In this post: I’m sharing tips for creating a gallery wall along with the “before” and “after” reveal of my own art wall. If you don’t know where to start in creating a gallery wall but would love to have one in your home, this post’s for you!
Today’s the day – are you ready to see everyone’s gallery wall reveals? Led by the talented Mary Ann of Classic • Casual • Home and Cindy of Rough Luxe, it’s the third and final week of the Project Design series on creating gallery walls and I can’t wait to show you mine! So let’s start with the “before” – this is what the wall of our home office looked like when we moved in a little over a year ago:
and this is what it looks like today!!
I kept the styling of the console itself to a minimum to let the artwork take center stage but I did add a few books, woven baskets, and (of course) a little bit of brass goodness. This was actually my first time ever creating a gallery wall because I had always been intimidated by the whole process! It was so much easier than I expected so I thought I’d pass on my simple tips on how to create a gallery wall so you can knock out one in your own home with ease!
Search Flea Markets & Thrift Stores for Frames
The frame around my octopus print is one of my favorites and it was only $3 at a local flea market. When you’re shopping for frames, look more at the size and style of the frame than the color because the color is something that you can easily change.
Look Online & Outdoors for Free Art
Art doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find loads of free printables and graphics online (I found my Octopus print at The Graphics Fairy) or just go out in your own backyard and find some beautiful leaves or feathers to frame.
Plan It Out on the Floor
Clear some floor space and tape off the amount of space that are working with for your art wall. Then play around with the arrangement of your pieces over a few days before deciding where you’re going to place everything. Once you think you’ve got your final arrangement, you can take your planning one step further (and save yourself from filling lots of extra nail holes) by cutting pieces of kraft paper in the shape/size of your art and taping them on the wall so you can tweak the layout in its final space before hanging your art:
Be Willing to Hunt for a Few Specific Pieces
If you look closely at the arrangement I laid out on the floor, you’ll see that I was originally going to place feathers over my woven mirror but once I got a few pieces up on the wall I could see that it wasn’t going to look right. I didn’t have anything long and skinny to replace it, but instead of rearranging my whole wall, I went on the hunt for a piece in that specific size to fill the space.
Don’t Get Stuck on Spacing
My comfort zone is creating gallery walls in a grid pattern where everything is perfectly spaced – I just get out my tape measure and level and go to town. And I started out wanting to do the same thing with my eclectic gallery wall but you know what? Eclectic gallery walls should not only have eclectic pieces but also eclectic spacing – using the same spacing throughout your wall just won’t look right. As a good rule of thumb, about 2-3″ between pieces is a great place to start but then play with your pieces and move them around until they look right to your eye.
I hope you found that helpful! If you’re still intimidated by the idea of creating an eclectic gallery wall, you could always create a simpler gallery wall of art in a grid format like the one around the TV in our family room:
You can see more about the art wall around my TV along with more pics of our family room makeover {here}!
Want to know where I found something in my gallery wall or the rest of our home office? I’ve put together a source list for you below!
(affiliate links included – see my full disclosure statement {here})
Gallery Wall: Elephant print | Botanical – I found mine at the Country Living Fair but you can find similar ones {here} | Sunburst mirror – {this} is a larger, less expensive version | Wood arrow – no longer available – {this one} and {this one} are similar | Tree slice – found at HomeGoods – {this one} is similar | Lion head door knocker – HomeGoods | Woven mirror – HomeGoods | Octopus print – free printable from the Graphics Fairy {here} | Gold Cleat (holding wood slice) | Black and white bone frame – {this one} is very similar | All other frames were either thrifted or are no longer available where I purchased them from
Fiddle Leaf Fig – I started off with a real one, it died a slow death and then I switched to faux. I found mine at HomeGoods but another good looking faux is {this fiddle leaf fig tree}
Furniture: Desk (which is actually a table) – no longer available but {this one} is very similar | Console: Craigslist Find | Chair – no longer available but {this one} is similar | Herringbone jute rug – no longer available but {this herringbone rug} with white woven in is a gorgeous alternative | Cowhide – {this cowhide} is similar
Lighting: Semi-flush Brass Ceiling Light
Drapes & Curtain Rod: – see {this post} for the detailed source list | Drapery Fabric
Ok, that’s enough from me for today – you’ve got lots of other gallery walls to see! I’ll do a post soon sharing all of the sources for my gallery wall but in the meantime, jump over to see the final gallery walls from the other eight Project Design bloggers – you are in for a treat!
Thanks for stopping by!
sherry hart says
Boom! Kris this is so great…I love all of the things you selected. You now have a perfect space right down to the color of the walls and that gorgeous credenza. Awesome.
