The Reno Projects

A Designer Tip – Collage Your Life

As I wait for my house, I dream of many different ideas for the space; re upholster my couches, get a new TV, new area rug, etc. The list could really go on and on, however, the money supply ends pretty quickly. This is where my “creative” juices come into play. I need to come up with innovative solutions that will not cost me an arm and a leg. My first task, wall decor, and even more specifically pictures.

In this day of digital photography, we all can call ourselves the next Ansel Adams. We have more pictures than we know what to do with. Here is the solution….create a beautiful wall of photos and paintings for a fraction of the cost it would be to buy them. Not only is it a penny saver, but it is also personalized. Anything can be framed: postcards, letters, children’s paintings, magazine cut outs, etc. Place things of value to you that you want to look at and treasure each day.

The next trick once you have found these items is to frame and hang them. Some of my tips to make this process easier for you:

*use old frames from other pictures/paintings you don’t like. Reuse, baby!

*Search through your old collection of pictures and paintings. Take these to a custom framing store and have them updated. You would not believe the difference and you may find yourself enjoying the piece all over again.

*Depending on the look you may want, frames can vary, or instead, be all the same. This is completely up to you, either way, it will still work!

*Go to antique stores, flea markets, Sally Ann’s to find interesting frames that won’t cost alot. A can of spray paint can do a world of good to those pieces.

*Lay out your frames on the floor in front of the wall you are decorating. Arrange them on the floor as you wish to see them on the wall. Take the centre photo, hang it and base the remaining photos off of that starting point.

*Don’t be rigid with your hanging. Sometimes the best collage are the ones that lack symmetry and order. Be creative!

Here are some inspirational pics to get you inspired for your collage wall! I can’t wait to get working on mine!

A monochromatic collage with different frame sizes, but all black and
white images (and note,on a gray background)
via
Again, the use of continuity in the frame colour and images,
but not in the size.
via
Travel memorabilia is one of the more interesting subject
matters to frame. This collage is filled to the brim, making a huge impact
on the space.
via

Using wall collages as the focal point of the room adds interest
and distracts from the fact that there is no headboard. Instead, the photos
are the headboard.
via
Here, I took all the client’s old pieces, updated
a few and made a powerful impact on a vary large wall. No two pieces are the same
but somehow, it all works!
http://kmsalterdesign.com/portfolio/

Last, here is an example of a quiet collage. These images were found
magazine tears my client enjoyed. Simple, found art creates
a contemporary, clean feel with the matching frames.
http://kmsalterdesign.com/portfolio/
As you can see, it’s all about the creativity and making it your own. One last tip I would suggest is trying to use frames with matting. It isn’t always necessary, but it makes the pieces more custom and pronounced amongst it’s frame. Now get to it. Open those photos boxes, and piles of memorabilia, and start collage-ing! If anyone cares to submit there collage, I would be happy to feature them on my blog!
Good luck!
K

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