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How To Upscale A Plain Wall

When decorating a home, we’re often focused on bigger items to add in rooms such as furniture or appliances. But something that can be forgotten are the walls of a home, and how to decorate them to be cohesive and fluid with the rest of a room. Walls should be considered before you even get furniture, as your aesthetic can influence the decor pieces you want to include. Regardless of where you begin, decorating walls is critical to finalizing a room. Keep reading to find some creative ideas on how to make the most of an empty wall.


Gallery Wall

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A great way to catch a visitors eye, gallery walls share a story behind the person who lives in the home. An upgrade to just one or two photos, a gallery wall is able to display a collection of meaningful moments in your life that you cherish. Incorporating images of family and friends is a simple reminder of the memories you’ve made with the people you love. When choosing a layout for your gallery wall, keep in mind the space you are working with and go from there. If you’re going for a cohesive aesthetic, make sure to  get matching photo frames to give the space a clean look. Having all similar frames makes the photos look as if they belong together, finishing a room nicely. However if you’re going for a more unique gallery wall, curating mismatched frames can add some spunk to a room. 

If you’re looking to make a statement wall that deviates from the everyday photo gallery, curate a wall that has 3-D elements. Hanging things on a wall doesn’t have to just be for pictures! If you have a collection of hats, arranging them on a wall doubles as a visual aesthetic as well as easy access when you’re completing your outfit. Another idea is to get a woven wall hanging with colors that compliment the surrounding room colors. For a more personal touch that you can cater your own taste to, create your own for a fun craft project. 


Floating Shelves

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A beneficial way to make more floor space without giving a room a cluttered feel is to incorporate floating shelves.l. They need minimal space since they’re hung from the wall and there are several different styles of shelving you can play around with. Floating shelves can be used to spice up a plain wall by storing trinkets, trophies, and knick knacks in a place where they won’t get knocked down. 

Adding some plants to your floating shelves are a creative way to make a simple wall stand out as well. Besides having a bright pop of color everytime you pass by, plants have been linked to many health benefits as well. They  remove toxins from the air and release oxygen, meaning that you have a natural air purifier and wall decor all in one. With hundreds of plants that are suited for a home, you’ll be able to find one that you enjoy at your local greenhouse or hardware store. Many don’t even need much care besides watering them a few times a month!


Washi Paper

image © Apium via Flickr

If you’ve never heard of Washi paper, it’ll totally change your wall decor status. Originating over 1,300 years ago, washi is paper made from natural plant fibers such as bamboo, hemp, or native tree bark from Japan. The paper is flexible and strong, and a good alternative to traditional paper that is derived from wood pulp and cotton.  

While it has various uses, one trend that has been especially popular has been for wall decals. The paper can be made into tape that comes in various colors, widths, and even prints. It can be used to create customized geometric wall designs, and can easily be found in craft stores and online. The best part? You can effortlessly remove the tape from walls without any residue left behind, and reposition easily if need be. Whether you like to change your wall decor often or want to preview a design before you paint it, washi tape is something you need. 

Starting from scratch on decorating a wall in a home is a fun way to explore your creative freedom and see what you can come up with! Whether you live alone, with roommates, or your family, play around with different pieces to put on your wall to create cohesion and flow in your home. 


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