Creating a Gallery-Style Wall...

When we added on our large Family Room addition several years ago,  I knew I wanted it to have an overall "English Meets Traditional American" feel.

During our three years of living in Brussels and throughout all of our travels, Mr. Grits and I had amassed a small collection of British and European prints.  Finding a place for all of them would be challenging.

I have always admired the look of a Gallery wall, or a Vignette Wall.  But, creating one was another thing.

I started out by cutting a large piece of brown Painter's Paper in the same dimensions as the area where my gallery would be. (Btw, Painters Paper is something I can't do without. It's a large, extra wide roll of brown paper that has a myriad of uses, and its cheap, too.  You can find it in the paint supply section of your home store.)  I laid the paper template on the floor.  Then, through a series of trial and error - adding a pic, removing a pic, switching around.... etc... I came up with a plan I liked.  

The last thing I did to my template was to trace around each print, then add a small "x" on the paper where the hanger would be (that required a bit of measuring) then taped the large brown paper "template" on the wall.  The last thing to do was to nail in the picture and plate holders using the "x" marks as my guide.

Here is a glimpse of my second Gallery wall.  I wanted to get a better shot for you but left my camera at the office. 

The expert in Gallery Wall designs is my hero...Mr. Faudree.

If you own any of his books, you know that he creates some of the most breathtaking gallery walls, or vignettes, I have ever seen. 

Here are some beautiful Inspiration pics I found online...

I love how the simple black and white pictures make such a dramatic statement. 

This homeowner took full advantage of the tall ceilings. 

I could just move here.  Love the warmth and coziness of this space.  It reminds me of all the Inns we stayed at during our recent trip to England.

What a wonderful statement by the front door!  Love the numbers layered in.

Love this too. I can't imagine what a nightmare this was to get all of these pictures hung so precisely.  :)

Just beautiful!

A showcase of vintage flora and butterflies.

 Love the touches of teal in this Blogger's Gallery wall.

Very "Faudree-ish."  This is one of my faves.

A coastal vignette.

Gallery walls are not just for Hallways and Foyers and Family Rooms, as this vignette above a bed depicts. 


I do have one more Gallery Wall to share before I go....


It is my loving dedication to my kitties...

In the center is one of my treasured oil paintings, depicting a sweet kitten that favored my dear, late Miss Prissy. I have vintage "kitten" themed prints on each side, and as a touch of whimsy I added a bird on each shelf, lovingly named "Lunch" and "Dinner."  ;)


Do you have a Gallery or Vignette Wall?  If not, I hope this has given you some inspiration to start your very own.