaded them into the back of the pick-up, and then brought them into the house -- that job was much harder, yes?! ;)
I'm hoping to get the pictures selected and printed this weekend. I've decided not to use flower pics -- I think they're too predictable. You'll have to wait to see what pics I use instead..... :D
First pic is the view walking down the hallway from the bedroom end of the house, second pic is my view of the wall from the sofa in the family room (ignore the broom, please!!)
Well thing is we all know that it is going to be stunning when it is finally completed. No pressure Smoodgie just making a point!:laugh:
Anyway, what catches my eye about the inspiration pic is that the frames seem to melt into the walls beautifully and the focus of what is inside the shadow box frame stands forward, love it! So, I guess the silver would do that with your paint colour. Grey, right? I know, read the early posts....but I am feeling lazy tonight. Love the birch bark effect as well in the inspiration pic. A friend of mine did this with tall driftwood that she brought back from a beach trip and they are leaning in the corner of her living room. I love them everytime I walk into her room.
That too would look fabulous in your hallway corner. What a great vignette when you walk into your house and it is always nice to add the organic into the mix, especially as a great contrast to your glam living room that you see when you enter the house.
So, I am now dying to see this completed look!
Like the shadow box effect as it gives some depth. SIlver is my pick with your wall colour.
OK.... another thought. I finally got around to reading the December issue of Style At Home, and there's a picture of a room with cream Ribba frames from Ikea. What I like about these frames is that they're sort of like shadow boxes, which I think adds some depth to the pictures.
What do you think -- silver or cream frames??
I'm also thinking the easiest thing to do is just go with the mat opening the size that it is and get the photos printed by a printer.
Sorry to be so indecisive :o But I really want to get this right!!!
BTW, I really like the bunch of birch sticks in this photo. I might do something similar in a corner of the hallway,
How about doing option 1 using a smaller mat instead of cardstock? If you purchase a mat with a smaller opening and glue to the back of the existing mat (basically create a double mat), it wouldn't need to be the same size (and expense) as the full frame. May look more 'finished' than cardstock?
Well I'm confused. I can't really figure out what you mean in option 1. Is the cardstock cut so the picture shows through or something? What you have to remember is if paper isn't tight, it can bend and change from flat to curved as humidity changes which is why it's usually 100% stuck down.
for option 2, why not save yourself some grief and just get another piece of glass cut and sandwich the print between the two pieces of glass (you'd just have to make sure you could keep them tight in the frame and that would depend on the space in the frame. That way the wall colour shows through and you don't have to worry about brush strokes or paint or anything else? I bet 12 pieces of glass would cost you less or about the same as more matting. Maybe even looking for acrylic/lucite (they will cut it at the hardware stores for you too) for the back would work as you can get that in different thicknesses to make sure it fits the depth of the frame.
Thanks for the feedback on my latest plan. I REALLY want the pictures to be smaller pictures than the opening in the mat. I'm trying to find the most inexpensive solution, because with 12 frames, mats, and pictures, the cost could really add up.
I can see where there could be problems with my last idea. Here are a couple more ideas I had:
(1) Glue the cardstock to the back of the mat and then put the picture behind it. That way, there are no issues with the picture curling or coming unglued in any way because it's held in place behind the cardstock & mat.
(2) Paint the back of the glass the same gray that's on the walls, leaving a square in the center that's the size I want the pictures to be. So the gray painted glass would essentially act as the mat.
Look what I just found in a magazine I had hanging around. it's a designer's home that has his hall walls (looks like he's done a whole area) in floor to ceiling pictures. I thought I would post it since you mentioned wanting the entire wall done. He's absolutely filled the walls.
As for the mats fitting. I think you have a few options:
1) print the images to fit
2) print the images the size you want and get some more mats the size of the image and mount them behind the other mats, essentially, a double mat.
3) print the images and get them mounted on a mat colour you want then frame them with the other mat.
I can tell you my experience from being a photographer for a while. Unless you have proper mounting materials (which usually involves a mounting press...maybe your photog friend has access to one), mounting a picture on a mat can be a disaster. If it isn't 100% you can end up with the edges lifting or ripples or bubbles under the print. typically the proper way is to have the entire picture adhered to the board. Tape and stuff generally won't cut it and will eventually show in some way or come loose. Sprays are often a one shot deal and if you don't get the full coverage.. problems again. You have to remember the glass is not touching the print so nothing to hold it down once it's in there. they may mount some art similar to this with it looking a bit lose on the edges, but you won't usually see photographs done that way (they are tight to the mat).
