Bare Walls To "Wow" Walls (p.12)
Make Your Wall Your Conversation Piece

By Kim Shoemaker

Spring often brings about the desire for change – after a long winter, you’re probably tired of staring at the same four walls, so now’s the time to spring into action and turn that ordinary space into an extraordinary one. One such creative way is to incorporate a "wow" piece – an item, accessory, or piece of furniture that draws attention and elicits conversation. However, a wall can also command the same desired reaction in a variety of ways.

1. Frames. Grouping old vintage frames is a great starting point for making your wall stand out. Within these vintage frames, try hanging unexpected or unusual objects that will surely intrigue family and friends. Old letters, brushes, or garden implements are the perfect fillers. Change the items seasonally to give your wall a whole new look and feel. Also try layering different sized frames within one another for additional texture and depth.

2. Mirrors. Arranging a variety of mirrors of all shapes and sizes will result in an instant focal point for your wall, whether it be a large or small space. For instance, a small wall in a bathroom or hallway is an ideal location for showcasing a collection of hand or shaving mirrors. These smaller mirrors can also be mixed in with larger ones on a big wall to help give it more visual dimension.

3. Collections. Showing off a favorite collection is a perfect solution to a large bare wall that will instantly transform it into a conversation canvas. Depending on the size of the collection, you may want to consider using a large shelf or a group of several shelves to show it off. Old molding with a couple of inches of depth makes for an interesting shelf. Display your assortment of plates, platters, decoys, planters, jars, or bottles that you’ve been accumulating over the years upon these shelves, rather than having them collect dust in the closet or cabinet. Also try to think of a way to hang individual pieces of a collection by themselves; sometimes long nails strategically placed under an object will safely secure it. Old gears, molds, rakes, brushes, stove grates, pie tins, cooking utensils, platters, silver trays, signs – anything you can think of with a unique shape, will most certainly be eye-catching.

4. Architecturals. There are many architectural details from old buildings and homes that can be found in area vintage shops, offering unusual and unique shapes and adding wonderful character to any space. Hang these items in an imaginative collage on your wall. Think outside of the box and consider if there is a way to adhere an interesting detail to it (you might have to add hooks or hangers to the piece). Often, these magnificent relics add immediate visual interest and give personality to any room. Iron stars on the outside of buildings offer a quick decorative detail and snow dogs can be hung upside down as candle sconces. Old ceiling tin, frequently found in large square segments, can be framed to help add instant intrigue to any bare wall.

5. Mix it up... With people watching more of what they are spending these days, try looking around your own home for objects to use. Find items you already own that can be hung... look for interesting shapes, as often they will take on a whole new look once they are up on a wall. Give new purpose to items that have lost their original intent, by again thinking outside of the box.

Ultimately, just do what you like. Mix up a variety of objects on your wall for the most personal and unique conversation piece. Making a collage of your favorite items will make you happy that you sprang into action and transformed that bare wall into a "wow" wall.

Kim Shoemaker is the owner of Old Magnolia Trading Company, located at 213 S. White Street in Downtown Wake Forest. She can be reached at 919-562-8867 or visit www.oldmagnolia.com, or you can find Old Magnolia on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oldmagnolia.