So, as discussed in my last post, I’ve been playing around with the gallery wall in my dining room.  This gallery wall has been in progress for more than a year now and it’s still not completed.  Well, considering how long and arduous a process it is to pull one together, I guess I’m not that surprised.

I think, like rooms, gallery walls look better when they are collected over time.  Why can’t any old crap be thrown up on a wall and be called done?  If only it were that easy but I’ll get to that in a minute.

As a little background, we just got a new television for the dining room.  If you are new here and wondering why the hell I have a television in my dining room, well, to make a long story short, W wanted it and I had to find a way to work around it.  Now that we have it, I can’t imagine not having it there.  Smack in the centre of the house, the room has become the hub of our house – we spend most of our time in there, especially in the early evenings, as it’s open to the kitchen so we can have it on while making dinner, listening to music (hello BBC 6 Music and XFM), whilst cleaning, faffing on our laptops at the dining table or playing SingStar on a Saturday night (within easy reach of the bar cart of course for dutch courage).

So back to the new television.  It’s much thinner and so sits farther back on the wall which is great because that means it blends in so much better with the rest of the gallery wall as it’s got the same depth of other items.

We’ve also decided to sit it a bit lower on the wall, better to be seen whilst sat at the table.

Here’s an old picture of what the television used to look like so you can see what I mean…

And here’s the protrusion of the new one.  Much better, no?

Well, once it was up, it was obvious that a bit of a rethink was in order as to the items on the wall.  The gallery had begun with less than 10 items and has grown little by little over the past year where I have been adding and changing things ad hoc although not really changing the configuration of the original items too much.  Changing the placement of the telly gave me an opportunity to rethink the whole wall.

I started with a new piece that that had originally been placed at the far left corner of the wall as that was the only place it would fit in the existing configuration so I decided it would work better due to it’s size and shape, closer to the centre.

I think every room needs a bit of a sense of humour, don’t you? :)

I added the photos that originally were in the living room, one of which was taken on an impromptu trip to the North Wales coast and another of W and I wrapped up against the cold during a city break we took to Reykjavik, Iceland.

I also added a  new print showing the UK silhouetted against lots of colourful Union Flags.

During the process, I realised that a couple of pieces just didn’t ‘speak’ to me anymore and so, they went!   Edit, edit, edit!

It was a great exercise rethinking and reworking the whole wall and I decided now might be a good opportunity to share 10 tips for creating your own gallery wall.  These aren’t hard and fast rules by any means but if you are considering starting a gallery wall, there’s a few things to bare in mind.

1.  Start small and work up:  You can begin with a small collection.  How small depends upon the size of your wall and the size of your pieces.  I started with around 10 pieces.  A year later, there are 24 pieces (not including the television) and it’s still not complete as my plan is to cover the ENTIRE wall.  I figure I’ll need around 10 more pieces for it to be ‘done’.  This is a long term project, so don’t expect it’s going to be done overnight – but, hey, that’s part of the fun.

2.  If you’re not sure where to start, stick to a loose theme:  It’s easier to pull together a collection when you’ve got a direction to take it.  So whether that’s by subject matter, by colour palette, or even by similar frames or coloured mats, make sure that at least 80% of the items you choose stick to this theme.  If 20% fall outside that theme, it’ll still work as it breaks things up and keeps it all interesting.

3.  Make sure it reflects you and your personality:  You are the one living with this every single day, no one else.  Make sure you actually like what you put on the wall and that it reflects your personality and those living in your home with you.  Don’t be so self-conscious about your collection that you are afraid of whether something is trendy or cool – if you love it, it probably works.

4.  Try Before You Buy:  This is an oldie but goodie.  Simply trace your frames onto paper and place on the wall with blue tack or similar to decide on your rough format before you start making holes in the wall.   You can also try creating the layout on a floor first before you recreate it on your wall.  Bare in mind, however, that this is by no means foolproof.  Sometimes, biting the bullet and just getting some stuff up there works best as you can better assess a balance of colour, scale and style when it’s actually vertical.

5.  Decide whether you want something casual or formal:  Your spacing will play a part in whether or not your final wall looks chilled and casual or chic and classy.  The more random the spacing, the more casual the look.  If you have everything perfectly spaced, it’ll look more formal.  I find using the 80/20 rule works here too.  If you have a couple of pieces that are more widely or closely spaced, you will end up with something that looks cohesive without being too stuffy.


6.  Don’t be afraid to hang stuff up that wouldn’t normally go on a wall:  You don’t just have to hang prints and canvases.  Mixing in bits and pieces of random paraphernalia keeps things interesting, especially if they have special meaning to you.  So tickets to a gig, the keys of your first home, your kid’s art project, an old interesting branch fallen in your back garden – it’s all game.

7.  Don’t take the whole thing too seriously I:  There’s nothing wrong with adding a bit of humour to your wall.  If it makes you smile, it’ll probably make other people smile as well.

