Vitamin Daily

Many moons ago I went to the Royal Academy’s summer exhibition, and ever since I’ve wanted a picture wall of my own. You see them a lot lately. But I love the way the RA’s is hung — pictures stacked one on top of another in a riot of colour. Once I got started, mine took on a life of its own and practically hung itself. Here are some tips:

Set out with a plan, (you may want to lay the whole thing out on the kitchen floor) but don’t be too disciplined. The best picture walls are the ones that break rules and look as though they were hung over time. Think playful and organic.

Try to mix it up.

Hang a ceramic plate or an old record alongside a favourite vintage silk scarf, photograph or postcard. You may have a valuable print that works perfectly next to an old photobooth pic.

Some people prefer a uniform look, (all black frames, let’s say) but I personally like to combine materials, ceramic frames next to brass ones next to a Reeba, for instance.

I chose not too be too symmetrical, but it’s still orderly. If you aim to be too precise, your job will become very challenging.

This is definitely a two-man job, with one person hanging (someone with a very good eye) and the other supervising the display.

—Athena Tsavliris