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Decorating with Photos

by | Jun 1, 2009 | Authentic Living, Decorating Inspiration, Details

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Decorating with Photos

Please welcome my special guest today, Emily from Chatting at the Sky! I met Emily when we, along with her sister Nester and Sandy from Reluctant Entertainer, all roomed together at Blissdom this year. What a treat to have been able to spend some time with her in real life! She is such a sweetie, I love her heart.

Emily has a beautiful home and yet more importantly, she has a beautiful life to go along with that home! I am so excited that she is here at The Inspired Room!

Welcome Emily!

Decorating with Photos

One of my favorite ways to decorate is with photos. They are simple, unbiased storytellers that capture a moment in time to save forever. One important thing I’ve learned about taking pictures is that the photos don’t have to be perfect in order to communicate love, beauty and belonging.

The challenge for me is to actually take those photos that I love so much from the computer and get them into a frame. Sometimes I have to sift through 100 pictures on the screen to get 5 or 10 worthy of printing. But the end result of having a memory with a frame around it sitting on a shelf in my living room is far worth it.

Decorating with Photos

Most of the photos I print right now are black and white simply because it is easier on the eye. I love a good color photo, but when I have to look at it all day every day, I would rather notice my daughters face than the pink and blue striped shirt she had on that day.
Decorating with Photos

I have several walls like this in my house where I have clustered photos together. For less than $8 each, those frames were just the simple touch I needed to display some of my favorite people.

When I think about what inspires me the most in my house, these framed photos top the list.

Decorating with Photos

Here are some tips to help get you started:

1. Tell yourself you will only choose 5 photos to print. Just 5.
2. Pick ones that are close-ish up on faces to eliminate the background distractions.
3. Upload those photos to your favorite online printing place. I like mpix.com
4. Convert the photos to black and white right there on the screen.
5. Get them all printed 5×7. Or you can mix it up with 4×6 and 8×10. To keep it simple, just stick with one size.
6. Your photos will arrive at your door in a few days. You don’t even have to leave the house.
7. Go to Hobby Lobby during their half off frames week, if you have a Hobby Lobby. Or even the dollar store sometimes has white frames.
8. Consider taking the glass out of your frames to reduce the glare.
9. Put your photos in the frames and display.

(these tips were shared by Emily in the comments, I just moved them up to the post so you wouldn’t miss them!):

all photos copyright Emily, Chatting at the Sky

THANK YOU EMILY!

54 Comments

  1. anne

    Hi Melissa, Loving the frames, I like the collection of whites. :-)

    I had a look at Emily’s blog, I love the way she has framed each post :-)

    annes inspiring blog post..Feeling Flowery…..

    Reply
  2. The Happy Housewife

    I decorate with photos too. In fact I am working on replacing almost all my other art with photos. I have found that I spend more time in the rooms that are decorated w/ photographs, not sure why…
    Great post!
    Toni

    The Happy Housewifes inspiring blog post..Menu Plan Monday ~ Clean out the Freezer Edition

    Reply
  3. Emily

    So beautiful! I love the white frames and black and white photos. It all looks so simple and all you see is the gorgeous photos! Great post, Emily!

    Reply
  4. Jen

    I love collections of photos too. I have them hanging all over the house and sometimes I wonder if that would ever deter someone from buying the house (you know how they always tell you to de-personlize when you’re selling) but it’s about living in the now, right?

    Jen@ourdailybigtops inspiring blog post..if I win…a giveaway

    Reply
    • Melissa

      Absolutely, I think unless your house is for sale, your home is for living in the here and now and all about what inspires you right now. If you are trying to show your home to someone else because it is for sale, you can de-personalize if necessary at that point!

      Reply
  5. Kristen

    Emily, I love your shelves…and your table…and your plates. And of course your photos. It’s so fun to walk through your house and see the people, places and moments you cherish. There is much to be learned from those frozen bits of time and your heart is tucked so carefully into each one. I can’t wait to start putting up my own! Thanks for sharing!

