Jan 21, 2016

Botanical Gallery Wall


My breakfast room is one of my favorites in our home.  To some it may be just that area off the kitchen that you eat quick meals at but don't give much attention to.  It's open to the kitchen, casual and lacks defined walls; but that doesn't mean you can't decorate it and make it a space that reflects you and your style. For me it's one of the most important rooms.

Breakfast is my most favorite meal and the only one I really care about.  I'm not a foodie (I feel like a unicorn when I say that) so being near the kitchen isn't a big deal to me.  But I am a morning bird.  I have been since I was tee tiny.  I wake up at 5 like a pop tart happy, energized and excited to start a new day (most of you are probably rolling your eyes) but my gal pals know that come 8pm I'm done for the day, drained and worthless.
I enjoy the quiet and freshness of the morning.  Listening to the birds and watching the sun rays slowly fill the sky reminds me of how great God is and just how blessed I am to have the gift of another day.
Here lately I'm thrilled to be another day closer to Mr coming home to me!

And let's not forget the fresh ground beans that go into my big cup of piping hot black coffee - it's the icing to my morning!

The breakfast room was the very first room I ever decorated. In fact, I purchased the table prior to moving in.  I lust over Henkel Harris furniture and was able to find this one in pristine condition at an antique shop.  Those brass claw feet and solid construction is pure beauty.

I knew immediately what I was going to do in this room when we first toured our now home.  An oval table to align with the bay window, a banquette settee, and a gallery wall of botanical prints. I find that incorporating natural elements like plants and wood brings texture and life to a room.

I found the vintage mahogany ribbon back chairs on one of my thrifting trips I shared with you here and simply cleaned them up and recovered the cushions (post coming soon!) The banquette settee I was able to find a mere week after moving in at Homegoods.

When it came time create the botanical wall gallery I struggled.  I wanted smaller prints and I wanted six.  After using my resources, Google, Pinterest and every thrift/vintage shop I went into, I just couldn't find what I was looking for, and in budget.

I was visiting one of my top 5 shops, Paper Source (I'm obsessed with all things paper) and I saw this beautiful botanical large calendar and the idea came to me; I'd cut up the prints and frame them to create my gallery wall. Genius!
And very cost effective!

Tip: Quality is key! Choose a calendar made of thick matte paper 

I bought a paper cutter and frames at Michaels.  It was a bit more tedious than I anticipated cutting the prints to size, as I'm not crafty at all, but after cutting 2, I decided I didn't want them to be absolutely perfect, I wanted to embrace their vintage aesthetic and it was ok if they were a little off and crooked. It lends more to an authentic older look.

And then I had to hang them.  Now this part had to be perfectly straight and evenly spaced.  I wanted to pull my hair out as there are more little holes in my wall than I'd like to admit but I eventually got it right.


I loved picking out which prints I wanted to hang and arranging them just so.  I strive to make each piece of my home intentional and a reflection of us. It takes time and patience but slowly and surely it's all coming together!

And when you're done give the remaining prints to a friend - My Mamma took mine to frame in her home.

Get creative and use a calendar to make your next gallery wall!
Since it's after the new year take advantage of the calendar and planner sales :)

PS Our dining room is getting a glamorous makeover this weekend Ekkkkkkk stay tuned!



Botanical Calendar: Paper Source - More Options || Table: Henkel Harris - Similar || 
Banquette Settee: Homegoods - Similar & Here || Ribbon Back Chairs: Vintage - Similar || 

Dress your Home Beautifully with a Calendar Gallery Wall  

XOXO Sarah Louise

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