Color Wheel:

Monochromatic: Choosing one color and playing with every variation of it. Working with the tints, tones and shades of that specific color to reach a modern and sophisticated look. This can be a tricky task to take on so be sure to really research what color you want and what you want to accomplish with it.

Ex: Blue

Analogous: This color scheme uses three colors that are adjacent on the color wheel. This creates a simple elegant design that really meshes well with whatever look you are going for. These colors compliment each other well so it is an easy but classic theme to choose for a room. The best way to use an analogous color scheme is to pick out a main color and use the other colors as accents.

Ex: Red, Orange & Yellow

Complementary: This is a high contrast combination of two colors opposite of each other on the color wheel. This is a bold statement to make in a room and is a great scheme if you really want to make a certain element of your room stick out. To best achieve this look without it being too overbearing you want to pick one dominant color as the background and the other color as a complementary color.

Ex: Red & Green

Split Complementary: For this you will use a base color and the two colors adjacent  to it on the wheel. While using this scheme you also want to add in neutrals throughout to break up the visual stimulation of the colors. This is a good scheme if you want to make a statement but are unsure of how exactly to do so.

Ex: Purple, Blue & Yellow

Triadic: This uses three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel. This ends up being a very bright look with high contrast and a good balance. Again, you want to let one color dominate over the other two to create the perfect blend.

Ex: Purple, Orange & Green

Tetradic: This theme uses four colors spread equally around the wheel. This is the most daring scheme to attempt because it is said to be quite difficult. It is also sometimes called “double complimentary” because you end up with two pairs of complementary colors. When using the tetradic theme be sure to use one dominant and the other three equally to create a balanced look.

Ex: Blue, Violet, Yellow & Green

Source:

http://www.decorlove.com/how-to-choose-a-color-scheme-the-basics-of-color-coordination/

Gallery walls are a great way to create an interesting focal point for any room and an equally great way for one to express themselves and create an inspiring homey feel. You can have an organized sleek gallery wall or a more casual mix and match vibe. Either way you choose to go if you follow these helpful tips your gallery wall will be sure to be amazing.

• If you are hanging multiple pieces of art pick one to be the focal point and main center of the collage.

• The grouping of pictures should be considered one unit.

• They should all have a similar theme whether it be subject matter or color scheme to build a collected look

• They should play off of each other and create an organic energy and interesting central point for the room

• Test arrangements by laying everything out and comparing which combinations look best.

• To be able to mark the hanging point of your wall, layout the arrangement you want on a piece of wrapping paper like in the picture above. Then trace around each art piece. Now put the wrapping paper up against the wall and mark where the photos should go through the paper onto the wall. This makes it so much easier when it comes time to put the pieces up.

• To avoid putting too much weight on one side of the collage consider imagining a vertical line going right through the middle of it. That way you can have an even amount on each side of said line and avert having an imbalanced group of photos.

• A group of art pieces should not be more than 6” apart

• To help you space your pieces,  place your hand flat with you fingers tight between each photo. This is a good amount of space between the pieces and assures that you measured evenly

• When hanging horizontally an odd number of pieces is more visually pleasing to the eye than an even number

• For a more formal display use matching frames, but if you want a casual look don’t be afraid to get creative and mix and match your frame choices.

• When making a gallery wall you can personalize it to be as eclectic as you desire. You can throw in mirrors, clocks, signs or anything else that you may want to include to attain your perfect look.

Sources:

http://www.howtodecorate.com/2012/02/how-to-hang-wall-decor-101-2/

http://tidbitsandtwine.com/10-tips-for-creating-a-collected-gallery-wall/

http://petapixel.com/2012/05/07/use-wax-paper-to-plan-out-your-picture-frame-layout-on-the-ground/

http://blog.graylivin.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/gallery-wall-vignette.jpg