8 REASONS TO DECORATE WITH FAMILY PHOTOS

my grandfather

When I think of family treasure, I rarely think of items of monetary worth. Material things fluctuate in value, but nothing is more priceless than old family photos. I recently wrote an article for houzz on the 8 Therapeutic Benefits of a Family Photo Gallery.

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Here are 8 compelling reasons to decorate with family photos:

Family Photos—

1. Tell the story of a place and time
2. Boost your antique collection
3. Provide a source of inexpensive art
4. Provide a sense of representation
5. Comfort you
6. Help your children remember their ancestors
7. Make a statement about what's important to you
8. Remind you of a proud heritage

It wasn't until my grandparents passed away that I inherited a few of these family jewels. A few months ago my uncle sent me these photos via email. I don't think he really knew how much these meant to me. To receive them was like Christmas in July.

Below is my maternal grandmother pictured with her in-laws, my great-grandparents. I don't remember my great-grandfather at all. He passed away when I was still a toddler but for years I enjoyed a rocking chair he made for me.

Here's my maternal grandfather, a handsome gentleman. If I had to guess, this photo is of his high school graduating class. I used Photoshop to create the corner photo inset to distinguish him from the rest of the group. In the actual photo, he's the man in the middle on the top row.

Again, you will see my grandfather in the inset. The only information missing from the photo below is the year it was taken. I posted this one on Facebook and another cousin noted that his father [my grandmother's brother] is in the photo, too.

I've yet to decide how I want to decorate using these photos. There are many more creative ways to display them outside of conventional framing.

For example, Brian Patrick Flynn made a larger-than-life statement using a family photo in his former loft.

via Brian Patrick Flynn for Decor Demon , See a tour of his former home here.

In his current home, Brian continues the tradition of honoring his family with this vinyl photo backsplash.

via Brian Patrick Flynn for HGTV

He also provides step-by-step instructions on how create your own photo backsplash here in this video for HGTV.

How will you display your family's photos? A photo collage? A kitchen backsplash? Please share your ideas below

CLIENT FAMILY ROOM ALMOST COMPLETE!

Remember this post where I used oversized photography in my clients' home? Well, not only have we completed the feature wall, but we also hung drapery and artwork in the space.

Pardon the photo quality. They were taken at 11:00pm, but you can still see the transformation that took place here.

Before, the only light source in the room was from the dated ceiling fan. Now, the room boasts a total of four sources: a sleek, streamline fan, two wooden table lamps, and a tripod floor lamp. The couple's artwork inspired the color palette for the design. Navy blue, silvery gray, and matte gold were their wedding colors and now make another appearance in their new home. To soften the look of the space, I had my workroom customize ready made drapery panels with pinched pleats and had a 3" band of navy fabric sewn on the leading edge and at the hem of the panels. Handsome, aren't they!

I've got a plan for styling the bookcases that I will cover that in another post. We also are tossing around a few ideas for an area rug, but I personally think the room looks fantatic without it. Here's another look at the photography wall:

Behind the family room is the breakfast table and kitchen. I also had a pair of panels made for the french doors leading to the deck. I replaced the old chandelier with this drum shade pendant light I bought for a song and dance! Don't you love when that happens?

Hopefully, I'll be done soon so that I can share the entire space. This is surely more than a sneak peek. Hope I didn't spoil it for you! P.S. Next time, I'll take photos in daylight so you can see the true colors. So what do you think?

MAKING PROGRESS...

Remember the project I shared with you that featured oversized photography? Well, we are almost done! I dropped items off at the couple's home with plans to install next week, but the Mr. & Mrs. got excited and took matters into their own hands. So far, so good...

BEFORE

MAKING PROGRESS:

Just one more photo to go and I can't wait to show you the window treatments. They've got a custom look at a retail price! Stay tuned for the after shots next week.

It's amazing what photography, artwork, and accessories do for the home. Check out this dining area designed by Richard Mishaan. Here's one way you can enjoy Summer all year long.

Refreshing, isn't it? I'm constantly moving and changing things around in my house and just curious to know how often would you change the photographs in a display like this?

OVERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHY

One of my latest design projects includes the use of oversized photography. My clients, a newlywed couple I worked with last year, invited me back to work on the family room. They already have their major furniture items and custom built-in bookcases and are now looking for help with accessorizing the space.

One of their requests is to showcase their engagement photos somewhere in the space. Wanting to propose something a bit more daring than the usual gallery wall, I presented them with this inspiration image:

A formidable grid of oversized photography makes for an impressive statement in any setting...and most unexpected in a family room!

There was a brief silence followed by the words I hoped to hear, "I love it!" [insert wife's hand clapping here]. Without further delay I headed to Ikea to pick up 6 of these 24" x 40" Ribba frames priced at $24.99. Not bad.

Once seeing these babies in person I seriously thought twice about this design [ok maybe three times]. Enormous I tell ya. But the most awesome part of the story is that my clients aren't the least bit intimidated and we're pressing on.

The prints were ordered on Friday and we are all so anxious to get the first frame hung. Stay tuned for updates.

Need more inspiration? Here are a few more images to get your creative juices flowing:

This layout was one of my first considerations because of it's conservative display of one photo. I also loved that it was flanked by two wall lamps leaving more surface area on the end tables. image: Mrs. Howard

If my clients decided against the grid display in the family room, I would've suggested using an oversized photo in their entry way. image: Jeffers Design Group

Black and white photography also is a viable option, but for the images I'm working with, color would be best! image: Traditional Home

Have you displayed oversized photography in your home? If so, share your spaces with us on my facebook page! What do you think about the proposed design?

USING PHOTOGRAPHERS TO TELL YOUR STORY

So, I'm in the process of redesigning my website and decided the first item on my agenda is to have my jobs shot/reshot by a professional photographer.  I know...having a professional to shoot your job can be pricey, but consider it an investment in your business.  I hired photographer and close friend, Katlyne Hill of Katlyne Hill Photography to capture two of my most recent spaces, my kids rooms.

I hired Kate, not just because she's my friend, but because she is also a storyteller.

Through her lens, she captures...

and...

These above photos were chosen purposefully and should give you more clues regarding one of the rooms I designed. If you are looking to hire a professional photographer and live in the Atlanta area, Kate is a great resource. Please email me for her information.

If you live elsewhere, I recommend reading these two articles for more insight and advice on photographing your space.

What Every Designer Should Know About Photography and Styling for Photo Shoots both written by Maria Killam.

Have you ever used a professional to photograph your interior spaces? Do you do your own photography? What advice do you have for photographing interiors?