HOW TO CREATE A GALLERY WALL WITH FRAMED PHOTOS AND ART
Kiyonda Powell is a Washington DC-based interior designer and Creative in Chief of Kiyonda Powell Design Studio. Kiyonda’s work was recently featured at The Aspire Mclean Showhouse in August of 2020. She was chosen to create a warm and inviting recreation room where she seamlessly incorporated pieces from 54kibo to achieve the perfect modern yet cozy space for everyday living. The rec room creation included a beautifully detailed gallery wall. We sat down with Kiyonda to discuss theAspire House, and here she shares more tips for creating a showhouse-worthy gallery wall. We absolutely love Kiyonda’s way of telling a story through the arrangement of her gallery wall design.
STEP #1: DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT YOUR GALLERY WALL TO SAY.
In the Aspire House, I wanted to create an interesting library nook to break up the large recreation room space. This meant creating intimacy without making the room seem disjointed.
STEP #2: PLAY WITH A FEW DIFFERENT ARRANGEMENTS VIA DIGITAL MOCK UP BEFORE DECIDING ON THE FINAL ARRANGEMENT.
This will help you discover your favorite items to highlight and create story moments here and throughout the space.
STEP #3: GROUP LIKE ITEMS BY CONTENT, STYLE AND SHAPE.
This will create a cohesive theme and tell a story. However, this doesn’t mean everything must match perfectly. Focusing on a theme, whether narrative or color-based, will provide an opportunity to mix mediums and textures as well. I had a collection of artifacts, leather tassels, sculpture and framed art, including the Royal Palm Repeat and the Hourglass Beads Turquoise.
STEP #4: SHOWCASE YOUR PERSONAL INTERESTS.
Finding gallery wall items that are a reflection of your interests and personality will make it more authentic. The goal is to create a space you love and are proud of.
STEP #5: CREATE ASYMMETRY.
It makes for an interesting arrangement and also adds to the casual vibe of the space. Today’s modern design is a little more organic and an asymmetrical layout will make a space feel more comfortable.
STEP #6: INCORPORATE FURNITURE THAT WILL ENHANCE THE GALLERY WALL.
I added a vintage bookcase to balance the pair of modern wingback patterned chairs. For the Aspire House, the end resulted in a beautifully layered nook with a pattern play, with furnishings, art and objects that help to tell the eclectic story of the design.
Be sure to check out Kiyonda’s recent work at Aspire House 2020 and her tips on Styling a Credenza.
Interested in designing another room in the home? Check out our Bathroom Decor post.
