“I’ve always believed our homes tell a story of who we are, they represent everything going on in our lives.”
Nate Berkus
There is something about old family photographs. They tend to draw you in and make you remember the people you love. I am definitely one to completely loose track of time going through an old album or stack of photos. However, I have found that there is something special about taking some of those photographs and actually displaying them. Usually adding pictures and accessories to a room is kind of an afterthought. It’s something you add to a shelf or table top, but when I wanted to give my bedroom an update I decided to make styling and adding some old family photos as a part of the design and I loved the difference it made.
The photo above is my master bedroom and the furniture is one of those martial compromises made years ago. It’s a department store pine bedroom set my husband had before we were married. We always talk about replacing it but things happen. Its been eleven years and that never seems to be the item that makes the top of the budget list. So when we moved, I decided to restyle what I had with some old photos of Paris that belonged to my grandfather.
These photos show snapshots of Paris before the Second World War. They are special because they remind me of my grandfather and of my French heritage. I love the beautiful city scenes they feel like a passport to a different time and place.
Since the photos were black and white and I had other touches of silver in the room I decided to hang them in some frames with an antiqued pewter finish. I didn’t wanted the smaller photos to get lost on the large wall so I hung them in vertical pairs above each nightstand with a larger starburst mirror above the bed. Then to finish the vignette I added some paper whites in a pretty glass vase and to add something at a lower level I topped off a stack of favorite books with a small porcelain bird dish. I just love the sweet little bird and the green and white colors work well with the paper whites.
Across the room on the dresser you can see another vignette with some family photos and another starburst. I happen to love and collect starbursts so I decided to use a the shape of the mirror and clock to pull these two vignettes together. I decided to add a new abstract painting which relates to the modern clock and and still fits with the black and white photos. These small details give the eye something to look at and it helps lighten up the weight of the pine furniture. I am continually amazed at the difference that styling can make when you are adding in personal touches like photographs and a small collections. So if you have a set of old photos you have thought about displaying here are a few tips on how to incorporate them in your home.
Styling Tips For Adding Personal Photographs To Your Home:
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Establish the style of your photo(s) by choosing a picture frame(s) that you love and by using a frame(s) that relate to the colors in your room
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Think about creating layers vary the sizes and of your frames and accessories. You want a mix of heights so if you have a small collection of frames add in a taller vase, a clock, a lamp or a plant.
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Think about mixing other collections with your photographs. Mix in some small boxes, or travel mementos. It’s those personal touches that make a great vignette.
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The locations and groupings matter almost as much as the items you use, so take everything off of a table or shelf that your are styling. Then take the time to find the right mix.
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Sometimes you need to take a step back and edit your collection a bit. Does it feel too busy? You don’t have to display every meaningful photo in one room. Determine what your absolute favorites are and work around those things.
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Finally, don’t underestimate the difference that styling can make. If you want a house you love on a small budget then start by curating the things that you already have.
Hopefully this series has inspired you to pull out some of you favorite photos and mementos and take a little time to display them in your home. It’s these small details that can make all the difference in how you feel about your house. Sometimes photographs and small accessories aren’t the first things we think about, but if you aren’t designing a whole new space then I like to start with styling what I have. So if you have a room like my master bedroom or a table or shelf you are just not thrilled with, then take an hour or two to arrange and add in some favorite accessories and photos. When you base your design on the things that matter to you it makes all the difference.
Want to see another great project with a vintage family photo at the heart of a design? Then check out this link to Designer Genevieve Gorder’s living room. She incorporated a wonderful photograph of the boat her Croatian grandmother took to arrive at Ellis Island. What a powerful image to share with others and a special story for her family. So find a vintage photo you love and make your history apart of your home.
