Quite a while back I promised to turn the camera around and show more of our media room. This space has been a slow project. It’s where our family watches TV, but it sits up on the top floor where few people wander unless we have a big gathering. Because of that, decorating it wasn’t my top priority when other projects demanded attention. At least it was comfortable — our sectional made sure of that.
Still, I wanted the room to feel more personal, to reflect things that matter to our family. Since we use it often, it deserved a bit more thought and care.
In our previous home we had large stairwells and expansive walls perfect for family photos, so we brought countless framed pictures with us when we moved. In this smaller house, however, wall space is limited and windows abound. I love the light the windows bring, but they left little room for displaying photos, so many frames remained tucked away in closets.
At last, we decided the one blank wall in the media room would be the perfect place for a family gallery. After a fresh coat of paint (Polished Gray by Glidden), we were ready. Pulling everything out of storage felt overwhelming — and surprisingly joyful — as we rediscovered old photos and memories. Our frames were a mismatched collection, so we embraced an eclectic look and used them as they were, without repainting or altering them. That felt oddly liberating, because sometimes my urge for perfection stops me from doing anything at all.
There are moments when updating or adding new pieces makes sense, but I have a soft spot for projects that use what we already own. When every object matches perfectly, a room can lose some of its cozy, collected character. I prefer a few quirky, mismatched touches here and there. Gallery walls are ideal for that kind of expression — they can evolve over time and become a meaningful collage of memories.
We selected frames that worked with the wall and arranged them in a casual, haphazard grouping. Old memories sit next to new ones — perfectly imperfect, with no strict order other than favorites gathered together so we can remember our blessings each time we pass by.
I love being able to create a meaningful room using what I already have — don’t you?
See other gallery walls I’ve created: stairway gallery (with tips for an eclectic gallery wall), family room gallery wall, kids’ bathroom makeover, and my son’s bedroom.
Announcements!
1) Today is our first Home Love Stories Block Party! The theme is #AroundTheTable. Visit Home Love Stories to share photos of your dining areas and view others. Search “#aroundthetable” to find participants and inspiration.
2) My first book, Love the Home You Have, is still available at 50% off for e-book pre-orders (releases March 31st). It’s a great deal if you’re planning to grab a copy.
3) If you have a moment, I’d be grateful for your vote in the BHG Blogger Awards. Voting is open — follow the instructions on the voting page to select The Inspired Room in the decorating blogs category. Thank you so much!