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Decorate with Dimension
Go beyond framed art work with murals, collections, texture, panels and light
We all have favorite pictures, such as family photos or artwork, we want to display. But there are so many other options beyond framed pieces you can use for color and interest in your interior design. Whether it comes from a collection of memorabilia, natural items or covering an entire wall in an interesting material, decorating with dimension and texture makes a whole new design statement.
Use natural materials as sculptural items or just for their texture. These three forms of coral on subtle acrylic shelves add much interest to this elegant dining room.
Incorporate a mural into the scheme. There are so many talented artists who can paint favorite travel schemes, landscape, and interesting vignettes for any room in the house. The mural surrounding this dining table makes you feel as if you're in some remote and romantic location in the Far East. What a great room in which to spend the evening with friends and family.
The walls in this bathroom are covered in a mural, so there's less need for additional art. The simple branches and flowers wrapped around the corners cause your eye to flow around the room making the space feel larger.
Tip: When working in a smaller room, considering decorative elements that move the eye around the room. This might some wall treatment, horizontally oriented artwork or well-structured vignettes scattered about.
Tip: When working in a smaller room, considering decorative elements that move the eye around the room. This might some wall treatment, horizontally oriented artwork or well-structured vignettes scattered about.
There is something so special about creating a "tree" from which to hang artwork. It creates a sense of whimsy and fantasy in a child's room.
The wall in this boy's room is filled with memorabilia from his love of sports. The color and texture in the medals, ribbons, banners and jersey personalize the space.
This wall at the end of a dining table is covered in rock to create a one-of-a-kind focal point. The juxtaposition of the rough rock, candlelight, sleek furnishings — with a little greenery to soften the edges — is a lesson in contrasts and balance.
I tell clients all the time to leave space on their shelves or walls for a collection. There is something so rewarding about the hunt for special or intriguing items — even tiny liquor bottles. Two back-lit glass cabinets highlight the collection, creating a wall like no other.
So, you don't have two large back-lit display cases? Put sturdy shelves above a buffet or built-in cabinet and fill with a collection of sculptural bowls. The light celery-green walls are a perfect backdrop to all these wood tones.
A stunning monochromatic collection of plates, platters, tureens and cake stands fill a traditional built-in buffet — and negate any need for other art in this dining room.
Create architectural interest with wall-hung fretwork. A deep, chocolate brown wall and simple panels create a stunning focal wall. I love how the panels play off the modified ladder-back chairs.
For other interesting wall hangings like these, consider shopping at a local antiques store. There are many carved panels coming from China or other South Pacific nations these days that will also work beautifully.
What are some other items you've hung on your walls instead of traditional framed art?
More: Art of the Unexpected
10 Design Strategies for Art Lovers
20 Alternatives to Fine Art
For other interesting wall hangings like these, consider shopping at a local antiques store. There are many carved panels coming from China or other South Pacific nations these days that will also work beautifully.
What are some other items you've hung on your walls instead of traditional framed art?
More: Art of the Unexpected
10 Design Strategies for Art Lovers
20 Alternatives to Fine Art