Picking up from this post, let's get going on the gallery wall. Out to the hardware store to get a decent level and pick up a boatload of those command picture hanging thingies (you know I have an aversion to putting holes in my walls, right?)
I laid out the photos as I wanted to hang them and then got to work taping them to the mattes and finishing off the picture frames*. After much mental futzing, hemming and hawing, I decided to change the original configuration a bit to make all of the photos vertical. After that there was no more putting it off, on the wall they had to go. I put the first one up...
After the first one was set, everything got spaced out around that one. I called in the hubs for reinforcements when I needed another eye or set of arms but this was mostly a one woman job. And it took forever. Maybe I was just being too particular but I was wrapped up in this for most of the day. I'll spare you the play by play and show you the magic of tv version.
Finally, it was done. I'm totally happy with it - so happy I did it.
It really brings a balance to that side of the room that was totally missing before. Yes, the tv is still a giant black box but it gives the eye somewhere else to rest, makes for conversation and incorporates lots of happy memories of our travels in the room.
You might also notice I swapped out those awful white plastic blinds with some matchsticks in here. They were cheapies from Home Depot and I totally got what I paid for - complete junk - broken, missing hardware, mismatched, crooked. So annoying! But they are better than the plastic for now.
This room still isn't done - I have a few more projects to get to before I feel its there - but I'm feeling so much more pleased with how it looks now. At least its ready for summer!
Wowie! Looks amazing. That room feels so relaxing, perfect for a beach house! One note about those "cheapie" blinds - I've used them before on a porch for keeping blaring sun out of eyes during the sunset, and they are perfect for that application because it doesn't really matter as much if they get beat-up by the elements. Plus, they look pretty cool against the creamy white of porch posts and spindles.
ReplyDeleteLooks fantastic!! And from the photos, it totally appears to broaden the room! Bonus!
ReplyDeleteLOVE it!!! I am also looking at your laser level. I share the same aversion to holes in the wall. How is it magically hanging on the wall all by itself? I am usually standing on a chair trying to use my laser level in one hand while I've got a pencil in the other, nail in my teeth & hammer between my knees. Your way looks more manageable. My one and only experience with the command hooks peeled the paper layer of drywall off my walls when I removed them. Now I'm afraid of them.
ReplyDeleteI love it! It looks amazing and even hides the TV some. That level is genius! And what fun memories of all your trips.
ReplyDeleteThats a great use for them. I wouldn't mind them so much here if the hardware in the box was all the same - now I have child friendly ones on the middle and right but the strangulation cord on the left one. So annoying. I'm thinking I might spray paint them since there isn't any great risk if they don't turn out the way I imagine.
ReplyDeleteYes, I thought so too. It pulls the eye to the far wall so it doesn't look quite so long.
ReplyDeleteLove it!!! It really does make the TV disappear on the wall..... Bookmarking for future inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThat looks great- definitely help the tv to blend in!
ReplyDeleteLove this gallery wall!!! And the rest of your changes so far. Can't wait to see the finished room.
ReplyDeleteThis laser level has a air sucking type thing that keeps it sticking to the wall. Such a huge feature. It also had two axis lines and was self leveling (so no bubble reading and adjusting) It was $50 so not the cheapest model but not bad considering the features. It was a good buy I think.
ReplyDeleteIve had good experiences with the command stuff for Christmas decorations so Im hoping I have equally good experiences with these. I better because they are so outrageous expensive for what is essentially 4 inches of plastic velcro.
LOVE it- putting things around a tv totally makes the eye travel around and definitely brings balance to the wall. Loved the tv version- so clever to watch it all come together!
ReplyDeleteGreat! Love the fancy laser level - aren't those a cool invention!
ReplyDeleteI loved the animation, and the art is stunning!
ReplyDeleteI love the time lapse. I just do!
ReplyDeleteMr. Goodwill Hunting
Well done.
ReplyDeleteI love the blinds. I've been looking for something just like this, what I've been finding is either very tiki bar or too much like matchsticks. Would love to know who made yours.
