Wayfair Wall Decor Make-Overs from the Experts

Wayfair Wall Decor Make-Overs from the Experts

Room makeovers include many components. From furniture, to wall color, to lighting, it's easy to forget something. However, bare walls can leave the room feeling bland and boring. Wall décor is the perfect option to create a focal point in the room, all while adding a finishing touch to the room's style.

Wall décor - including wall art, wall accents, and wall mirrors - can brighten and bring life to a room. Here at Wayfair, we're inspired by wall décor transformations. That's why we asked eleven interior designers to share their recent room makeovers featuring wall décor. And look out for our tips to help you utilize wall decorations in your own home!

Tip Round Up from the Experts:

 

Debbie Talianko pro-tip: Here's a trick-- take a photo of the room from several feet back and try to incorporate your furnishings into the shot with the wall you want to decorate. Then print this photo and sketch on top of it (or use an iPad) to plan how you might arrange the art. This will save you lots of patching later on!

"If you're starting with a blank wall, decide the type of art and accessories that will be the most appropriate. Find a common thread among them. For instance, if you are planning a wall in a family room, then most certainly, photos of family vacations, portraits and the kids' art work from school projects will seem right on this wall. The thing about wall décor is not to overdo it. I often explain to my clients that it isn't necessary to fill every space that's available. Instead, go every other wall if you can. By leaving blank walls in between walls with your artwork, you give the eye (the brain) a chance to process what it sees. If there is too much going on, the brain won't be able to process what it sees nor enjoy the view. When arranging art on a wall, think about the shape of the wall space and then mimic the same shape with your artwork. In other words, if the wall is a tall rectangle, then make your group of framed art into a tall rectangular grouping. Also, leave a good amount of border all around it."

 

Marie Flanigan pro-tip: Never underestimate the power of a well-crafted mirror! They enhance light, help narrow spaces appear larger and reflect the lovely details present in your newly designed space.

"Starting with a blank slate can be fun but can also pose a challenging question – where to begin? First, determine which piece or pieces of furniture will be anchoring the space before making a decision about what should adorn the wall as this will help you estimate how large or small your wall décor needs to be. Once you know that, select a piece of art or an architectural element that really speaks to you and allow that to set the tone for the remainder of the space. If the piece is on the smaller side, you can group it into a gallery with other interesting art and artifacts, and if it's large, it may be strong enough to stand on its own. It's important to remember there is a great deal of beauty found in simplicity, so fight the urge to over-design."

 

Jay Britto and David Charente pro-tip: : Our biggest tip? Edit. In order for wall art and coverings to pop they need to have less competition. Keep only what's really serving you and the room and then edit the rest, which will allow your eye to focus on carefully placed wall accents.

"First, everyone has a budget. Finding a way to achieve the luxe look on every budget is part of the fun for the designers. Next, don't be afraid to decorate your walls with materials that are unconventional. If you're decorating a room that's a blank canvas, go for texture. Wall coverings like the one in the bedroom above are an economical way to achieve a 'wow' factor and are a fraction of the price of popular wood paneling or upholstered panels. Frame bold graphics for an eye-catching statement. And don't forget about murals—a hot trend. They are a great way to create drama and one-of-a-kind rooms."

 

Brigid Wethington pro-tip: If you want to be able to add to – or change up – the wall décor later, plan for it. Install floating shelves for leaning items that can be easily switched out and updated. Or, use hanging taps so you don't damage the walls if you want to completely rearrange later.

"Use layers, layers, and more layers. Start with a base, like adding a pattern or texture on the entire wall first, then layer with art and accessories. These also bring in the homeowner's personal style and stories. Function first! Then create focal points to each space. When creating a focal point, go bold: wallpaper, architectural tile and large scale art work create an interesting and unique space."

 

Lauren Hamner pro-tip: People always get stuck with what to put on the wall above a freestanding TV, but I think this is a perfect spot for a couple cool art prints or a tapestry like the one hanging in this condo. 

"It's not necessary to fill every inch of the wall space that you have, but rather have focal points on each wall that give interest to the space without overcrowding it. With a modern design, try to find large wall décor to set the style for your room. A large horizontal canvas, decorative mirror, or framed art above your sofa in the established color scheme you want gives so much more interest to your room instead of a bunch of small frames. Less is more with a modern design aesthetic, so it's key to have a mix of wall décor that complement each other in color, texture and style so you keep your eye guessing without overstimulating it. "

 

Kristi Blok pro-tip: If you are after an industrial look, play with texture! Industrial décor is a style that derived from abandoned warehouses that became open concept dwellings that had open ceilings with exposed piping systems, concrete floors, support wood or steel beams, and oversized windows. Industrial décor is about embracing those raw materials and blending in softer and residential pieces.

