Adding a gallery wall on the staircase

January 29, 2009

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So you may have heard me complain about our lack of beautiful stairway railings in our house. (Especially at Christmas with the GORG garland wrapped around them.) 

I only have myself to blame for this -- hubby wanted them when we were building our house but I was already hyperventilating about the growing size of our mortgage with every. single. little. thing. we were adding. The extra four grand for railings (come on) was enough to put me over the edge. 

So I've embraced what we have. Which is a bunch of HUUUUGE walls on our stairway. It is open to the top of our house, about 25 feet up, so there's lots of space to work with. I've done a couple things to fill these spaces, the first of which I wanted to share with you today:

I started with a vinyl wall decal. 

If you haven't heard about them, I wrote about the products here. I love this stuff!!  

I found floating frames at Joann's at half off -- I've probably spent about $50 on all of them. I love that there is no mat, just the wall showing through: I started taking my own pictures of our son when he was itty bitty -- the baby who NEVER cried screamed like a banshee for his first professional pictures -- so that day I went home, stripped him down, laid him on black fabric, and shot away. 

I did this often his first year or so: **This does not work with a two-year-old. :) 

 I didn't use any kind of design to put these up -- just hung them willy nilly, and I love doing it that way: It's one of the first things you see when you walk into our home and it's one of my favorite spots. 

I just added a new one today, and may add one more, but I don't know. I like all the "white space":

I always suggest this kind of wall for weird hallways and stairways. I think it is a beautiful way to deal with awkward spaces like this. The pictures cost me nothing because I print them at home, on regular paper. Love it! 

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January 29, 2009

Comments

  1. AshleighJanuary 29, 2009 at 9:58 PM

    I LOVE this! I love the "I'll just hang them where ever I feel like it" look. We have the same empty wall in our house as you walk up the stairs and I've been pondering for a long time (ok too long, about 3 years) on what to do with this space. Thank you for the great idea!

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  2. BetsyJanuary 29, 2009 at 10:00 PM

    Love it...we have a large picture wall too. It makes me smile everytime I walk by.

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  3. AnNicole@Our Suburban CottageJanuary 29, 2009 at 10:01 PM

    You did such a great job with this. I have a tall staircase wall that I need to fill too. This is great inspiration. Do you or your husband have any older pictures of your step daughter, or even school pictures? I know they're not the same, but if you had them reprinted at one of those Kodak booths in b/w they could be a good filler in the meantime. Just a thought... Great job!

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  4. jennifersusanJanuary 29, 2009 at 10:02 PM

    I absolutely heart your wall! I think you did an amazing job!!!

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  5. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2009 at 10:03 PM

    I LOVE your wall!!!! Come do mine?? :)

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  6. mylittlegemsJanuary 29, 2009 at 10:06 PM

    Way so very cute! I do the same thing but w/ shooting photos of my kids- and I have a b/w photo wall too of all their cute faces. I love the way you hung your pictures up- it looks great! I may have to do some more of just hanging them up any old way- since I always think they have to be all orderly:) thanks for all your fun ideas-love it!

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  7. LJanuary 29, 2009 at 10:16 PM

    OH, I love this! I am so glad I found your blog. I have 2 HUGE walls in my entry and one wall in my living room that is really long that I am lost as to what to do with. This is great inspiration. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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  8. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2009 at 10:34 PM

    Beautiful! I love those frames and the wall art is super cool.

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  9. DomesticDivasFancyJanuary 29, 2009 at 10:41 PM

    That looks amazing. I love it.

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  10. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2009 at 10:43 PM

    I, of course, LOVE IT!
    I sell Uppercase Living and I just love seeing what people do with it.
    Your wall is super cute!!

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  11. UnknownJanuary 29, 2009 at 11:27 PM

    What a beautiful wall! I love walls with pictures. We have a long wall in our hallway upstairs (that you can see from the open foyer) and I have pictures - all in black frames. It makes me smile every time I walk past it.

    Sheryl

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  12. CynthiaJanuary 29, 2009 at 11:29 PM

    I love it and looks so simple. I have done one in my kitchen but I wrote it myself. Thanks for sharing it!

