Creating A Wanderlust-Themed Gallery Wall
Do you know that feeling when you enter a room and notice a particular space that seems to immediately take you somewhere else?
A place where you remember all the adventures you have had, even more thrilling, those yet to come.
Now imagine walking through your door and feeling that very sensation for the rest of your life.
That is the enchantment of wanderlust-themed gallery walls. It is much more than mere art; it is a stunning reminder in the form of visual tapestry and boundless motivation.
Putting together a wanderlust-themed gallery wall is not about just “hanging some travel pictures”.
It is more about creating an elaborate tapestry by showcasing what you hold dear to your life such as personal experiences, dreams, and aspirations.
Every quote, picture, or even map you curate takes you a step closer to creating a unique journey.
Placing and arranging such items in a particular way speaks to you and your family and elevates your house décor to something extraordinary.
If you’ve been yearning to explore the world while staying at home brace yourselves and come with me for this creative ride. Here are a few tips on how to transform your living area into a wonderful visual storybook.
The Inspiration Behind a Wanderlust Gallery Wall
The photos are more than just images, they invoke strong feelings. And if you are someone who gets excited when looking at travel photos or images of different cultures, then a gallery wall having a wanderlust theme will make the emotions even more extraordinary.
The places we have gone to or the ones we dream of visiting can allow us to establish emotionally fulfilling relationships that are incredibly rare. By displaying stunning photographs, you are not only enticing the eyes, but you are telling the world about part of your life—life which has experienced diverse passions.
Travel awakens something within every person.
Everything from different sounds, new sights, the people, and diverse cultures blends into a sea of memories and thus evoking a wanderlust themed gallery wall can be a perfect way to celebrate that.
Every glance at the wall will serve as a reminder of places visited, experiences gained, and conjure visions of unrealized destinations that are just waiting to be explored.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Space for Your Gallery Wall
Before we start deciding on what photos or frames to use, selecting a place for your gallery wall is of utmost importance.
Having the correct wall space can take your gallery wall to the next level. You want to ensure that the gallery feels like it belongs in the room and is not out of place in the house.
Your wanderlust gallery wall can brilliantly fit into the living room.
The living room is probably the most frequented area of the house, so it can be turned into a place that grabs attention and gets people talking. Consider a wall that is walked by frequently—you want to be able to stop and appreciate the images that form your visual story.
The hallway is also a great option. Hallways are often forgotten, but they make for a great blank wall for a collection of travel memories.
It's like constructing a personal gallery that leads you from one room to the next.
As a final suggestion, think about your foyer. This area is the first space people notice when they walk into your house, and serves as a wonderful chance to create an enduring impression. An entryway gallery wall featuring a wanderlust theme sets the world bearing welcoming both you and guests into your home, visually inviting them to explore the world
Step 2: Curating Your Collection of Travel Art
Time to get to the most interesting part: deciding what gets to occupy space on your wall.
This is the point where personal magic makes a debut. Telling a story with a wanderlust gallery wall is a chance to portray your tale. Your story, your travels and your adventures ought to drive your choice of images.
The personal travel photos you have taken must be the part you treasure the most.
There are a few snaps from the Eiffel Tower and even some from the Sunset you witnessed on top of a dune in Sahara Desert. These photos capture your journey perfectly. But how do you pick the pictures which are best suited for your gallery?
So here is something that might help: think of the times when traveling evoked some sort of an emotion, any of these moments can be attached to how you felt at the moment.
These can range from the overwhelming feeling of standing at the mountaintop to the joy one feels when discovering a secluded beach. Make sure the pictures selected have a story to tell.
After you think through several images, consider the various items of art you would want to feature. Have you perhaps gathered a number of maps from the places you have been to?
Or would you prefer adding travel quotes: captivating pieces of text that capture the essence of an expedition? A well thought out quote can amplify the emotion associated with images.
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page” is a simple yet heart-warming example, but you could also provide a quote from your own travels.
In a different way, adding mementos can become the finishing touch.
It may sound out of place, but trust me, a postcard mounted or even a retro ticket stub from an unforgettable journey can elevate the charm of your gallery. Although these might not qualify as customary “art”, they foster significance and link to your portrait, giving a unique touch to your journey.
Step 3: Selecting the Right Frames
After coming up with your desired art pieces, now it is time to consider the frames. The frames you select should not take away the focus from the image. Remember this is a gallery wall and not a museum exhibit so there is no need of ornate or overboard frames.
For a vintage or rustic look, consider using metal or wooden frames. Simple white and black frames are perfect for a minimalistic style and will go well of any photograph or art piece.
If your goal is to achieve an eclectic look, then feel free to mix and match sizes and styles, but ensure that all the frames are in the same color tone.
Step 4: Arranging Your Gallery Wall
This is where everything comes alive. Placing your travel art on the wall can be very enjoyable, yet at the same time tricky, start by placing everything on the floor to experiment with different arrangements until you find something that works for you.
My first suggestion is to use Symmetrical layout, which consists of evenly spaced equal-sized frames.
It’s a great option if you require a more formal and structured appearance.
Alternatively, if you wish to have a more organic approach, try Asymmetrical layout where the frames are spaced differently in both size and distance. This tends to feel more dynamic and relaxed - perfect for the concept of ‘wanderlust.’
After arranging all the frames on the floor, start marking the wall with a pencil. Also with a level, check if your frames hang straight. Smaller frames can be held with the use of picture hanging strips while heavier ones can use picture hooks, depending on the weight of your art.
Step 5: Adding Personal Touches
The last phase in putting together your wanderlust themed gallery on the wall is adding bespoke details that will make it uniquely yours.
This can be as easy as framing a handwritten note alongside a captivating photographic snapshot or framing a ticket stub from your most unforgettable adventure. The main goal here is ensuring that you add details unique to your design.
Additionally, don’t forget to add some plants or adjust the lighting to emphasize the gallery wall.
The right type of light will really give depth to the colors on the photographs while also giving a cozy feel to the room. If there’s some greenery in the room, place a small plant pot atop a shelf next to your gallery. It will liven up the space and further emphasize the adventurous spirit.
My Opinion | A Journey in Your Own Home
Now, you have successfully designed a wanderlust gallery wall that showcases the places you have visited and the memories you have made, all in one location.
Be it your scattered photos, travel quotes or both, it’s now a representation of your journey. The gallery wall will continue to motivate you and remind you of the limitless possibilities and adventures that await.
More than a design undertakng, creating a gallery wall for wanderlust purposes serves as a project to inject the essence of travel into your life.
It serves, for instance, as a reminder that the world is an exquisite expanse of inspirations, and no matter where in the world one finds themselves to be, adventure is always just a step away.
