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

Italian fine wines are gaining momentum among Australian collectors and drinkers, with new data from showing a surge in interest driven by value, versatility and a new generation of producers.

Long dominated by France, the premium wine conversation is beginning to shift, with Italy increasingly positioned as a compelling alternative for both drinking and collecting.

According to Langtons, the category is benefiting from a combination of factors, including its breadth of styles, strong food affinity and more accessible price points compared to traditional European benchmarks.

“Italy has always offered fine wine fans an incredible range of wines with finesse, nuance, expression of terroir, ageability, rarity, and heritage,” said Langtons General Manager Tamara Grischy.

“There’s no doubt the Italian wine category is gaining momentum in 2026… While the French have long dominated the fine wine space in Australia, we’re seeing Italy become a strong contender as the go-to for both drinking and collecting.”

The shift is being reinforced by changing consumer preferences, with Langtons reporting increased demand for indigenous Italian varieties and lighter, food-first styles such as Nerello Mascalese from Etna and modern Chianti Classico.

This aligns with the broader rise of Mediterranean-style dining in Australia, where wines are expected to complement a wider range of dishes rather than dominate them.

Langtons buyer Zach Nelson said the category’s versatility is central to its appeal.

“Italian wines often have a distinct, savoury edge making them an ideal pairing for a variety of cuisines,” he said.

The move towards Italian wines also comes as prices for traditional French regions continue to climb, particularly in Burgundy, prompting collectors to look elsewhere for value without compromising on quality.

Italy’s key regions, including Piedmont and Etna, are increasingly seen as offering that balance, with premium wines available at comparatively accessible price points.

Nelson said value is now a defining factor for buyers in 2026.

“Value is the key driver for Australian fine wine consumers… Italian wines are offering exactly that at an impressive array of price points to suit any budget,” he said.

The category is also proving attractive for newer collectors, offering what Langtons describes as “accessible prestige” and a more open entry point compared to the exclusivity often associated with Bordeaux.

Wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Nebbiolo-based expressions are increasingly being positioned as entry points into cellar-worthy collections, combining ageability with relative affordability.

At the same time, a new generation of Italian producers is reshaping the category, moving away from heavier, oak-driven styles towards wines that emphasise site expression and vibrancy.

“There’s definitely a ‘new guard’ of Italian winemaking… stripping away the makeup… to let the raw, vibrating energy of the site speak,” Nelson said.

Langtons is also expanding its offering in the category, including exclusive access to wines from family-owned producer Boroli, alongside a broader selection spanning Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and Tuscany.

The company will showcase the category further at its upcoming Italian Collection Masterclass and Tasting in Sydney, featuring more than 50 wines from 23 producers across four key regions.

For collectors and drinkers alike, the message is clear: Italy may have been overlooked, but it is no longer under the radar.