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks so much Sherry! Thank goodness for this Project Design series – without it I’d never have gotten my mojo together to get that sucker done.
cindy hattersley says
You are positively amazing!! This is beyond clever. I love the combination of elements and how they play against that gorgeous wall color. You really outdid yourself! Thank you so much for being our “den mother” and keeping us all in line!! As I said I want to be you “when I grow up”!!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Do I get a Project Design badge to go on my den mother sash 🙂 Thanks Cindy – it has truly been a thrill for me to be included in this talented group!
Garden, Home and Party says
Kris,
This is wonderful. I love the wall color and you’ve selected the perfect pieces to add interest and depth to that wall. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and it’s been fun meeting new bloggers to follow. Wall galleries have always drawn my interest…they can do so much for a room.
Karen
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks for the sweet comment Karen – I really appreciate it! It’s been a fun series for me to follow to – I love all of the other bloggers involved!
Design Chic says
I can’t even imagine tackling this. It looks amazing!! Adore the eclectic mix of art, mirrors and wall decor. You make it look effortless!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks so much – that’s high praise coming from you!
classic casual home says
It all looks so pretty on that wall color…just awesome. A fun mix! Good idea about the post with sources. I love this gallery.
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks so much Mary Ann! I loved reveal day – everyone’s walls were awesome!
[email protected] Stroll Thru Life says
Love your gallery, it looks amazing and I adore the dark color on you wall. This is really such an interesting and inviting space. Great tips for the gallery too.
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks Marty – the wall color was one I was really nervous about but it’s become my favorite color in the house!
Dorrie says
What color is the wall? It’s perfect.
Karbo says
Looks awesome. I love the sentimental twist with the boat print!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
You and your inside information 🙂
Leslie Harris aka Gwen Moss says
Kris I am in love with your wall. Seriously, I appreciate your collected mix of materials and artwork and it looks absolutely stunning against the dark wall. I agree about the spacing too, these are some wonderful tips. I’m so glad I met you through this project. 🙂
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Ditto Leslie – where has your blog been all my life? 🙂 Love your wall as well and look forward to following along with your future projects!
Taylor Greenwalt says
That looks so good….love the dark wall with all of your pictures.
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks Taylor!
Kerry says
I’m a sucker for a gallery wall and you did it up right!!! Loving every, single detail, seriously!!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
I really appreciate that Kerry – thanks!!
Patty Day says
Looks so put together! Your pieces mix so well and their placement is perfect!!!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks Patty – I was tweaking until the bitter end but I’m happy with how it turned out.
Sarah @ 702 Park Project says
Wow!! This looks fantastic! I’m so in love with your office. Now, when can you come do my gallery wall?! 😉
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Sure – you come gut and rebuild a room in my house and I’ll do a gallery wall for you – deal?!
Sarah @ 702 Park Project says
DEAL!
cathy kepley says
Perfection. I absolutely love this gallery wall! The elephant… awesome, the arrow…too cool, the tree slice and cleat….amazing. Thanks for sharing. I have not blogged in 2 years, but found you through the challenge today, so glad I did! Blessings!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks Cathy – I appreciate you taking the time to stop by today and leave such a nice comment!
Tone on Tone Loi Thai says
What a beautiful, eclectic gallery wall you’ve curated!! And how awesome are you to share those tips! Fabulous, Kris 🙂
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks Loi!
Tammy says
AWE – SOME. Love it! I am currently struggling to do not one but two gallery walls, so I needed this post. As a favor to you, I looked at all the other loggers walls, but yours was my fave. Jus’ sayin 🙂
Tammy says
I meant blogger’s walls, in case that spelling faux pas wasn’t obvious!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks so much Tammy – I would still be struggling and tweaking mine (for weeks probably) without this little Project Design challenge – it gave me the kick in the butt that I needed to knock it out. Good luck with your walls – you’ll have to share a pic on IG as part of Best of the Nest at the end of this month or next!
Lisa @ Shine Your Light says
Kris, I love how it came out!! The wood tones and organic feel to it, both the items and the shape, is so great against the dark grey and with your console!!!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks so much Lisa – I’m glad I didn’t paint that console in the end!
cassie says
kris, it is AMAZING!!!! i love all of the elements- the texture, metallics, and art!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks Cassie – I appreciate it!!
Monica says
Amazing!!! Can you share the color on the wall? I’ve been looking for a great dark color.
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Sure Monica – it’s Benjamin Moore’s Nightfall – it’s a nice soft dark gray/light black.
[email protected] says
I looooove this black wall and how the artwork just POPS! So striking – and the wood tones really look amazing as well. Great job!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks Jenny – I love that you love it 🙂
Stacey says
Looove the wall color and you did a fab job with the gallery wall! Thumbs up!!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks Stacey – now I’m motivated to FINALLY wrap up this room!
