Another of my great debates -- like light vs. dark -- is spare vs. a collected clutter. At the moment I think I'm leaning toward a little clutter, but ask me tomorrow and who knows what I'll say (I think I need a hobby!).
Clutter on the walls has my attention for now, as I've been making an effort to watch for interesting framed things instead of random small objects on trips to the flea market and such. Here are few examples of the kind of wall clutter that I think I so pretty.
P. Allen Smith's Arkansas house is definitely on the extreme side of the debate. I don't see myself living this way, but there is still something interesting about it.
So why am I so concerned about all of this? Well, I've been on the hunt for something to balance the bookshelf in our living room (above). Last week I hung two frames around the bird print on the left (found at the Goodwill). On the top is a painting we bought on our honeymoon and below is a little ink drawing I picked up at an antiques mall. I like it, but I'm worried it's too much. Like I said, I think I need a hobby ...
Photo sources, from top: Muffie Faith via StyleCourt, Miles Redd, Kate Spade, Domino, unknown, Peter Dunham, Domino, Roger Davies for Cottage Living, Cheryl Dalton for Cottage Living.
I'm with you on the cluttered walls- Love the look. I think the pictures on the wall look great to balance out the bookshelf. The larger size of the bottom one is a bit unexpected and that appeals to me. Pretty room!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the paint color in your living room if I might ask? It all looks fabulous to me!
ReplyDeleteBarb
I think it works perfectly to balance out the bookshelf! Just the right amount of clutter...looks great.
ReplyDeleteBarb -- it's Grant Beige by Benjamin Moore.
ReplyDeleteI love it! It balances out the bookshelf. I'm trying to collect some things myself to achieve a similar look.
ReplyDeleteI think it also looks great and balances the book case. Great job, I think you found your hobby.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog!
Thanks for the full shot of your LR/DR. GORGEOUS...
ReplyDeleteI think it looks wonderful! Wall clutter is one of my very favorite things I am seriously lacking in it. Thank you for all the photos!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog---don't know if I've ever commented before, but I love all of these photos. And I think the new pics on your wall look great--not too much at all. They balance out the bookshelf nicely.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images!
ReplyDeleteI don't like clutter as in knick knacks lying around but I love the gallery art wall look. You've done a great job balancing the bookshelf - you may even fit in a few more.
ReplyDeleteSarah
I second what someone else said about your paint color -- it's fabulous. FAB-U-LOUS.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of clutter, struggle with this concept also, but I've developed a firm rule for myself. Clutter for the sake of displaying crowded objects is wasteful and forced. Clutter because you have an interesting life full of meaningful memories and personal keepsakes is brilliant. But that's just me.
Kelly
p.s. Inspiring photos!
I love the clutter look. But, if I try to pull it off, it comes across looking cluttered. ;) And not in a good way.
ReplyDeleteThat is a difficult balance. I lean more toward clean and spare on the walls and my husband prefers more pictures. It is always a compromise to get it right.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's too much- you need it to balance out the bookshelf!
ReplyDeleteI think it all looks so great.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'll give you a hobby- please come over here and rearrange my house for me! :) Please!
I love it. I don't feel cluttered at all and I am anti clutter all the way. I also so hung two plates on either side of the mirror in our dining room. Yes I so copied you!
ReplyDeleteI go back and forth on this as well. I do think a layered look is fabulous and interesting and stands the test of time. Too stark looks cold. I love to go in a home that is full of treasures...right now I am for clutter..or layers!!
ReplyDeleteMe again, I forgot to say I LOVE how you hung the other two pieces of artwork!! Not cluttered at all. It looks perfect!!
ReplyDeletenot too much! i think it looks great.
ReplyDeleteHow about a similar bookcase (doesn't have to be exact, but should be same height) on the left, to balance the one on the right? Same pickled finish, which I love. That's just my suggestion...but I do tend to be matchy-matchy....and I just LOOOOOVE balance.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks great. Actually not cluttered at all. I love both looks but tend toward spare since I don't trust myself with keeping the clutter collected! I am having a time figuring out what to do with a tall, empty wall edged by doorways on either side and a big bookcase in the middle. What to do with all that wallspace? Great images.
ReplyDeleteAs much as it drives me crazy, I'm drawn to clutter - I can't help it!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not too much. I think it looks warm and layered, and I love how they represent a journey of collection instead of getting them all at once and "matchy"... I am becoming drawn to this look too. I am a lurker, but an AU girl, so that is OK, right? Love your blog- it always gives me ideas :) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBlakely Fletcher
Memphis, TN
Your room looks great! Maybe you should wallpaper the walls in the little dining room cut out... really make it pop! Perhaps the bookshelf should turn 90 degrees with symmetrical pictures on either side of the dining opening?
ReplyDeleteIsn't decorating a great hobby? I know what you mean about balance. I love pairs. Maybe you could try flipping the bookcase sideways to the couch wall (If it doesn`t unbalance this wall) AND keep hanging small pictures on the two strips of wall to the dining room view.
ReplyDeleteI like the artwork in your living room its just right not over crowed but not barren - looks nice
ReplyDelete