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  13. StaciJanuary 29, 2009 at 11:34 PM

    Yeah, you've got me hooked on the wall words now. I ordered my first Uppercase Living catalog the other day after reading your post about them. I think I may become addicted. I am sure my husband would love to thank you! LOL!!!

    Love the wall!

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  14. MarthaJanuary 29, 2009 at 11:56 PM

    oh wow.. it looks beautiful! I need something like this in our home..

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  15. Ashley Urke | Domestic FashionistaJanuary 30, 2009 at 12:03 AM

    I like that you just printed them on paper...they came out so great!

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  16. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2009 at 1:58 AM

    That is a beautiful display!

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  17. BrendaJanuary 30, 2009 at 1:59 AM

    I love your wall! I have a similar wall in my dining room that reads: "Family, A Journey To Forever! I love vinyl lettering!
    Congratulations on your decorating consultations! I think it is great, I wish you the best of luck! Your blog is very inspiring! I also love Interior Design, we share a lof of the same joys in life! Best of luck to you!

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  18. Swift JanJanuary 30, 2009 at 2:02 AM

    Looks awesome :D

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  19. AngieJanuary 30, 2009 at 2:08 AM

    This wall of pictures is just perfect! Love everything - the frames, pictures, layout, words - AWESOME!!!

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  20. ShayJanuary 30, 2009 at 6:38 AM

    It looks AWESOME! I love vinyl lettering too~ I put the cutest saying on my friends bathroom wall, a couple of weeks ago and it just makes the room!!

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  21. Tymes PastJanuary 30, 2009 at 7:03 AM

    This is beautiful...love it...makes a "wow" statement!

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  22. SherriJanuary 30, 2009 at 7:13 AM

    I LOVE your wall. And that you just hung the photos "willy nilly". I am planning a photo wall for my studio. Purchased wooden frames at the 'junk' store for 88 cents, spray painting them white. Also picked up a small mirror and doing the same to hang with them. It's a project in the works and I can't wait to get my large wall done in this room! Thanks again for more inspiration!

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  23. CocoJanuary 30, 2009 at 7:21 AM

    Your wall is almost identical to my stair wall, and I love your idea! It looks so pretty!

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  24. Leigh of Tales from BloggeritavilleJanuary 30, 2009 at 8:21 AM

    You r wall looks great! I have a wall like this, but your frames are way more cool. I need to head to Joanns!

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  25. Twice as NiceJanuary 30, 2009 at 8:56 AM

    My twin and I love wall words so much we started our own business! So if there is ever something you want that Uppercase Living doesn't make or want something more personalized you can always check with us.

    Love the family photo wall and floating frames.

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  26. AprilJanuary 30, 2009 at 9:15 AM

    Your wall and photos are AMAZING! Great idea! Oh, and I have a teenager, so I know exactly what you mean about it being hard to snap their picture when they're never around!

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  27. southerninspirationJanuary 30, 2009 at 9:23 AM

    I love this wall.....my problem is the wall going up the stairs is curved! and it has niches above it! Do you think it would still work on a curved wall????

    Suzanne

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  28. UnknownJanuary 30, 2009 at 9:24 AM

    That wall looks fantastic! And, think, you wouldn't have all that great display space if you had those blased railings!

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  29. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2009 at 9:24 AM

    The wall looks beautiful! I love those rub on sayings - even Target carries them now.

    Manuela

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  30. Jaden PaigeJanuary 30, 2009 at 9:28 AM

    I LOVE the vinyl wall rub ons. I can't wait till I have my own house and I can start putting some of your awesome ideas to work. It would just feel wasted in our crappy little apartment, ya know?

    Have a great weekend!

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  31. Lazy Mom LeslieJanuary 30, 2009 at 9:30 AM

    Love the Uppercase Living stuff! Great pictures!
    http://www.lazymoms.com

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  32. DebJanuary 30, 2009 at 9:31 AM

    Love the way your wall looks!!! What a great way to show off your favorite photos, plus it is unexpected and whimsical. I always get stuck with those areas. I actually have a huge wall in my stair well that gives me grief. We've been in our house for 9 years and it is still empty. Maybe I'll try this. Thank you for the idea.

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  33. Plowgian PageJanuary 30, 2009 at 9:33 AM

    This is beautiful. I'd love to get some of the float frames for some slightly different (pictures/art for my living room). Does anyone know if they are still on sale at Joann's? The paint color in your hall looks very similar to the paint in my living room/halls. Mine is "Indian Painting" but I can't remember if its by Glidden or Behr. I got it at Home Depot.

