Decorating With Family Photos

Jackie Braitman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:37:24 +0000

Sometimes all you need to do is re-arrange the pictures on your wall to improve your home’s style.

Horizontal Row of Old Black & White Photos

In this home, prior to our remodel, family pictures took up almost all the wall space. One problem with this arrangement is that usually only close family members are interested in continually looking at your family pictures. Second, squeezing in additional photos can make the arrangement awkward. Finally, too much of a good thing makes it hard to concentrate — there’s no focal point and so you end up seeing nothing.

Instead, we made 3 big changes after the remodel. First, we took old black and white photos (2-4 generations old) in identical frames and lined them up as a horizontal element to contrast with the vertical plane and bulk of the new fireplace surround. The black and white images spark conversation with guests in ways that the newer family photos packed onto the walls didn’t. For just a small twist, we included a single recent softly colored photo.

We Used a Single Softly Colored Photo for Contract

We moved the more recent family photos to the private rooms of the house including the hallway on the bedroom level. In the master bedroom, we again used the technique of a single horizontal plane but this time we used all more recent color photos. In the same way we included a single color photo in the living room, we used an intense color-field within one of the picture frames to create interest.

Use an burst of color to break up the continuity

In the hallway, we included two picture ledges and packed them full of photos. The over-packed picture ledges create an intimacy that can be lacking in wall-hung displays. You see different things each time you look and you’re invited to rearrange the photos or to easily rotate them.

A Jam-Packed Double Photo Ledge

In the family room we used a double row of photos sometimes interspersed with some larger portraits. In 2 spots we left the frame blank – again as a whimsical touch to attract conversation and second glances.

Leave a Blank Frame As A Point of Contrast

While these changes came as a result of a remodeling project. A new coat of paint and some thoughtful rearranging of your own family photos might be just what it takes to rejuvenate your style.

Images courtesy of Braitman Design/Build .

Picture Ledges For Flexibility & Interest

Jackie Braitman — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:11:21 +0000

Double Picture Ledge in Bedroom Hallway

I often suggest that my clients use picture ledged in their homes. Many stores now sell ledges that are 2 feet to 4 feet in length. You can buy ones that are modern or traditional. I usually prefer to build picture ledges into the molding scheme of the homes, like the ledges above. You can fit more pictures and they feel better integrated with the architecture. In this home, the ledges are almost overburdened with family photos. The modern remodel eliminated several walls that had been used to display family photos. The husband in particular wanted to make sure he could still display the ever evolving family album. His wife wanted fewer family photos in the public rooms of the house. This left a lot of pictures to display in the bedroom area. The hallway in the bedroom level of this 50’s split level in Washington DC, is an extra wide 54″ — giving lots of room to view the pictures. By overlapping the mats, we don’t hide the images but fit an interesting, eclectic mix of pictures. The double ledge still puts these images at a good eye level for viewing and the family can switch out pictures with ease. I also find that guest and family respond quite personally to pictures displayed on crowded photo ledges. When I’ve had photos in cases or hung on the walls, I infrequently received comments or questions from guests. When I’ve had them on pictures ledges like the ones in this post, I frequently have guests pick up the pictures and ask me about the subjects.

Using Wall Recesses as Picture Ledges

In this same home, we converted 2 recessed shelving units (only one visible) that were just collecting clutter to also display pictures. The bottom of the recess acts as a picture ledge.

Picture Ledge Combined with Picture Rail

We combined a picture ledge with a picture rail in this home in Chevy Chase, MD. The concept of the ledge wraps the room (see image below) in the form of the top ledge of built-in bookcases and fireplace mantle (the firebox is hidden by a plant). As with the objects put on the ledge at the top of the bookcase, small objects can be integrated into the mix on display on picture ledges. A ledge can also be used to artfully display a collection of small objects.

Using the Ledge At Top of Bookcases as Picture Ledge

Ledges are just as interesting when they are almost bare. Look at the ledge at the top of wainscotting in this home in Silver Spring, MD. It’s in the breakfast area. Two pictures are hung just 2 inches above the ledge and 2 related objects placed off-center.

Almost Empty Ledge

All images courtesy of Braitman Design/Build

At the Intersection of Art, Architecture & Design» Decorating With Family Photos – At the Intersection of Art, Architecture & Design

Decorating With Family Photos

Picture Ledges For Flexibility & Interest