[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_post_title comments=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_font_size=”52px” meta_font_size=”22px”][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n
\u200bSpring d\u00e9cor can feel a little tricky on those years where Easter falls \u201cearly\u201d, as it did this year!\u00a0 How do you decorate with a spring feeling when you\u2019re ready to put away the bunnies?\u00a0 Well, first, a little story:<\/strong><\/p>\n Last year, when we were home allllllllll spring (just like most of you were!), we spent a lot of time outside.\u00a0 One day, we noticed that a cardinal had made a nest on the old basket-turned-light fixture under our gazebo.\u00a0 The kids checked it every day and we turned into avid bird watchers!\u00a0 To be honest, it was incredibly refreshing to be spending so much time at home and be so much less busy that we had time for these moments.\u00a0 The kids were excited to find the baby birds had hatched and one morning in early May of 2020, we spent a couple of hours just sitting outside, watching as the baby birds got ready to take their first flight.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.7.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n One baby cardinal seemed to struggle<\/strong>.\u00a0 I remember getting tears in my eyes, watching both the mommy and daddy cardinal fly in and out, over and over and over, coaxing and encouraging their baby.\u00a0 All of the other babies had flown away.\u00a0 Slowly, but surely, the baby cardinal made its way further out to the edge of the wire light fixture, eventually to the edge of the gazebo, and then took off awhile later.<\/p>\n The tears weren\u2019t because I am a bird-lover.\u00a0 Honestly, I guess I\u2019ve never paid a whole lot of attention.\u00a0 But that day, that baby cardinal got my attention.\u00a0 How gently, yet firmly, that mommy and daddy cardinal worked to give the baby the courage to take flight.\u00a0 How gently, yet firmly, God works with each of us\u2026giving us just what we need, understanding our fears, nudging us toward freedom<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Spring-Gallery-Wall-2-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Spring Gallery Wall (2)” admin_label=”Before Image” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n Around that same time of being home 24\/7, I was redecorating anywhere and everywhere.\u00a0 I always find peace and enjoyment in being creative and we did a lot of it as a family.\u00a0 I came across a vintage Birds of America book<\/a><\/strong><\/span> that I had tucked away.\u00a0 I wanted to find a picture of the cardinals to show the kids and as I browsed through, I got so much spring decorating inspiration from the beautiful drawings.\u00a0<\/p>\n I redecorated our mantel and gallery wall using some of the vintage audobon prints.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t take a lot of something like that to make a statement in a room!\u00a0 I found prints that had warm tones to blend in with my terra cotta pots and brass accents.\u00a0 I used two gold frames from my d\u00e9cor storage and taped the audobon prints inside.\u00a0 They had a framed look without any extra expense and without having to cut the prints either!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Spring-Gallery-Wall-3-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Spring Gallery Wall (3)” admin_label=”Before Image” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n Fast forward to April of 2021\u2026Easter is past, the bunnies are put away, and I\u2019m breaking out the vintage audobon d\u00e9cor again!\u00a0 I\u2019ve been enjoying some touches of light blue this spring, so I chose a couple of prints from my Birds of America book that have more of the cool tones.\u00a0 I love how they still mix beautifully with some brass accents, but I\u2019m replacing the terra cotta with lots of white, light grays, and light blues.<\/p>\n Since the wall in our family room is such a focal point and sets the tone for the rest of our main living spaces, I decided to start with this room.\u00a0 So, yes, I\u2019m restyling the gallery wall again for spring, but now you understand why!<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what is going on my gallery wall:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”French Lavabo” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What, exactly, is a French lavabo?\u00a0 Well, according to a quick google search, these wall-mounted sinks date back to the early 1900s.\u00a0 They were made out of cast iron and hung on the outside wall of European homes.\u00a0 They were used for hand washing before coming inside.<\/p>\n I need a lavabo with running water outside my door.\u00a0 Anyone else relate???\u00a0 Ha!<\/p>\n French lavabos are so fun to decorate with and I was thrilled to find this one last year from White Flower Farmhouse<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.\u00a0 You can find some similar ones HERE<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, HERE<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, and HERE<\/a><\/strong><\/span>!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Spring-Gallery-Wall-4-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Spring Gallery Wall (4)” url=”https:\/\/rstyle.me\/+2tPRGMVQkAfspTyUKza0tA” url_new_window=”on” admin_label=”Lavabo Image Link” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”French Lavabo” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n For my spring d\u00e9cor, I decided to hang this over the mantel and fill it with greenery and flowers!\u00a0 I started with fresh greenery branches from my yard.\u00a0 I simply added a little glass of water in the bottom of the lavabo and the fresh branches will stay looking beautiful for weeks!\u00a0 Since they are in a place where they aren\u2019t touched, they will just turn a deeper green once they begin to dry and I can leave them right where they are!<\/p>\n Next, I added a few white blooms from Flower and Home Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.\u00a0 These long stems are so perfect for big arrangements and the nice thing about great faux flowers is that you can bend them around until they fit perfectly where you need them!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Spring-Gallery-Wall-9-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Spring Gallery Wall (9)” admin_label=”Lavabo Closeup Image” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”French Lavabo” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n Before adding the last layer, I took some brown kraft paper<\/strong> and scrunched it around the top of the lavabo.