frame of mind

Step 1: Find your perfect match

Selecting the perfect wallpaper to serve as your canvas is as easy as wandering through an art gallery. Opt for a design that speaks to your style and décor. Whether you prefer daring and vibrant patterns or something more subtle and classic, the choices are endless. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different finishes and colours to create an eclectic and visually engaging look. We teamed the abstract confidence of Resene Wallpaper Collection 409253 with a pretty floral pattern Resene Wallpaper Collection 464900. The unifying factor isn’t pattern but colour and tone.

There are very few limits. Small, repetitive designs will look great if teamed with largerscale patterns; modern abstracts can be amazing paired with traditional botanical prints. Bold goes great with soft; detailed can pair beautifully with subtle. Let your imagination go for it.

Step 2: Frame it up

Once you have your wallpaper, it’s time to find the frame to showcase it. Look for sturdy frames that complement the size and style of your patterns. Experiment with frames with unique shapes and textures to add an extra layer of visual interest. Consider mixing and matching styles to create a dynamic gallery wall if you have multiple wallpaper options.

Step 3: Go big

Another dramatic way to present Resene wallpaper is to split the pattern across two or three frames. Known as a diptych or triptych, this creates an attractive, sequenced appearance for larger pieces. Resene Wallpaper Collection 687408 has a bold, gloriously oversized pattern ideal for sectioning. Side by side, two or three framed panels look fantastic in a bright, light-filled conservatory or open-plan kitchen.

Wallpaper can either be framed behind glass (like a conventional art print), mounted on a piece of artboard or stuck on a canvas. Glass provides a more traditional look, while mounting is slightly more contemporary. Both approaches suit a painted frame. We chose to give our wallpaper artworks a slightly more timeless look with an art mat.

Step 6: Artful arrangement

Now comes the fun part – arranging your customised artworks. Before hammering nails, lay them out on the floor or a large table to experiment with different arrangements. Use a symmetrical layout for a balanced and harmonious feel or embrace asymmetry for a more playful look. Remember to leave enough space between each frame to avoid clutter and allow each piece to shine. Use a level to make sure your artwork is hanging straight.

Sparkling options

Another option when painting frames is to use a Resene FX Metallic paint or special effects finish. A glittering array is on offer – from the gorgeous Resene Bullion (a soft copper) to Resene Magnetic (a sparkly mid-silver) and Resene Gold. See the Resene Metallics and special effects range for some ideas to get you started.

Project: Tracey Strange
Image: Belinda Merrie
Mural: Leigh Stockton

Want to get your own free copy of future issues of habitat magazine?

Printed copies of habitat highlights are available from late March 2024 at Resene ColorShops and resellers, while stocks last. You can view back issues of habitat magazine online.

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If you have an idea, project or story that you think would suit habitat, we’d love to hear from you. Please drop us an email with your details and include photos if submitting a project.

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