Thanks.
It looks wonderful! I'm always hunting for new ideas to decorate around a flat screen, so it's nice to see how your project turned out. Above our tv I have three large framed pieces of decorative paper that coordinates with our room, but I'm still not 100% thrilled with the look. It's hard to make the walls interesting without seeming cluttered, and your simple layout does a nice job of that!
ReplyDeleteWow -- It looks amazing! That time lapse photo is so cool...you're so techy! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the oversized frames and your photos are gorgeous
I adore your time lapse! It looks incredible Stefanie, great work!
ReplyDeleteGreat job! Neat time lapse. I can just see glimpses of your photos; they look amazing. And the laser thing caught my eye as well :)
ReplyDeleteoh wow!!! I love what you did with the gallery wall. I think you have given me a little confidence to do that. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful beautiful family room, I needed inspiration in the gray color scheme and this is perfect. Definitely a motivator.
ReplyDeleteLOVE LOVE LOVE this. I'm in the process of putting up similar matchstick blinds in our living room. Fingers crossed that they aren't junk! I love this look and have been trying to think of something to do around our tv. I'm just wondering how this would look with vaulted ceilings. The wall our tv is on is 8 feet tall in the left corner and about 12 in the right. hmmmm
ReplyDeletethis looks SO good! i can totally understand the procrastination that goes with hanging things on the wall. i mat the pictures, lean them up against the wall...walk past them for weeks...and one day, grab the hammer and level and just do it. and i'm always so glad i did, because "stuff" on the walls always makes the feel of a room change dramatically.
ReplyDeletei love how you really filled the space. the scale of each frame is really lovely and all together on the wall is just stunning.
WAY to go! :)
Love your gallery wall, what a transformation!
ReplyDeleteLucky you! I wish we had 12 foot ceilings in here. I think you could probably do it straight across fine but it might be more fun to really use that height and stagger them (like steps) up the wall. Really brings the eye up.
ReplyDeletehaha - i promise its not a technical thing. I do it in photoshop and its really very simple. (there are online animated gif makers as well if you want to try it without photoshop)
ReplyDeleteLove this gallery wall. It totally makes the TV look better.
ReplyDeleteNo clue the manufacterer but they came from Home Depot and the quality is terrible! (The ones in the kitchen also came from HD and Im fine with those). Ive also used that type of blind from JCP and they worked well. So I guess its hit and miss.
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWow!! That looks just perfect!! I am still so scared to do a stupid gallery wall and I don't know why because they always look amazing. I love yours!
ReplyDeleteWOW the end result is amazing!!!!! I want to go home and do the same thing at my house :) Great work.
ReplyDeleteI love the magic of TV version!!! The photos look great. I'm also completely jealous of that fancy level, too. I tend to make paper templates when putting a gallery wall together. That fancy level seems like such a time saver. I also have the cheapie HD blinds in our living room. To keep from dealing with the crap hardware we usually just pull the drapes at night and leave the blinds alone. They look nice and I can refrain from ripping them off the windows in frustration because I don't use them. That makes all the difference.
ReplyDeleteOh fabulous Ms. Limestone!!!! They make such a statement, bravo friend! I love how you incorporated your travels into your gallery wall, so so lovely. That .gif is fantastic too!
ReplyDeletexo
Kate
Love the new gallery wall! It really looks terrific and makes the tv fade from focus. Great job! I've been using a lot of those Command strips, too. Love them! I wish I had used them when I put my gallery wall up. I've been wanting to change things up on that wall, but am dreading the patch, sand, paint job that awaits. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat looks great! It has a really professional look that totally makes it a statement wall.
ReplyDeleteTotally classes up the joint, love your style!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a difference it made to the room! I just LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteI love that room! Very calm, relaxing (can I come over? I haven't had a holiday in YEARS!). And WELL DONE on that photo wall!
ReplyDeleteI do have a question though - now that the photos have been up long enough for you to watch tv a few times, be honest: do you ever find all of those squares/images surrounding the screen distracting or confusing when you're trying to watch tv? Okay, maybe only a dummy like me would actually get "confused" when most would be "distracted" hahaha... I've been wanting to put some photos under my flat screen (on a console) and worry I'll end up with a migraine....
