accessories Archives - Emily A. Clark

New Art + Vintage Frames

Jul92019

This post is sponsored by Walmart.

If your decor is starting to feel a little stale, new art is one of the easiest ways to freshen up a vignette (or an entire wall). Artwork doesn’t have to be expensive or even a huge effort to find, thanks to the huge Art.com collection that you can now shop online at Walmart. You can find almost any style and size you’re looking for, framed/unframed/canvas, you name it. I recently updated this little space in our dining room/office with a vintage inspired blue heron print and a vintage frame I already had.

If you come across a good custom, vintage frame when you’re thrifting, it never hurts to ignore the art and tuck it away. This was custom with a good mat that had faded over time. I disassembled it and sponge painted the existing mat to give it a whole new look. I ordered the 16×20 print for just $9–a pretty and super affordable update.

With so many Art.com options, the hardest part can be narrowing down your favorites. (Seriously, they have everything from a portrait of George Washington to a chinoiserie panel.) I’ve pulled a few other pieces that caught my eye. Quick tip: you can save anything you like as you shop by clicking the “Add to List” button found just above the product highlights on each listing page.

Styling Simplified: Earthy Texture

Jun262019

Summer always makes me want to layer in more earthy textures and cut green branches to put in pretty vases. Thinking along those lines, I’ve put together another Styling Simplified board where I share a grouping of accessories that could all work together as finishing touches to a space. For this look, think minimal but purposeful pieces like glass, mud cloth pillows, kilim rugs, greenery with a tropical feel and vintage-inspired artwork. While this board is built around neutrals, it doesn’t mean there’s a lack of pattern. I envision this grouping with white slipcovered sofas, leather, rattan, black-painted and natural wood furnishings mixed together.

All paint colors are by Sherwin-Williams.

For more inspiration, head over to my Instagram post to see a handful of designers that have mastered this look. And, see more Styling Simplified ideas here.

My Pieced Together Frames + Mats

Jun202019

Just like there are good dupes for high-end cosmetics and designer clothing, there are also a few good ones to know when it comes to decorating your home. Custom framing is pricey and if you like to change things up as much as I do, it’s pretty much out of the question. I pieced together these frames and mats years ago for our last house and still get asked about them every time I post a picture. I’ve recycled them several times!

They’re actually plastic all-purpose frames I picked up at a craft store. They’re usually sold in multiples–because they’re so cheap! Mine are 16×20 and are almost identical to these. I just gave them a couple of light coats of a metallic gold spray paint. Once they’re hung, it’s almost impossible to tell that they’re plastic and not metal.

The key to making them look custom is the matting. I like to use an online shop like this one on Etsy that offers lots of sizes with almost any opening size in tons of colors.Mine are 16×20 mats with 5×7 openings. (You can get a 5-pack for $35.) I’ve changed the art up in my frames from room to room and they make anything look better–even my own little abstract paintings.