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March 28, 2025

The Secret to a Cohesive New Home
Why Hiring Rowan Hall Interiors for New Construction Selections is a Game-Changer

Building a New Home? Here’s Why You Need an Interior Designer from Day One

If you’re in the process of building a new home, you already know—it’s a lot. Exciting? Absolutely. Overwhelming? More than you might expect. From window colors to cabinet knobs, flooring choices to lighting plans, there are millions of tiny (and not-so-tiny) decisions that need to be made. And each one plays a role in how your home looks, feels, and functions for years to come.

That’s where we come in. At Rowan Hall Interiors, we specialize in new construction interior design all over East Tennessee, helping homeowners in Knoxville and surrounding counties make smart, stylish choices from the ground up. Our expertise ensures that every selection—inside and out—creates a seamless, beautiful, and functional space that feels intentional rather than haphazard. Whether you’re looking to build in the heart of Knoxville, or Rarity Bay, Wind River, Oak Ridge, Maryville, Norris Lake and beyond, Rowan Hall Interiors has you covered!

Because the truth is, without a designer guiding the process, it’s all too easy to make rushed choices, pick finishes that don’t work together, or get stuck second-guessing every little detail.

Here’s how we help make your new home selections stress-free and stunning.

Step 1: Getting the Big Picture Right from the Start

Most new construction projects start with a builder handing you a long list of decisions to make—paint colors, countertops, door hardware, flooring, window trim, and on and on. It’s easy to feel like you’re playing a giant game of “this or that” without truly understanding how each choice fits into the overall vision for your home.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we don’t believe in piecemeal decision-making. Instead, we help you map out a cohesive design plan so that every element—inside and out—flows beautifully together.

Before you commit to anything, we consider:

✔️ Your home’s architectural style – Whether it’s a classic Southern charmer or a sleek modern build, we’ll guide you in making choices that enhance the architecture rather than fight against it.

✔️ Your lifestyle needs – Do you need ultra-durable finishes because of kids or pets? Are you dreaming of a show-stopping chef’s kitchen? We design around how you’ll actually live in your home.

✔️ Color and material harmony – We ensure that everything—exterior finishes, flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and beyond—complements each other so your home feels polished, not like a mishmash of trendy selections.

✔️ Budget-friendly selections with a high-end look – Builders often push standard package upgrades that may or may not be the best bang for your buck. We help you decide where to splurge and where to save so you get the best results without overspending.

Have furry family memebers? The petlover’s lifestyle is incredibly rewarding- but requires durable finishes! Let us help you pick materials that will last!

Step 2: Making Smart Exterior Selections (Because They Matter More Than You Think)

You might not realize just how crucial exterior selections are—until you see a home with mismatched windows, clashing brick and trim, or a roof color that just doesn’t work.

Take window colors, for example. It seems like a simple decision, right? Just pick white or black and call it a day? Not so fast.

❌ Some whites are too cool (blue-white) and clash with warm-toned brick.
❌ Some whites are too creamy, making trim look yellowed or dingy.
❌ Black might feel like a modern choice but can look heavy and stark in certain settings.

And that’s just one decision in the entire exterior selection process. When you work with us, we help you navigate everything from siding and brick color to roofing and trim, ensuring your home’s exterior is as thoughtfully designed as the interior.

Step 3: Interior Selections That Feel Effortless (But Are Actually Carefully Curated)

Once the exterior is locked in, it’s time to dive into interior selections—and this is where the magic really happens. We take the time to ensure every detail—from flooring to light fixtures to hardware—works together seamlessly.

What we help with:

✔️ Flooring – Hardwood? LVP? Tile? What color will flow best with your cabinetry and walls?
✔️ Countertops & Backsplashes – We make sure your countertops and backsplash complement your kitchen (not just in isolation, but in the whole design).
✔️ Cabinetry & Hardware – Choosing the right cabinetry finish and coordinating the perfect hardware ensures your kitchen and bathrooms feel timeless rather than trendy.
✔️ Lighting Plans – Your builder may have a basic lighting plan, but we refine it, ensuring the right mix of ambient, task, and statement lighting.
✔️ Paint Colors – Because let’s face it, those tiny swatches never look the same once they’re on your walls. We take the guesswork out of it.

By tackling all of this in a strategic, coordinated way, your home doesn’t just happen to look good—it’s designed to feel effortlessly beautiful and functional from the start.

Lightfixtures, cabnetry, flooring, oh my! The foundation of this interior is prepped for a final pass of furnishings and decor in this ‘in progress’ shot of one of our favorite basement projects.