    Kristen @ Beautifully Imperfects inspiring blog post..From my Front Porch

    Reply
  6. Ann

    Emily you have such a nice home and you have a very clever way of using framed photographs to enhance your lovely home spaces. What a good way to remind your family and friends how much you value them.

    Anns inspiring blog post..Feeling Beachy

    Reply
  7. Julia

    How fun to see Emily here! I love her style and how she arranged the photos in her house. Looks great. I do the b&w photo thing, too, for the same reasons. They just seem to work better, longer (I don’t get tired of them as fast!).

    Julia @ Hooked on Housess inspiring blog post..On the Market: The House from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

    Reply
  8. Debbykay

    Emily’s use of black and white photos for decorating is fabulous. It is simple, uncluttered, beautiful and captures wonderful memories!

    Thanks for sharing!
    Debbykay at Rose Cottage Gardens and Farm

    Debbykays inspiring blog post..Gorgeous Greens {lightly dressed

    Reply
  9. Rana

    This is just the idea that my house was missing. I need to get my pictures out on display.

    Ranas inspiring blog post..Basic Training Week 2

    Reply
  10. brandy

    Hi Emily,

    Any suggestions on how to get started..I have a billion pictures on my computer of my kiddos and would love to get some on the wall but I don’t have any frames and just feel overwhelmed on where to start?

    Brandy

    Reply
  11. Ang

    Lovely reminder Emily! I too am a fan of printed b&w over color any day – timeless, precious memories in print are treasures.

    Ang @ The Creative Mamas inspiring blog post..Cloth Diapering 101 + Giveaway!

    Reply
  12. Jen

    Yea – two of favorite people/bloggers in one spot.
    Emily photographs just like she writes – with simplicity, beauty and truth. :)

    Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlams inspiring blog post..Furniture Fun….frugal find!

    Reply
    • Melissa

      Hi Jen! I love Emily’s writing and photographs too for those reasons :-)

      Reply
  13. teresa

    Love the white frames- I’ve never done that before, always black. I think I’m going to try something new, thanks Emily for the inspiration. Love your home.

    teresas inspiring blog post..Enrichment- A Gathering in the Garden.

    Reply
  14. Becky K.

    I always notice the family photos when visiting friend’s homes.
    They lend a loved and cozy feel to the home.

    Becky K.s inspiring blog post..Blues at the Amusement Park

    Reply
  15. The Nester

    I love Jen’s comment–perfectly said. And I want to use photos more in my decorating–love your wall arrangements, sister!

    The Nesters inspiring blog post..Lampapalooza Roundup

    Reply
  16. emily

    It sure is fun to hang out at Melissa’s with all the cool people! Thanks for the opportunity!

    Brandy – I know how you feel. It can be crazy overwhelming when you have a ton of photos. Here’s how I would start:

    1. Tell yourself you will only choose 5 photos to print. Just 5.
    2. Pick ones that are close-ish up on faces to eliminate the background distractions.
    3. Upload those photos to your favorite online printing place. I like mpix.com
    4. Convert the photos to black and white right there on the screen.
    5. Get them all printed 5×7. Or you can mix it up with 4×6 and 8×10. To keep it simple, just stick with one size.
    6. Your photos will arrive at your door in a few days. You don’t even have to leave the house :)
    7. Go to Hobby Lobby during their half off frames week, if you have a Hobby Lobby. Or even the dollar store sometimes has white frames.
    8. Consider taking the glass out of your frames to reduce the glare.
    9. Put your photos in the frames and display :)
    10. And if you are me, apologize to Melissa for writing a novel in the comments section.

    emily @ chatting at the skys inspiring blog post..before and after

    Reply
    • Melissa

      Wow, Emily, this is another post all by itself! Great tips, I’m glad you shared them! And YOU are one of the COOL PEOPLE so I’m glad you spread your coolness over here!

      Reply
  17. Rebecca

    It’s not easy arranging pictures on a wall, but you definitely have the knack. Beautiful!

