Evolution of a Gallery Wall

Since the board and batten in the basement bar is complete, the Wall of Void above it has become my focus.  It has definitely been an evolution, with changes made along the way.  But, you can see where it started, and watch it step-by-step (you lucky devils) to the finished product. 

But, since I know you’re as impatient as I am – here is a quick peek at the finished wall.  Just peek.  For a quick second.  A glimpse.

Ok, now look back at me.  Over here.

In creating this gallery wall, I started by gathering a bunch of different photos, pictures, etc.. and laid them out on the floor.

Now, if you’re totally exhausted, like I am, because of the time change, you might not notice that the floor layout isn’t what ended up on the wall.  That was part of the evolution.  And the fact I couldn’t find the photos I wanted to put in the chunky frames.  (I had scrapbooking paper in the frames when we sold our old house in an effort to “neutralize” the space). 

Do you ever put something away for safe keeping and discover that it’s SO safe that even YOU can’t find it?  That’s me.

Moving on.

So, here is how the wall began, and how it evolved through the process, step by step.

I started with the quatrefoil mirror that caught my eye at Lowe’s, and hung it in the center of the space that I had designated for the gallery wall (basically from the little phone outlet on the left to the end of the board & batten.

Then I added a painting that we have, but had not yet hung in the house.  I love this painting.  Great colors and scene – it’s like an old street scene.

Then I added the first of two metal tiles, made to look like old ceiling tiles.  I hung them on the diagonal to add a bit of interest and break up all of the squares that are in this space with the photos and pictures.
From here I added a framed black and white photo of my three kids.  Love this photo.  Good smiles from everyone and everything.  A small miracle, for anyone who has tried to get a group photo of their children.
Then I added the “W” for our last name.  Got this at the Ballard Outlet and love including it in a space like this.
Working to the left of the quatrefoil mirror, I added another painting – this one of a European cityscape.  Soft colors that work with the other painting.
Next, I added this frame that I spray painted black.  I think I got it at Goodwill.  I’ve had it for awhile and am happy that it finally found a home!
From here I added a couple of black and white sketches that my parents gave to me.  They too, had been packed away, unused for awhile.  They work perfectly in the larger black frame.
Now I added a picture of a locomotive.  Yes, a locomotive.  It’s different in terms of its content, but with it being black and white with the black matting, it works.
Finally, I added a cute little Ikea clock that rounded out the wall in both its shape and positioning.

Yes, my daughter is missing a tooth.  She lost it at my mom’s house when she wasn’t quite two.  Fell down and hit it on the base of her couch and the thing came out root and all.  Fortunately, she’s grown into the toothless look now and it’s not quite so out of place. 

I’ll tell you what, this girl is giving me a run for my money!  She’s the one with the missing tooth, first one to get stitches (getting off the toilet, fell and hit her head on the stepstool that was in the bathroom).  And let’s not forget the recent hair cutting incident…  None of that with my boys!

One final before and after view (sorry for the wall color differences – photos were taken at different times of the day):

So, there you go.  Do you have a gallery wall in your home?  I have always loved them – so many different options and possibilities!

Thanks for stopping by!

Linking up to:
Elements Interiors – Whassup Wednesday
Shabby Chic Cottage – Transformation Thursday
Somewhat Simple – Strut Your Stuff
House of Hepworths – Hookin Up with HoH
Chic on a Shoestring – Flaunt it Friday
Remodelaholic – Remodelaholic’s Anonymous Friday
The Inspired Room – Gallery Wall Party

15 Comments

  • Reply
    Pam
    March 16, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    It looks great! I love how you incorporated a lot of fun things from your life into this wall. Very nice!

    Pam

  • Reply
    Teri
    March 16, 2011 at 2:38 pm

    Looks great! Balanced without being rigid.

  • Reply
    Hyphen Interiors
    March 16, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    Looks great! Enjoyed the post.

  • Reply
    Cherie@DragonfliezCreationz
    March 16, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    Jenny,

    Looks great! I love the mirror.

  • Reply
    modern jane
    March 16, 2011 at 3:59 pm

    Looks great! i love the mirror and of course the board and batten:)

  • Reply
    Kara
    March 16, 2011 at 4:50 pm

    Great job, I luv it!

  • Reply
    Martina
    March 16, 2011 at 6:18 pm

    Hi Jenny, It looks fantastic!! You did a great job putting it together. Martina

  • Reply
    Dear Lillie
    March 16, 2011 at 11:56 pm

    It looks fabulous! And that is funny about your daughter and her missing tooth! Lillie is headed in that direction for sure. She is so reckless – she's already had about 10 really bloody lips and I am just waiting for the day when she gets back up from a faceplant and a tooth is gone!

  • Reply
    Kim @ Starshine Chic
    March 17, 2011 at 3:32 am

    The wall looks great. And I had to laugh about putting things in a safe place that you can't remember. I can soooooo relate.

  • Reply
    Andrea
    March 17, 2011 at 3:57 pm

    It looks awesome. I love the way you used things other than photos to mix it up. I need to try that.

  • Reply
    Ann from On Sutton Place
    March 18, 2011 at 1:09 am

    Hi Jenny…I saw your post at Transformation Thursday. What a difference! I have a gallery going up my stairway and I just added our initial. My frames are all black but I like that you mixed yours so I might have to switch things up. Your blog is lovely and I'll be back to look around some more. ~Ann BTW…I'm from Ohio too.

  • Reply
    Rika
    March 18, 2011 at 2:21 am

    Love your look! Great job! You've inspired me to just try to wing it…everytime I've tried doing a gallery wall I get caught up in trying to be symetrical. Oh, OCD, you've got a hold on me!

  • Reply
    [email protected]
    March 20, 2011 at 5:04 am

    Love the Gallery wall! BEAUTIFUL!!

    Thank you for linking this up to Whassup Wednesday! Hope to see you this week at my
    Par-Taaaay!

    xoxokara

  • Reply
    GLENDA CHILDERS
    April 6, 2011 at 4:50 pm

    I am popping over from the Gallery Wall party. I love seeing your work. (Mine is #10.)

    Fondly,
    Glenda

    Gg – Notes on the Journey

    ps. Loved the different shapes you used . . . including the clock and the W.

  • Reply
    Judy
    February 1, 2012 at 12:03 am

    I love your gallery wall. I am searching for inspiration for a gallery wall I am putting together and I just pinned yours. Just wanted to say thank you and I just love what you did.

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