Step 4: Furnishing Your New Home (So the Pieces Flow with the House)

The biggest mistake homeowners make? Building a gorgeous home—then filling it with furniture that doesn’t fit.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, our work doesn’t stop at construction selections. Once the house is complete, we help you furnish it in a way that complements the design.

Instead of:

❌ Guessing on furniture sizes and ordering pieces that are too big (or too small) for the space.
❌ Ending up with a bunch of trendy but mismatched pieces that don’t create a cohesive feel.
❌ Feeling like you need to “start over” with decor once you move in.

We help you choose everything from sofas and rugs to art and accessories, making sure each room looks thoughtfully put together rather than like an afterthought.

The same basement fulliy finished with furnishings and finishing touches!
The flow continues: the other side of the basement coordinates to the dining and bar area while holding its own flare.

Why Hiring an Interior Designer for New Construction is the Best Investment You Can Make

At the end of the day, hiring an interior designer for new home selections in Knoxville, TN, and surrounding counties isn’t about making things look pretty (although, trust us, we do that too). It’s about:

✔️ Avoiding costly mistakes – The wrong countertop, flooring, or cabinet color can’t easily be swapped out later. We help you get it right the first time.
✔️ Taking the stress off your plate – Instead of juggling a million choices, you get expert guidance every step of the way.
✔️ Ensuring a polished, high-end look – Builders focus on legistics- timelines, sub schedules, and a million other construction details. We focus on making sure that your space is as functional as it is beautiful.
✔️ Creating a home that feels intentional and cohesive – Every element works together so you walk into a home that feels perfectly “you.”

Ready to build your dream home with confidence? Let Rowan Hall Interiors take the guesswork (and the stress) out of your new home selections. Contact us today to get started!

Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.

March 15, 2025

Don’t Hire a Contractor Until You Read This!
Why Hiring an Interior Designer Before a Contractor is Essential

Embarking on a home renovation or remodel is exciting, but without the right guidance, it can quickly become overwhelming. One of the most common questions we hear is:

Should I hire an interior designer or a contractor first?

The short answer? Hire a designer first!

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we’ve seen time and time again how a well-planned design saves time, money, and stress. Here’s why working with a Knoxville interior designer before bringing in a contractor sets your project up for success.

Establishing a Clear Vision and Detailed Plan

An interior designer helps transform your ideas into a cohesive, functional design. Without a clear plan, conveying your vision to a contractor can lead to misunderstandings, misaligned expectations, and costly mistakes.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, our Knoxville interior decorators create comprehensive design plans, including:
✔️ Floor layouts and space planning
✔️ Material and finish selections
✔️ Lighting, plumbing, and electrical placements

With these details finalized before construction starts, your contractor can focus on execution—not decision-making on the fly.

Accurate Budgeting and Cost Management

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is hiring a contractor before knowing exactly what they want. Without a design plan, contractors provide estimates based on assumptions—which can lead to big budget surprises later on.

For example:
💰 A panel-ready integrated refrigerator vs. a standard counter-depth fridge can differ by $6,000–$8,000.
💰 Inset cabinetry vs. full overlay cabinets can impact costs by 20% or more.
💰 If tile selections haven’t been made, a contractor may price based on basic $0.99/sq ft options—when the tile you actually want is $10/sq ft or more.

A Knoxville interior designer like Rowan Hall Interiors specifies exact materials, finishes, and selections upfront, so pricing is based on real choices, not vague allowances.

Streamlined Communication & Project Management

Interior designers and contractors speak the same language, but they have different roles. A designer translates your vision into a detailed roadmap, ensuring smooth collaboration with your contractor.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we handle the details, including:
✔️ Floor plans to guide contractor bids.
✔️ Lighting, plumbing, and electrical layouts to avoid last-minute changes.
✔️ Material selections finalized before work begins to prevent delays.

This level of pre-planning ensures that your Knoxville renovation runs smoothly, efficiently, and on budget.

Time & Stress Reduction

Renovations require hundreds of decisions—from selecting flooring to finalizing cabinet hardware. Without a designer, you’ll be making last-minute choices under pressure, leading to delays, costly mistakes, and unnecessary stress.

A Knoxville interior decorator handles all the details before construction starts, so you don’t have to:
🚫 Scramble to pick materials at the last second.
🚫 Stress over whether items will arrive on time.
🚫 Constantly communicate with your contractor about design decisions.