\u00a0 This gave me a base to add some moss.\u00a0 Allowing a bit to \u201cspill\u201d over the edges of the lavabo adds a more realistic and whimsical look to the flower arrangement.<\/p>\n When arranging flowers, whether faux or fresh<\/strong>, I like to remember that flowers and plants don\u2019t grow with perfect, symmetrical shapes in nature.\u00a0 We are drawn to wildflowers in nature because of their natural look.\u00a0 The same is true for the flowers you assemble in your own home!\u00a0 A little bit of irregularity and imperfection helps any floral arrangement to feel like you plucked it straight out of nature!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.7.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Audubon ” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can pay a lot of money for beautifully framed prints and they can be found lots of places, from big-box home d\u00e9cor stores to antique malls.\u00a0 I found my Birds of America book<\/a> <\/strong><\/span>at the thrift store and I love that it gives me so many choices of prints, plus it\u2019s just a really pretty coffee table book too!<\/p>\n Keep an eye out at flea markets, antique malls, and thrift stores!\u00a0 Many editions of these books have been printed and they are full of beautiful prints!\u00a0 I carefully pulled out the prints that tied into my d\u00e9cor and taped them into vintage frames!<\/p>\n You can also find some nice copies of the Birds of America books HERE<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, HERE<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, and HERE<\/strong><\/span><\/a>!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Spring-Gallery-Wall-7-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Spring Gallery Wall (7)” url=”https:\/\/rstyle.me\/+iNulCaxW80EfAd1CWMHleQ” url_new_window=”on” admin_label=”Audubon Image Link” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.7.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Antique Nets” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I love adding unusual items to a gallery wall and even more so when they provide extra texture.\u00a0 For spring and summer, the light color and style of these nets adds a soft texture.\u00a0 I got lucky on these and found them at Rehab Vintage Market<\/a><\/strong><\/span> last spring when they were doing porch pick-up sales!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Spring-Gallery-Wall-8-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Spring Gallery Wall (8)” admin_label=”Antique Nets Image” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Antique Nets” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n You could add the same kind of look with baskets<\/a><\/strong><\/span> or canvases.\u00a0 Flat and shallow baskets<\/a><\/strong><\/span> make such great wall d\u00e9cor and you can often find them very inexpensively at thrift stores!\u00a0 In fact, I think all of my baskets have come from thrift stores!\u00a0 I\u2019ll link a few online basket wall options<\/a><\/strong><\/span> for you as well!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Spring-Gallery-Wall-11-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Spring Gallery Wall (11)” admin_label=”Antique Nets Image” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.7.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Other Items” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Empty frames, architectural salvage, vintage signs, and vintage mirrors are always my go-to items for gallery walls and mantel d\u00e9cor.\u00a0 I like to choose one or two general colors and then mix different materials in those colors.\u00a0 White, wood tones, and antiqued gold are great choices that go with everything!\u00a0 You can make a neutral color palette interesting and exciting by adding items with great patina and a variety of textures!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Spring-Gallery-Wall-12-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Spring Gallery Wall (12)” admin_label=”Other Items Image” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Other Items” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n I always watch for these kinds of items when I\u2019m out vintage hunting, thrifting, yard sales, and at flea markets!\u00a0 You can find out more about that over on these posts HERE<\/a><\/strong><\/span> & HERE<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n Whenever I\u2019m out thrifting, I always look for these kinds of items and if I really love them AND the price is right?\u00a0 I grab them!\u00a0 Over the years, I\u2019ve collected a nice stash of these \u201cfillers\u201d that I love and enjoy using.\u00a0 It makes it easy to restyle and refresh without spending any money, just by shopping my own home!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Spring-Gallery-Wall-5-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Spring Gallery Wall (5)” admin_label=”Other Items Image” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.7.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Mantel Decor” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Since I have a lot going on with the gallery wall, I kept the mantel d\u00e9cor very simple with a few vintage books in the white, light blue, and gray tones.\u00a0 I added some vintage brass swans<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0to carry over the audobon theme and a couple of simple, white pots<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0with plants.\u00a0 My plant babies seem to be loving this mantel spot and thriving, so I decided to leave them right there!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Spring-Gallery-Wall-1-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Spring Gallery Wall (1)” admin_label=”Mantel Decor Image” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Mantel Decor” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\nFrench Lavabo<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Audobon Prints<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Antique Nets<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Other Items to Use in Gallery Walls<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Spring Mantel D\u00e9cor<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n