Great inspiration for hanging art and some good old eyecandy

I'm having trouble accomplishing anything today, but I thought the least I could do is get a post up!

These yummy pics are from Real Simple mag - and show some clever ways to display beloved art.


I like art on the floor leaned against the wall. It's modern and keeps things from looking "too precious"

No one will be able to resist walking up and taking a closer look when a small piece has a solo performance above a dramatic mantle.

This is a new idea - create a horizontal line out of family photos or art across a long empty wall space - no space between frames required!


via Real Simple

An intriguing and whimsical housetour

I'm leaving for my big trip tomorrow - 9 weeks in 11 different countries. I'm freaking out a little -feeling just completely overwhelmed. I'm going to try to post as often as possible - depending on our hotel(s) internet situation - as I'm not bringing my laptop- yikes! I'm already suffering from phantom laptop syndrome. I know I should be posting something traveling related - but I'm just a little too scatter-brained to put anything together - so I'm going with a tried and true house tour.

This home is really different from anything else I've seen before. I think for the most part it somehow manages to avoid being over the top though. What do you think? Too quirky for you?



great wall color!







That painting is the only thing I couldn't really live with

via KML Design

Apartment 2 from "2 very chic apartments.."

Now enter sister Victoria's apartment. As you can tell, she's very influenced by the glamor of the 50s and 60s, but with a clean traditional feel as well. I really like her color palettes.


love the chair
a gorgeous renovation for this small but great kitchen



This shot is so pretty - the narrow drawers and the hydrangea and mirror.





It's all so pretty!

Click the image above to read Victoria's design tips...
via Lonny Magazine

2 VERY chic apartments, 2 sisters

This post will be in two parts, one today and one tomorrow. I have to give these two sisters credit for both being so talented. Both of their spaces are beautiful, while showing off each sister's identity.

The two worked together to decorate and renovate each other's apartments. Antonia moved in first, so they worked on her place first. Both apartments needed completely renovated bathrooms. Both kitchens were also gutted as they were poorly laid out, and did not utilize space to the max. As you can see, and will see more tomorrow, both sisters are great navigators of flea markets, and you'll see there tips below.








I really want a tiny set of library steps like these - does anyone know if/what there formal name is?



click the image below for a larger version of the Thompson sister's tips for navigating flea markets.


Come back tomorrow for Victoria's apartment.

via Lonny

An Etsy discount on adorable art!

Encaustic artist Susan Najarian has been kind enough to extend all Decorology readers a 10% discount on her 5x5 paintings. If you aren't familiar with encaustic - it's a really cool medium!

From wikipedia: "Encaustic painting, also known as hot wax painting, involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added. The liquid/paste is then applied to a surface — usually prepared wood, though canvas and other materials are often used."

My favorite element of Susan's work are the palettes - I'm a sucker for light blues and greens! I also love anything nature themed - and these would look great grouped together!








Go to Susan's Etsy site to see more and shop! To get the discount, mention Decorology in the conversation section of her Etsy site when making a purchase. Enjoy!

Hanging Art 101

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I thought I'd share this helpful art-hanging guide with y'all.

copy via Pier 1


•Start by tracing each object’s outline onto scrap paper. Tape the cut-out pieces of paper to the wall, experimenting and re-arranging to see what composition works best.

•Don’t space objects too far apart—the width of your hand is a good guide.

•It’s usually best to place the largest object near the center, then work outward.

•Hang the largest pieces at eye-level (about 63-66 inches above the floor).

•For a unified look, choose items that incorporate the same color, frame style or subject matter.


Tips for hanging one large piece.

•Small items work best in small areas—a narrow wall or cozy reading corner.

•Shop your hardware store for picture-hanging kits. And, if you’re hanging something heavy, know the weight since you need to choose hooks based on the item’s size.

• Your new best friend? A level. Whether you choose a laser level or the traditional box version, this is the best way to make sure your frame is even.

• Keep it in proportion. When hanging artwork over a piece of furniture, make sure the art is not wider than the piece underneath it. Also, leave no more than 6 inches of wall space between the furniture and art.

• Vertical or horizontal? The decision might be dictated by your desire to create height or to widen and elongate a space. But generally, vertical arrangements appear formal and dramatic while horizontal hangings feel more casual.

• Maybe you don’t need to hang it. Leaning artwork against the wall is a classic studio look and allows you to move objects around whenever you want.

copy via Pier 1



via HGTV

via Flickr

via Apartment Therapy






via Black Rooster decor


via Wish


via House Hunting