It turned out even better than I envisioned and was SUCH an affordable project, so today I’m going to share my tips for recreating this look in your home! 

TIPS FOR CREATING A VINTAGE STYLE GALLERY WALL

1. Measure your space

You’ll want to start with an idea of how big your gallery wall will be. Measure your available wall space and where you want your frames to hang. 

2. Source vintage style frames

Most of us have unused frames sitting around the house, so I always suggest shopping your home first. Or check with family members to see if they have any old frames they want to get rid of. But if you need to go out and buy picture frames, I recommend checking thrift stores first to look for the most affordable options or antique stores if you’re having a hard time finding ones that look vintage.

Look for simple wood frames with moulding or carved wood details. I personally like either dark or light gray-neutral toned wood vs. the more bright orange toned wood. I also like to mix in a few more ornate gold/brass frames to add some variety. Gather various shapes, sizes and finishes, and buy a few more than you think you’ll need. That way, once you get home and are working on layout, you’ll have options. 

TIP: No matted frames! 

Whether you find authentic antique frames or buy brand new ones with a similar look, showcasing your art inside a bright white mat really takes away from the vintage appeal. Remove the mats from all your frames, unless it’s a true antique white that looks accurate with the age of the frame and artwork.

3. Design your layout

This can be as simple as laying your selected frames on the floor until you find an arrangement you like, or as detailed as the method I used, a sketch on graph paper. 

My bedroom has a sloped ceiling, so I wanted to sketch the available wallspace on graph paper so I could get an accurate visual on how many frames I wanted to use and where their placement should be. This step probably isn’t necessary if you’re only hanging a few similar size frames in a row, but if you’re going for a more eclectic layout with various size frames, I find a detailed sketch to be very helpful!

First, measure the wall and make a note of any outlets, windows, thermostats, etc. Then print out a piece of graph paper and sketch the wall using each square as 1″. Draw your frames to scale, and include a note of the frame opening size so you know what size art/photo prints to order for each frame. I also wrote down whether each print needed to be horizontal or vertical orientation, which is helpful when you’re choosing your art.

4. Choose your artwork

Now that you know how many frames you’ll be using and the exact size/orientation, it’s time to select artwork to display. It may seem daunting to choose even one art print, let alone a whole collection, but I have a tip to make it super simple. Go on Etsy and search for “vintage art print set”. You’ll find thousands of listings for groups of artwork perfectly curated and ready to print in any size you need. North Prints and Olive & Oak are two sellers that I use often for really affordable vintage prints. 

To help me visualize what prints I wanted in which frame, after I purchased the artwork, I uploaded them into a blank canvas on PicMonkey and arranged them according to the sketch I drew.

6. Print your artwork, frame and hang

If you purchase an art digital download like the ones I mentioned in the previous step, you’ll need to have them printed. Since you already have written down what print sizes you need, this step is easy! I have been using Mpix a lot lately, but there are many online print companies you can choose from such as Shutterfly, Vistaprint, or Printique.

Several of the thrifted frames I used didn’t have hanging hardware or needed new hardware, so I purchased a package of sawtooth hangers for just a few dollars. I followed my sketch and measured out exactly where each frame needed to go on the wall. It took me less than 15 minutes!

I am so so so in love with how it all turned out. Tons of charm and character.

Here is a cost breakdown for this project:

I spent around $17 on 7 thrifted frames.
Less than $10 on digital download artwork.
A few I had previously purchased
Prints: three 8 x 10 + two 10 x 13 + one 12 x 18 + one 5 x 7 = $38
The price starts to increase quite a bit on prints larger than 8 x 10

$65 total!

SHOP THIS SPACE:

upholstered bed frame | duvet cover | comforter | gray sheet/pillowcase set
white pillowcase | king size pillows | throw blanket | diy shiplap walls/paint color
roman shade window covering | ceiling fan | rug | lamp
female art print | hydrangea art print | neutral botanical sketch art print
landscape art print | flower vase art print | pattern rug art print | meadow art print

As always, I sincerely appreciate you shopping through the links I share, which allows me to make a small commission from your purchase while your purchase price stays the same. When you use my affiliate links, I’m better able to create content for this blog as well as support my family, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting what I do!

