Interior Design Tutorial: 3 Home Design Framing Tips

The best ideas to frame your photos and other objects, with Rosario Greene

A simple format change, for example from rectangular to square, or the decision to frame a treasured object, such as an old vinyl, can add life and unique style to your home. Chilean interior designer Rosario Greene (@itogreene) is an expert in combining paintings, frames and other hanging elements to bring light, harmony and warmth into your home.

In this tutorial, she teaches three simple steps that will help improve your framing and showcase your memories at home.

Find out how in the video:

3 Tips to Interior Design Using Frames

1. Try using black and white images and a square format

Traditional rectangular images inside colorful frames are charming, but Rosario believes that square frames with white or color-coordinated matting add a modern touch. “This Scandi style enhances your image,” she says.

She also recommends printing your photos in a matte finish, which is more elegant than gloss.

2. Frame an object, page or illustration

Here the secret lies in selecting the best background. If you’re looking to highlight your object, choose a neutral shade like a piece of red velvet, which looks more eclectic. Rosario thinks it would be good in a bar or at the home of a rock n’roll fan.

If you fancy playing with musical references, try a more specific background that echoes the message you want to convey. There are plenty of options! This simple technique can add immediate style.

3. Give a simple piece of paper an engraved look.

This simple technique allows you to cut out any piece of paper (plain, printed with lettering or an illustration) and give it an engraved finish.

Place a ruler over the page and press down firmly with one hand. Use your other hand to scratch the paper against the grain, from the bottom up. Gently and gradually tear the paper to create little waves outwards: this will make it look like an engraving.

Like these tips? Learn the secrets of bringing your walls to life in Rosario Greene’s online course: Decorating with Framed Art.

You may be interested in:
- Introduction to Frame Making, a course by El Pez Enmarcado.
- Decorating Your Home on a Budget, a course by Sofía Savarí O’Keefe.
- Color Applied to Interior Design, a course by Miriam Alía.