When it comes to transforming a blank wall into a masterpiece, Memo Faraj knows how to make it happen. We teamed up with this design dynamo to bring you the top five ways to elevate your walls from drab to fab. Whether you are a lover of classic paintings or someone who craves a little dimensional drama, we have you covered. Let’s dive in!

1. Paintings: Bringing Life and Emotion to Your Walls

Why have empty walls when you can showcase art that truly reflects your style? Paintings aren’t just décor; they’re vibrant expressions of your creative flair, adding life and personality to your space!

As Memo so beautifully expresses, “Paintings exude a life of their own, a snapshot of imagination translated to reality. Maybe for me it’s psychological? But knowing that an artist sat there deliberating choices—subject, color, dimension, paint strokes… these are characteristics of what make a painting unique and an exceptional choice for decorating walls.”

The perfect painting can transport you to another time or place, stir up emotions, and inspire you every time you walk by.

So, how do you pick the right piece?

Memo says, “First and foremost, I consider how all aspects of a painting play on my mood — size, subject, color, texture, impact, even framing. (Framing can do wonders!) The location of a painting in a space, and its adjacencies can say many things too.”

“When I was searching for the perfect painting for my living room, I stumbled upon an oversized antique equestrian piece and drove five hours to pick it up. It was even better in person,” he continues. “The unique sepia tone and intricate details complemented the oversized deep couch beneath it. It’s one of the few paintings in my home that sits on its own, having its moment, transporting me to a time that felt right for my 200+ year-old home.”

2. Mirrors: Reflecting Magic and Creating Space

Mirrors are more than just for checking your reflection — they're pure magic. According to Memo, mirrors have the power to "create space, reflect light, color, and surfaces — all while adding an element of depth to a space." Think of the iconic Arnolfini Portrait with its mesmerizing convex mirror — that’s the kind of magic we are talking about.

The iconic Arnolfini Portrait with its mesmerizing convex mirror.
“Arnolfini Portrait” (1434) by Jan Van Eyck.

When choosing mirrors, practicality isn’t the first thing on Memo’s mind. He’s all about impact.

“I think oftentimes people decorate with mirrors considering their proportion to a space. However, I like the contrast and friction an unexpected mirror can portray. Mirrors serve as an extension of elements of sorts,” says Memo.

He adds, “I think about what I want reflected — light, an architectural element, added dimension? All of these characteristics matter. The framing, the shape, and the general personality. I place mirrors similarly to how I would hang a painting, but with an awareness of the reflections it will house and what it does to the space.”

“I recently acquired a rather unique Eastlake mirror from a friend. The details really spoke to me and I instantly knew where I wanted to use it. I placed it strategically in my guest room, between two windows, to create a third window of sorts. It not only reflected the room’s fun decorative details but also emphasized the pitch of the ceiling while showcasing the mirror’s ornate woodwork.”

3. Gallery Walls: The Art of Balance

A gallery wall is the ultimate expression of your personal style, but without balance, it can quickly go from chic to chaotic. Memo’s top tip?

“Balance is everything. Without it, things can go quite wrong, and this is often when people get frustrated with the concept. Are you taking up the entire space, or is it a contained focal gallery? After identifying where a gallery could exist, I usually choose 1-2 focal pieces that set the foundation for the gallery wall and build around them.”

He encourages mixing mediums and styles: think photos, paintings, and even sculptural elements. However, balance is key.

“Identify pieces that complement each other, use them to establish balance across the wall, and the contrasting pieces you introduce for interest will then blend seamlessly. You begin to see the elements of the gallery work together to tell a story. Stand back. Walk away from it. Come back to it. Live with it in its incomplete state. Leave room to allow your gallery wall to grow organically. You may find pieces down the line that bring in or swap out!”

Memo also reminds us, “Don’t forget to use negative space to your advantage as part of establishing your gallery wall (the space above or below your pieces can provide focus). Or fill to the brim in maximal style.”

4. Shelves/Display Ledges: Versatility on Display

Shelves are more than just storage. They are a playground for your creativity. Memo loves to get inventive with shelf placement, from using them as side tables to building them into corners or over windows. He’s all about “taking the traditional use out of the equation and exploring how a strategically placed shelf could add dimension (or function!) to your space.”

When it comes to choosing what to display, Memo advises against the typical books-and-knickknacks approach. Instead, he sees shelves as a canvas for layered vignettes that act as extensions of the room’s decor.

“I often find that people box the concept of shelves into two categories—books, knickknacks or a mix,” Memo describes.

“In reality, shelving or ledges act as surface space, no different than a tabletop! I love creating layered vignettes, mixing a variety of items to act as a natural extension of the décor in the room.”

His advice?

“These shouldn’t be too manicured in the process, as I find it tends to look a little showroom or shop-display-like. So have fun with it and don’t take it too seriously.”

Memo also loves using vintage or antique pairs of shelves to highlight an array of objects shuch as sculptures, ceramics, and even lighting!

“These are great to flank artwork, windows, doors, or even be worked into a gallery wall for added dimension,” he shares.

5. Wall Sculptures/Dimensional Art: Adding Depth and Drama

Why stick to flat art when you can add depth and dimension? Sculptures and dimensional art are Memo’s go-to for breaking up a gallery wall or creating a focal point. They add an element of surprise, inviting people to stop, look, and ponder.

Memo explains, “It can be beautiful and fun! I love integrating unexpected objects, sculptures, and dimensional art into wall décor. Adding some depth to a wall can serve as a great break in a gallery or a place for the eye to rest, focus, and study what’s being presented. The story an object can tell in conjunction — or in complement — to its surroundings can really be impactful, especially today where so many interiors have been simplified in new construction.”

Choosing the right piece is all about the story you want to tell.

“Don’t be afraid to experiment. I consider the space an object has as it complements its surroundings. These items serve as their own unique moment, and it’s fun to explore placement. Maybe it’s a mask, some pottery, an oversized feather protruding from behind some artwork, or beads nestled around a frame.”

Memo shares one of his favorite examples...

“One focal spot in my dining room is a large pond boat I suspended on the wall. It's much larger than the space it lives in and casts shadows, adding dimension and character to what originally was a rather simple wall. Over time, I built my wall art collection around it and really created something special.

We create these moments that people can enjoy as an extension of our personal style. When someone walks up to an unexpected object I have displayed on my wall, I notice the moment of thought they have. Maybe they love creativity, maybe they’re wondering why in the world this object is hanging on the wall, or maybe they’re simply caught by surprise and are enjoying the moment.”

With Memo Faraj’s expert tips, your walls can become the star of your space. Whether you’re drawn to the appeal of paintings, the reflective magic of mirrors, or the dynamic presence of sculptures, there is a way to make your walls a spokesperson for your style.

So go ahead, experiment, and let your walls tell your story!

About Memo Faraj

With bases in coastal Delaware and New York City, artist and interior decorator, Memo Faraj, loves sourcing vintage decor and art. His own world travels and experience in the fashion industry over the last twenty years inspires his designs. His business, Memo Faraj Studio, has a unique, collected aesthetic stemming from Memo's diverse background.

Memo bases his unique approach to design on contradiction, which allows him to create spaces that reflect each client's personality. This approach drives his business and differentiates it from other design firms.

He focuses his art on science or nature subjects themes, with coral reefs and entomology (insects) being constant sources of inspiration.

Memo Faraj Studio offers services in interior design, decorating and styling, sourcing, inspiration development, and retail consulting.