8.  Don’t take the whole thing too seriously II:  Don’t be afraid to try and fail and try again.  You are going to end up putting more holes in your wall than you intended.  But ya know what?  Just do it.  There’s nothing a touch of filler and a bit of paint can’t put right.  When I was rearranging, I got the paint out and followed myself around with a paint brush to touch up (it helps if you’ve got flat paint on the wall because touch ups blend in).  It’s all part of the process.  I tend to hang stuff with picture hooks (like these which will take the weight of most standard framed prints) rather than drilling large holes in the wall or using nails because a tiny pin hole ‘oops’ is less obvious than a huge hole ‘oops’.  Obviously, use fixings that are appropriate to what you are hanging but that’s what the filler and paint is for.

9.  Mix it up: No matter whether you are going for something formal or casual, the most interesting schemes mix landscape and portrait shapes.  Getting a good balance of small, medium and large items keeps the eye moving along as well.

10.  Allow for the wall to grow and change with you.  Don’t be afraid to edit or remove things that no longer work for you or for your scheme.  One or two new pieces can be enough to refresh the whole wall or pick up an additional colour in your scheme.  (I’d like to add a few pops of turquoise going forward.)

So that’s what I’ve learned whilst attempting to create my own gallery wall.  It’s not done yet, as I said, but I’m enjoying the process and I’ll probably be a bit sad when it’s all done!  (On second thought, I’ll probably just start a new one somewhere else!) Have you created your own gallery wall?  Want to share some tips of your own?  Want to link to your own?  The comment box awaits for your contribution!

PS If I get enough links to others’ gallery walls, I’ll do another post showcasing ‘Readers’ Walls’ (kinda like Readers’ Wives but less saucy) so get commenting or you can email me on swoonworthyblog{at}gmail{dot}com. :)


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My little neglected makeup/dressing room has had a glow up 🥰

#swoonworthy #beforeandafter #dressingroom #makeupvanity #closetgoals
My new rug can't compete with that belly.

Rug is from @laredoute_uk (not an ad) not that anyone cares 😅

#kitchendesign
I've really loved making these pretty reusable Christmas crackers! I'm still in the process of finding cute bits for filling them but they'll definitely be a centrepiece for my table this year!🎄💕

Suggestions for what to fill them with coming soon!

(By the way, I'm not a skilled seamstress so I'm sure my techniques can be improved but just sharing what worked for me 🤗😅)

Let me know if this is something you'd try? ❤️

#swoonworthy #christmasdecor #christmascraft #diychristmas #diycrafts #easysewingproject
On 22 October 2022, I married my best friend! I can't believe it's been a whole year (and one day) I've been calling @2nilup my husband 🥰 We've been together for 15 years now and I simply can't and wouldn't want to imagine my life without him ❤️ 

#youandmeagainsttheworld #2222 

Photography: @violajayphotography 
Flowers: @primroseavenuefloral 
Dress: @camillawithlove
DIY REFILLABLE CHRISTMAS CRACKERS 🎄🎉

I've been thinking about making refillable crackers for so many years now - I just hate the waste the disposal ones create! So I'm so excited I've finally gotten around to starting this project!

I will be sharing more details on how to make them as well as ideas for what to fill them with too so stay tuned for more but in the meantime, what do you think? 

#swoonworthy #diychristmas #christmasdecor #christmascraft #easysewingproject #sustainableliving #ecofriendlyliving
Just wanted to introduce my latest plant baby in my dining room 🪴

It's from @botanique_shrewsbury and it's a Peparomia (I am probably pronouncing it wrong, I keep wanting to say
GUEST BEDROOM REVEAL 🌟

I decided on a whim, 2 weeks before we were expecting visiting family, that our guest bedroom was in desperate need of a refresh.

Well there's nothing like an impending deadline to light a 🔥 under my 🍑 and I managed to clear out the clutter, repaint the woodwork, ceilings and walls and hang wallpaper as well as restyle the room in one week 😅 (Meisha was zero help 😼)

I'm calling it Boho Vintage Victorian Grandma 😆

This wasn't sponsored in any way but the wallpaper and bedding is from @lauraashleyuk and the paint is @earthbornpaints Peach Baby - everything else I already had!

What do you think of the new look? ❤️

#bedroombeforeandafter #guestroom
#bedroommakeover
#beforeandafter
#bedroomdecor #cottagecore #vintagestyle #victorianhouse #ihavethisthingwithpink #bengalsofinstagram
🔥JOIN US ROUND THE FIRE PIT! 🔥

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Thanks to @homefireuk they've made the whole process incredibly easy and enjoyable with their Handy Firepit Bundle which include 2 bags of kindling, 2 bags of natural firestarters and 3 large bags of kiln-dried logs 🪵 for a really great price! 

No more standing around waiting for things to light properly or billowing smoke from wet wood, everything burns beautifully! ☺️ We literally sat around this for hours as the logs last so long, long after the sun set, just chatting and enjoying ourselves! 🥰🍻🔥

Do you love a good firepit in the summer?

#homefire #readytoburn #smokelessbyhomefire #heartofyourhome #logsbyhomefire #summerideas #firepit #gardenideas
San Sebastian photo dump - just a tiny selection 😄

We have had such a fabulous holiday to Basque Country - our first 4 days spent in the beautiful city of San Sebastian, land of pintxos, stunning architecture and some damn good wine.

