Who doesn't love a gallery wall? Gallery walls are a great place to display art, photos and memorabilia. Most of us don't have an extensive art collection. Mixing a few of your favorite affordable prints with some other framed momentos can really add to the art you already have. It can make a design statement and serve as a reminder of your favorite moments in life. I bet you have special things around your home you never even thought of framing. The key is to frame these items well. You can do this on your own or use an online frame service like Framebridge.  Here is a list of 7 things to have your gallery wall telling your story and sparking memories.

Gallery wall inspiration image via Wit & Delight.

I always grab a book of matches if a restaurant has a bowl of them. Framing a collection of matchbooks can be a reminder of dining al fresco while you were in Rome or Paris. It can also just be a collection of your favorite go-to local restaurants. Whatever the collection of matchbooks is they frame so well. 

image via framebridge

A framed photo booth print always takes me back to the movie 'Beaches'.  Rememver when C.C. Bloom spots the framed childhood photo of her and best gal pal Hilary at Coney Island where they first met. Hilary being the more elegant of the bestie pair had it framed beautifully. If you have an old childhood image or something recent from an event the long strip always frames well and is oh so silly too.

image via framebridge

We all have that trip that was our favorite. I will never forget my honeymoon in Greece. I love how the stubs are framed using a technique called float frame. The ticket stubs are applied to a piece of foam to give the illusion of floating. It's little details that makes a big difference.

image via framebridge

I'm sure you have thought of this one before. The key to framing a child's art is to frame it like it's your most precious print. Bringing in that float frame technique is a detail that should not be missed. This will make it look like a masterpiece that belongs next to the pro painting that you paid over a thousand dollars for.

image via Oh Joy!

My daughter is a Girl Scout. Every time she earns a new badge I say "oh so cute". Well now that she is moving up to being a brownie she won't need her sweet little Daisy vest anymore. I hate to see all those well earned badges sit in her closet. I may just have to take a few of her favorites to frame in this way. They can also serve as a good reminder to the troops moral code and lessons learned.

image via framebridge

I will never forget the moment I saw both my daughters first photos. I can still see that photo when I look at their profiles today.  Instead of sticking that image away in a book I would love to hang it near their artwork or with a photo of them today.

image via Style By Emily Henderson

I have several maps I kept from all my travels. All of them are colorful and beautiful. They are a great reminder of getting lost in a city and discovering something you wouldn't have if you didn't take that wrong turn. Like some tasty gelato near the Trevi Fountain.

image via framebridge

Well there you have it. Start pulling out those little mementos you have tucked away. Frame them to create that gallery wall that reminds you of all the wonderful moments in life. 

Xo, Annie


If you need a little help with that Gallery wall contact me to create a custom Decorator in a Box. It's a flat rate and financially savvy way to get a custom interior designer. The best part is you can do it all from the comfort of you computer. 

Happy Fourth of July to you all! Remember that amazing outdoor kitchen I shared with you a few weeks ago? Now we are on to the finishing touches of furniture for the deck. With a kitchen like that a lot of seating is needed for entertaining. This family also has small children and utilizing the large space as a play area is a must. It was also necessary to incorporate some storage for pool toys to easily be tucked away. Here's a sneak peek at the furniture layout and design I sent yesterday. There are so many furniture sales going on right now. I wanted to get the design to them in time to start shopping and score some great deals. I hope they can enjoy this space a little this fourth of July! I hope you all have a great one and get see some fireworks!

Tell me about your space. I will work with your budget, style and even your existing items to create a custom design. The best part is you can do it all from the comfort of your computer. Start your design while the baby is napping or your taking a lunch break at work. Send me your room photos, measurement and inspiration to be on your way to design bliss. It's so easy and fun!

Let's start your Decorator in a Box today! 

Xo,
Annie

I was so happy to receive these "after" photos from my client this morning. I created this Palos Verdes, CA deck and outdoor kitchen design almost a year ago. The outdoor kitchen is equipped with everything a grill master needs. The outdoor TV makes it easy to enjoy the game while you sit at the bar. The new deck is a low maintenance aluminum rail and composite decking. No staining or painting required. We are now on to phase two of adding the furniture details. Stay tuned for that. 

Tell me about your interior or exterior space. I'll create a custom design that meets your personal needs, style and most importantly your budget. Let's start your Decorator in a Box today!