Pam @ Simple Details says
Kris, what a beautiful statement for your office! Love how you incorporated the perfect balance of elements to give it such great character! And, that credenza ~ love!!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks Pam!!!
debra @ 5th and state says
and you are not a professional? i audibly sighed when i saw your wall kris, really interesting, it made me stop and stare. well done!!!
debra
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Wow – what a huge compliment. Thanks so much!
Kelly - Talk of the House says
THIS…this is what I am talking about when I say a “creative gallery wall!” Fabulous job, and I love the three dimensional-ness of it all. And the tone of all your pieces works wonderfully with that dark and handsome wall color. You nailed it girl!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks Kelly – so glad to have discovered your blog through this little Project Design series – I love your style!!
Becky // This Is Happiness says
This is amazing Kris! One of the best gallery walls I’ve seen! You rocked it!!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Wow – that’s such a nice compliment. Thank you!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
Kris, I can’t stop looking at this! It’s the perfect mix of colors and tones and textures, and full of so many interesting pieces. Fabulous job!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks Jennifer – of course I started out using colorful art and then gravitated back to my neutrals – probably a good thing since I pretty much threw everything but the kitchen sink up on that wall 🙂
[email protected] says
Wow!!! I love everything about this wall and it’s already pinned for future idea stealing! The dark wall and all the different textures while keeping it neutral. This is gorgeous!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks so much Kate – I really appreciate it!
Tracy Laverty says
You had me at the deep dark color on the wall, but then you went and added such a beautiful arrangement of textures and prints too. I love it! It all looks so great above your credenza find. Where did you find your antique gold round mirror? I’ve been looking for something like that. Great job yet again Kris.
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks Tracy! I got that mirror at the Ballard Outlet years ago but they have a “new” one now that is almost identical to it.
annie diamond says
Kris,
This is amazing! Love your creative mix of art and objects. The dark wall and the beautiful credenza and the little pops of green with the succulents, the branches and the Kate Spade Style book…..all looks so beautiful together.
annie
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
You sure have an eagle eye spotting that Kate Spade book 🙂 Thanks so much – I really appreciate your nice comment.
[email protected] says
So well done Kris! And, now I am so glad you didn’t paint the side board.
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thank you Lauren – I am too!
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
It turned out so great! I love it!! What a great mix.
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks Elizabeth!!
Dianne says
just wondering how you hung your pictures. command strips, nails? thanks.
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
I have an old house with crazy thick walls that are a layer of plaster covered by a layer of drywall covered by a plaster skim coat so I just use regular nails and they hold up even heavy objects really securely. If I was doing this in our previous home that had typical drywall, I would have used screws with anchors (Cobra “wall drillers” always worked really well for me).
Kim Wickert says
Love all of the tips! The wall gallery looks great. I have a wall in my office to try this on and this is great inspiration:)
MilfordsIpswich says
This is just lovely! The pieces, their placements and everything – we especially love the arrow. The change in wall colour was such a good choice too!
Dana Sellers says
I just love this whole thing, Kris. The gallery is beautiful. I was wondering where you got the credenza? This would match the desk in my home office perfectly. Then I could also tweak the gallery in my office to be similar!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Thanks so much Dana! The credenza was actually a Craigslist find so unfortunately I don’t have a source of you. Sorry I can’t help! Good luck decorating your office!
Anonymous says
Shucks. I haven’t struck out completely. Your gallery is awesome! Thanks for sharing it.
Tania says
Hi! Where is the gold pineapple on the table from?! Love it!!
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Tania – so sorry it took me so long to reply but the gold pineapple was a thrifted find. Sorry I don’t have an easier source for you!
Anna says
Love your gallery wall! It’s amazing! My living room accent wall is nearly the same color. What size frames did you use?
Angela says
Hi Kris,
I’m in love with that cabinet but having such a hard time finding it. Is it something you restored or did you buy it? I don’t even know how to identify it but it would be just perfect for my home office as well.
Kris Jarrett says
Thanks Angela! Unfortunately I don’t have a source for you because it was a lucky Craigslist find. I really haven’t seen a similar piece out there – the person I bought it from had had it for over 30 years.
Robin says
Can you tell me what color you painted the walls in your home office?
Kris Jarrett says
Sure Robin – the paint color is Benjamin Moore’s Nightfall
Cass says
I would love to know what paint colour you used on the wall! It’s gorgeous!
Kris Jarrett says
It’s Benjamin Moore’s Nightfall!
Pamela says
Thanks for the inspiration. Very creative, I love everything except the Lion head and flowers on the wall as they just don’t seem to fit the overall design idea.
Meg M. says
Gallery Wall is looking lovely, but what I’m most driven to is the beautiful paint color! Would you reveal the brand and color please?