"A large and plain wall is a blank canvas for expressing your décor style – it's perfect for art displays, gallery walls, floating shelves, wall paper, bold or deep paint color, mirrors, clocks, murals etc. A blank wall is how one can really complete and pull together the look of a room. When you want to change up the décor in your room, you don't have to completely overhaul the space. Think about the feeling you want in the room and use that as a jumping off point. Achieve that feeling through color, texture and accessories, and keep the basics the same. That's a simple and effective way to change your room without needing a BIG budget. Use that wall space as a backdrop for what you want the room to look/feel like. In this case that brick wall completely transformed the space and added to that industrial look we wanted in the condo. We then complimented that wall with other elements like the reclaimed wood, metal and more to bring that feeling full circle. "

 

Andrea Bazilus pro-tip: The biggest tips we give to anyone regarding any type of art or wall décor are to never be afraid to pick an art piece that is uniquely you. A fun typography piece, an eccentric photo print or a piece with bold subject matter - we have used bold astronaut artwork before! And, contrary to some, we believe your art pieces don't necessarily have to match your other décor!

"After any remodel, we always identify where the placement of art will be throughout the whole home. Oftentimes, we specify where the art will go based on how the furniture in each space lays out. This process is very similar, of course, when we are working with existing decor. We typically choose which walls will have the largest or boldest piece, typically the largest wall, and from there we decide any other decorations as needed. When we do a large graphic or bold art piece, we typically specify that any other art or decor in the space will be more subdued but play off something about the other piece - the same metallic, a similar color palette, or both of them having a lot of white space - so they relate to each other. Also, don't feel you need to put something on every single wall. Sometimes a ton of wall décor can actually be too much of a good thing! Let the pieces you put in your home be special and it will make each one shine."

 

Laura Burton pro-tip: In order to create interest yet cohesiveness through art and wall décor, select a few key walls where you'd like to draw attention. I discourage hanging items on every wall, because in my opinion, the eye needs a few places to rest. 

"Coordinate the selected items to have a visual tie (either through common colors, frame types, materials, etc.) while simultaneously mixing in subtle variety (it's a fine balance). I personally use wall décor selectively to provide a new dimension when most other hanging items remain flat. I also consider wall sconces to serve a similar purpose, as they provide the added layer of light. Wall décor provides the occasional shape, texture or depth that serves to break up the monotony and add some life to the space!"

 

Tani Nielsen pro-tip: Art can really stand on its own. It doesn't have to blend with the same colors as the rest of your décor or be in the exact style as your furniture pieces. Quality artwork is its own unique display that can stand out from its surroundings while drawing your eyes in. 

"Be creative! Use different sizes, different subject matters and fun colors all in the same home. We often have abstract and realistic pieces in the house and use framed and unframed pieces to mix aesthetics as well. I would say go bold! This home was not a new build with fresh architecture, but by adding really bold art pieces, we gave it a more transitional look and updated feel. Every piece is its own statement. Don't pick a theme in color or subject. Let the art speak for itself. "

 

Sarah Dooley pro-tip: Always hang your artwork at 57 inches on center. What do I mean by "on center," you ask? On center, meaning that the center of the overall height of the artwork is always 57 inches above the floor. This is just a tool for overall hanging height of the artwork-obviously, the hook will be higher.

"Who doesn't love art? Art is probably one of the most personal parts of your home and a perfect avenue of self-expression. I often find people have a tendency to hang artwork too high. Why do they do this?! The 57-inch standard represents the average human eye-height or eye-level. 57 inches on center is a very pleasing height for the eye. This tends to be a lot lower than most people naturally hang their artwork. It also means that your artwork is going to hang in closer proximity to the other elements in your home, such as furniture, rugs, lighting, etc. and will therefore 'speak the same language' as everything else in the space, which is a GOOD THING."

 

Mackenzie Collier pro-tip: Layer in lots of textures and colors to get a unique look, but tailor it by working within a scheme—I like a color to be in the room at least three times so it feels intentional.

"To get a refined vintage boho vibe, mix classic midcentury silhouettes with natural wood and folk-inspired textiles. Layer décor over time for a lived-in look. When it comes to accessories, add balance by working in threes and vary sizing and textures so they don't fight with each other for visual attention. Mirrors are great for bouncing light around a space, especially when they are on a wall parallel to a window. Most importantly, relax and have fun with it! "