Like everything you do, it turned out great! (And I have to admit, I had my doubts about this endeavor. I thought it might be too "busy" around a t.v. I will never doubt you again!) I am not-so-secretly happy that you admitted that it took you all day...I had three frames to hang in a row and it took me 4 hours. It would take me an entire weekend to tackle a gallery wall of your magnitude.
ReplyDeleteYour animation is so cool!
ReplyDeleteI love the colors in your living room - the grey/white/black/almost yellow - so fresh!
And I love the texture of bamboo blinds!
great job...xv
ReplyDeleteOMG, it looks awesome! Very cool "tv version" time elapse dealio too! :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE your new gallery wall filled with beautiful photos and memories behind them. Don't you love the laser level! They've spared my walls from being attacked with lots of holes. Thanks for sharing, *Becca*
ReplyDeleteThis turned out SO well!!! What a perfect way to "mask" your TV and show off your travels. Love it. This room is really evolving!
ReplyDeletewe have our tv on a buffet turned media console on a big.blank.wall and man oh man do i LOVE this idea and suddenly want to recreate it myself. i'm playing catch up on my blogs so please forgive me, but are those photos ones you took or are they printed from somewhere? (i.e. a calendar? book? etc.?)
ReplyDeletealso, what color are your walls? it's like the perfect neutral which is always hard to find.
i love the whole room. everything about it.
about the blinds, ours are from Home Depot and i was so impressed at the quality. but, they weren't cheap cost wise. :/ at least yours look good from what we can see. ;)
Looks fantastic - and I too have an aversion to holes in the walls!
ReplyDeleteLove it! The wall, the whole room...
ReplyDeleteI really love how it turned out!! Love the look of many frames on a wall...great job!! Want to come over and do this to a couple of walls in my house? :)
ReplyDeleteWow; I have just loved getting to see you transform this space. The gallery wall makes such a difference! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteIt looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThe gallery wall looks fabulous! Just out of curiosity, where do you hide your other TV components (i.e. cable/satellite box, bluRay/DVD player, etc.)?
ReplyDeleteLooks great! I love how the frames are the focal point of that wall now, not the TV. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI am totally in love! Great job -- and love the video/stop action too. The best!
ReplyDeleteThis is FABULOUS!!! It looks so much better! Now, maybe you should have a few bloggers over during blogfest;)
ReplyDeleteLove it! I've seen lots of people referencing those command picture hanger gizmos. Can anyone send me a link so I know exactly what I'm looking for when I go and buy some? I'm trying to do a picture wall myself! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLove! It look so clean...question for you...what frame do you recommend for an 11 X 14 print?
ReplyDeleteWell Im not really an expert - you might want to contact whoever you are buying your frames from for suggestions - but it depends on how you are using it. If its just a single photo, I think you can get away with no matte or a small one - if it were a series, I like a lot of matte so I'd want at least a 20x22 or something like that. But definitely a personal preference kind of thing.
ReplyDeleteHere is the link. Evidently they have black ones which would have been way better for this project but Home Depot only had white ones in stock. They are ridiculously expensive considering what they are but worth it to not have to make a bunch of random holes in the wall.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/Products/Product-Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U523080QE0IIHEICN90GC1_nid=02FTXDLQ2LbeF0GFSQ26BSgl
We don't have a dvd player here but the cable is in the next room. See the white wire running under the tv toward the right wall - there is a little hole in there that connects it to cable.
ReplyDeleteThanks JoLynn but Ill have to pass on that invitation. I don't want to hang another frame for a really long time :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Amanda. The photos are all taken by me.
ReplyDeleteThe color on the walls is Behr Parisian Taupe.
Our matchsticks were the cheapies from HD so I got what I paid for I suppose. It just irks me I spent any money on something that is so poorly made.