    Reply
  18. Lana

    Such a wonderful post! Thank you for the ideas!

    Lanas inspiring blog post..Tweet ~ tweet!

    Reply
  19. Stacey

    Beautiful! I love this idea to death. It’s so much easier now to get great pictures with digital photography. I’m definitely going to do this!

    Staceys inspiring blog post..Rhondi’s Porch and Patio Party

    Reply
  20. Kimm at Reinvented

    I’m so excited to get more glimpses inside Emily’s beautiful and personal home! Love the photos. We have turned our stairwell and upstairs hallway into photo galleries, I love seeing the faces every day.

    Kimm at Reinventeds inspiring blog post..The Party of the Year

    Reply
  21. SoBella Creations

    I have some fantastic new pictures of my girls. I need to get them framed. But, haven’t really decided on a wall color for my living room yet.

    SoBella Creationss inspiring blog post..Welcome & Giveaways

    Reply
  22. Claudia

    There are two schools of thought here; One i agree with — one — not so much.

    Professional designers are constantly saying “dont put personal pics all through your home! save them for one room ONLY if at all.” — hmmm can you guess the one i dont agree with? (but do agree with this when you said to DE-personalize when selling– ok i agree)

    Then, years ago my kids let me know how special they felt when i put FRAMES around them… in other words, when i took the time to put their very own pictures in frames and place it in a very lovely spot in my home… it helped them know how much i loved them and i put them right next to Grandmas’ special Vase. (it elevated their self worth…) and isnt that what mother’s are in the business of?

    TTFN~~ Claudia

    Claudia @ DipityRoads inspiring blog post..Cottage Details

    Reply
  23. Debbie

    I also enjoy displaying photos of my family and loved ones. I used a variety of frames and have one wall with lots of photos all framed in the same color.

    I love your photo displays and the variety. The whites are a great idea for a frame. I will have to check out your blog too. I enjoy Nester and of course, Melissa. I get great ideas from both of them.

    Debbies inspiring blog post..Sunday Morning Ministries

    Reply
  24. beth daggett

    I love the black and white photos in the white frames. She has some beautiful pictures. Very nice.

    beth daggetts inspiring blog post..Our little spelling champ

    Reply
  25. Charlotte

    Hi Melissa,

    You’ve been “Kissed by a Rose” because you always inspire me! See my blog to pick up your ONE LOVELY BLOG award. Thanks for always making my in-box such a happy surprise!

    P.S. thanks to all the lovely women who visit your site and post comments on your blog that I enjoy visiting that I couldn’t name that help to make my day just a little bit brighter.

    Charlotte

    Charlottes inspiring blog post..Kiss from a rose…

    Reply
  26. Elizabeth

    Thanks Melissa and Emily! Emily, I love visiting your blog, and not just for your decorating ideas! Your photo arrangements (especially with the plates) and tips are very helpful. Thanks for sharing.

    Elizabeths inspiring blog post..Lampapalooza Party!

    Reply
  27. annechovie

    Emily’s home is lovely! Thanks for visiting me Melissa! Your blog is looking fantastic – hope all is well!

    annechovies inspiring blog post..JOHN DERIAN AND EYE CANDY

    Reply
  28. Brenda Kula

    Such wonderful ideas! Taking the glass from the frame. Printing in black and white to emphasize the person and not the clothing. Thanks for sharing!
    Brenda

    Brenda Kulas inspiring blog post..The Mess In My Yard

    Reply
  29. sandy

    With my hubs being a photographer, we do the same. Only with black frames.

    Lovely, Emily! As always …

    sandys inspiring blog post..Yard Sale – SCORE!

    Reply
  30. Kim

    That’s beautiful Emily! I love using photos all over. Our old house had a long hallway lined with frames. I can’t get enough of family photos!