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The post Tips for Creating a Vintage Style Gallery Wall appeared first on Love Grows Wild.

I’ve spent the last few months brainstorming ways to best use the closet space I have and make it feel a little more custom and “me” without spending a lot of money. I found a few things that have made SUCH a difference in the way my closet looks and functions, and I can’t wait to share it all with you today. Check out my newly organized closet!

I don’t have a true “before” photo because I had already made a few small attempts at making my closet more user-friendly before deciding to really give it a good overhaul. But here is a starting point for reference. 

My bedroom is a converted attic space, which is why the ceiling is sloped and the closet is an odd shape/size. Nothing overly exciting… mismatched hangers, random storage bins, and a closet rod ready to pull out of the wall and drop all my clothes on the floor. 

… spoiler alert: that last part did end up happening, which is probably why I decided it was time to finally whip this closet into shape.

The first thing I did was fix the clothing rod situation. I installed several brackets across the length of the closet that would hold both the rod and a shelf on top. Because the wall is sloped, there really isn’t room to store much on the shelf, but I wanted to add it for aesthetic reasons anyway.

It was quite the ordeal trying to find studs in this old house to drill into for the clothing rod supports, but I finally got it to work. I also decided to invest in all matching good quality hangers, and this little switch made SUCH a difference instantly. They are slim and space-saving with rubber grips to hold shirts perfectly in place.

I initially thought I wanted the typical velvet hangers you see in beautifully organized closets, but found after doing some research that they tend to shed on your clothes and hold on to dust. These plastic ones that I ended up going with were a little more affordable and have the same slim profile non-slip design. I also bought matching pants hangers, as well as these space saver hangers that hold 5 hangers on each. I use them for a lot of my basic tanks and tees to keep them condensed without taking up drawer space.

I decided that because you see a lot of the sloped wall when you look into the closet, I wanted to add some kind of accent wall for interest. Instead of just using paint, I ordered my first ever roll of removable peel and stick wallpaper. What’s the worst that could happen? It doesn’t look good, and I peel it right off? I decided the risk would hopefully be worth the reward of adding a custom touch to my master bedroom closet with a beautiful grass cloth print. 

The installation process really is pretty simple and straightforward. First, wipe the wall down to remove any dust and allow it to dry completely. You want a clean surface for the wallpaper to adhere to. 

Peel about 12” of the backing away from the wallpaper and apply it to the top left corner of the wall, leaving an inch or so extra around the edges so you can make a clean, straight edge later. In other words, you’ll overlap the wallpaper onto the ceiling and adjacent wall to the left about an inch. I recommend using a level to make a pencil line on the wall to make sure your first piece goes up perfectly level. 

Continue removing the backing and pressing the wallpaper onto the wall, smoothing out any air bubbles as you go. This particular brand of wallpaper recommendeds overlapping each section just slightly so there are no gaps. 

This grass cloth design obviously doesn’t have a major pattern that needs to be perfectly lined up, which made it both easier and slightly more difficult to install. While it was nice not having to be perfectly precise matching up a pattern with each new section, I can see the seam in a few places. It’s not horrible, but if this was in one of the main living areas instead of just my closet, I probably would have paid more attention to seeing if I could get the horizontal grass cloth lines to match up more seamlessly. Just something to be aware of if you choose a pattern like this!

Once you have the entire wall covered, use sharp knife to trim the excess wallpaper around the edges. I found it easiest to run my knife against a ruler or some kind of straight edge rather than cutting freehand.

You can see the overlap on the left wall before I trimmed it in the photo below.

And here is the finished product!

There used to be a dresser on both sides of the closet, but I decided to make the most of the vertical space I have in here and install shelving floor to ceiling on one wall for my shoes. I have them organized by sandals and sneakers at the top and boots/booties towards the bottom. I literally feel like I’m walking into a shoe store made just for me every time I go to pick a pair for my outfit that day. Sometimes unique spaces can be a pain to design around, but every once in awhile they provide the perfect opportunity to get creative and come up with something fabulous. 