This proactive approach saves weeks (or even months!) of project delays.

Access to Trusted Knoxville Contractors

Hiring a Knoxville interior designer first means you gain access to our network of trusted, high-quality contractors. We only work with professionals who align with our high standards, ensuring your project is executed flawlessly.

Even better? Since we provide detailed construction plans, multiple contractors can bid apples-to-apples, giving you:
✔️ More accurate pricing
✔️ The ability to compare bids easily
✔️ Faster contractor selection

Avoiding Costly Mistakes

A well-planned design prevents expensive mistakes like:
🚫 Cabinet doors that don’t align with appliances.
🚫 Lighting placement that doesn’t work with the furniture layout.
🚫 Choosing finishes that clash once installed.

A Knoxville interior decorator ensures everything is planned to perfection before construction begins—saving you from budget-breaking mid-project changes.

Achieving a High-End, Cohesive Look

A contractor’s job is to build, but a designer ensures your space feels elevated, cohesive, and timeless.

With Rowan Hall Interiors, every detail—from furniture placement to wall colors—is intentionally designed to:
✔️ Match your personal style.
✔️ Create a seamless flow between rooms.
✔️ Balance beauty with functionality.

Whether you love classic elegance or modern minimalism, our Knoxville interior design team will make sure your home is stunning inside and out.

Future-Proofing Your Home

Trends come and go, but a well-designed home is timeless. At Rowan Hall Interiors, we focus on:
✔️ Selecting materials that stand the test of time.
✔️ Choosing color palettes that won’t feel outdated.
✔️ Designing layouts that maximize function and resale value.

A well-thought-out design enhances your daily life and increases your home’s value.

The Bottom Line: Hire a Knoxville Interior Designer First!

A successful renovation starts with design, not construction.

✔️ Budget clarity from day one.
✔️ Accurate contractor bids based on real specifications.
✔️ Fewer delays and unexpected costs.
✔️ A cohesive, high-end result you’ll love for years to come.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, our expert interior designers in Knoxville guide you from concept to completion, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.

February 22, 2025

Wallpaper: What You Need to Know
(And Why You Absolutely Need Us to Help You Get It Right)

Let’s be real—wallpaper is one of the best things to happen to interior design. It can add depth, drama, whimsy, or elegance to a space faster than you can say “Do I need to prime my walls first?” (Spoiler: You probably do.)

But while wallpaper is gorgeous, it’s also tricky. Picking the right one is not as simple as flipping through a sample book, pointing at something pretty, and slapping it on the wall. There are patterns to match, rolls to calculate, and walls that need proper prepping—not to mention the very real possibility of ending up with a living room that looks like a DIY crime scene if you try to install it yourself.

That’s where we come in. At Rowan Hall Interiors, we take the stress, guesswork, and potential wallpaper-related meltdowns out of the process. We help you choose the perfect wallpaper, handle all the measuring and ordering, and—most importantly—arrange for professional installation so you don’t have to worry about air bubbles, crooked seams, or walls that look like a patchwork quilt gone wrong.

So, before you let your Pinterest board convince you that you’re a wallpaper expert, here’s everything you need to know—and why you should leave it to the pros.

Picking the Right Wallpaper Is Harder Than It Looks

Not all wallpaper is created equal. Some are wipeable (perfect for kids’ rooms and bathrooms), some are natural (hello, visible seams), and some are high-maintenance divas.

For example:

  • Vinyl wallpaper – The gold standard for bathrooms and kitchens. Moisture? No problem.
  • Grasscloth wallpaper – Beautiful and textural but will show seams, so if that makes your eye twitch, maybe reconsider.
  • Fabric or silk wallpaper – Stunning, luxurious, and an absolute nightmare if someone spills a glass of wine on it.
  • Custom murals – A jaw-dropping way to make a statement, but not something you want applied by an amateur.

The good news? We know exactly which wallpapers work best where, and we’ll help you pick the perfect one so you don’t end up with a grasscloth wall you resent for the rest of your life.

Just Because a Wallpaper Looks Pretty in the Sample Book Doesn’t Mean It Works in Your Home

That giant floral pattern might be stunning, but if it clashes with your furniture, draperies, and rug, you might start to feel like you’re living inside a botanical explosion. Wallpaper isn’t just about making a statement—it needs to work with the whole design of your home.

That’s where hiring an interior designer in Knoxville is a game-changer. We make sure your wallpaper looks intentional, whether that means re-picking the paper or re-vamping the space.

