Final Touches to Your Renovation

Finishing off renovations on your home is very exciting. After all your careful planning it can feel like a fresh start. You now have a place that better reflects your family, your lifestyle and your tastes. But looking at all your blank walls, you might be thinking that something is missing! Your house needs the final touches to make it feel like it’s truly yours. 

Hanging framed art is one of the best ways to give your home personality and make it feel like your very own haven. Whether it’s photos of your loved ones, a painting that really speaks to you or items that hold precious memories, framed art can transform a room and help you create an inviting mood.

What Should You Frame?

Your favourite pieces of artwork and cherished family photographs are first to come to mind when thinking about what to frame. However, there are many other options which can bring a room alive with your unique memories and tastes. Here are a few alternative ideas of things you could frame to add a personal touch to your walls: 

• Rugs or fabrics you may have collected on your travels
• Sports memorabilia 
• Mirrors
• Maps
• Puzzles
• Vintage comic books
• Letters from loved ones
• Baby clothing
• Pressed flowers or leaves
• Flags

To give your items the attention they deserve, you can’t go wrong with some custom frames.It really is the best way to ensure the right fit, style and colours that will make your items pop. Custom picture frames not only look fabulous, but are a very practical way to protect your precious momentos. 

How to Style With Framed Art

Got some blank walls to fill after your renovation but don’t know where to start? Below we’ve put together our top 10 tips for styling with framed art. Get ready to transform your home!

Plan For the Big Picture

If you have a number of framed pieces to hang, a little planning will go a long way. Before you start hanging pieces up here and there, take your time to figure out how it will all fit together harmoniously. A neat trick is to cut out paper rectangles the same sizes as your frames and play around with arrangements. There are also some pretty handy apps which allow you to digitally imagine your artworks in place.

Choose the Right Frame

There’s no doubt about it - the right frame will help your art or object get the attention it deserves. For the best results, always choose custom frames. That way you can control the shape, materials and colours that complement what you’re framing. Good quality custom picture frames will also protect your artwork so that you can enjoy it for years to come.

Mat Effectively

Some artwork looks best with matting and the right matting will draw attention to the art, not away from it. In some cases, such as large photo prints or posters, you might find it looks best without matting. Whatever you are framing, let the art lead your decision. Our friendly in-store framing experts can help guide you on whether or not matting would be the best choice for your piece.

Mix Different Types of Framed Pieces

A great way to add interest and draw the eye is by mixing and matching different types of framed pieces. For example, you could display a large framed map next to a print of a ship and a framed nautical scarf. The different materials, textures and shapes will add a dynamic element to your walls. 

Choose Your Colours

Colours have a powerful effect on how a space feels. Go bold to create a statement space or choose soft, pastel colours to make the room feel calm. If you have already decorated your home with furniture and decor items, try to choose framed pieces which will harmonise with the colours and style that’s already there. 

Pay Attention to Proportions

A large empty wall should have a larger framed piece. A smaller wall space should have a smaller frame. Get your proportions mixed up and your walls can start looking oddly crowded or strangely sparse. If you have a large wall, but don’t want one huge framed piece on it, consider creating a gallery wall.

Create a Gallery Wall

Gallery walls are really popular right now. Done well, they can be a very striking feature for your home. Choose pieces which complement each other and plan out where they’ll hang before putting them up. A handy tip is to align the pieces by their centres, rather than the top or bottom of the frames.

Give Your Framed Pieces Room to Breathe

The ‘white’ wall space around custom picture frames is a really important element. If you crowd out your walls, the art or photos will get lost. Let them get the attention they deserve and give them room to breathe.

Hang at Eye Level

When hanging your pieces, it’s usually best to do so at eye level height. That way people will be able to see and appreciate the pieces best.

Think Beyond the Walls

Walls aren’t the only place to display your custom picture frames. Think about displaying them on shelves, book cases, fire mantles, tables and low cupboards too. Mix in some candles, ceramics or plants and you’ll have an attractive little statement spot.

 

Need Advice About Framing?

If you’re excited about putting the finishing touches on your home, but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help. At Portfolio Picture Framers, for over 30 years we have been creating stunning custom frames to help people like you show off their photos, art and memorabilia. Get in touch with us today to see how we can assist you.