The walls in our home have been a bit blah since we moved in, not totally bare but a photo here, a clock there kind of decorating, just nothing special.
I’ve long dreamed of unique arrangements, cool prints, and even expensive artwork, but just never made the plunge. Until recently when we had new family photos taken, I was so in love with the photos I knew I had to get off my rear and make a move!
After gathering a gazillion gallery wall photos on my wall decor pinterest board I decided it was the route I wanted to go.
Look what I started with a poorly lit blank slate, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH .
Since I wanted to get it right, I started with a fresh coat of paint, I used PPG Great Grey (in-love with this color). Then I logged onto Shutterfly to order my prints. Shutterfly has a new tool called Design-A-Wall, it makes creating a wall gallery so easy. You have the option to have your photos or prints on canvas, framed canvas, metal, wood, or acrylic. I went for the wood prints, they are so unique, and add a natural element to your gallery wall.
I knew I wanted to add in other pieces to my gallery so I chose the ‘Montage’ arrangement that was less symmetrical than the others. Using the Design-A-Wall site is so easy, just upload your photos, choose the gallery you like and drag and drop your photos into the frames. You can choose from a range of designs & sizes.
The best part… every order comes with an AH-mazing special kit to make hanging your gallery wall easy and flawless (I’m talking blow your mind awesome).
Your gallery wall will be in business in about 20 minutes. Yes 20!!! (Even less if you choose a lighter option, like canvas).
The kit includes a small adhesive level, which you stick directly over the words ‘place level here’. They have made it so easy a monkey could hang these prints.
Then you tape the template to the wall with painters or washi tape (this part is easier done with two people because the piece of paper is quite large).
Once the template is up on the wall, determine which letter corresponds with your type of print. Make a mark at the crosshairs of each letter. I used a darning needle, but if you are using nails you can put the nails directly through the paper. The wood prints use screws and anchors, which are included with your prints.
Once you’ve poked all the holes, you can remove the template, and put your screws in to the guide holes you’ve made. Then just simply hang your prints on the screws for an instant gallery wall.
That is it, seriously took me 20 minutes, no measuring leveling, cutting out pieces of paper, wondering how the gallery will look in the end, just instant success!
Adding other pieces to the gallery was so easy with this great foundation. I added a welcome sign to the centre and then just worked around the parameter of the wood prints.
The natural wood grain of the Shutterfly prints really ties together the vintage and nautical pieces.
I’m so happy with how easily it came together. The Shutterfly Design A Wall template makes me want to hang a gallery wall in every single room.
I love that by adding this gallery wall to my entrance really made the space more welcoming and gave an amazing focal point to my open concept home.
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy) says
Love it!
Erin says
This is amazing! I can’t get over that gallery wall product. I know so many people who need to see this post!!
pclaforceC says
Wow, wow, WOW! This is fantastic! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
amy @ one artsy mama says
Wow, that’s gorgeous! Love it! And the Shutterfly tool is so easy to use; I just made a gallery wall with it myself.
Virginia says
I can’t believe how awesome it was, SUPER quick!!
Elle @ Erratic Project Junkie says
I love this! This might be the best thing ever invented. I have a gigantic wall that I’ve totally been putting off due to my fear of leveling and spacing issues. I think that wall’s empty days might be numbered…
Virginia says
Awesome! You’ll be so happy with how quick your gallery wall comes together! Thanks for stopping by!
BJ says
Awesome!!
Amanda {Burlap & Babies} says
That is awesome!! I have bought many times through Shutterfly but didn’t realize they do the Design-A-Wall now. Might need to check that out. And those wood grain photos are gorgeous! Love the effect!!
Pam says
That does look amazing! And, it seems so simple, I love all the step by step instructions. Brilliant!
Laurie @ Vin'yet Etc. says
LOVE it!!!!
Paula H says
WOW! that looks fantastic and very professional! Shutterfly design wall tool looks almost fool proof! I’d even try it!
Virginia says
Fool proof indeed!
Jo-Anna says
What a great feature – one of the scariest parts about putting together a gallery wall is figuring out the layout! Love how you put yours together V!
Kristen says
Hanging a gallery is such a hard task! I cannot believe how simple this looks in comparison to what I usually do! I normal make templates of all my pieces, including their hail hole locations, and then have to place them on the wall, decide a layout etc. It’s a day long task. I cant believe you did this in 20 mins! AMAZING! Looks so good!
Virginia says
I can’t even get out how easy this was, I love everything about it, Thanks for visiting!!
celebbabylaundry says
This looks like such a beautiful wall, it makes it look more homey.
Lyndsay says
Virginia this looks awesome. I love the pieces you added almost as much as the photos.
Casey E. Palmer says
Huh! Never thought a company would think of easy ways to come up with stylish photo arrangements at home! Colour me impressed 🙂
Katie says
This is like gallery walls for dummies! I need this!!!
Jennifer Dawn says
What a gorgeous gallery! So bright and colorful!
Amy Espinosa @the little farm diary says
LOVE this!
Christine says
This is amazingly AWESOME!!! The wall art is fabulous Virginia!!! Shutterfly and you make a GREAT team!
Shannon Acheson | AKA Design, Bloggers & Brands says
That looks SO great! I love it! Thank you for linking it to the Weekend Retreat Link Party!
Shannon
http://www.akadesign.ca
Vidya Sudarsan says
Wow! Your gallery wall is stunning! Perfectly aligned.. and balanced!
Cassie @Kent Heartstrings says
This wall is INCREDIBLE! Great job! love love love! Thank you for linking up at Motivational Monday!
Lauren @ Bless'er House says
This. looks. amazing! I did a gallery wall that took me about 2 hours. I can’t believe how quick and simple this looks. Beautiful job!
Shelly says
This is awesome! I saw you on one of the link ups and I’m glad I did! I use Shutterfly 2-3 times/year and have never known about this feature! 🙂 Your wall looks awesome!
Virginia says
Thanks Shelly, Shutter-fly has some amazing products. This gallery was so easy to put together!
Krista @ the happy housie says
I LOVE this Virginia!! So great- I am totally inspired to try this in our entry hall…love the vignette on the cabinet as well. You are my hostess pick tomorrow at Work it Wednesday- thanks for sharing it!
Tara @ Anything & Everything says
This gallery wall is gorgeous! Love everything about it! Would love it if you linked up to the new link party that just started, Pin Worthy Wednesday!
Marilyn says
I love your gallery wall and Shutterfly sure did make it look easy! I co-host a link party called the Project Stash and I’d love for you to stop by and link up this great post! http://goo.gl/vw0nm7 Have a great day!
Keitha The Bajan Texan says
This is awesome! I’m planning a gallery wall in my dining room so this is very helpful. Thanks for linking up to Pin Worthy Wednesday, I have pinned your post to the Pin Worthy Wednesday Pinterest Board.
Amy W says
What an awesome gallery wall! I love all the color and personality!! Thanks so much for linking up at our Link it or Lump it party!