How to Create a Meaningful Gallery Wall

With the bulk of the Beach Cabin Dry Bar complete, the next step was to decide how best to use the space above the countertops. Several options were considered. And, for the first time in our married life, we did not appear to need more storage. A gallery wall was the best (and most fun) choice.

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Gallery Wall Layout

This is sort of a case of the chicken or the egg (and also some scrambled eggs because this was kind of a jumbled process). I had some idea of the artwork that I wanted to use. After reviewing my Art Pinterest board (you can find it here), I narrowed down some of the top picks. I also created a design board with the pieces that I had chosen to make sure that they all went together and with the space in general. Some pieces allowed for sizing options while others were more limited. Before going on an ordering spree, I decided to tape out a possible layout using that trusty blue painters tape. That way, I was able to change sizes, layouts, etc. until it felt right. I also had my laptop handy to adjust the design board and to order the necessary pieces and frames.

The best part was when new artwork came to the house!

It was fun to make adjustments as the actual prints started coming in, arranging them by size, spacing, and medium. For example, while the size of the two photographs would have worked on the ice maker side, I did not want one side to be too photograph heavy. The spacing of the prints from the center beam was also bothering me, so I decided to put one more piece on the lamp side equidistant from the center post.

How to Choose Meaningful Art Work

When paring down my options, I looked for artwork with a cottage/lakeside/seaside vibe since the gallery wall is located at the Beach Cabin. I found inspiration locally, through both shops and artists. Inspiration was also found through travel (coastal places we had visited). Finally, I incorporated art depicting a favorite activity (even the 10 year old has been enjoying tennis lately!).

The Gallery Wall Choices- Top Knot

I have had my eye on a Top Knot print for what feels like forever. The Counting House has one in stock and it is beautiful- bonus that it is already framed. I considered yellow accents in the space by ultimately went with my favorite blue variations. A classic striped shirt never hurts either. Elizabeth Mayville is local to the Grand Rapids area. I messaged to order a print that was slightly larger than what was offered online and she was very nice and accommodating.

Cascais Fishing Boats

We recently visited Cascais, Portugal on a day trip from Lisbon. (You can read about that trip here.) Naturally, we took a 101 photos but many contained people and (obviously) were not as professional as this photo by Patricia Polechonska. I love the peaceful early morning nature of this photo.

The Wizard of Oz

Rumor has it that L. Frank Baum wrote The Wizard of Oz while staying in a cottage within walking distance of the Beach Cabin. I found this quote online, ordered it, and framed it. I love its significance to our location as well as the meaning of its words.

La Jolla

I picked up this print last winter while visiting The Cave Store in La Jolla. (Read about that trip here.) Paul Strahm lives nearby and paints in the open air near the store and around the area. The nod to one of our favorite California towns on the gallery wall feels right.

Morning Swim

I first learned about the artist, Katherine Corden, from my friend Kelly. (You can check out her choices here.) I love Katherine’s style and use of color. The quality of the print is very professional. She resides in Northern Michigan and many of her art depicts beach scenes. While the Beach Cabin is a few hours south of Traverse City, the lakeshore scenes are reminiscent of our beach.

The Tennis Team, Coral Beach Club

This tennis print by Gray Malin was a gift to R a few years ago. Fortunately, he didn’t mind sharing for the sake of the gallery wall. Our family is now at the age where we can all head down to the tennis courts (and last more than 5 minutes). Our 10 year old is even (finally) showing an interest in the sport!

Not on the Gallery Wall, But Close

I have had my eye on Slim Aarons’ Tennis in The Bahamas for several years. It is nostalgic and fun and a little quirky- the perfect combination for interesting art! Originally set to be on the gallery wall, the size and composition lent itself better to the music room wall… just a stone’s throw away from the gallery wall. (Side note: I found my print on Amazon and framed it myself. The quality of the print was okay but served its Beach Cabin purpose.)