Custom Murals: Because You Deserve Something One-of-a-Kind

If you’re really looking for wow-factor, custom murals are where it’s at. Imagine a hand-painted scenic landscape in your dining room, an elegant chinoiserie mural in your entryway, or a whimsical, dreamy backdrop for your nursery.

And did you know? Our Color Specialist, Sylvia, is an experienced commercial and residential muralist! Whether you’re looking for a fully custom, hand-painted mural or a specialty wallpaper with a mural effect, Sylvia’s expertise ensures that your walls become a work of art.

But let’s be clear—custom murals require serious skill to execute properly. You don’t want your hand-painted masterpiece looking like something your nephew did in art class. We work with top artists and installers to make sure your mural is executed flawlessly.

Sylvia at work- check out her murals by clicking the picture above!

Wallpaper Math Is a Thing (And You Definitely Don’t Want to Get It Wrong)

Ordering wallpaper is not as simple as measuring your walls and placing an order. You have to factor in:

  • Pattern repeats (because some designs need extra rolls to match up properly)
  • Roll widths (because not all wallpaper is the same size)
  • Waste calculations (because the last thing you want is to run out halfway through)

If you under-order, you could end up with a backorder situation that leaves you staring at a half-finished wall for weeks. If you over-order, well… you’ll have an expensive pile of extra rolls sitting in your closet. We handle all of this for you so you don’t have to do math (or panic).

Your Walls Need to Be Ready—Or Your Wallpaper Will Betray You

Wallpaper is like a high-maintenance houseguest—it will show every flaw underneath if you don’t prep properly. Walls need to be:
✔️ Smooth (any bumps or cracks will be painfully obvious)
✔️ Primed correctly (some wallpapers require a special base coat)
✔️ Painted behind (if your wallpaper is thin or dark, the base color matters)

We make sure all of this is done before installation, so you don’t end up with a textured disaster.

Wallpaper Installation Is a Job for Professionals—Period.

Have you ever tried to line up wallpaper seams perfectly while juggling sticky glue, air bubbles, and a rapidly drying adhesive? No? Good—keep it that way.

Here’s what professional installers do that you don’t want to:

  • Align seams perfectly so there are no weird gaps
  • Apply the right adhesive (yes, different wallpapers require different pastes!)
  • Smooth out every air bubble like it was never there
  • Make sure it actually stays on the wall and doesn’t start peeling two weeks later

We work with the best wallpaper installers in Knoxville, so you never have to worry about a wallpaper fail.

A Well-Chosen Wallpaper Can Instantly Increase the Value of Your Home

A stunning, well-installed wallpaper makes a home feel more high-end, custom, and intentional. But a bad wallpaper choice (or worse—a bad install) can have the opposite effect.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we make sure your wallpaper looks elegant, timeless, and 100% perfect.

Thinking About Wallpaper? Let’s Make It Effortless for You.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we sell a wide range of wallpaper brands at different price points—meaning we can help you find the perfect wallpaper for your home, style, and budget. But we don’t stop there.

We also:
✔️ Help you select the perfect wallpaper for your space
✔️ Coordinate and handle all the ordering and logistics so you don’t have to worry about quantities, lead times, or backorders
✔️ Offer exclusive access to high-end and custom wallpaper brands
✔️ Work with Knoxville’s best professional wallpaper installers to ensure a flawless final result
✔️ Offer custom murals and hand-painted designs by Sylvia, our expert muralist and Color Specialist

Whether you’re dreaming of a custom mural, a classic grasscloth wallpaper, or a bold statement wall, we make the entire process seamless and stress-free.

Wallpaper isn’t just back—it never left. And with the right guidance, it can be the most stunning addition to your home.

Thinking about wallpaper? Call us today. We’ll handle every detail so you can enjoy a beautifully designed space—without the stress.

Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.

February 7, 2025

Pretty in Pink
Infusing Romance and Sophistication into Your Home This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than by embracing one of interior design’s most romantic and versatile colors—pink! Whether you prefer soft blush tones, bold fuchsia, or sophisticated rose, pink has the power to transform your home into a stylish and inviting retreat.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we’re no strangers to color. As a Knoxville interior designer, we love incorporating shades of pink in fresh, elevated ways that feel both timeless and personal to each client. Inspired by some of our recent projects, let’s explore how you can use pink to create a space that feels luxurious, inviting, and perfect for celebrating love year-round.