If you ask, some photo places (even Costco I think) will mount them for you. That's a good way to go for the price.
Also, printing the image smaller and leaving the paper to show can be done but can be tricky to get it to look right. When you see prints done this way they usually have an edge on them of some sort (sometimes very subtly raised for instance) or they can look like 'this didn't fit but I mounted it anyway'. It's just something to be careful with.
Trying to cut a good bevelled mat is best left to experts. I have the special cutters, have hours and hours and hours of experience and still won't do it because it's a total pain and you blow a lot of mat board without much effort. One miss and the board is toast. If you don't do a bevel, it just looks weird. Really, it's just not worth it especially when you can buy pre-cut mats in dollar stores, craft stores, faming shops. For what sheets of mat board cost, the pre-cut are not that expensive to buy ready to go and the cuts and corners are perfect. When I needed a dozen or so I managed to hit a dollar store when they stock came in and found all I needed for $1 each. They only need to fit the image and be big enough to attach to the other mat, they don't have to fit the frame.
Framing shops will also cut them for you but that can cost a bit more.
As for colour, if you can match the cream that would be okay, a close won't be. What you might want to do is print up the pictures and take them with you and find a mat color that works with all of them and the mats that come with the frames. Mats come in zillions of colours so you can go grey or white or cream or a colour, but the tone is important with the print. A stark white, like paint, can be too much while one slightly off can work.
Anywhere that sells scrapbooking stuff has acid free cardstock and photo mounts - in a variety of acid free forms from acid free photo glue sticks to acid free double sided tape (strips or squares) to acid free photo corners.
I can't wait for the pictures of the completed wall!
[B][B][/B][I][I][I][I]I've decided on the square silver frames from Ikea. The only problem is that the picture opening is a lot bigger than I want it to be. So I ran an idea by a friend of mine who's into photography, and he thought it would work. I'm going to print out the pictures the size I want (maybe 5" x 5" or 6" x 6"), and then mount them on 12" x 12" pieces of cardstock. So the cardstock will fill in the opening, but the picture will be the smaller size that I want.[/I]
So now my question is....... what colour cardstock should I use?? I'm thinking cream to match the mats -- assuming I can find a shade of cream that's the same. If not...... maybe gray to match the wall colour??[/I][/I][/I][/B]
Good plan. I think it will give a very interesting effect. Why not try that with one frame and see what the result is like. I would say it should be the same colour as the outside matting. The fact that you have already have one outer mat and then you add in another layer with the next new mat you will add a lovely layer to your piece. My only concern would be with how you mount the photograph on the card stock. That may be the tricky part, not sure.
Are you printing the pics yourself? Can you print them the size you want, but centred on larger photopaper? The white background of the extra paper would fill the mat size. Or buy a mat cutter and some mat board and make your own properly sized mats or secondary mats to put behind the existing one, basically double matting the pics.
Why not buy new mattes for the frames - with holes the size you want?
This week's edition of Pure Design was the episode where Samanatha did the art gallery wall -- I PVRd it so I have some guidance now :)
I've decided on the square silver frames from Ikea. The only problem is that the picture opening is a lot bigger than I want it to be. So I ran an idea by a friend of mine who's into photography, and he thought it would work. I'm going to print out the pictures the size I want (maybe 5" x 5" or 6" x 6"), and then mount them on 12" x 12" pieces of cardstock. So the cardstock will fill in the opening, but the picture will be the smaller size that I want.
So now my question is....... what colour cardstock should I use?? I'm thinking cream to match the mats -- assuming I can find a shade of cream that's the same. If not...... maybe gray to match the wall colour??
Although I must say, I would be interested to know how this thread helped her make a decision - lol. Not only do we not agree with each other on what would look best, many of us (including me) don't even agree with ourselves :biglol:
OMG Wolfbaby, that's hysterical!!!!! :biglol: :laugh:
You all helped because you all gave me lots of different ideas to think about :) And as I thought about all your different ideas, I thought more about how I want the wall to look. The clincher was when donna asked if I'm set on the table -- that was when I knew that I REALLY want the floor-to-ceiling pictures and that the table just doesn't work for me after all.
