We have 18 foot ceilings and HUGE, EMPTY walls. What can I do to decorate it in a tasteful, modern style?

Question

So we just moved into a beautiful apartment in an old textile mill that was renovated. We have gigantic, 18 foot high wood ceilings, and huge factory windows. Problem is, we also have huge, gigantic walls to decorate! Almost no paintings I see are large enough to be a focal point on such a massive wall, and if they are, they're $300.00 or more! What can I do to decorate my walls in a tasteful, modern style that's not overdone or overpriced?

Answer 1

Break up the wall with a "chair rail" like divider  about  7 feet from the ceiling [one third of the height] The divider can be made from one row of molding or more than one row above each other, with or without a small space in between.

Take some pieces and make a test to see what you like best, same width or different widths. with or without a space.

Take your time. Do not rush and get customized with the look.

If possible use for the molding about the same color as the ceiling then use wall colors that blend with the ceiling and the molding for the walls where you use a darker tone above the rail  and a lighter tone for the bottom part. Do all the walls with the same color but different tones or use different matching colors.

the darkest tone on the wall is usually the wall with the windows  

Do a test of paint samples in your home before you spend a large amount of time and money on the project.

Now you can start with decorating the lower part leaving the upper part empty or find decorations that you use under and some decorations that you use under and above the rail to connect the 2 parts.  What works great are pieces of textile or nice wall papers that you put on frames. And it becomes even more special if you take the time and make them yourself. Learn to make a quilt.  Make some macrame hangers. There are thousands of ideas you can bring into your space depending on the style you choose.

If the walls are not only high but also very wide you can make a vertical divider against of close in front of the wall  about one third from the corner.

Now the next very important part is the lightning. Hanging from the ceiling it should reach beneath the height of the rail. When you choose to put decoration above the rail then light this with a spotlight.

Of course it is impossible to give you more than some ideas of decorating to work with for your place without seeing it.  It is the idea you have to elaborate on.

Look at  different types of material

take a peak at

http://www.bozzle.com/i_IDmain.html

look at colored board/panel material to make a Mondrian like abstract composition;

http://www.made-in-china.com/showroom/ge...

bamboo bead curtains 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

http://www.hawaiiandays.com/bamboobeadcu...

http://www.thebeadedcurtain.com/

If you like to talk further about your decorating efforts just send me an email.

Answer 2

you could use live trees in the corners with up lighting.  a console table with a tall floral arrangement on it.  you could also stencil using joint compound.  pick a stencil of one design and scatter them on the wall or walls over your paint color, then after stenciling paint over them.  it comes out really beautiful and tasteful.

Answer 3

Try stores like Garden Ridge, Old Time Pottery, Gordman's, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or Kohls for cheaper paintings. Also, look for furniture stores to have accessory sales. I bought a 6 ft canvas painting at a furniture store for only $150 because of a sale!

Large wrought iron decorations are fairly cheap & can be found almost anywhere too.

Another thought would be a large mirror with sconces on both sides.

You may also try collaging different smaller pictures or plaques in order to fill a large space.

Lastly, a wall sticker in your favorite quote can be manuevered to be as big or small as you like.

Answer 4

hit some yard sales...or craigslist.com to find some cheaper deals.

also try contrasting paint styles.

Answer 5

Less will be best. Dont over due with alot of stuff on the walls, it becomes too busy for the eye. Your best bet is to hang a large mirror. This is what we did. I purchased a huge mirror for a client at Home Goods not too long ago. It's size is 55.0" x 85.0" not including the huge metal crown molding. It's weight? 95 lbs. Cost? just $280.00  The mirror was hung horizontal and became the focal point in the living room. Clean lines without the bulk. In the future when possible you can add a distressed Credenza the same width of the mirror.