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  34. ShannonJanuary 30, 2009 at 9:44 AM

    It looks great! I wish I had somewhere for something like this!

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  35. DeeJanuary 30, 2009 at 10:09 AM

    Hey! I just put some vinyl letters on my wall, my saying says, the best memories are made around the kitchen table.

    Its on a half way that goes from the ceiling and half was down to the floor. Anywho, Now I am looking for something to hang around it. I think I may hang some plants on the wall.

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  36. AnNicole@Our Suburban CottageJanuary 30, 2009 at 11:01 AM

    Did you see you were just featured on The Nester's Tumblr blog today? Go check out her blog and you'll see what I'm talking about. Good on you!

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  37. Ruth AnnJanuary 30, 2009 at 11:05 AM

    I love how you dealt with the space. We're in the middle of a whole house remodel and it sucks because my husband wanted textured walls, so I cannot put up any decals like that! I love the way they look! And I love the floating frames! I'll have to check into those! Have a great day!
    -Ruth Ann

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  38. LillyBJanuary 30, 2009 at 11:25 AM

    Do they damage the walls when you remove them??? I am in love with the way they look but I am renting right now with a very strict landlord...let me know!
    misslilly1982@gmail.com
    thank you!!

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  39. LillyBJanuary 30, 2009 at 11:26 AM

    p.s. I love the floating frames!

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  40. Christi @ Writing the WavesJanuary 30, 2009 at 11:33 AM

    Just EXACTLY what I need!!! Thanks for a great inspiration!!! :)

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  41. KristinJanuary 30, 2009 at 11:36 AM

    I love how this turned out! I am doing something similar in my kitchen where there is a wall that I cannot put anything there because it used to be an outside door and across from it is the door to the basement. I love to look at pictures!

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  42. Darlene - Our Creative LifeJanuary 30, 2009 at 11:47 AM

    I love that saying and your photos!Your wall looks fabulous!!

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  43. UnknownJanuary 30, 2009 at 2:05 PM

    I love your wall. The picture grouping is perfect and you know how I feel about words. LOVE THEM! Great job!

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  44. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2009 at 3:10 PM

    It think your wall looks perfect!

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  45. Amanda@Imperfectly BeautifulJanuary 30, 2009 at 3:17 PM

    Beautiful! I have a freakishly long hallway that I've been dying to do this too. It makes such a huge impact...love it! Do you really just use regular paper? You'd never know looking at those pics. They're lovely.

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  46. Terrie's Lil' Piece of SerenityJanuary 30, 2009 at 5:47 PM

    Sarah, You know I love wall words. There are so many great companies doing them. I love the pictures of your son. You did a great job photographing them. Did you use photo paper or just regular white paper?? Those frames are pretty cool. Hugs, Terrie

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  47. julie & joeJanuary 30, 2009 at 6:41 PM

    I love Uppercase Living! Check out my blog for an Uppercase Living giveaway!!!!!

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  48. {Rebecca Fellows}January 30, 2009 at 8:45 PM

    Ooo. I have awkward wall space going up my stairs, too! I thought it would be too busy to put stuff there. How wrong I was. I love that. You did a great job!

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  49. {Rebecca Fellows}January 30, 2009 at 8:47 PM

    Oh, and your photography skills...WOW!

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  50. julie & joeJanuary 30, 2009 at 10:30 PM

    The handprint design is a special until the end of February, it is $25 with a $50 purchase, it is not in the book. The other is from the new catalog, our website is http://expressyourself.uppercaseliving.net.

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  51. BrownsJanuary 30, 2009 at 10:52 PM

    Looks great!

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  52. TanielleJanuary 31, 2009 at 4:29 AM

    So, so cute! I love how it looks, you do such amazing, and fun stuff! What an inspiration!

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  53. Aimee LarsenJanuary 31, 2009 at 10:47 AM

    Have you tried finding a few baby pictures of your step daughter??? They may not be with the black background but everything looks good in black and white. I think it would be such a sweet touch to have them both on the wall. Oh and I've seen her bedroom, you are probably one of the best stepmoms ever.