The Subtle Romance of Blush

Soft, barely-there blush tones are the perfect way to add warmth and elegance without overwhelming a space. Blush acts as a modern neutral, pairing beautifully with creamy whites, muted grays, and natural woods.

In one of our favorite projects, we layered blush textiles over a neutral base, creating a living space that feels effortlessly sophisticated. As Farragut and Knoxville interior designers, we often use blush tones to bring a hint of romance into spaces without making them feel overly feminine.

Where to Use Blush:

  • Upholstered seating (like a velvet settee or accent chair)
  • Drapery and soft window treatments
  • Textured throw pillows for a hint of color
  • A feature wall in a warm blush-toned paint

Bold & Beautiful: Fuchsia as a Statement

For those who love a dramatic and playful aesthetic, fuchsia and deep berry tones bring energy and excitement to a space. A bold pink can instantly modernize a room, making it feel vibrant, chic, and sophisticated.

In one of our more daring designs, we introduced fuchsia upholstery on a sleek, modern chair, turning it into the undeniable focal point of the room. Paired with neutral walls and gold accents, the bold pink feels both playful and refined.

Where to Use Bold Pinks:

  • A statement armchair or ottoman
  • High-gloss lacquered furniture
  • Abstract art with bold pink hues
  • A vibrant area rug that grounds the space

Soft & Serene: Layering Pink with Neutrals

One of the easiest ways to incorporate pink into your home is by pairing it with soft neutrals. Light pinks and warm whites create a serene, spa-like environment, while richer hues like mauve and dusty rose add depth and elegance.

In a recent Knoxville interior design project, we used blush-toned bedding against a neutral backdrop, creating a restful and romantic bedroom retreat. The result? A space that feels airy, cozy, and completely luxurious.

Best Combinations for Layering Pink:

  • Pink + Soft Gray (for a modern, understated feel)
  • Pink + Warm Whites (for a classic, romantic aesthetic)
  • Pink + Deep Green (for a fresh, botanical-inspired contrast)
  • Pink + Gold or Brass (for a touch of glamour)

Feminine Meets Sophisticated: Dusty Rose & Mauve

For those who love pink but want something a little more refined, dusty rose and mauve tones offer a sophisticated alternative. These hues are warm and earthy, making them perfect for elegant, timeless interiors.

As a leading Farragut and Knoxville interior design firm, we love incorporating dusty rose into upholstered pieces, drapery, and accent walls. In one project, we used mauve-hued drapery to add warmth and elegance to a space without making it feel overly feminine.

Where to Use Dusty Rose & Mauve:

  • Upholstered headboards for a soft, luxurious feel
  • Drapery with a romantic, billowy texture
  • Accent walls in a warm mauve hue
  • Statement-making wallpaper with subtle pink floral patterns

Timeless Elegance: Pink in Traditional Spaces

Pink isn’t just for contemporary designs—it also has a place in classic, traditional interiors. Think vintage-inspired floral prints, soft pink tufted sofas, and delicate porcelain decor that exudes old-world charm.

In a more traditional setting, we used a subtle pink wallpaper with a damask pattern to bring in a timeless, romantic element. The result? A room that feels refined, inviting, and effortlessly elegant.

How to Use Pink in Traditional Interiors:

  • Wallpaper with delicate floral or damask patterns
  • Vintage-style upholstered chairs in soft pink hues
  • Elegant glass or crystal decor with hints of pink
  • Persian or vintage-inspired area rugs with subtle pink detailing
Thibuat Wallpaper: Lincoln Toile- This statement paper balances traditional imagery and a soft, cool color pallete with it’s eleborate composition to create a vision that draws the eye without overwhelming it. Prints like this make enclosed spaces like powder rooms feel purposeful and expansive!
Thibuat Wallpaper: Meadow- Abstracted just enough to feel timeless, this design is extremely versile. Grounded in a warm, traditional rose with hints of peach, it’s scale and flow make it the perfect middleground between a modern botanical and a classic floral.

Is Pink for You?

Pink is one of the most versatile colors in interior design—it can be soft and delicate, bold and vibrant, or rich and sophisticated. Whether you incorporate it through paint, furniture, or decor, there’s a shade of pink for every home and every personality.

This Valentine’s Day, embrace the beauty of pink in your interiors! And if you need expert guidance, Rowan Hall Interiors is here to help. As a trusted Knoxville interior designer, we specialize in creating beautifully curated spaces that reflect our clients’ unique style.

