Spring motivates some to clean (wish it were me!), some to plant (maybe someday), and some to rearrange. I am a re-arranger. What could be easier? It costs nothing (well…it CAN cost nothing) and can be a quick project. It can also take all day, depending on what gets rearranged.
Furniture shuffling can give a room new life and purpose. It can also be hard on the back so you might need an able-bodied assistant. Or try using the disc-shaped furniture movers. I have a set of Moving Men, purchased at the now defunct Linens ‘N Things, also sold “As Seen on TV.” These little guys are terrific, but others should also get the job done. They are pretty amazing! I really wish I had two sets…
Rearranging your wall art is a much more back-friendly project and can also change the feel of a space. Just don’t freak out about the holes. Spackle and touch-up paint take care of about anything. But you might want to wait until you decide on your new arrangement. The holes might not even show!
Here are a few ideas about hanging art and other items of interest on your walls. These ideas might break a few rules, but who cares? It is your home, after all. Besides, every decorator follows a different set of rules, and even their lists contradict each other sometimes. Try this rule: If you like the way it looks, then do it. So, these are “ideas”, not “rules”.
- Hang a variety of items in a space. For example, use some photos, some prints, if you’re lucky enough, an oil painting, and try to add some 3-dimensional object. Even if you have a photo gallery in a stairwell or hallway, the occasional shadow box of memorabilia or sports medal will add lots of interest.
- With art pieces (especially matted prints), I am usually happier with colors that fit in my space. For example, in my apple butter family room, I probably would not pick pieces with lots of pink in them.
- If your walls are white or very neutral (!), I would mix in LOTS of color. (I don’t really know this for sure because only woodwork is allowed to be white in my house.:))
- If your walls are colorful, try to keep mats neutral. My daughter’s artist/teacher mats everything with a white or cream mat. She says it helps the artwork be the focus. It also make groupings fit better together.
- Think clusters of three. Or five. Odd numbers are pleasing to the eye. But then again, symmetry can be great in a room, as well. (See what I mean about those danged rules?)
- Know your style. Do you like a full look? Or are you a minimalist? I am definitely no minimalist. But I decorate for me and my family–not for you. You should do the same. I once knew a very creative, talented woman who hung pictures and objects floor to almost ceiling. There was a lot to see, but it was beautiful! You might not want your whole house covered, but you might try a room of this.
- If you own something special to you, give it a place of prominence where you will enjoy it and see it daily. The picture hung in the middle of my inexpensive colored plates is a pastel, done by my daughter Olivia.
I absolutely love it and had to give it it’s due. These plates were from a grocery/everything store, and the metal arch was $10 at Old Time Pottery. I thought the objects enhanced the art.
- Try moving art to a different space. Walls, like everything, get a little tired after a while. That boring picture in your hallway could really perk up the bathroom!
I have lots of other thought about hanging art and objects. Ideas for another post, I hope. The bottom line here is Don’t be afraid to switch wall stuff around. It can freshen up a room in a snap!