On the opposite wall, I have a tall IKEA dresser with my jewelry displayed on top. One of my goals for this closet was having all my jewelry not only organized, but displayed and visible so I would be more likely to wear it. I’m a visual person, so when I had all my jewelry tucked away in a jewelry box, I rarely took the time to dig it out. 

I ordered this stand for my necklaces, and this organizer for my earrings. For my rings and bracelets, I grabbed a couple small plates and bowls to organize them. A few of the plates are from Crate & Barrel, but the majority came from thrifting. They don’t have to all match!

I have a woven basket to hold my body sprays and clothes steamer. And I hung Command hooks up by the ceiling on both sides to store and display some of my favorite hats. Oh, and I added a fluffy shag rug to make the closet extra fun!

This space feels so girly and beautiful, and I love having this little corner all to myself. Everything has a place and is organized, and it makes getting ready so much easier and more fun. I hope this project gives you some ideas for organizing your own closet and the little touches you can do to make it feel extra special. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions!

Thank you so much for stopping by today to check out my newly organized closet. I have been on quite a roll organizing the house lately, so stay tuned for more ideas coming soon!

– ROOM SOURCES –

grass cloth wallpaper | white dresser | rug
necklace stand | earring organizer
slim plastic hangers | pants hangers | space saving hangers
curtains | wool basket

– SHOP THE POST –

As always, I sincerely appreciate you shopping through the links I share, which allows me to make a small commission from your purchase while your purchase price stays the same. When you use my affiliate links, I’m better able to create content for this blog as well as support my family, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting what I do!

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The post Master Bedroom Closet Makeover appeared first on Love Grows Wild.

Now six years later, I’ve had the itch to make some changes to better fit my style as well as improve how the room functions. I sold my immensely popular bed frame (dare I say iconic?), moved all the furniture around, and made a few upgrades that make me feel like I’m in a luxury hotel every time I go to sleep. I’ve been quietly working on this project behind the scenes for months now, and this is the first little peek at all the changes, just in time to decorate for the holidays. 

Friends, welcome to my new and improved master bedroom…

– sources are all listed at the bottom of this post –

What do we think? Probably the most noticeable change is the new upholstered bed frame and headboard that now sits on the opposite wall. There was absolutely nothing wrong with my previous iron bed frame other than I was ready for a change and an upholstered headboard is obviously far more comfortable than one with metal bars. 

Not all projects around here go as planned, and I either measured wrong or just got excited and overlooked the fact that this headboard is significantly taller than the vertical portion of the wall. For a minute I contemplated trying to return it, but decided to assemble it anyway and see if I could make it work. Once I added the nightstands (still the same ones I had before) on either side, they kind of hid how far the headboard sits away from the wall, and I decided I could live with the miscalculation on my part. Most people won’t have an issue with the height of the headboard, but if you have angled walls, learn from my mistake and make sure to measure twice. 

I kept the same nightstands because I love the texture of the wood and how much storage the drawers provide. They’re older from Birch Lane, and I wish I had an affordable comparable option that I could give you. Here are a few that are currently in stock that are somewhat similar: nightstand | nightstand | nightstand

On the wall where the bed used to be, I added a ton of functional storage and a place to put my TV. I know having a TV in the bedroom isn’t for everyone, but the boys (and dogs) love to cuddle up in here and watch movies together. I bought two of these white cabinets from IKEA as well as a media console with sliding glass doors, and they happen to fit perfectly wall-to-wall in this little section of the room. I store all my extra throw blankets on one shelf in the media console and have woven baskets underneath for smaller items. In the cabinet on the left I have some of my bags, purses, extra shoes, etc. And the cabinet on the right is a makeshift linen closet with extra bedding, sheets, and pillowcases. 

