Wake up dull living room walls with creative decor ideas.
Collect Over Time
JAMES RANSOM
This charming living room is bursting with meaning.
It tells a story using art collected by homeownerDorothy Shain Hendersonand her husband William.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
“When William and I started dating, we decided to buy a work of art together every year.
It didn’t have to be fancy, just something that we both loved,” says Henderson.
She scored all the framed pieces from local antiques malls.
Credit:HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ STYLING BY: HOLLY SMITH
The large painting makes a statement and holds its own under a stunning chandelier.
She layered the blue-and-white wallcovering with colorful artwork in complementary hues to bring the space to life.
Coordinated colors allows the space to feel more cohesive.
Credit:James Ransom
Framed prints are paired on either side of the bay window.
A large ornate mirror reflects light, making the room appear larger.
The botanical theme is repeated on throw pillows.
âWhen William and I started dating, we decided to buy a work of art together every year. It didnât have to be fancy, just something that we both loved,â says Henderson.Credit:JAMES RANSOM
Stacking the wood sideways shows off the multi-hued grains in each sign in an artistic fashion.
It also adds a pop of color to an otherwise monochromatic space.
Make Smart Substitutes
Covering an entire living room in luxe wallpaper is pricey.
Credit:LAUREY W. GLENN
Gold and black frames contrast with the blue hues in this space.
It’s a personal touch you’re certain not to find anywhere else.
Creating a large gallery wall of prints allows their subtle hues to shine.
Credit: Mary Katherine Morris
Though Brittney’s fond of the print, she’s not so keen on its color scheme.
“Even the things you don’t love can work in the right space,” she says.
Task lights and plush pillows make the space even more inviting.
Credit: Evan Sklar
Make Unexpected Artwork
A personal piece of decor hangs in garden designerP.
Allen Smith’s Little Rock cottage.
He mounted an assortment of old farm tools over the mantel.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Lizzie Cox
The idea is cost-efficient, and he says, “Original artwork adds so muchsoul to a home.”
Repeated shapes and themes, such as the birds shown here, ties an eclectic collection together.
Interesting architectural features can serve as wall decor on their own.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
A cowhide rug adds to the rustic feel.
“There’s a lot of fun in not overthinking,” she adds.
“This is a family home in every sense of the word,” she says.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Barbara Schmidt
“I’ve loved that piece ever since I was a little girl.”
Other meaningful items on display include a duck-hunting scene painted by her mom’s great-grandmother.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Annie Schlechter; Styling: Matthew Gleason
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper
Credit: Helen Norman; Styling: Lizzie Cox
Credit: Mary Craven
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
Credit: Helen Norman
Credit: Heidi Harris; Designer: Morse Design
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Lisa Tudor/FT45
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Lizzie Cullen Cox
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez
Credit: Photo: Annie Schlechter; Styling: Matthew Gleason
