1. Loving the simplicity of the lines and color. I think the matted frames makes this an elegant, yet uncomplicated kitchen. The utensils on the wall are their own form of art.
2. Hello pop of color! It's great when you can start from scratch like this, using the same color and size frames. It makes quite a statement.
3. Once again, big fan of the white frames. But I liked how they used not only photos, but quotes, child's art, etc . . . to create a very cozy wall.
You also need to determine the "style" of your galley wall. Perhaps you're the kind of person that needs every angle to match up perfectly. Investing in a laser level will help you achieve that look. For me, I'm a fan of just laying the frames in a pleasing manner with as close to equal space between them as possible. "Dry fitting" them on the floor first is a good idea. There are also a ton of great tutorials on the web for achieving the perfect look. But we're not about perfection here in the Christianson household. :)
As for locations, there is no wrong place for a galley wall. Most people would use a hallway as a general area, but think about the kitchen (as seen above), the kid's playroom or even a bathroom. I found the perfect spot for us is up our stairs. It makes a statement on an otherwise boring wall space.
So, for years I've collected frames on sale, clearance, flea markets, etc . . . and just kept a supply and slapped them on the wall when I had that just right photo to display. This eclectic mish-mash of frames worked for quite awhile.
But recently I did a swooping change in the living room, and the eclectic mish-mash just wasn't cutting it anymore. But I was also being strict with our budget, and although I love the look of all white or all black frames, I wasn't about to replace the complete collection. So, I kept all the white and black frames, and then painted all the other frames with a punch of teal and chartreuse, to highlight some of the pops of color in our living room.
So, you're thinking to yourself, "Awwww . . . I do love the look of galley walls, but damned if I can keep all those frames straight?!? And being the "A" personality that I am, I won't attempt it unless I know I can have 90 degree perfection!" You were thinking that, weren't you?!?
Here's where I tell you about a trick?
Glue dots.
There. I said it. The trick is glue dots.
Yup. Those funky little dots you buy in the scrapbooking section of AC Moore or Michael's. If you have a frame that slips out of horizontal for you, just put a glue dot in the corners. And if it's being a little bugger, don't be afraid to layer the dots on top of each other. I've had to do this with some heavier frames and it worked like a charm.
So, now your excuse of crooked frames is squashed. Get to that galley wall.
