Take on Tall Walls With Confidence

New home building isn't the only thing that keeps rising across the South. Ceiling heights have skyrocketed, too, often soaring well above the standard 8 feet. Decorating such a room can be a tall order. See how this homeowner set a height limit on picture-hanging to bring the lofty living room back down to earth.

Seeking a Suitable Balance

Rather than stacking artwork up to the rafters (situated 16 feet above), this Tulsa, Oklahoma, homeowner used a centrally located window as a gauge. Because the casement sill sits 7 feet above the floor, the owner opted to bring the room's focus down by flanking the window with eye-catching paintings. Hung at a more comfortable viewing height, the abstract pastorals aren't identical, yet they create a balance because they contain the same colors. Other pictures mounted lower, such as a framed drawing hung directly beneath the window, establish a pleasing visual hierarchy. Tall lamps set at equal lengths on a back table, along with French-inspired armchairs placed on either side with matching checked fabric, complete the symmetrical look.

Noticeably Neutral

To give colorful artwork and accessories even greater impact, the homeowner selected light cream and off-white furniture and area rugs. "That's my style-creating an overall neutral palette, and then bringing in interest and color with choice objects-many of which are mementos from my trips," he explains.

As this living room shows, taking a levelheaded approach when decorating tall walls, instead of scaling the heights, always equals success.

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Sources: southernliving.com/june2007

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jun 2007
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