Four Simple Blank Wall Ideas

Its funny how too many blank walls can actually make your room look smaller. It can also be quite a task to source the different pieces of art you like and intimidating to find pieces which compliment your existing décor. Here I share a couple of tips you can use around your home to fill up that large bare wall and create some interest to your space.

1. Create your own personal gallery

When it comes to adding some personality to your blank wall, consider creating a photo gallery using snaps of your family and friends. A collage of pictures is a great way to tell a story with the results of a well-designed gallery wall! I find using neutral dark tones against white walls create a dramatic look. Stay tuned for my tutorial on how to create a gallery wall.

2. Turn to wall art

If the idea of looking for and hanging multiple art pieces seems overwhelming, using bold wall art can capture a dramatic look. Large wall art can also add opulence to bare walls. Use neutral tones in rooms where the décor is colourful or use your wall art to create a bold statement to your design.

3. Mirror, mirror on the wall

Using mirrors to fill a large blank wall not only adds interest but also reflects light around the room. I mentioned in a previous post how adding mirrors in your room is a classic way to reflect light around the space.  It also creates an optical illusion opening up the room making the area look brighter and lighter. 

4. Time to use a clock

You can expand your options on filling a blank wall – especially in areas with long narrow walls. Look beyond art or photographs and display a large clock to create a bold statement and of course keep track of the time! I like to use my large clock at the top of my stairs to add character and interest to the space.

How to Maximise Your Small Hallway

It was time to spruce up and make the most of my hallway. Here are a couple of tips I used to add interest and maximise the space, creating a bright functional entrance to my home.

Time to lighten up

Hallways often lack windows so it was important to be practical about how I could reflect light around my small space. It was not practical to add floor or table lamps to the area so to add interest I used this mirror, which is a classic way to reflect light around the space.  This mirror also makes an optical illusion opening up the space making the area look brighter and lighter. 

Utilise the space

This bench is a lifesaver for my hallway; its perfect for hiding shoes and visually lengthens the space. The pull out baskets makes it easy to put away shoes and avoids clutter in the entranceway.  This clever use of furniture also provides the perfect seating for putting on shoes.

Add warmth

I found decorating the bench with these cushions adds some much needed warmth and an additional cosy seating area. These cushions with their bright design adds an interesting décor as well as making the process of removing and putting my shoes on comfortable.

Hang interesting art

This picture fits perfectly in the hallway. I brought it from a trip in Jamaica many years ago and I love how it gives a glimpse into our heritage with a story behind it. I chose a black frame to reflect the diversity of light colours on the walls and grey tones on the stairs.

I love a runner

I made a feature of the stairs by using a herringbone-patterned runner to open up the space. The contrast of the carpet against the white painted staircase draws the eyes up to the landing, creating an airy illusion.

Add a flower to finish

Spring is here and these daffodils add a bright decorative touch to the hallway. Whether you have a large hallway or just a ledge for a small plant pot, you can still be creative with the decorative possibilities. You can also change the individual plant or flower according to your mood, the season or colour aspiration.

Storage Ideas for Boys Bedroom

If your kid’s bedroom is anything like mine, you may find yourself constantly trying to find places of where to store books, soft toys and play things. It may not be in the budget to redecorate or build new storage solutions and it can also be challenging if you are in rented accommodation unable to decorate. We moved a few times when we lived in the US and so I had to come up with creative ideas of how to create storage solutions in the homes we rented.  It was also a nice way to add some simple personal touches to the room.

So here are some practical storage solutions I have used in my boys bedroom….

I found these toy boxes at a flea market and think they are perfect for storing toys, fancy dress costumes or any ‘bits and bobs’. I really liked the worn look of these boxes, I also distressed the paintwork by sanding the top and sides of the boxes.

To personalise the boxes and add a bit of interest, I painted my kids names and initials using a stencil and acrylic paint. I find this really helps my kids de-clutter after playtime and encourages them to clean up their own mess since they share a room…. Secretly I personalised it in the hopes they would take it with them to university or treasure it as a keepsake for their kids and generations after me to ooh and ahh over…...Well that’s a lot of wishful thinking (but it would be nice though)!

It took some searching to find a bookshelf that could store my kid’s books, was not too big for the room and was in a style my boys would not quickly outgrow. I found this company called Town and Chic on Etsy, who make beautiful handmade furniture. This shelving unit works really well as a bookshelf in my boys bedroom and has enough space on each shelf to store different book sizes. The unit is made from scaffolding boards with steel hairpin legs, giving it an industrial rustic look. 

It seems my boys have an endless supply of cute cuddly toys and the ones not chosen to take pride position on their beds are often used as a football - kicked around the house within an inch of its poor stuffing falling out. In a losing battle to neatly place the cuddly toys on the bed, I use these soft baskets that offer the perfect solution for storing soft toys. They also make for a easy tidy up and complement the existing room décor.

Add Drama to Your Cloakroom

The cloakroom or downstairs toilet, normally the smallest room in your house may be last on your list for decorating. However you shouldn’t abandon this well used yet quirky room, as the cloakroom is the perfect place to get creative and experiment with big bold designs and fun colours. I knew I wanted my cloakroom to look inviting and elegant with some interesting art, however the room didn’t really allow for pictures on the wall without making the space look small.

I decided to go for this Farrow and Ball blue and grey wallpaper.  The pattern features a bold botanical garden detail which combines the colour and art theme I was looking for. I was so happy with the result as the wallpaper makes a big statement and adds drama to the room enhancing the sense of space.  Don’t be deterred by strong colours or patterns, as this will make your cloakroom look taller. You can balance your design choices with minimal curved and subtle fittings.  Dark or neutral flooring will accentuate your wallpaper choice and since you don’t have to use rolls and rolls of wallpaper, you can splurge on what you want for that opulent feel!