Consider both color and composition when selecting inspirational photos.
Create a welcoming living and dining room by decorating plain, boring walls with inspirational photos. The photos that inspire you will likely create a comfortable space that you enjoy spending time in, whether the photos are family portraits, nature images or skyline pictures of the cities you dream of visiting. Surrounding yourself with the images and words that you find inspirational can make your home feel more secure and peaceful. Use the inspirational photos as the focal point in the rooms and decorate around them.
Instructions
1. Paint the walls in a color that complements the inspirational photos you wish to display. The walls will provide the background for the pictures and play a big role in how the living room and dining room look and feel. For example, use bright white if you want to highlight black and white pictures with a modern style. Alternatively, soft blues work for beach or ocean themed rooms and generally create relaxing spaces.
2. Frame the inspirational pictures. Use similar frames to unite the pictures in both rooms, though the frames don't have to match exactly. Choose a single color, wood stain, metallic finish or style for all of the frames. Alternatively, use the same style in different finishes, such as silver in the living room and gold in the dining room.
3. Arrange the pictures on a table or floor to get an idea of how the arrangement will look on the wall. Line them up in a grid-like arrangement if you prefer clean lines or mix different sizes in a seemingly random pattern with a large anchor photo and one straight line along the top, bottom, side or in the center of the arrangement. Larger pictures are ideal for big wall spaces, while smaller pictures can fill narrow walls.
4. Mark the spot on the wall with a pencil where each picture will hang. Measure the space between pictures and plan to hang the anchor or most important photo so the center of the image rests just above eye level. The proper eye level will be lower if you will typically view the photos from a seated position.
5. Hang the inspirational photos on picture hooks or nails. Use stronger hooks or multiple hooks for larger pictures. Use a wall that you will look at the most so you can enjoy the photos often. Position a mirror on the wall opposite from the inspirational photos so you can see the images in the reflection if you want to view the pictures from all angles.
6. Accessorize the room with other items and images that complement the inspirational photos. Smaller pictures that relate to the larger ones can occupy tables or shelves. Add other items, such as a clear jar full of seashells to complement inspirational photos of the beach or family beach vacation pictures. Inspirational words, phrases or quotes, such as "Live, Laugh, Love," can be framed next to the inspirational photos or put up on the wall with decorative vinyl wall decals.
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