Displaying artwork and family photos throughout your home is a surefire way to add character, charm, and personality. Whether you're a seasoned art collector or simply like to see your family members' smiling faces as you walk throughout your space, it's a key part of any design aesthetic that you shouldn't skip over.
The gallery wall is a time-honored go-to for displaying art and heirlooms of all kinds, offering an eye-catching focal point that includes a wide range of pieces. And even though designers stand by the gallery wall, it isn't the only way to show off your favorite frames.
In fact, celebrated interior designer Nate Berkus says that he goes an entirely different route when arranging family photos in his home. Here, Nate shares why he finds gallery walls 'charming,' and explains his alternative approach to decorating with family heirlooms and photos – the first step is a vintage picture frame.
In a video posted to Instagram, Nate says that he's often asked what he thinks about gallery walls. After giving the question some serious thought, he's made up his mind – he 'find[s] them to be really charming' – but he tends to opt for gallery wall alternatives instead.
'I think there's something really special about walking through your space in a hallway or on one wall of a family room , just seeing this collection of imagery that reminds you of everyone you love and memories that you've made,' he continues. 'But for me personally, my walls are reserved for art, or painting, or sculpture, or things that might be a bit more graphic and a bit less personal.'
Nate may prefer to display more abstract artwork on the walls as opposed to family photos, but he doesn't shy away from putting memories in the spotlight across his home. Instead of putting them in frames on the walls, as standalone pieces, or as part of a gallery wall, the designer says that he tends to place family photos in vintage frames.
'I have – and have had for a long, long time – an enormous collection of vintage picture frames, and I love a special photo framed in an old frame on a tabletop, in my dressing room , on my desk at work,' says Nate. 'Everyone who knows me knows, give me an old silver frame, an old leather frame, an old alligator frame, an old parchment frame, or wood – I love collecting vintage picture frames.'
Vintage frames can be spotted throughout Nate's New York City home, which he shares with Queer Eye star Jeremiah Brent and their children, and his office. On the kitchen countertops , under a vintage mirror in the office, and on his nightstand, frames of all kinds display family photos beautifully. Plus, unique vintage frames make excellent gifts, says Nate: 'Think about it in terms of your next housewarming gift. It's something that people just have forever.'
Midcentury Picture Frame in Curved Leather and Glass, Italy 1970s
Philippa Frame
Gabriella Crespi Style Photo Frame in Lucite Tortoiseshell Brass, Italy, 1970s
Rustic Farmhouse Decorative Wall Picture Frame
Ripple Frame Gold 5x7
Antique Bronze Decorative Tabletop Picture Frame
Try out Nate's photo-displaying method by opting for two to three vintage frames grouped together on an empty surface. By carving out space for your favorite memories across the house, you'll be setting yourself up for joy and inspiration, and adding a characterful element to your home decor, all at the same time.
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