I don't find it distracting - its the kind of thing that once its up you forget its there. My husband was against the idea at first for the very reason you are mentioning but now that its up, he likes it. So I think its safe to say its not a distraction for us but I can't speak for everyone.
ReplyDeleteLooks awesome!! What a transformation!
ReplyDeleteIt looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteLovely! Your style seems so effortless..love it! Enjoy your day
ReplyDeleteMaureen
The gallery wall looks amazing! I love what you did with it.
ReplyDeleteThe wall looks great, Mrs. L!
ReplyDeleteLove, love the frames! looking for frames just like this, what style # or how can i find those particular ones on the website? would love to take advantage of the 20% off!
ReplyDeleteWOW I just love this! I thought initially that all the pictures would be too much, but you've proven me wrong. It's perfect for that room!
ReplyDeleteDo you recall where you got the rug? I've been looking for something like that for my living room.
Thanks Corinne. The rug was from Target (purchased online b/c they don't carry the larger sizes in the stores near me). Hope that helps.
ReplyDeleteThese were the frames I used: http://www.pictureframes.com/html/allinclusive/10AP.html
ReplyDeleteI love the look of this and how you went about doing it! fabulous job!
ReplyDeleteI am thinking about doing something similar in my bedroom. I unfortunately, have a husband who loves to guess and just throw nails on the walls.
I plan to use this post to inspire my husband. thank you!
www.wom-mom.com
I love how this turned out! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletelove, love, love.... it
ReplyDeleteAmazing! It looks so good. I love how your eye isn't immediately drawn to the TV. I also like how you added a third row- I would have never thought to add frames that low on the wall. But it works great!!!
ReplyDeletelove this wall. I have a quick question. Do you think this application would work with color pictures as well. I have a mix of BW and color. Would the color make it too busy?
ReplyDeleteSaw you featured on Censational Girl. Absolutely love the sofa table!!! Omg, someone would pay TONS for this! Great job.
ReplyDeleteLove this!!!
ReplyDeleteI think it could work wonderfully with color but being a bit crazy Id probably want all of the photos to have a similar color scheme or one color that is in each so they look more cohesive from far away.
ReplyDeleteLooks GREAT!
ReplyDeleteAnd, eek! What curtain rod(s) are you using in there? I have triple-wide windows in our new living room, and I can't find anything that's long enough and won't cost me an arm or two in the process.
Love it! Throw a black and white pic on your TV an you will bedone with the black box!!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! Wish I would have seen this tutorial before I attempted mine. It looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteThe curtain rod in here is from Curtainworks - really reasonably priced for both hardware and curtains in long lengths. Here is the one in that room: http://www.curtainworks.com/ball-adjustable-decorative-curtain-rod.html
ReplyDeleteIt completely works! The clip showing the progress was really fun to watch! Janell
ReplyDeleteFANTASTIC!!!! Such a great focal point!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! I love what you did with that wall! Awesome! I'm sure it was a lot of work but well worth it!
ReplyDeleteYour wall looks so complete now! I love how you extended the frames to below the tv- and your art is gorgeous in black and white. But seriously, how cool to see the little "video" of how it came together!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference! I really like it - It would have taken me forever to get the pics to line up....Nice!
ReplyDeleteLOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!!! So professional and love the simplicity of the room AND I love the little stop motion vid you are a creative Jedi!
ReplyDeleteDon't know which I love more, the gallery wall or the video!! Adorable :)
ReplyDeleteLove! The wall looks amazing. Love the little time lapsed picture!
ReplyDeleteIt's so beautiful!! It looks really awesome and geometric to have all the frames exactly the same - lined up that way. Love it!
ReplyDeleteBesides being impressed with the wall, i'm in love with your laser level! haha :) I've got to get me one of those...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! Unfortunately, still not long enough...I need at least 160". The search continues!
ReplyDeleteThat was so fun to watch and I love how it turned out!
ReplyDeleteLove the white slipper chair in the corner - I'm looking for something just like that. Where did you get it?
ReplyDeleteIt's from target. If you search for 'target slipper', you'll find my review.
