Please welcome my special guest today, Emily from Chatting at the Sky! I met Emily when we, along with her sister Nester and Sandy from Reluctant Entertainer, all roomed together at Blissdom this year. It was a delight to spend time with her in person—she’s warm and genuine.
Emily has a beautiful home and, more importantly, a life that reflects that warmth. I’m thrilled she’s here at The Inspired Room!
Welcome Emily!
One of my favorite ways to decorate is with photographs. They are simple, honest storytellers that freeze a moment and preserve it. An important lesson I’ve learned is that photos don’t need to be technically perfect to communicate love, beauty, and belonging.
The real challenge for me is moving those digital images off the computer and into frames. Sometimes I sort through a hundred pictures to find five or ten worth printing. Still, seeing a cherished memory framed and sitting on a shelf in the living room is always worth the effort.
Right now I tend to print my photos in black and white because it’s easier on the eye. Color photographs can be lovely, but when I look at an image every day I prefer to notice my daughter’s expression rather than the pink-and-blue striped shirt she happened to wear that day.
Several walls in my home feature clustered photo displays. Those inexpensive frames—often under $8 each—give me a simple way to showcase my favorite people without fuss.
When I think about what inspires me most in my home, framed photos are at the top of the list.
Tips to get you started
1. Decide you’ll print just five photos. Limiting your choices makes the process easier.
2. Choose images that are fairly close-up on faces to minimize background distractions.
3. Upload your selections to a trusted online printer—many people like mpix.com for quality prints.
4. Convert the images to black and white while previewing them online to see how they read without color.
5. Print them at one consistent size, such as 5×7, or keep it simple by mixing only 4×6 and 8×10.
6. Your prints will arrive by mail in a few days, so you don’t need to leave home.
7. Shop for frames during sales—Hobby Lobby often runs half-off-frame promotions—or check discount stores for plain white frames.
8. Consider removing the glass from frames to reduce glare, especially on clustered displays.
9. Insert your photos into the frames and arrange them where they make you smile.
All photos copyright Emily, Chatting at the Sky.
Thank you, Emily!