    ~Kim

    Kim @ Everything Etsys inspiring blog post..Make Your Own Photo Jewelry! {Giveaway}

    Reply
  31. laurie

    Thank you so much Melissa and Emily! I love being surrounded by family photos, but have been reading that it is a decorating “no no”. I love the way Emily has printed and framed hers. laurie

    Reply
  32. Fay

    Great use of photos….Your blog is looking great…lots of good info… Fay

    Reply
  33. Sarah

    Hi Melissa

    nice post as usual!

    I am trying to get more photos in my decorating, I have a huge box of photos and some lovely b/w ones just sitting there, I don’t seem to be able to get my act together with them though, maybe I need the anti-procrastination thing again!

    Sarah

    Sarah @ A Beach Cottages inspiring blog post..Beach Cottage Old Antique Dresser & Mirror – Help Needed

    Reply
  34. Rona

    I so love this post. I have lots of wall space and decorating with photos sounds like just the way to fill them.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  35. PJ

    emily, i always enjoy the things you do, but i love the words you use when you write about it just as much!

    Reply
  36. brandy

    Thank you, Emily, for the starter tips!! I love a checklist, works well for my mommy brain!! :) I’m going to get started… your post was inspiring and I love how warm family photos make a house feel.
    Brandy

    Reply
  37. emily

    You are all so encouraging! And I’ve heard that decorating ‘no-no’ as well and to that I simply say: Live. I have dared myself to celebrate the messy and the lovely that is my family without concern for holes in the wall or resale.

    emilys inspiring blog post..tuesday bullies

    Reply
  38. kristen

    I love B&W photos…I have a collection of them on my walls, in simple black frames of different sizes. I love them. I choose photos that speak to me somehow. And then I can sit back, and just look at those photos, and remember the instant when I captured them.

    Your photos arrangements are fantastic!

    kristen@nosmallthings inspiring blog post..Marbles. I think I may be losing them.

    Reply
  39. Meredith

    Beautiful post! I am spectacularly useless at displaying photos and this has been really helpful. Is photoscape a word?

    Reply
  40. Tee

    I am like Brandy, I have a TON of photos and can’t ever decide which ones I want to display. I have a couple sitting around, but I want to add more. Thanks for the tips on narrowing them down, Emily!! I can always swap out pictures, or maybe i’ll get one of those digital frames to show the thousands of other photos I have lol

    Tees inspiring blog post..Something Old…Something New

    Reply
  41. Holly Blocker

    Simply beautiful! What an inspiration…I cant wait to work on this project! Thanks

    Holly Blockers inspiring blog post..Joys of Summer!!!

    Reply
  42. Richella

    What a lovely post! And good tips from Emily about how to do it–not just inspiration that we should use photos in decoration, but HOW we can use them.

    Melissa, I like that your blog never ceases to be gently inspiring. You live up to your blog’s name!

    Richellas inspiring blog post..The rest of the porch story

    Reply
  43. Jendi

    I love that wall of white framed pictures. I’ve got to do something like that in my next house!
    Thanks for the tips too!

    Jendis inspiring blog post..Ready To Dig In

    Reply
  44. Ms. Dunk

    Hi,

    I need your help. I’m NEW to Home Decor Blogs and looking for ideas on decorating my home. And I really need someone who will have patience to guide me and not completely insult my own ideas. And I heard that this is the place to begin. Need help with a Navy Blue Dining Room with White trim and French Doors.

    Reply
  45. Mary Joy

    Emily,

    I completely agree with you regarding personal photographs being some of the best artwork for your home. I have a wall of photos using black frames, some with mats some without. They are all color prints. I love your idea of using black and white shots. I think I will try this for a wall in my bedroom. Thanks for the inspiration!!!
    .-= Mary Joy´s last blog ..A Peek Behind The Scenes In Our Wedding Plans =-.

    Reply
  46. janet

    I love your grouping of family photos! I got a large canvas photo of my grandkids sitting in front of an old rock building. It’s not quite large enough by itself. Any ideas of what to put with it? I love your combination with the plates and metal. Your colors are so soothing!

    Reply

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