THE ART OF CREATING A BEAUTIFUL GALLERY WALL

A well-curated gallery wall is more than a collection of framed pieces; it’s a personal design statement, an artistic focal point and a conversation starter all in one.

When done right, it can bring sophistication, personality and energy to any space.

Whether you’re showcasing collected art, photography or prints, here’s how to create a gallery wall that looks expertly designed and effortlessly impressive.

Start with a story, not just a style

The most compelling gallery walls are intentional. Before you start selecting pieces, think about the story you want the wall to tell. Is it about travel? Family? Colour? Abstract expression? A curated wall with a common theme, even a loose one, will always feel more cohesive and elevated.

Mix mediums, not just frames

A gallery wall becomes truly dynamic when you blend different mediums, think photography, fine art prints, line drawings, vintage pieces or even textiles and sculptural elements. This mix creates visual depth and prevents the wall from feeling flat or formulaic. That said, keep the framing consistent. Choose one or two finishes such as black, natural wood or brass and repeat them to maintain visual unity across diverse works.

Map out your layout before hanging

This step is essential. Lay your frames on the floor first, or create cutouts of each frame size using paper and tape them to the wall. This helps you visualise the arrangement and perfect the spacing. Remember, gallery walls don’t have to be symmetrical; asymmetrical layouts with balanced spacing and varied heights can be even more striking. Aim for a five to 10 centimetre gap between frames for a polished look.

Anchor with a hero piece

Every gallery wall needs a focal point, a larger or bolder piece that anchors the eye. This could be a vivid abstract, a stunning black and white photograph or a meaningful artwork. Place it slightly off centre and build your layout around it, using smaller supporting pieces to create flow.

Think about the room’s architecture

Consider the wall’s scale and position in the home. A gallery wall above a sofa or console table should extend slightly beyond the width of the furniture for balance. In hallways or staircases, follow the line of the stairs or elongate vertically for dramatic effect. Ensure there’s breathing room around the gallery so it doesn’t feel cramped.

Layer in personal touches

To elevate your gallery wall from simply stylish to truly stunning, add personal elements, a candid travel photo, an old family snapshot or a postcard from your favourite gallery. When paired with more formal or high-end pieces, these touches humanise the space and draw people in.

Let lighting do the final work

If you really want to impress your visitors, consider gallery-style lighting. Picture lights, ceiling-mounted spotlights or subtle LED strips can highlight individual works and give the entire wall a refined, gallery-like finish. Lighting enhances texture, adds warmth and brings your curated collection to life.

Final styling tip

A gallery wall should never feel too perfect; the beauty is in its layered, collected feel. Don’t be afraid to evolve it over time. Add new pieces, swap out prints or reframe works for a refresh. The most striking gallery walls are living stories, designed with care, character and just a little bit of flair.

Kellie Richardson is an Interior Designer and Founder of Kurved by Design

A $25 bottle of Shiraz from South Australia has achieved something few wines ever do: it has claimed the top spot in a prestigious international competition and outperformed rivals many times its price.

The 2023 Classic Shiraz from Beresford Estate in McLaren Vale was awarded the International Syrah Trophy at the 2026 International Wine Challenge, one of the wine industry’s most respected judging events.

The wine also received 97 points, a Gold Medal and four major trophies, making it the highest-scoring Australian trophy winner in this year’s competition.

The result placed the wine first among 111 Shiraz entries from around the world and ahead of several highly regarded Australian trophy-winning wines.

For wine lovers, the award is notable not only for the competition’s standing but also for the price. At a recommended retail price of just $25, the Beresford Classic Shiraz sits firmly in the everyday-drinking category rather than the rarefied world of collector wines.

Head winemaker Natalie Cleghorn said the result reflected the quality of fruit produced in McLaren Vale.

“This result is a genuine reflection of what McLaren Vale is capable of. When you let the fruit and the site do the talking, the quality speaks for itself.”

According to the tasting notes, the wine opens with blueberry and plum aromas alongside floral notes and spice, while the palate delivers red cherry, plum, dried fruit, eucalyptus, and savoury spice, supported by bright acidity and fine-grained tannins.

The accolade adds to the growing reputation of Beresford Estate, which was founded in 1985 and has accumulated more than 2,000 medals and 200 trophies globally. The estate is located on a 70-acre vineyard in McLaren Vale and produces a range of wines including Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

While luxury wine collectors often chase bottles costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars, Beresford’s latest success is a reminder that world-class wine does not always come with a world-class price tag.