This year, resolve to give that wall—you know, the one you stared at all of last year—an update. One easy strategy? A curated constellation of art called a gallery wall, a versatile style that’s become a decorating favorite. Interior designer Rachel Vanek of Littleton’s Inside Stories shows us how to nail the look.

Photo by S. Brenner

1. Up Front
Choose a wall in a room visitors might actually wander into—you want people to compliment your handiwork, right? In this Broomfield client’s guest bedroom, Vanek filled the space above the headboard, so it’s the first thing overnighters see when they enter.

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2. On Theme
When selecting your artwork, photos, and curios, Vanek recommends working around a theme, such as family photos or, in this case, nature motifs. “Stay true to yourself and your style,” Vanek says. “Don’t just replicate what you see on Pinterest.”

3. Fancy Framework
Let the artwork in your gallery wall inform how you frame it. If you’re displaying black and white photography, you might opt for uniform frames to let the images pop. However, for an eclectic collection like this one, feel free to play with colors and styles.

4. Mix and Match
A variety of sizes and shapes makes your display look professionally curated. If you don’t have an array of horizontal, vertical, small, and large prints, Vanek recommends Lulu’s Furniture & Decor in Englewood (Target stocks a lower-priced selection).

5. Objects of Desire
“Not everything needs to be framed,” Vanek says. Objects like these bowls add an element of dimension. To avoid the items seeming misplaced, pick similar pieces in groups of three and hang them throughout the arrangement, not right next to each other.

6. Keep Your Distance
This is your home, not the Guggenheim, so nothing needs to be immaculately placed. Still, Vanek suggests shooting for approximately two to four inches of space between each object. Any more distance, she explains, and the items start to feel disconnected.

7. Assembly Required
Lay out your design on the floor to ensure the idea will work before putting hammer to nail. Place the biggest pieces—Vanek started with the dotted canvas and horizontal sketch—on opposite ends of the arrangement and plot your way down to the smallest items.

8. Count On It
Though the size of your wall will dictate how many pieces you can fit, make sure the number is odd. Odd numbers are more intriguing to the eye, Vanek says, and will help your collection seem less matchy-matchy and more organic.