Art Above the Couch

I know, Penelope. What are we going to do with that big blank wall? We’ve been living our livingroom life with just the blankest wall behind our sectional. About once a month, I look back at it ask my husband, “ugh, what are we going to do with this wall?”

[sectional is the IKEA Kivik in Orrsta Gray | wall color is Benjamin Moore Raccoon Fur]

So first off, I know I want to break up that space on the left with a bookcase. This also solves another of our house problems: we have nowhere to store our books right now. I cannot stop thinking about the Crosby Bookcase from Rejuvenation. It’s been on sale for a long time (which makes me so worried that it will go away for good someday soon) and sometimes, it’s even more on sale. And every time that happens, I promise myself I’ll just order it already. I’m also ready for a refresh on this blanket/pillow situation.

Anyway, this is a post about wall art and not a post about how much I want that bookcase from Rejuvenation, nor is it about blankets and pillows.

 

Ok, so what are we looking at here? This is an overhead view of our living room in SketchUp for you to understand the whole layout. And where that dreamy bookcase will go.

Here’s a pared down shot as if some of our walls and fireplace were invisible. Whatever, it helps! Ok so now you know what we’re working with.

Are we over gallery walls?

[source: Avenue Lifestyle]

Gallery walls have been around since the Salon was packed to the gills from floor to ceiling with the works of new painters, eager to show off their work. The above gallery wall from Avenue Lifestyle is beautifully executed with great visual balance.

I thought I was getting tired of gallery walls, that they’re overdone and stale, but I realized it’s just that they’ve been done dirty. When big box stores got into the gallery wall game with pre-made sets – with their matching frames and art – something was lost. To make a good gallery wall (much like making a well-decorated room) you need to build it over time with pieces that mean something to you, with things you’ve held onto over time. This is why you should always have something vintage in every room, there’s simply something about age and old quality that adds the depth and character needed to “finish” a space.

Andy and I have collected a lot of prints over the years but not original paintings. I think we could reuse a lot of what we already have and carefully add to it with our photographs and some original pieces from artists we love. But what other ideas are rolling around in my head, making a decision so tough? Well…

What about the gallery grid?

[source: Elle Decoration]

I’ve been seeing some stunning gallery grid walls around the internet these days. They are perfectly spaced with art or photographs in the same style or treatment. I’ve seen them with matching chunky mats and small photographs, using negative space so tidily.

Tidiness and minimalism are two things I gravitate toward but am often incapable of executing because I just like too much stuff. Also among my concerns (I told you, this whole thing has been making me throw my arms up for months) is: would a gallery grid feel too carefully calculated? Too intentional? Are those good things? I don’t know who I am anymore.

What if we just keep it simple?

How about one large art?

[source: Yellow Brick Home]

This large grassy print and DIY frame from the ever-talented Yellow Brick Home duo, is a simple but big-impact move. I can see a big and beautiful photo print from one of Andy’s trips or an original painting working so well here. Heck, I can make my own art.

If I go this route, will I agonize about the importance of picking that ONE PIECE?

Please help! How are you feeling these days about art abouve the couch? How about my couch specifically? Are you pro gallery wall? All for a gallery grid? Or down with one large art?