January 24, 2025

Maximizing Wall Space with an Interior Designer
Artful Tips for a Cohesive and Stylish Home

Your walls are more than just surfaces—they’re an opportunity to express your style and tell your story. While working with an interior designer ensures flow, harmony, and access to exclusive art pieces, following some key tips can elevate your wall space to professional-level brilliance. Here’s how to combine designer expertise with practical advice for walls that wow.

1. Elevate Art Placement: The 66-Inch Rule

The golden rule for hanging art is to center pieces 66 inches from the floor. This places the center of the artwork at eye level for most people, ensuring it’s easily enjoyed without straining or craning your neck.

Designer Tip: For groupings of smaller pieces, treat the entire grouping as a single unit and center that grouping at 66 inches.

2. Group Art Thoughtfully: Balance Over Bulk

When arranging smaller pieces together, consider the horizontal and vertical lines they create. Stick to groups of two or three, as too many pieces can overwhelm a space and disrupt visual flow.

Why It Works: Smaller groupings allow each piece to shine without creating clutter, keeping the wall design clean and intentional.

Art isn’t limited to paper or canvas- check out the vertical line these colorful plates add to this space.
Think about layering in wall space- here we’ve filled layered 2D and 3D art objects to above this chest.

3. Spotlight Family Photos: Quality Over Quantity

While it’s tempting to display every cherished memory, a single standout family photo can be far more impactful than a hodgepodge of moments.

How to Choose the Perfect Centerpiece Photo:

  • Universal Appeal: Does everyone in the family like the photo?
  • Visual Aesthetics: Is it well-composed, as if taken by a professional? Avoid photos with cluttered backgrounds or strangers.
  • Resolution Matters: Ensure the photo is high enough resolution to scale up for large prints.
  • Wedding and Event Photos: Professional shots from special occasions often tick all these boxes, making them excellent centerpiece options.

Why It Works: A single, large family photo framed beautifully becomes a conversation starter and focal point, elevating the space’s design.

4. Balance Art and Photos: Art as the Heart of a Home

While family photos are meaningful, art can be transformative in capturing a home’s aesthetic and making it feel uniquely yours.

“My parents bought prints from the National Gallery in D.C. for their house before I was born,” explains Sylvia, Rowan Hall’s resident Artist and Color Specialist. “I was mesmerized by some of them when I was a child. I used to lie on my parents’ bed and stare at Van Gogh’s Wheat Field with Cypresses from all different angles. It made me feel so serene, and I’d see elephants in the clouds. When I was upset, I’d always try to go into my parents’ bedroom to cry if it was empty because that print comforted me in a way I still can’t fully explain or understand.”

Art isn’t just decoration—it’s a source of feeling and connection. Fill your home with pieces that speak to you, and they’ll resonate for years to come.

Tip: Keep an art-to-photo ratio of 70:30 or higher, with art taking precedence. Cherish photos that don’t make it to the wall by storing them in albums, scrapbooks, or curated digital collections.

Wheat Field with Cypresses by Vincent Van Gogh; Image Source: metmuseum.org

5. Best Places for Photo Displays

Certain areas of your home are ideal for displaying family photos without compromising the overall flow.

  • Staircases: Create a gallery wall that tells a story as you ascend or descend.
  • Hallways: Use linear arrangements to showcase a timeline of memories.
  • Offices: Keep a few key photos nearby for personal motivation without overcrowding your workspace.

Designer Tip: Group photos in spaces that naturally encourage close viewing, while leaving central living areas for art that complements the room’s overall aesthetic.

6. Light, Frame, and Balance with Intention

  • Lighting: Install picture lights or use nearby lamps to illuminate wall displays, enhancing their presence.
  • Frames: Choose cohesive frame styles that match the room’s decor for a polished look.
  • Matting: Use mats to add elegance and give each piece its own visual space.

Why It Works: These finishing touches ensure your walls look curated rather than cluttered.

Bulky frames aren’t always the way to go- the minimal black frames pictured here keep the artworks elevated and coordinated without drawing attention away from the pieces.

Partner with an Interior Designer for Perfection

An interior designer adds expertise, access to exclusive art and framing options, and an eye for creating seamless flow. From sourcing custom pieces to crafting layouts that enhance the entire room, a designer’s input ensures your walls make a statement while feeling cohesive with the rest of your home.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we specialize in helping clients maximize their wall space while blending personal touches with refined design. Whether you’re showcasing a stunning family photo or sourcing bespoke artwork, we’ll ensure your walls become a masterpiece of style and meaning.

Ready to transform your walls? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let our Knoxville design team bring your walls to life!

Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.