The Art of Hanging Art

Imagine you’re standing in the center of a room in your home, surveying the open wall space around you. In your hands is a piece of art that has spoken to you. It’s exactly what this room has been missing and you are about to affix it to the space that’s just made for it. 

While some may consider hanging a picture or other piece of art on the wall about as foolproof DIY as one can get, the truth is it’s not quite that simple. Follow these steps to make sure you get it right.

Make a plan

The worst time to figure out your new piece is off center (or otherwise not quite what you expected) is after the nail is in the wall. Whether you’re hanging a collection of pieces or just one, spend some time envisioning exactly where your art is going. Use a true-to-size paper template and painter’s tape for a trial run. When you’ve measured, admired and confirmed you’ve got it right, then grab the tools and hangers.

Remember, the eyes have it

In most cases, the best height for artwork is eye level, which means the center of your piece should fall at about 58 inches above the floor. If your ceilings are relatively low, however, you’ll want to adjust this. In that case, a good rule of thumb is to imagine your wall divided into quarters with your art falling in the third quarter. Another exception is when you’re hanging a cluster of pieces. In this case, align the center of your gallery at eye level and work the additional pieces in around it.

More than a nail

Is your idea of hanging art on the wall grabbing a nail and hammer? You’re not alone. There’s a better way, however. A single nail in drywall isn’t going to tolerate much weight. You may know already that hanging a heavier piece is a job best well suited for a stud in the wall. However, if you don’t find a stud in a ‘picture-friendly’ location, that’s okay; you have options. Consider using self-threaded anchors, screws, picture hangers or even a finishing nail hammered in at an angle. These tools provide greater holding power than a simple nail hammered straight into the wall.

Hang it straight and use bumpers

Remember the first step? Don’t eyeball this process. Grab a level and let the bubble lead you. Before you hang the picture, consider adding self-adhesive rubber bumpers to the back of the piece. These will help prevent movement on the wall, keeping the piece level once you’ve placed it. 

Don’t be framed

Framed art is gorgeous, but it’s not your only option. Get creative in what gets hung on your walls. Hanging clipboards to hold photos or art you wish to rotate makes a fantastic alternative! Empty frames, mirrors and other collections can be unique and eye catching wall art. The only thing holding you back is your imagination!

by Anjie Cho

6 Design Trends to Tap into for 2016

6 Design Trends to Tap into for 2016.jpg

With New Year’s in the rear-view mirror and a bit of 2016 under our belts, it’s time to take a good look at what’s hot in interior design. Some of these trends require a long term commitment (you’re not going to update appliances every time style’s collective mind changes, after all.) Others are simple updates that can be swapped out when you tire of them. 

Black stainless steel

From the telling activity level on Pinterest to the pages of design’s top magazines, there is one trend that consistently emerges: black stainless steel. Appliance manufacturers have created a finger-smudge resistant finish for this sleek new look, something anyone that’s tried to keep a stainless steel kitchen clean will appreciate. If the charcoal grey to outright ebony is too dark for your liking, take a look at bronze hues some brands offer. It’s a nice change from the traditional silver tones, yet not as dark as its black and grey cousins. 

Rose Quartz and Serenity

Your home is your sanctuary. Pantone gets it, and that’s why they introduced paired Colors of the Year for 2016: Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue. The combo reflects “connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace,” says Pantone. You don’t need to repaint a room with one, the other or both of these calm and collected tones to tap into the trend. These hues work well in accessories like area rugs, pillows and throws. 

Cozy nooks

After a long day, you want to come home, kick your shoes off and get comfy. Right? Creating a cozy nook is something we can all get behind! Whether you build out your own reading nook or dedicate a sacred space for meditation, the goal is to carve out at least a small space to relax and recharge. 

What’s new is old

From reclaimed wood to distressed finishes, the look of aged material adds texture and interest to your space. Tap into your inner DIY guru and have fun with this trend. For example, a refinished dresser with new pulls might make a one-of-a-kind buffet for your dining room. Pallets can be broken down and turned into everything from wall art to end tables. Get creative. 

Pendant lights

Big, beautiful chandeliers have their place, but this is the year of the pendant light. From modern to romantic these hanging gems are at home in the kitchen, as well as the bathroom, bedroom and any other space you want to dangle a little style from above.  

Heated entry floors

Adding radiant heating to the floor is not entirely new. It’s become a popular bathroom splurge in recent years. The toe warming, chill shaking warmed floor is now finding its way into the entryways of your home. Just imagine pulling your snow covered boots or rain dampened shoes off on a toasty warm surface. Bliss!

by Anjie Cho

Get Framed: 4 Basic Steps to Displaying Your Art

Picking out paint and furniture may be at the top of your design list, but accessories and wall décor should also be a priority. In fact, it’s those smaller things that can elevate a room from ‘nice’ to “Wow! Nice!” More importantly, what you opt to hang on your walls and adorn your shelves with injects your own personality into a space. 

If you really want to make your mark on the room, frame a customized piece of art or photograph for a one-of-a-kind piece! Don’t be intimidated. This DIY is easier than it sounds if you follow these 4 basic steps.

Step 1: Select the right piece

This is no different than any other design element in the space. You’re looking for a piece that contributes to the ambiance and personality of the room. The photos you snapped of your vegetable garden last summer might make a terrific display of framed art in your kitchen, but as gorgeous as the colors in your heirloom tomatoes may be, they may not be the right element for your den. Framing your child’s first finger painting, on the other hand, could be just what your family room is looking for but not what you want to hang in your formal living room. Match your piece to your place and you’re good to go.

Alternative art ideas: Your customized art doesn’t have to be limited to your own photography or paintings and drawings. Look to things like a beautiful piece of lace you want to show off, an interesting illustration in your favorite book, a quilt square or other textile that just catches your eye.

Step 2: Find your frame

Your frame has dual responsibility here. It has to complement your artwork and your room. For example, if your room is contemporary and sleek, avoid an ornate wooden frame. Likewise, the size and style of your frame should suit the artwork. Your frame should complete the piece, not compete with it. If you’re highlighting a delicate image, a heavy, wide-banded frame will weigh it down and steal the focus. 

Look at thrift shops and garage sales for inexpensive pieces. Just be sure to clear the energy of anything pre-owned before you use it! Pay attention to the frames, not the art featured inside. You may find the perfect frame to set off your charcoal drawing if you’re able to look beyond the poster currently featured in it! Also, look for a frame with a piece of glass to protect your art work. If the frame you selected doesn’t come with glass, you can have one cut to fit. 

Step 3: Choose a mat

Matting your artwork will create a professional looking piece. It will also hold the art in place while preventing it from touching the glass of your frame. Select an acid-free material for matting. You can find pre-cut mats in standard sizes at your local craft store. You can also purchase sheets of matting material and customize your own mats, or have the shop cut it for you. How big your mat is, what color you use, and your choice of texture will change the overall look and feel of your finished piece. There is no right or wrong answer here. Pick what resonates with you! 

Step 4: Attach the artwork

Grab your mat, and using acid-free tape, fix the artwork or photograph in place. When you’ve got it centered just right, place it face down on the glass and then attach the backing of the frame. Voila! Looks good, right? Now that it’s done, just hang your finished piece at eye level.

by Anjie Cho