Walls tie the look of the room together. Even when you have the most expensive furnishings, your home design can turn into a disaster without an appropriate backdrop to envelop your space. How do you choose the best wall decor?

One thing I do is grab paint swatches from hardware stores like Lowes or Home Depot, and frame them up on my wall to add some color. This also helps me imagine how a space can come to life.

Most homeowners are now becoming bolder in their choices of wall decor. Some have even gone to great lengths turning their walls into their very own works of art. In my latest post for the Balsam Hill blog, I will show you five ways to transform your blank canvas into a masterpiece.

1.) Typography

Typography has now become a hot trend, according to Houzz contributor Becky Harris. Alphanumeric designs create a range of looks. Sharp edges exude a modern appeal, while fluid cursive strokes add a classic touch. Often, you can find vintage street signs or modern letter or number blocks that provide your home with that eclectic look.

2.) Family Photos

Turn family photos into wall art by having them enlarged at your local print shop. A set of three in sepia or black and white creates beautiful contrast against colored walls. Choose an overarching theme. In the example from Michelle Hinckley, photos of children lend a touch of innocence. The technique works well given the soft colors and fabrics that define the room. Do remember not to overpopulate the space with images. Achieve balance between your accent pieces and your accent wall by limiting the number to three large ones, five medium ones, or seven smaller ones with the option of using matching frames.

3.) Mirrors

When decorating your family room, media room, or children’s bedroom, you can add a whimsical touch by using modern, streamlined mirrors. Unlike photographs that produce a flurry of images that fill up the room, mirrors create the opposite effect by widening the space.

4.) Geometric Patterns

A signature style of British designer David Hicks, geometric patterns give depth to a room. The example from Splendid Willow uses a wonderful and illusory play of hexagons. The outline of the geometric figure is done in a bold purple color but balanced out by the subtlety of the surrounding space. The patterns are so delectable on their own that even with furnishings in gold, black, and brown placed in front, the accent wall still stands out.

5.) Murals

If your home has a large pallid wall, liven it up with an awe-inspiring photo mural. Use highly detailed images of a lush forest, serene waterfalls, or a calm seascape to recreate natural wonders. Set the mural as the focal point of the room by minimizing the surrounding decor. Little hints of color, such as those in the example by Desire to Inspire, are welcome, but be sure to equalize them with white or grey furnishings.

Instead of thinking of bare walls as another design nightmare, think of them as blank canvases. Throw some color and pattern and your favorite accent pieces onto them, and these walls shall come to life.

by Sura Nualpradid / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

My Balsam Hill Home

What makes every home special? In this series, the Balsam Hill blog shows you the most unique architectural and interior design marvels that are sure to inspire you as you transform your very own house into a Balsam Hill home.

My Balsam Hill Home: Travelers’ Trinkets
My Balsam Hill Home: The ‘New’ in Neo-Victorian
My Balsam Hill Home: How to Build the Perfect Sunroom

Solid Colors

If you are leaning towards something simple but are trying to get out of your shell, try using plains first. It won’t do well if you just buy a fancy printed couch and decide later on that it’s too flashy for you. Start small, but don’t be afraid to go a bit bold as well. For a fresh start, have your walls painted white. Then add an eyeful of color by placing a vivid red rug on your plain floors. You can also have your kitchen cabinets painted blue or a sunny shade of yellow.

If you think the rug and the repainted cabinets are a bit too much, opt for something simpler. A few jewel-toned pillows on your couch will do the trick.

Patterns and Prints

For homeowners who want a bigger change, prints may be the answer they’re looking for. Patterns and prints come in various forms. A subtler pattern may be striped linens. For something fierce, think animal-print couches. With summer just around the corner, it would be a great idea to have your living space nautically inspired. Placing striped bathroom curtains in your private retreat is one way to have a relaxing bath. If you’re thinking of a bigger area, why not have stripes on your ceiling or on your kitchen floor? The Mustard Ceiling blog gives more home decorating ideas on how to incorporate stripes into your design.

For an eye-catching piece, invest in an animal-print couch or stool. Place the couch in your living room or the stool in your bedroom or study. These bold pieces of furniture are great accents!

A Fusion of Styles

Plains and prints are always a good match. Mount an abstract painting on your stark white walls or hang floral curtains to serve as a contrast. If you still want animal-print decor in your home but are quite hesitant to buy a couch, get some throw pillows instead, and prop them up your black leather couch.

Like the fashion rule of never wearing a printed top over a printed skirt, striking a balance is always the way to go.

Every city, every town tells a story through its geography – and its culture. This story unfolds with every step of your journey. Enthralled by your destination, you return home having seen more than you remember, and remembering more than you have seen.

But memories of your travels need not fade like an old photograph. Showcase mementos from your journey. And incorporate travel-themed home decor that captures your love for adventure.

1. Maps

A great alternative to wallpaper, these cartographic designs exhibit cool coastal colors of blue and beige, while the continental patterns create a unique visual texture on the walls. Choose vintage-looking maps: their earth tones exude old world elegance. Take inspiration from the geography of a place as you plot your next adventure with friends and family.

Contemporary Home Office by Boston Architect ZeroEnergy Design

2. Globes

Like maps, globes infuse contemporary spaces with an air of adventure. Conjuring up images of faraway places, these pieces invite you to circumnavigate the world in one spin. Set in a corner and on top of old suitcases, this spherical accent may exhibit imperfections, but the flaws only add to the antiquarian charm of the piece.