I’ve had a bit of trouble getting the cabinet doors to sit completely straight and stay closed, but other than that I absolutely love all the extra storage I now have in here instead of just “pretty things” like a faux mantel and settee that no one ever sat on. You’ll notice on IKEA’s website the cabinet hardware is all silver, but I took them off and applied a beautiful antique gold finish to better suit the room. You can read about how I did that here. 

Speaking of pretty things… did you notice the new ceiling fan? Yes, I took down my sparkly gold and crystal light fixture and installed a ceiling fan over my bed, and I’m sure many of you women can understand why. The older I get, the less I can physically stand sleeping when it’s hot in my room. I need some cold air blowing on me, so I finally got over my aversion to ceiling fans (light fixtures are just SO MUCH prettier). I found the most aesthetically pleasing one I could with a white base and wood fan blades, and luckily I’m short because these ceilings are NOT tall. 

Again… miscalculations on my part. 

And yes… my “new” room had to have a little Christmas tree.

Snowy pinecones
Large white bulbs
Miniature snow globes
Cream ribbon bows
Chunky knit garland
=
Simple and sweet

I made a few upgrades to my bedding, and without sounding overdramatic, one of them has literally changed my life. 

I have a queen bed, and I’ve always bought standard size pillows because that’s the size pillowcase that comes with most bedding sets. I study photos of my favorite interiors and noticed that a lot of bedrooms start with two huge king size pillows stacked on either side, then the more decorative pillows are added in. I ordered these king size pillows and these pillowcases, and my goodness, WHAT a difference this made.

In case you’re wondering, the king size pillows do fit on a queen bed, filling the entire width of the mattress. Not only are they 10x more comfortable to sleep on, but they make the bed look so much more full and cozy. I had planned on adding several pretty throw pillows, but I honestly don’t even feel like I need them anymore. They end up being clutter on the floor anyway, so I set the two standard pillows that match my quilt in front and called it good.

King size pillows on a queen bed = instant hotel-quality upgrade

I also ordered a new duvet cover in a textured chambray cotton fabric that is exactly what I was looking for. It has a very cozy, natural look that hides wrinkles well and just begs you to come crawl into bed. And because it’s winter in an old drafty farmhouse, I snagged a faux fur blanket in a really pretty taupe brown color for the foot of my bed. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to snuggling up in this cozy bed each night and waking up to a room I absolutely love. 

Once Christmas is over, I have a few more projects I want to do in here… some artwork on the walls, a little bit of wallpaper in my closet…

I promise I’ll take more photos of my bedroom and document those projects as I get to them after the new year.

It was kind of nice to do this little makeover quietly over time instead of feeling the pressure to rush and get things completed for the blog. I think part of me wanted to make sure I was doing this design for ME and not for what anyone else might like or what would make the biggest splash on social media. I needed this room to be my oasis and an organized, soothing, quiet space for me to unwind at the end of the day. I think I came pretty darn close with how this turned out… what do you think?

P.S. I’m curious… did anyone notice the beam and lace curtains are gone now? Hopefully the new bed distracted you!

– ROOM SOURCES –

upholstered bed frame – in zuma white | duvet cover | faux fur throw blanket
king pillows | white king pillowcases | stripe comforter set
nightstands | area rug | ceiling fan
roman shade | gray textured lamp | hamper
floral art print | picture frame | rattan chest | wooden ladder
cream fringe blanket | stocking | Christmas tree
white cabinet | media console | mini lamp
landscape art | covered books | wood Christmas trees
woven baskets | fuzzy white trees | candle snuffer
tree decorations: ornaments | knit garland | skirt

– SHOP THE POST –

As always, I sincerely appreciate you shopping through the links I share, which allows me to make a small commission from your purchase while your purchase price stays the same. When you use my affiliate links, I’m better able to create content for this blog as well as support my family, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting what I do!

LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH!

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The post A New Look in the Bedroom this Christmas appeared first on Love Grows Wild.

The shiplap, the faux beam on the ceiling, the iron bed, the gold and crystal light fixture… everyone loved this little space I created. And so did I.

A lot can happen in six years though, and through divorce, a whole lot of healing, rediscovering myself, and learning to not only stand on my own two feet, but to THRIVE on my own again, I’m not the same person I was back then.

