Frame Work

By Robyn Pocker, President of J Pocker

Completed your latest interior-design project, but just can't put your finger on what's missing? No doubt, it's the finishing touches, often remedied by hanging the just-right decorative prints. Not only are they the jewelry of the room's wardrobe, but hand-picked prints help give the room personality (notably, yours!).

Where to start? Begin by concentrating on the foyer, the room that sets the tone for your entire home. It's the perfect place for a mirror, and I often suggest a round or an oval shape, which often lends an unexpected touch. The shape provides a good contrast if you have decorative prints in a rectangular shape. If you can't find the appropriate size for the space, talk to your framer, who can create one to spec, fitting not just your size, but your style, as well. For example, natural subjects can look traditional with chinoiserie, or more transitional when framed with a natural wood finish, such as bamboo. If the wall is large enough, consider a beautiful botanical print-timeless, but particularly hot right now-flanking each side of the mirror. If you bring a piece of your wallpaper to the print shop, the pros there can help you in the selection process, coordinating styles and colors.

Don't overlook long hallways, even if they're narrow: they need some accessorizing, too. Prints for this space can be as formal as a set of architectural or other classic images or as casual as your children's artwork, all framed and matted identically for a coordinated look and hung gallery-style in a long row.

Living rooms and dining rooms probably need a series of prints. Since a dining table and furniture are often larger in scale in these spaces, try hanging four prints over sideboard rather than just a pair. Flank a breakfront with two prints on either side to balance the furniture's weight. Larger, horizontal images can work wonderfully here to set off the vertical lines of the piece.

The powder room shouldn't be a place for cast-off small prints; your guests should be treated to something charming there. If the space is traditional, try using a series of prints hung on decorative brass hooks, a very English style. More modern spaces may do well with some great black and white images.

When you're in the print shop, bring as many samples of your wall color and fabrics as possible. The salesperson can do a much better job when he or she has a sense of a pattern's scale (especially if the prints will hang against them). Custom framing is where you can make the prints your own. Often, just reframing prints can update the style and transform the look into something completely different, a great way to redecorate using the prints and photos you've come to love.

Robyn Pocker is president of J Pocker, which has provided expert service in art and framing since 1926 and has stores in Bronxville, New York City, and Greenwich and Westport, both in Connecticut.