OMG, donna, YES, I have LOTS of experience with returns!!!! They know me well at Customer Service!! :o
This wall really is ideal for floor-to-ceiling pictures. As donna mentioned, you see it coming down from the loft and walking into the family room, as well as walking from the bedroom end of the house to the "public" end, and I have an unobstructed view of it when I'm sitting on the sofa in the family room.
If H&H come to my house, I'll need LOTS of advance warning -- lots of furballs to clean up!! ;)
Well, you have experience with returns...don't ya?:laugh: So, I say get that back to Winners and do a complete floor to ceiling look with silver/pewter frames, larger than the norm mat and your beautiful colourful photos.
You will have a striking wall due not only to layout (floor to ceiling) but also due to colour (photos) and the frames which will tie in your overall look and feeling of your home.
Sounds like a plan to me. I can actually envision this one really well. It will be stunning from all angles...entry to your home and heading to your family room or coming down from your loft. Beautiful!! I think H& H better head your way for their next photo spread!
I also think it's important to take into account Smoodgie's dark doors in the hallway - they don't show in the pic.
I think either frame will look nice - just different. It all depends on what Smoodgie likes best.
Although I must say, I would be interested to know how this thread helped her make a decision - lol. Not only do we not agree with each other on what would look best, many of us (including me) don't even agree with ourselves :biglol:
HI Smoogie, I have been sititng here at work lurking, as much as I love the wide black frame look, i like the silver frame, floor to ceiling one size large matt , its not to heavy to look at, very light and airy feeling. I think the colours in the pictures will be nice and bright.
by the way how long is your wall, I have a wall that I have been collecting black frames for but I was using all different sizes of frames. Now that I have 9 frames I don't know what to put in them so the project is kind of on hold.
I was waiting for all the calendars to go on sale and them I was going to pick up some calendars that are abstract black and white or I was going to redo the kids pictures in black and white .
I can hardly wait to see your wall, I am sure what ever you do it will look excellent
Well....... donna, to be honest, I'm actually not totally set on the table :o I really do love it, especially the chrome X-style base. But I find the black looks and feels stark against the gray wall. And I don't think hanging a grouping of pictures above the table would be as impressive or unique as hanging them all the way from the ceiling to the floor. Maybe because I've always had a table on the wall, I feel the need to have a table there now :confused:
So.... if the table goes and I'm back to an all-picture wall, would silver frames be better?? This wall is actually visible when you're sitting in the family room, not the living room. But cheryallismom makes a good point -- silver frames would tie in better with the overall look of the whole house, really. I don't have any heavy, black pieces anywhere -- all the decor is light and relatively airy, and I have quite a few mirrored and brushed or polished metal accent pieces.
I hate to bring the table back, but I don't have anywhere else to put it. So..... if anyone wants it, it'll likely be back at HomeSense in the next couple of days :eek:
Sorry to be wishy-washy on this -- but I really want to get this wall right after all the work I put into painting the hallway!! And I think that means going with my original plan for a floor-to-ceiling art wall.
That being said, everyone's feedback has been extremely helpful -- thanks!! :)
Smoodgie, when I look at your inspiration pic, which I remember from that magazine and loved it then and love it now, I particularly focus on the fact that the display goes almost down to the floor. I think that would be stunning in your hallway given the width you have in that space. Are you set on that table??
That hallway of yours could literally be a gallery wall.
I think that the light frames in Donna's inspiration pic are lovely, and go beautifully over the white fireplace. However, if Smoodgie is going to hang her pics over the dark table/bench IMO the frames have to have more substance otherwise they will simply fade into the wall (as per the mock ups)...........I don't think that the frames have to be too thick, just enough to give the arrangement some substance and definition.
So....I have to say, I do not like the black frames but obviously that is not the consensus on the forum. I find that the colour photos will be forced to compete with the eye-catching black frame. I love the idea of letting the flowers play centre-stage. I think that if you go with the black then you need an over-sized matt for your frame so that the eye is drawn back to the centre. Personally I say go with the silver-pewter. I also think that it will blend in better with your living room. If I am not mistaken you will actually see this wall from your living room couch. Right?
I found this photo, not the greatest example but...
Looking forward to seeing the pics...as everyone knows it will be polished.
Okay okay I change my mind now!! After seeing Donnasinc's sample, I think I must go back to the silver frames. The colour pictures really stand out with the silver frames, and maybe fighting for attention from the black, especially with 9 thick black frames in the area....what a tough decision!!
Silver. Seriously. Goes so much better with the overall style in the rest of the house - living room, dining room, guest bedroom even. Silver. Really really.