A great way to add personality and warmth to your spaces is with artwork but sometimes the hanging and arranging can be a challenge. Check out some of our go-to guidelines to simplify the process and help you achieve the right overall balance for a well-designed room. Happy hanging! (Click here for downloadable PDF for future reference)
BASICS
Artwork arrangement should span approximately 2/3 the width of the furniture it sits above.
Treat multiple pieces as one.
Keep height at eye level, roughly 60” from the center of the grouping to the floor which will create balance throughout the home if all the art shares the same visual midline.
Leave 2-5” between each frame for spacing.
Use craft paper and low-adhesive tape for figuring out arrangement and nail placement.
Photo Source: Ballard Designs
For even number groupings, keep pictures in the shape of a square with even spacing in between for symmetry.
Photo Source: Pottery Barn
For three in a row, choose vertical images so it doesn’t appear overcrowded.
Perfect for hallways or above sofas.
Photo Source: Pinterest
For an asymmetrical grouping, stagger by varying the height and distance so they create a visually balanced arrangement.
Photo Sources: Pinterest
For a large gallery wall with multiple types of styles, frames and sizes, try hanging larger pieces at the bottom left, small pieces in the upper right and mid-sized pieces in between for a unique look. Or start with the largest piece in the center as a focal point and arrange around it.
We are loving the two hues – indigo and black – that are taking center stage as the “new neutrals” in home decor. These two “it” colors pair well with a range of color palettes, metallic finishes and materials and are being shown in everything from modern kitchens to lighting, hardware, rugs, sofas and more. Check out our picks below for some styling inspiration for adding these colors to your own home.
Indigo
Rich, serene and bold, indigo blue’s versatility makes it ideal for both contemporary and traditional interiors. When used as a wall color, it can create a cozy and moody vibe and when used as an accent feature, it feels lighter and more playful. Mix and match it with a soft cream sofa for a soothing, coastal feel or create some energy with pops of red, yellow, chartreuse, coral or brown in pillows, art or rugs.
Black
Black is also a great foundation color that adds depth and elegance to any space when paired with crisp white, creams, and gray. It is being shown in every texture and finish, from velvet and leather to natural wood and heavy rug weaves. Try using it for light pendants or hardware in a kitchen or for furniture, wall art and rugs for a dramatic style.
Get ready to begin anew with some of the the latest home decor style and color trends for the New Year! Think lush velvets and natural woven fabrics, planters with a mix of botanicals, wallpaper in bold patterns, warm bronze metallics, jewel-toned hues and the industry’s Colors of the Year in coral, blues and grays. We hope our picks below spark your interest and inspire you to introduce some on-trend style that will make a chic statement all year long.
Product Sources: Crate and Barrel, Serena & Lily, Front Gate, West Elm
Color is one of the most dynamic and versatile design elements for adding personal style to your home’s decor. It not only sets the mood and tone, but can also bring out a room’s architectural features. Wallpaper is also back in style and can help add depth and interest to any room.
Not sure where to begin when choosing a paint color or wallpaper pattern for your spaces? The following are some tips and creative ideas that we hope will inspire you.
1. Create Your Palette
Start by considering your personal color preferences. Which colors do you gravitate towards – jewel tones, pastels, neutral?
Collect images and swatches from Pinterest, Houzz, and other decor sources. Even consider your own personal experiences: vacations, nature, artwork, etc. that attract and inspire you.
Group the colors and view them together in the room to see how they look with existing furnishings and during different times of the day (colors look different in the morning, afternoon and evening).
2. Define The Mood
Narrow down colors based on the vibe they evoke.
Decorate with intention by choosing colors that have personal meaning and give you a sense of satisfaction.
Hues from nature such as blue, green and tan feel tranquil, soothing and renewing.
Bright yellows, oranges and reds enliven a space with warmth and energy.
Darker colors convey mystery, drama and formality while lighter colors are lively and optimistic.
3. Accent Your Space
There are many ways to highlight your home’s architectural features with color:
Try lightening up a traditional brick fireplace by whitewashing it for a more modern look.
Built-in shelving can be treated like furniture by using either the same color paint or a contrast color to the walls. Make a bookshelf pop by painting the back of the shelves a complementary accent color
Try using contrasting color on stairway risers and/or spindles for a dramatic entryway.
4. Add Personal Style With Wallpaper
Wallpaper can add style and dimension to any space. Consider using wallpaper as an accent wall in a small office or powder room.
Keep the style of the wallpaper similar to your home’s decor – traditional, contemporary, rustic, etc.
You should feel emotionally attached to the design so you won’t get tired of it quickly.
In a room with many doors and windows, avoid large pattern repeats. Instead, choose a textured or solid color.
5. Still Overwhelmed?
Consider consulting with an interior designer who can help narrow down paint and paper selections based on your taste and budget.
For more info please contact Patti Stern at 203.640.3762 or email patti@pjstagingdecorating.com.
Why are people sometimes hesitant about hiring decorators? In a world where “surprise” remodeling shows on television dominate the visibility of interior decorating, it’s understandable that a few misconceptions about interior decorators have formed. But in reality, whether you’re moving into a new home or updating the house you’ve lived in for the past 20 years, hiring a decorator has many advantages from saving time and money to eliminating unnecessary stress.
The following is a list of common misconceptions about working with a decorator.
Myth: Interior decorators are too expensive.
This is one of the most common assumptions people have about interior decorators– and it keeps many from seeking out the help of a designer in the first place.
Truth: Decorating doesn’t have to break the bank.
Our decorators are committed to finding and creating options that maximize our clients’ resources, style, and budget. As one of our decorating clients, Abbi, stated, “PJ & Company knew I was on a tight budget but was open and very creative at working with me to find things that met my taste and fit into my budget.”
In the long run, hiring a designer can be more budget-friendly than taking on the project yourself. An expert can help you avoid costly mistakes and can suggest design options that will ultimately increase your home’s value for when it comes time to sell.
Myth: The decorator’s style differs from my own, so the design won’t reflect my taste.
People often equate hiring an interior decorator with the loss of creative control. In fact, it’s just the opposite.
Truth: The design process is collaborative.
Instead of infusing his or her own style into a client’s space, a decorator listens to what the client wants and then transforms that vision into a design that is cohesive, forward-thinking, and functional for the client.
We believe communication is essential, which is why we make sure to establish a partnership with our clients every step of the way. The most important part of the process is understanding our clients’ needs, lifestyle, and budget so we can provide them with a decor that they will love.
Myth: I don’t need an interior decorator because I can do everything myself.
While this is an option, there are benefits to hiring an interior decorator.
Truth: Interior decorators can make the decorating process cheaper and stress-free.
A professional can maximize your budget and schedule by utilizing resources only available to interior decorators. For example, our designers have access to showrooms not open to the public and receive discounts that can then be passed on to the client. Our company provides access to reliable vendors and contractors, and manages the project from design to construction so that the decor update or renovation can be a stress-free process for our clients.
While there are many misconceptions surrounding designers, their skills and expertise debunk the myths. At PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating, we pride ourselves on making the decorating process pleasant and easy for our clients. Whether it’s a consultation to select the right paint color or fabric for a room, complete decorating renovations, kitchen and bath cabinet and countertop selections, choosing the best coordinating backsplash, lighting, flooring, or furniture and accessory selections/arrangements, we collaborate with you to fulfill your personal goals and make you happy every step of the way.
Photo Source: Ballard Designs
Photo Source: Pottery Barn
Photo Source: Pinterest
Photo Sources: Pinterest
