A ‘Basic New Build’ House Shows How to Assemble Awesome Art Gallery Walls on a Low Budget

Name: Cheryl, husband, and son
Location: Brunswick, Ohio
Type of home: House
Size: 2400 square feet
Years lived in: 5 years, owned

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: This house was a basic contractor-grade new build. I live here with my husband and son. I have been adding character little by little on a low budget.

My son is disabled and I only work part time, so 80% is thrifted or from a local antique shop. Cleveland has some fabulous shops.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: A small collection of treasures.

What is your favorite room and why? The “gallery wall” room. My mother died suddenly on her birthday two years ago, and 48 hours later, my uncle died. Six weeks later my other uncle, and then finally I lost my grandmother the following month. The grief consumed me so I set out to create a place I could go to heal.

The process of collecting the art was extremely therapeutic. I had no prior experience with hanging such a large group of artworks, they just fell into place. This room brings me so much peace and joy now.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? My coffee table, I found it at Michal Rolf Antiques here in Cleveland. I had him cut the legs down to suit my needs.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Follow your gut, and buy what you love.

This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.