ReplyDeleteCan I ask where you keep your cable box/DVR/DVD player/video game system? Not bring snarky, but trying to configure my own LR at the moment, and am constantly finding tvs without any other hardware seemingly attached. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI don't have a DVR or DVD here. Our cable is running from the closet in the next room (you can see the wire coming from the right if you look hard enough).
ReplyDeleteDuring a reno I try to get everything built into the wall but that isn't so easy here.
Hope that helps.
In a message dated 8/16/2011 1:27:06 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, writes:
(http://disqus.com/)
Hello
ReplyDeleteI am curious regarding the placement of your sofa and tv. The sofa is not facing the tv. I have a similar room and everyone was giving me a hard time for not putting the sofa facing the tv, so I changed it and am sorry I did so.
Thoughts on your decision welcome.
Thanks
sw
Its not really an issue for me. My tv doesn't face the tv at home either. When I watch, I either sit askew or lay down.
ReplyDeleteWow....the room looks beautiful. It looks neat and tidy. I love it because the design has been applied for the room. I like one in which the TV is placed in the middle of pictures have been hung on the wall. That gives different look to your guest and living room.
ReplyDeleteJust stopping by to say that I saw this on Pinterest and I love it! It's honestly the only "TV wall" that I've ever not hated. We have a weird layout with off-center beams due to the living room being expanded (before we moved in), so I'm not sure how this will work in my house, but I'm going to try!
ReplyDeleteHow far apart did you space your photos- this is fantastic! I was looking for something to do to the wall that our TV hangs on- thank you for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI don't really remember but I want to say 4 inches. I hung up pieces of paper first to get the spacing down. Very simple to do ahead of time and that way you know you love the layout before bothering with the framing, etc.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteHello
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you did 5x7 photos and 8 x 10 frames. Is that correct?
Thanks
Sue
The photos are 8 by 10. If I recall the frames are 16 by 20.
ReplyDeleteHi, I just saw your picture wall and love it! My husband had originally wanted to put up the TV on the wall but I was not keen on the idea, as I thought I be giving up wall space to hang pictures. I would love to do this also, however our TV seems larger, I would only be able to do one row of the 8x10 coming down along side of the TV. Would this still have the same affect or should I switch to smaller frames? Also, I luv how you did all your pictures black and white. In your opinion, would you then keep all your pictures black and white in the room (on the other walls) or would you put up colored pictures as well in the room? Would love to get your feedback. Thxs
ReplyDeleteHello, I luv the wall!!! Just wondering if it would be ok to use colored photos also or would it be too distracting? Also, if I were to go with the black and white frames, would all the pictures in the room have to be black and white also?
ReplyDeletePersonally I like the black and white considering there are so many images and frames plus a tv to look at. Maybe if they were larger images and fewer distractions, color might work. With a whole wall of photos, I would probably not put photos up elsewhere in the room.
DeleteThank you, for your opinion. I really need the TV to be on the wall. The way i have it set up now on a large console off to the side, it is still taking up half my wall space. and i am finding that putting up frames on one side of the wall next to the TV, it is not very appealing. Now, that I have seen your gallery wall, I have to have one myself. Unfortunately, this is the only wall I have to work with in my home. And I do have colored pictures up in dark frames already. My TV is larger...I was thinking if I were to use smaller frames (ex. 8x10 matted with 5x7 pictures) and have only one row outlining the TV, would it look good? And should I keep the pictures to black and white on this wall, even though I have colored pictures on the other walls (opposite from the TV wall)?
ReplyDeleteIt just my personal opinion but I like the all black and white. I'd find mixing color in there too be too distracting. Also I would go with bigger frames, not smaller ones. Hope that helps!
DeleteLove this entire room. Wondering what color and where your curtains are from?
ReplyDeleteThis wall is AMAZING !!! I'm so glad you put the steps you took in pictures. Great idea. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI would love to give this a try! I have no pics on the walls yet (in nursing school), but my two year old is making me nervous with the ET center. I need that table!!!!! Where do I find it????
ReplyDelete