#sansebastian #travelgram #photodump
A little kitchen reshuffle today so I thought I'd share 🥰

It's been 4 years since we created this space and it's still one of my favourites ♥️

#kitchendesign #kitchendecor #kitcheninspiration #kitchenideas #openshelvingkitchen #kitchenstyling
Ad 🩷 Before and after Deck makeover! 🩷

This little decked patio was looking worse for wear after a wet winter but @frenchicpaint came to the rescue with their beautiful Dusty Blush Alfresco Paint, perfect for all your outdoor projects!

The deck has been a few colours over the past few years but this is definitely the most fun and gives the whole space such a tropical vibe - even in Shrewsbury! 🏝️ 🦩🍹😄

The paint has incredible coverage and was so nice to use - I loved the tools they provided too, especially the oval brush which got into all the nooks and crannies easily!

Let me know what you think of the new colour! 

#frenchicpaint #beforeandafter #deckmakeover #gardeninspiration #gardeninspo #outdoorproject
So on a whim I decided to paint the bedroom pink yesterday 😅🩷

This room has been neglected for so long as I've wanted to fully redecorate for about 3 years now but there are always other bigger priorities or a lack of time/energy/money so I keep putting it off 🙃🙃🙃 (tell me I'm not the only one) but happily this didn't cost a penny as I used what I already had although it did take me the best part of a day!

I went through my paint stash and found that I had extra @coatpaints Percy from when I did the living room early last year -- well I'm not one to let something this good go to waste (honestly this paint is absolutely wonderful to work with and has amazing coverage) and my goodness it's just so pretty in here 🥰 I also moved my pink curtains from my office into here and the whole room just glows!

I might actually be able to live with the mural a little longer until the room gets the attention it deserves! Let me know if you like the change ♥️

*For those who are wondering, it used to be white walls and I had grey curtains! 😅

#swoonworthy #bedroomdecor #bedroommakeover #bedroomdesign #pinkpinkpink #pinkinteriors
A little photo dump from my recent living room shoot because I still love to dig into the details of a still photo 😄💕

#swoonworthy #swoonworthyscents #livingroominspo #livingroomdesign #photodump
ad How to De-stress at Home in 6 Simple Steps 😊

April has been #stressawarenessmonth and so I've teamed up with the wonderful @frenchbedroom to share a few simple tips in creating a cosy sanctuary at home!

One of my favourite ways to add a feeling of comfort and relaxation is with glorious touchable textures and the stunning Mulberry Silk ruffled cushion from French Bedroom not only looks spectacular but feels incredible too! Pairing this with other feel-good fabrics will add depth to your design and will beg you to sink in and unwind 😍

French Bedroom are also now stocking my own home fragrance brand @swoonworthyscents candles, adding another element of calm with scent to your home. I chose No 02 Sunday Morning for my living room with rejuvenating Jasmine and refreshing pine and lemon notes 🥰

Check out my latest blog post for more tips on creating a relaxing sanctuary in your home via the link in my bio!

#swoonworthy #swoonworthyscents #frenchbedroom #livingroominspo #livingroomdesign #calming #aesthetic #cottagecoreaesthetic
Who needs pancakes when you can have Lemon Drizzle Cake with Lemoncello glaze?! 😉🍋

I've had such a craving for this cake for a while so figured I'd make it today! This is a recipe from @bbcgoodfood and it's rather gorgeous 🥰

#baking #lemondrizzle #lemoncake #bakewithlove #shrovetuesday
Are you lucky enough to be owned by a cat? 🐈🐾

#bengallove #bengalsofinstagram #bengalcat #bengal #catsofinstagram #catlife
Finally managed to get the gallery wall completed in our hallway!

I couldn't have been happier with @violajayphotography capturing our little intimate wedding in October and knew as soon as I saw the photos I had to print them for our home! I admit, I've never been one to hang photos but it's probably because all we ever had after 14 years together was selfies 😂🤷🏽‍♀️ I'm so pleased we finally have some lovely shots of us together 🥰

Do you have photos of you/your partner/your family up around your home?? 🤔

#gallerywall #autumnwedding #hallwaydesign #hallwayinspo
✨These little vintage copper pans needed some TLC! ✨

After searching for a while for vintage copper pans, I found these on eBay - they looked quite grim on the ad but I knew they could be shined up nicely! A little @barkeepersfriend later (not an ad!) and I'm loving how they look in my kitchen 🥰

Let me know if you like the new addition ❤️

#kitcheninspo #kitchendesign #vintagestyle #kitchenstyling
Oh hey living room, nice to have you back ☺️

I always feel very ready to remove the excess of Christmas decor pretty much as soon as the 26th arrives but I've been later than usual this Twixmas as we've both been unwell the last couple weeks 🤦🏽‍♀️ Nevertheless, I've managed to get things packed away and I styled this little faux arrangement today for my coffee table so ya know, small victories 😄🙌🏽

#livingroom #livingroominspo #fauxflowers #coffeetabledecor