I’m a full believer in the spaces you create around you being a reflection of who you are and where you are in life, and it was time I embraced that in the most personal space in my home: my bedroom. I hope you’re as excited as I am to work on this next big project with me. Let’s dive into plans for my master bedroom makeover…

Before we get too far, let’s take a look back on where this space began: an attic we turned into a bedroom. Awkward angles and little nooks, freshly painted gray walls, and zero furniture. 

My first vision for the room was wide plank white shiplap and lots of it. We used inexpensive flooring underlayment ripped down into 8″ planks and covered every single surface except the ceiling. Budget was pretty tight back then, and using the flooring underlayment made a huge impact for not a lot of money. You can read more about installing the shiplap here. 

After filling a million nail holes and paint (I used Dove White by Valspar), it was time for furniture and finishing touches. I came up with the idea to have the bed in the little nook beside the closet and create a faux wood beam on the ceiling to hang a curtain from that would drape down on either side of the bed. It was one of those ideas that I could just picture in my head and knew how magical it would be before we even started. You can see the details of the faux wood beam here. 

Here are some of the looks this room has had over the years…

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Now that you’ve seen where this room has been, let’s talk about the direction it’s heading in…

Besides just being ready for a change, there are several specific things I wanted to update. First, my bed. I absolutely love the look of this iron bed frame and have zero complaints about it, but I do want something a little softer and more cozy. I was hoping to find a bed that would eliminate the need for a bed skirt because they are somewhat a pet peeve of mine, and after redoing Alec’s room, I love the way his bed frame looks without one. Also, it’s a little hard to snuggle up and watch movies with the boys with a big metal footboard in the way. 

I also want to see how the bed would look on the opposite wall, placing either dressers or some kind of media console for a TV in the little nook instead.

Also, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’ve officially hit the age where a ceiling fan in my bedroom is a MUST. I sleep so much better having a little bit of a cool breeze on me so I can be snuggled up nice and cozy underneath the covers. In order to make that happen, I will have to take down the faux wood beam and curtain to make enough space for a ceiling fan. I already know this will be the most controversial part of the makeover, but I’m ready for a little more of a simple, cleaner aesthetic, and also the drywall anchors holding the beam up are starting to pull out of the ceiling… so there’s also that.

But don’t worry… I have a little plan for those curtains I’ll be taking down! Here are the sources from my bedroom makeover plan so far:

upholstered bed

4 drawer dresser

media console | media cabinet

area rug

lamp

pillow

pillow

pillow

throw blanket

curtains

roman shade

ceiling fan

decorative ladder

nightstands – not exactly what I currently have, but similar

I cannot wait to share with you more progress and updates from this makeover! Thank you for being here today, sweet friend. xoxo Liz

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The post Master Bedroom Makeover Plan appeared first on Love Grows Wild.

But I feel the urge more than ever to show the “real” behind Love Grows Wild, which ultimately is our home, our family, and me. And this year I am doing all the holiday things not just for my job, but for the simple enjoyment of slowing down to be present in this season. I’m sure so many of you can relate to feeling like we need to give ourselves a whole lot of grace this year, and I hope this is a reminder of that. So even though I’m sure your homes are all beautifully and wonderfully decorated for Christmas just a few days away, I wanted to share the last few peeks into our home while it is all dressed up for the occasion. I hope you enjoy this adorable mantel I decorated in my master bedroom… thank you for being here, sweet friends. 

diy mantel tutorial

ornament garland from my shop, Love Grows Wild Market

wood Christmas trees – tutorial | metal houses – similar
white fur stocking & trees – Hobby Lobby | bottle brush trees – various

set of 5 wood candle holders – Wayfair | knit blanket – Wayfair | pillow – Target

As always, I sincerely appreciate you shopping through the links I share, which allows me to make a small commission from your purchase while your purchase price stays the same. When you use my affiliate links, I’m better able to create content for this blog as well as support my family, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting what I do!

LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH!

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The post Christmas Mantel appeared first on Love Grows Wild.