Kate's 5 Things
Happy Friday! Can you believe we’re already halfway through June?
What I’ve been reading:
On Our Best Behavior by Elise Loehnen. This book is challenging my judgment and beliefs in how to “do life the right way.” It's educational and far from dull. Elise is such a gifted journalist! Have you read it?
What I’ve been eating:
This blistered shishito and corn salad has all the ingredients I crave during the summertime! So delicious.
What I’ve been watching:
I rewatched Best in Show Wednesday night, and it’s like a hug from an old friend. I feel the same way about Pride and Prejudice (2005), which I watched at 1:00am one night when sleep escaped me. Yes, I also love the BBC series because COLLIN.
What’s in my cart:
I have a number of items in my Sephora cart, including the best setting spray that was ever recommended to me: the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. If you know you know, and if you don’t know…try it!!
One thing I’m looking forward to…
Having a super chill weekend! Only a few plans here and there. What about you?
Reader Question:
What’s the best way to balance a gallery wall?
Kate’s Answer:
Balancing the different elements can be a bit tricky, but there are some guidelines that can help you work with your unique pieces and troubleshoot as you finalize the layout.
Start with a template:
Before hanging anything on the wall, create a template using paper or cardboard cutouts of your frames and arrange them on the floor. This will allow you to experiment with different arrangements until you find one that works.
Find a focal point:
Choose a central piece or group of pieces to act as the focal point for your gallery wall. This could be a larger piece of art or a grouping of smaller pieces. This is where you want the eye to go first!
Create balance:
Try to distribute visual weight evenly across your gallery wall. For example, if you have a larger piece of art on one side, balance it out by adding more pieces on the other side.
Vary sizes:
Mix different sizes of frames and artwork to create a dynamic energy. Do make sure to balance larger and smaller pieces so that one side of the wall doesn't look heavier than the other.
Use color:
Tie together the different elements of your gallery wall by using a consistent color scheme. This could mean choosing frames in the same color or grouping artwork that features similar colors.
Think outside the frame:
Don't limit yourself to just frames - you can also include other decorative items, such as mirrors, wall sconces, or even small shelves.
Edit:
Once you've hung everything on the wall, step back and take a look. If something seems off-balance or overcrowded, don't be afraid to adjust and remove items as needed. You may need to tweak this a number of times before it feels balanced, so don’t be afraid to experiment until it feels right.
The transformation happening over on @oda.and.king is incredibly inspiring. Their vision is so clear and uncompromised — it’s so special to see it unfold in real time.
Here is a before photo they shared:
& after…gasp!
.I highly recommend following along on their Instagram. I can’t get enough!
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I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Hi Kate! I have two recommendations that you should absolutely feel free to disregard: 1) The Other Two on Max. It’s bitingly hilarious and surprisingly sweet. 2) I’m Glad My Mom Died. I only read this because it was a book club pick, but I’ve stayed up too late many a night reading it. For anyone interested in the human experience, I’d recommend.