How to Curate a Gallery Wall That Tells Your Story
Most people decorate their walls to fill space—I believe in decorating them to tell stories.
I started thinking more intentionally about gallery walls when a close friend reached out. He had just finished renovating his new home and was excited to add art—but as he scrolled through my shop, he looked overwhelmed. What size should I choose? How do I frame it? What even goes together?
That got me reflecting on my own spaces. As someone who’s lived in rented homes most of my life, with white walls and a lot of restrictions, I’ve always decorated instinctively. But I realized I wasn’t alone—most of us are trying to bring beauty into our homes without really knowing where to begin.
So I began to research—reading articles, watching videos, deep diving into interior inspiration. There’s a lot of information out there, and honestly? It can feel overwhelming. But one truth stood out: curating art for your home isn’t about rushing to fill a blank wall. It’s about telling your story—layer by layer, memory by memory.
Your art doesn’t have to match. It doesn’t need to be expensive. And it definitely shouldn’t feel like hotel décor. Think of it as building a visual diary—maybe with a city sketch from your favorite trip, a poster from a museum you loved, a flower study that reminds you of childhood summers. The only rule? It should mean something to you. That’s the secret to a gallery wall that brings joy every time you see it.
That’s why I decided to start this blog. Through short, practical tips, I want to help you feel more confident choosing art that reflects you—whether you're shopping from my collection, or curating a mix of prints, collages, vintage finds, and sentimental pieces.
Here’s how to begin:
1. Choose Art That Sparks Emotion
Choose pieces that spark emotion or curiosity.
Whether it's a dreamy landscape, a vibrant abstract, or a delicate line drawing — let your heart guide you. The art you live with should reflect your personal journey, not just trends.
“Blackheath“ (London) architectural sketch by Ula Patoka
Maybe it’s a sketch of a city that reminds you of your favorite independent shop from a summer trip to Europe — like this one from my London collection. That moment, captured in lines and ink, holds far more meaning than any generic print ever could.
2. Think About the Mood
What feeling do you want each room to evoke?
Calm and peaceful (ideal for bedrooms)?
Energizing and bold (perfect for a home office or kitchen)?
Warm and welcoming (for living rooms and entryways)?
Let the emotional atmosphere you want to create influence your choices. For example, a soothing botanical line drawing above your bed can help create a restful retreat, while a bold Art Nouveau portrait in the hallway can instantly set the tone with personality and flair.
3. Mix Mediums and Styles
Don’t feel restricted to one look. One of the most charming things about gallery walls is how effortlessly they can blend different artistic styles and materials—modern prints, vintage oil paintings, embroidered textiles, delicate ink drawings. This room is a perfect example: botanical florals, whimsical folk art, graphic symmetry, and even ceramic plates all coexist in harmony. What ties it together isn’t uniformity, but rhythm—repeating tones, thoughtful spacing, and a cohesive color palette that lets the differences sing rather than clash.
Curated contrast like this makes a space feel dynamic and deeply personal—it becomes a reflection of your journey and your eye. Wondering why it all still works so well? It’s all in the palette. Read my guide on curating art by color harmony.
4. Placement Matters
“Anemone“ botanical hand-drawn illustration by Ula Patoka
This question truly deserves a full post of its own—but for now, here are a few essentials to keep in mind:
For single pieces, hang at eye level—roughly 145–150 cm from the floor to the center of the artwork.
For a more playful or relaxed feel, try leaning smaller pieces on shelves, stacking them against the wall, or grouping a few together to tell a richer story.
5. Don’t Overthink It: Let Your Taste Lead
There’s no single “perfect” formula.
Curating art for your home is a personal journey — trust your instincts, embrace pieces that resonate with you, and let your walls unfold into a visual narrative of your life.
“Awakening” abstract portrait by Ula Patoka
Sometimes the most meaningful combinations aren’t the most conventional — a sketch from a street artist, a childhood drawing, or a flea market find can hold just as much soul as a gallery piece. Trust what moves you.
In my shop, you’ll find a wide variety of styles to choose from — from black and white city sketches to colorful abstracts, from Ukrainian folk motifs to modern lines — and I also create custom artworks, including bespoke Art Nouveau illustrations made just for you.
Your home deserves more than decoration — it deserves meaning.
Through curated, personal art, your space becomes a living, breathing reflection of who you are.
Looking for a piece that feels truly yours? I’d love to help. Browse my shop or get in touch to create something special together.