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  54. Rebecca JoJanuary 31, 2009 at 3:57 PM

    I LOVE those decals... & love the way you did a funky organiziation of the pictures....

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  55. Glitter & BlissJanuary 31, 2009 at 9:13 PM

    I absolutely love your floating frames. The message is perfect. I'm getting caught up on your latest posts...you went to NYC. Wow!!! It looks like you had a wonderful time. That is so great!!! I have been there and have seen Wicked too. It is fabulous. NYC is amazing!! So glad you had fun friend. Leslie

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  56. JenniferFebruary 1, 2009 at 11:46 AM

    Oh my gosh-- that looks gorgeous!!

    You have such a penchant for design. =)

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  57. Bobbi Jo NicholsFebruary 1, 2009 at 9:13 PM

    I hear you about teenagers. I am ready to ship mine out sometimes. he he Love the wall.
    Hugs, Bobbi Jo

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  58. Amber FilkinsFebruary 1, 2009 at 10:37 PM

    Hey girl, just wanted to let you know that I tagged you on my blog. :)

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  59. Jen @ tatertotsandjello.comFebruary 1, 2009 at 11:32 PM

    Your wall is sooo cute! I love the frames. I am obsessed with vinyl lettering - it is so cute!

    Jen

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  60. Girly StuffFebruary 2, 2009 at 2:10 PM

    Very eye catching! I have a similar stairwell...I will have to think about this!

    Cute baby boy!

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  61. Lizzy BeeFebruary 2, 2009 at 2:41 PM

    Totally love this and am going to lift this idea from you! Thank you!

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  62. AshleyFebruary 3, 2009 at 2:07 PM

    I love reading your blog! That wall is awesome! I gave you an award over at my blog!

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  63. Julia @ Hooked on HousesFebruary 3, 2009 at 2:21 PM

    That is SO COOL. Love what you've done with what could've been to most of us an impossible space to decorate!

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  64. HelenFebruary 4, 2009 at 10:09 PM

    You have created a magical space with these adorable photos ... not to worry about teenage stepdaughter, she knows you love her - I promise.

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  65. BeckiFebruary 6, 2009 at 10:19 AM

    Love your blog and decorating ideas and could use some advice. I have an awkward space in my home which I blogged about here http://creatingcomfort.blogspot.com/2008/10/decorating-dilema.html because of cathedral ceilings in the foyer. I would appreciate some tips or ideas if you get a chance to drop by. Thanks! Becki

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  66. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2009 at 12:23 AM

    It's gorgeous! I love it! The wall looks perfectly and professionally done. Very inspiring. :)

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  67. Lisa BApril 14, 2009 at 2:36 PM

    I am wanting to steal this whole idea for our dining area. What size vinyl rub did you purchase from Uppercase Living?

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  68. FlapJackNovember 13, 2009 at 11:23 PM

    Wow! How on Earth do you do this?? I swear I just don't have "the touch." When I put things up "all willy nilly," they don't look FAB like that...they just look all "willy nilly!!" I've been wanting to do this with our stairway for a while now but have been too scared to nail a bunch of holes in our wall, only to find it looks like poo. I'd say you've inspired me, though. I'm gonna do it. (But be honest--is that really all willy nilly, or was there some measuring involved?? And-- spacing wise, yours all come within inches of the railing?? Ugh, I'm such a dunce at this decorating stuff!!!)

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  69. Beth@The Stories of A to ZNovember 17, 2009 at 10:53 PM

    Yay! I was hoping you'd link this post up :). Thanks girl for not leaving my Mr. Linky all lonesome.

    Blessings,
    Beth

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  70. Moore MinutesNovember 18, 2009 at 12:43 PM

    Gorgeously done! Very artistic. LOVE it.

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  71. Amy {The Red Chair Blog}November 18, 2009 at 12:48 PM

    I love your wall and the message that you chose for your lettering. Awesome! Great pics of your son too.

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  72. The TablescaperNovember 18, 2009 at 6:41 PM

    Love the photos and how they float! The saying, says it all.

    - The Tablescaper

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  73. Nancy HoodNovember 18, 2009 at 8:41 PM

    came here from Just a Girl and love what you've done with the wall! We don't have a staircase but I'm loving going to sites I've never been! I'll be back!

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