Xo,
Annie

What is more fun than designing a space for a baby? I can't think of any. I was squealing with joy when this return Decorator in a Box client in Los Angeles contacted me to turn their home office into a nursery. I created a design for their main living space a few years prior. What I love about creating a nursery is thinking of all the special memories that will be made in this room for the parents and baby. The mission was to create a gender neutral room keeping with the clients modern style. They had already purchased some fun art prints to be the pop of color. I love working with what people already have. This room still had to function as a guest room when family comes to visit. Now it's all ready for baby and a whole lot of snuggles. 

Do you have a room your stuck on? Let me take away your worries and prevent costly mistakes. I'll create a custom quote to meet your specific style and budget. The best part is this can all get started from the comfort of your computer over your lunch break. 

Let's start your design here!

Xo, 
Annie

I'm so happy with how this hallway and stairway Decorator in a Box came together. With the right artwork, stair runner and window treatment this space is so much more cheery and beachy. The client even installed the stair runner on her own. She did this by finding a good old Youtube video. It's easy to forget about the spaces we pass through in our home. The stairs and the hallways are just as import as the main rooms of your home. With the right design selections you can easily transform these spaces.

Tell me about your project. I will create a custom quote to meet your specific design needs and budget. Start by completely my design questionnaire

Start your design here! 
http://www.mydiab.com/start-decorating.html

Patio season is here! I just love this time of year and getting to design more outdoor spaces. The mission for this dog loving family was to incorporate a swing on the lower patio. They loved the thought of sitting with the dogs on the swing near the lake. I love this thought too. They also wanted to use a lot of their existing furniture. They just needed me pull it all together for a finished look. Mission accomplished! Here's a little sneak peek of the detailed shopping list, furniture plans and vision board that was mailed to the client. 

Tell me about your space. I would love to create a custom design to meet your personal style, needs and budget. Follow the four fun steps to start your custom mailed and emailed interior design today!

Start by clicking here! 
http://www.mydiab.com/start-decorating.html

Xo,
Annie

I like to call these the Polar Vortex shelves. During this years chilly Winter I received so many accessorizing design orders. While the people of New York and Minnesota were freezing they made the most of it by designing their homes. I guess when your stuck inside you notice all your rooms that could use some love. I created a shelf diagram, shopping list and vision board to guide this client to shelf accessory happiness. I like how the green accents take us into Spring and out of that oh so cold Winter this year. Here's a look at the before and after. I'm always amazed at the power of accessories. 

Tell me about your project. Are your remodeling a kitchen or bath? Maybe you just need new pillows or art? Whatever the case I would love to hear more and come up with a custom design plan. I will work with your personal budget and style. All designs are email and mailed to your home. I'm always available for question throughout the process. Let's start your Decorator in a Box today. Follow the four fun steps by clicking the link. I can't wait to hear about your project!

Start Here!

Xo,
​Annie

I'm thrilled to be featured in Home Accents Today's April issue! It was a pleasure to answer Product Editor Lauren Burkhead's questions about Decorator in a Box. I could not have explained the benefits of my mail away interior design service better.  Thank you Lauren and I hope to help you with your Foyer design very soon! I'm so glad you found Decorator in a Box in your search.

Best,
Annie

Which floor do you think we decided to go with? Slowly but surely we are beginning to update our circa 80's home. This means we have carpet galore. This means I want all the carpet to be wood. It's so much easier for me to make design decisions for other peoples homes. On my own house I go back and forth. Light floors or medium brown floors? I currently have three cases of different wood floors in my family room. This is the best way to decide on flooring if your doing a pre-finished wood. Don't ever go just off that little wood sample you see in the store. Order a case and see several planks before you commit. At big box stores you can even purchase a case to look at and return it. This is the best way to decide on a floor that you will love. I hope to be showing you a before & after of this room very soon. 

Do you need design help? Tell me about your space. I will create a custom Decorator in a Box to meet your personal style, needs and budget.  Follow the four fun steps by clicking the link below. 

http://www.mydiab.com/start-decorating.html

Xo, Annie

It's that time of year when Minnesotan's do what they do best...go to the cabin. This has me dreaming of what I would want my modern lake cabin to be some day. This dream won't be happening any time soon, but until then a girl can save a pin right?

Tell me about the dreams you have for your space. I will create a custom design to meet your personal style and budget. Follow the four fun steps by clicking the link below. 

http://www.mydiab.com/start-decorating.html

Xo,
Annie

image via becki owens instagram

image via studio mcgee