Eclectic Living Room by Dallas Media And Blogs Sarah Greenman

3. Postcards

Postcards offer you a glimpse of the traveler’s life on the road. As wall decor, vintage postcards hold both an aesthetic and sentimental value because of the artwork, postage stamps, and scribbled messages on them. Display a set of five in coordinating frames to give your room little snapshots of the world.

Eclectic Bedroom by Austin Interior Designer Maureen Stevens

Another technique is to make a collage of old tickets you’ve collected over the years and frame them. You can also add small items into a frame with a depth of about half an inch.

Modern Hall

4. Luggage

The ultimate travel companion, luggage can be transformed into home decor in many ways. Old suitcases can be refurbished as sofas or storage cases in the living room or bedroom. Stack up a matching pair to turn it instantly into an elegant alternative to your center table.

Traditional Porch by Kansas City Photographer Chad Jackson Photo

5. Souvenirs

Souvenirs can look cluttered when simply piled together in a corner of the house. Instead, allocate space in your home for a gallery, and set your mementos in between functional decor such as books to allow the space to remain dynamic. Displaying purely decorative pieces in one area of the home can give it a static look.

Contemporary Hall by Austin Photographer Bryant Hill Media

6. Flags

Flags lend your room that familiar fusion of colors. The image of the British flag, for instance, has become so entrenched in pop culture that adding the Union Jack as a design element is not only widely accepted, but it is also seen as a fashion statement on its own. Use the Union Jack design as an accent in areas with muted colors.

Eclectic Home Office by Los Angeles Media And Blogs Lisa Borgnes Giramonti

7. Landmarks

A jet set lifestyle is one filled with the energy of cosmopolitan cities. Fill your space with visual excitement by including images of landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower or Golden Gate Bridge, in the background of your favorite room.

Modern Kitchen by Seattle Architect Janof Architecture

8. Vintage Cameras

Complete the travel theme of your room by incorporating vintage cameras as an accent. They add a charming touch that reminds the world traveler to capture every moment of the journey.

Eclectic Spaces by Brooklyn Media And Blogs Brooklyn Limestone

Retrace your footsteps around the world. Infuse your Balsam Hill home with travel-themed decor that exudes a jet set lifestyle.

by Sura Nualpradid / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

My Balsam Hill Home

What makes every home special? In this series, the Balsam Hill blog shows you the most unique architectural and interior design marvels that are sure to inspire you as you transform your very own house into a Balsam Hill home.

My Balsam Hill Home: The ‘New’ in Neo-Victorian
My Balsam Hill Home: How to Build the Perfect Sunroom

The pressures of the daily grind may leave you with little time to appreciate the role your mom plays, and few opportunities to express just how much she means to you. But there is still one day out of every year that allows you to remember and, best of all, reconnect with her. This second Sunday of May, go beyond the usual Mother’s Day gifts. Take time out of your busy week and host a brunch party in honor of one amazing woman.

Traditional Patio by Other Metro Media And Blogs Aiken House & Gardens

Dine in the Garden

Never mind the crowded restaurants. Impress your guest of honor by hosting this intimate affair in a private garden sprawling with fresh blooms. You can also include floral accents, such as simple white roses, in your tablescape. Lay one on top of a folded table napkin, and hold it in place by tying a lace ribbon around it.

by Rosen Georgiev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If you prefer fuller floral arrangements, choose hydrangeas that heighten the elegance of your alfresco setting. Hydrangeas are a popular choice because they are easy to arrange and also visually appealing with large blossoms that come in shades of pink, red, purple, and blue. To create a classic look your mom will love, arrange the white variety into a magnificent centerpiece to set off the glass and silverware.

Serve a Menu of Surprises

1. Roasted Turkey Panini & Arugula Pesto Mayo

Since you are hosting a brunch party, you have the opportunity to put together a menu of light but very satisfying courses. Surprise your mom and her friends with this roasted turkey panini with arugula pesto mayo from culicurious.com. The creamy spread makes this meal extra special as it brings to life the turkey meat with the herby, tangy goodness of the arugula. Add to that the boldness of smoked mozzarella for a burst of flavor. Serve this heavenly sandwich on a bed of greens, such as the surprising spring salads featured on the Balsam Hill blog in March.

by Worakit Sirijinda / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

2. Mint Lemonade Spritzer

For a beverage that refreshes the palate, blend together a pitcher of lemonade with mint leaves. If you want more kick, opt for sparkling water to turn this citrus drink into a spritzer. MJ Delights gives this famous cooler an interesting Indian twist by adding a pinch of black salt to temper the sweetness.

by dusky / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

3. Chocolate-and-Vanilla Cupcakes

Chocolate and citrus make a great combination. As your brunch menu includes a refreshing lemonade blend, you can choose a light chocolate dessert. Cap off the celebration with chocolate-and-vanilla cupcakes sans the butter frosting to keep the meal light and healthy. For a similar treat, go for Melissa d’Arabian‘s banana bread with chocolate chips. This is the kind of recipe that brings back fond memories.

by Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Celebrate the Little Things

End your brunch party with a handmade Mother’s Day card to show your love, care, and appreciation to the most wonderful woman on earth. Celebrate the little things only your mom can do, to make her feel truly special. You can also make these personalized notes as a touching gift to friends who are celebrating the day with her.

Eclectic Porch

Give your mom the gift of quality time. Cherish her by hosting a brunch party on Mother’s Day and reconnect with the most amazing woman in your life.