Gallery Walls: Get the Look

Gallery walls have become a popular trend in interior design, offering a creative and personalized way to decorate your home. Whether you're looking to showcase a collection of art prints, photographs, or other cherished items, a gallery wall can add depth, interest, and personality to any room. Here's everything you need to know about creating your own stunning gallery wall!

The first step in creating a gallery wall is to select the wall where you want to display your artwork. This could be a focal point in your living room, a hallway, or even a staircase. Once you've chosen the wall, it's time to gather your artwork. This could include framed prints, photographs, paintings, or even objects like mirrors, clocks, or decorative plates.

When selecting artwork for your gallery wall, consider the overall theme or aesthetic you want to achieve. You can choose pieces that complement each other in terms of color, style, or subject matter, or you can mix and match for a more eclectic look. The key is to create a cohesive arrangement that feels balanced and visually appealing.

Before hanging your artwork, it's a good idea to lay out your gallery wall on the floor first. This will allow you to experiment with different arrangements until you find one that works best for your space. Once you're happy with the layout, you can start hanging your artwork on the wall.

When hanging your artwork, consider using a variety of frame sizes and styles to add visual interest. You can also play with the spacing between frames to create a dynamic and engaging arrangement.

In addition to framed artwork, you can also incorporate other elements into your gallery wall, such as wall decals, wall stickers, or even three-dimensional objects like shelves or planters. These elements can add texture and depth to your gallery wall, making it even more visually striking.

Overall, gallery walls offer a versatile and creative way to showcase your personal style and interests. Whether you're creating a gallery wall in your living room, bedroom, or any other space, the key is to have fun and experiment with different arrangements until you find one that feels just right!

The Simplicity of Scandinavian Design

Scandinavian design has long been revered for its simplicity, functionality, and beauty. Originating in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, this design aesthetic emerged in the early 20th century and has since become a global phenomenon. Characterized by clean lines, minimalist forms, and a focus on natural materials, Scandinavian design is renowned for its timeless appeal and effortless blend of form and function!

One of the key principles of Scandinavian design is the emphasis on functionality. Furniture and home accessories are designed to be practical, with an emphasis on usability and comfort. This focus on functionality is evident in the design of iconic pieces such as the Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen and the Paimio Chair by Alvar Aalto, both of which are celebrated for their innovative design and ergonomic features.

Another hallmark of Scandinavian design is its use of natural materials. Wood, in particular, is a popular choice, with light woods such as beech, birch, and pine being favored for their warmth and durability. These natural materials are often combined with soft, muted colors such as whites, grays, and earth tones, creating a calming and harmonious aesthetic.

In addition to its focus on functionality and natural materials, Scandinavian design is also known for its emphasis on light. Large windows, skylights, and light-colored walls are common features of Scandinavian homes, allowing natural light to flood the space and create a bright and airy atmosphere. This use of light not only enhances the visual appeal of the space but also has a positive impact on mood and well-being.

Overall, Scandinavian design is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of thoughtful design. With its emphasis on functionality, natural materials, and light, this design aesthetic continues to inspire designers and homeowners around the world, proving that good design is truly timeless.

4 Beautiful Foyers

Your foyer is the first room in your home that makes an impression to guests that visit. It's the best way to express your style, sophistication, and welcome your guests into your space. Many people forget to put thought into their foyer design, but studies have shown that a good first impression sets the tone for your guests right off the bat. On that note, here are some gorgeous foyer designs to get inspired by!

Classic Elegance

There is nothing more chic that wainscoting painted in complementary colors. This beautiful space screams elegance.

Grand Entrance

If your foyer faces a beautiful staircase, adding a pop of red with a rich floor covering would definitely make you feel like you're in your castle.

Contemporary Meets Traditional

At Authentic Home, there is no style we like better than that of a transitional one. Blending rich surfaces with modern clean lines is as classic as it gets.

Pastels & Tradition

We're big fans of pastel hues at AH. This gorgeous classic entryway is both soothing and welcoming, while maintaining its elegance.

Designing the Perfect Guest Retreat

Your guest bedroom should be as inviting and comfortable as the other bedrooms in your home! There are so many details that you can add to ensure that your guests have a wonderful stay, such as plush furniture, boutique bedding and luxurious small touches.

Everything from wallpaper, draperies, and other soft details will make the room feel cozy and warm. 

It's in the small things when it comes to creating an environment your guests are sure to remember. These include placing a table lamp next to the bed with a glass for water. Fresh flowers are always a nice touch. Give your guest some fun reads about things that are local (local books and magazines are always a hit).  Always provide your guest with extra blankets. Many people sleep cooler than others and oftentimes guests will not want to as you for another blanket. Give them the option to cozy if if needed.

Having a side chair or a place to put their luggage is key. Guests shouldn't have to live out of their suitcase while on the floor. Make it easy for them to access their belongings. Providing your guests with a mirror is an added bonus. Since sometimes you may have a full house, it is key to have a place for them to get ready without having to go to the bathroom area.

I like to place a bottle of local wine and some snacks in my guest bedroom when I have visitors. It gives a nice touch and provides your guests with something to nosh on in the later hours. 

ELLE Decor: What's Trending for Fall 2017

What we're seeing a lot of for fall design trends consists of organic decor, eclectic old timey products, and vibrant color schemes. 2016's gray palettes are starting to fade away (no pun intended) as more saturated colors are being seen on the forefront.  According to ELLE Decor, warmer color palettes are becoming very popular.

Beautiful bright green and blue color schemes are making their comeback, and we're seeing boldly painted furnishings, wall colors and decor that really make a statement coming to fruition on the design front. One timeless way into which you can implement a timeless look is through collecting old novels and stacking them under your favorite decor pieces to create height and weight.

A fun way to jump into fall trends is by implementing old fashioned pieces into your space. We love scouring antique stores and rummage sales to find the perfect piece for a focal point. This old wall sconce is a gorgeous piece that would look beautiful in any room in the home. 

Warmer colored metallic pieces are all the rage in the design world this year. Bronzes, brass and golds are being seen in both designer commercial and residential spaces. You can implement this look through the use of throw pillows, accessories, and lighting. 

2017 Pantone Color of the Year: Greenery

We can all say good bye to Rose Quartz and Serenity, because the Pantone Color Institute just announced their pick for the 2017 Color of the Year. It's fresh, it's organic and it's name is "Greenery."

While Rose Quartz and Serenity encouraged peacefulness, calm and relaxation, this earthy hue epitomizes movement and fresh starts.

As Pantone puts it:

"Greenery is a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature's greens revive, restore and renew. Illustrative of flourishing foliage and the lushness of the great outdoors, the fortifying attributes of Greenery signals consumers to take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate."

Here are our favorite interiors showcasing this gorgeous hue: