Frame Game

Seeing how many frames of assorted sizes, subjects and colors can fit on a wall is an artistic challenge. The cover of Elle Decor's September issue illustrates how mixing-and-matching big and small frames of photographs, prints and artwork can look so effortlessly cool and sophisticated.

But there is a method to the madness of arranging an eclectic wall of frames. Let's call it the "frame game" and below is how to win it.

1. Arrange smaller size frames in a group because they will look bolder and more substantial in relation to the wall. (The only exception to this rule is a massive piece of art that you want to be the eye's sole focus).

2. One way to arrange is a mirrored fashion, which is placing a large painting over the middle of your sofa or console, and on each side, you position three smaller pieces that are similar to one another. Below is an example of a symmetrical layout:

(Or if that sounds too hard, this Pottery Barn arranging system can be purchased (above)).

3. Or take the asymmetrical route, where nothing needs to be uniform, as in the picture below. It doesn't matter if the frames are the same in size or color, but that there is a visual balance. One idea on how to do it to trace your frames into poster-board cut-outs and then post them to the wall.



4. This Jonathan Adler-designed room (below) shows us not to be intimidated in using the full space to hang frames. Start hanging right above and below your room's moldings.

5. Some other tips for an asymmetrical design, include:

-- Go with an odd number of items over even.
-- Visually "heavier" pieces below "lighter" ones and dark-colored pictures below light ones.
--Consider hanging your items in a square, triangle or circle for continuity.
-- Mix in a mirror if you need a visually "light" piece.
-- Don't be afraid to organize over the top horizontally, as pictured below.

--Depth can be added when selecting mats and frames, but instead of going to the hassle and expense of re-framing, buy a handy frame riser (below).

A Trunk Full of Inspiration

Flipping through a stack of magazine, the compulsion is addictive: ripping out little tear sheets of what you like; what you want to do to your apartment or what you will do; what you would do if you had more money, or time, or if your name was Jo Lo.

Maybe it's just about where to go, so let us help you.

Old-fashioned trunks as coffee tables, side tables, nightstands, decorative objects, etc. are the inspiration.



But it doesn't have to be Louis Vuitton to be chic.Target sells a set of wood trunks (below) for $99.

Or Z Gallerie boasts a expedition coffee table made of faux croc (below).

Pottery Barn offers the trunk-style side table (below) that has "timeworn appeal" with top-grain leather and topstitching.

Or forget the to-go cup, make your trunk into a bar (below). Click here to see the genius.Do-it-yourself one, two, threes are below.

1. Draw a line around the face of the trunk 2½ inches from each outside edge with a pencil. Cut this piece out with a jigsaw.

2. Drill holes for casters in the four corners of the trunk to serve as the bottom of your new bookcase. Attach casters.

3. Cut a -inch piece of birch plywood 1 inch wider and 1 inch longer than the opening you’ve cut into the face of the trunk.

4. Cut two pieces of ½-inch birch plywood the depth of the inside of the trunk and the length of your -inch birch panel, and two pieces the depth of the inside of the trunk and 1 inch shorter than the width of the birch panel. Assemble these pieces into a box with the -inch panel as the back, using the 1½-inch brad nails.

5. Drill -inch holes for shelf pins where you’d like shelves.

6. Remove any lining from the trunk. Glue the back of your newly assembled box to the inside back of the trunk so that when you close it, the edge of the box lines up under the opening you’ve cut.

7. Trim the edge of the opening with aluminum corner channel cut at 45-degree angles.

8. Insert the shelf pins.

9. Cut the ½-inch birch plywood into shelves the width and depth of the inside opening of your bookcase. Finish the edges with birch finish strips, cutting with the X-Acto knife.

10. Sand the wood using fine sandpaper, and wipe clean with a piece of cloth.

11. Finish all wood with polyurethane. In between coats, lightly sand the wood again and wipe down with the cloth before applying another coat of polyurethane. Insert the shelves into the trunk.

Trending Twiggy

(ATTN: This has nothing to do with getting skinny.)

Have your shoes ever tracked some leaves inside? Or have you ever found a twig stuck to the fibers of your sweater after an autumn day outdoors? (Um, I have).

Well, now you don't have to feel like you sat in paint or spilled a bite of pasta down your shirt; it's actually stylish to bring a little bit of the outdoors --inside.

A replica of it, anyways.

Here's how to find your own branch, from mirror stands to magnifiers to side tables. (Use the hooks to hang thin-chained necklaces, so they don't kink; or put a selection of birch pillar candles in your fireplace for some wintertime warmth).

1. Twig magnifiers (Jayson Home & Garden)
   
2. Tree panels (JCPenney)
   
3. Twig mirror stand (Anthropologie)
   
4. Branch side table (West Elm)
   
5. Birch pillar candles (Pottery Barn)
   
6. Twig frames from Michael Aram
   

The best part: Fall lasts all year.