I have installed a gallery wall in every apartment or home that I have owned. Over the years, I have used a variety of framing methods, from buying frames from Target and IKEA to using a custom framing shop. I usually let the art piece and budget restrictions determine which path I will take. Like most things, though, I think the magic lies in the mix. You can really elevate simple, store bought frames by arranging them alongside more luxe frames.

Here are a few examples of each type of framing method, arranged cheapest to most expensive, along with my thoughts on each.

Frames bought from Target. Using store bought frames is cheap, quick, and allows you to easily change out the picture inside. Plus, Target and IKEA have some great looking options with interesting mats to really set off the image. I like to use this method for photos, since I change out the photos every so often.

Art-to-Frame custom frames. Art-to-Frame is one of my favorite sources for when you need a custom sized frame for an inexpensive print or poster, or even a painting picked up in a flea market like the one in the gold frame below. They have a variety of options and ship right to your home. I will note that the frames do not come with the hanging attachments already on, so you will have to install. For me, this little bit of work is worth it for the price.

Framebridge. Framebridge offers a great custom service for a good price. Their website is convenient and you can ship them the piece directly and have it returned a few weeks later. My favorite framing choices from them, however, came when I visited their store in Williamsburg, NYC. They have many more frame and mat options in store, and you work with their framing experts as you make a decision. Since it is not exactly a cheap service, I like having the expertise available. Also, this is a small thing, but the extra options can really make a difference. For example, I had the black and white floral print below framed online using a floating style. They did not offer an off-white background online, however, so it came with a white background. While it still looks good, the difference in color does bother me a little. When I went in store, they had the option for an off white background like the center picture.

Frames from an art gallery that were included with the piece. If I am buying a piece from an art gallery, I try to have them keep the original frame on whenever possible. They have already used their expertise and judgement to select a frame, and often the method they use is more expensive than what I can do on my own. I also consider the frame as part of the piece, and it saves the hassle of framing it yourself down the line.

Custom frame from a frame shop. I have only used this method once, on a large piece that I bought at an art fair. It looks incredible, but it did cost an arm and a leg. It is likely not something I will do again unless I buy a very special piece.

A mix of several framing methods in the assemblage below. Clockwise from top – Art-to-Frame, frame included with piece, and Target frame.

From this recipe.

As with the dining room, I didn’t want to wait until the living room was “finished” until I took pictures. We have all of the furniture we need, but I still want to paint and switch out the roman shades to something more modern. The room still makes me happy, and I’m glad I didn’t wait to paint before installing the artwork.

We bought our first home last April, and unlike my previous decor projects, I have taken things very slowly. We expect to be in this home for a long time, so I wanted to be very deliberate about how each room should look and feel. It is also quite expensive to go from a 1 bedroom apartment to a large house, so budget has dictated that we only buy a few things at a time. The dining room is far from finished, but I thought it would be fun to see the progress. So far we have switched out the light fixtures and purchased a new table. New chairs and wallpaper are next!

Listing photo

New light fixtures and table

Wallpaper contemplations

Lately I have been missing Paris. Since I won’t be going any time soon, I re-created a dish that we had for breakfast at Hotel Providence. I loosely followed this recipe, and served it with thin slices of sourdough bread.

Although I am reading much more slowly these days, I am intent to carve out time to do so whenever I can.

I just made this salted butter chocolate cake, and it was a perfect antidote to these cold and dark days.

After COVID and all the life changes over the past few years, I came to the sad realization that I will never again wear stilettos. I sent off several pairs to The Real Real, and realized that I needed more comfortable flats that aren’t sneakers or sandals. I found this pair of loafers from The Row on super sale, and the leather is soft and luxurious. Plus, the bright color will punch up my outfits.

So much has changed in this past year. Part of what kept me sane was having an organizational system in place, so I didn’t have to spend excess time and energy figuring out where things went. Organizational systems need maintenance, though, and I had neglected this until recently. I am currently going through the whole house to see what I can improve, and the kitchen is first. While this spice/baking cabinet was okay before, I knew it could be improved.

I used mostly blue Ball jars that I already had, but ordered these spice jars from Amazon. A few hours spent consolidating, labeling with a white paint pen or stickers, rearranging, and tossing out unusable items resulted in a new cabinet system that makes me happy every time I open it.

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