Winter Refresh: Gallery Walls to Kick Off the New Year
As the year winds down and winter settles in, our homes become the backdrop for quieter days and fresh intentions. December is the perfect moment to look ahead and imagine the spaces we’d like to elevate in the coming year—without the pressure of a full renovation. Thoughtful art placement can completely shift the energy of a room, and a new gallery wall is one of the simplest ways to create big visual impact with minimal effort. Whether you're craving more warmth, wanting to define a forgotten corner, or simply ready for a change, these gallery wall ideas offer inspiration for a beautiful start to the new year. Here are a few curated concepts to spark your winter refresh.
The Entryway Reset
The entry is the first place you see when you walk in—and the easiest to overlook. A small, cohesive gallery here instantly sets the tone for the rest of your home. Mix a few personal photographs with abstract or landscape prints to create a warm welcome. This is a great January project because it requires minimal furniture rearranging and delivers a surprisingly big emotional lift.
Left to right: English Hollyhocks by Julie Pointer Adams 20”x28”, Quilted 4 by Lauren DeMarco 20”x16”, Ancient Roman Villa Interior by Tim Ross 12”x10”, The solstice series nr. 1 by Merel Takken 20”x28”
A Reading Nook Moment
That empty corner near a chair or bookshelf becomes a sanctuary with the right cluster of art. Try a vertical arrangement of calming pieces (think nature prints or soft palettes) to visually “hug” the space and make it feel intentional. Winter months practically beg for cozy corners, and a well-styled nook makes staying in feel luxurious.
Top to bottom: Cloud Study by Catherina Turk 14”x11”, Golden horse by Diana Bonilla Rojas 10”x14”, Flowers bouquet_III by Flavia Cuddemi 10”x14”, Autumnal No. 12 by Elizabeth Becker 20”x14”.
The Kitchen Personality Wall
Kitchens often end up all function and no flair, but a petite gallery wall above a breakfast nook or secondary counter can add instant charm. Playful illustrations, vintage-inspired prints, or bold color moments work beautifully here. Since kitchen projects tend to feel daunting, this is a low-commitment way to refresh the heart of the home without picking up a paintbrush.
Left to right: Kitchen vase by Emma Elizabeth 14”x20”, Three Radishes by Catalina Somolinos 11”x14”, Pears on Stripes by Whitner Carlin 14”x11”, Leafy Web by Rita Keri 20x24”.
A Minimalist Over-the-Sofa Statement
If your living room feels flat but you’re not ready to overhaul it, a clean, modern arrangement over the sofa can completely redefine the space. Stick with a controlled color palette or a set of complementary abstracts for a gallery that feels elevated and cohesive. This is a perfect winter weekend project: quick to install and instantly transformative.
Left to right: Collage No. 24 by Karolina Székely 16”x20”, Abstract forms No. 42 by Karolina Székely 16”x20”, Watercolor No. 30 by Karolina Székely 16”x20”.
The Hallway That Finally Gets Attention
Hallways are prime real estate for art but rarely get the love they deserve. A linear gallery along the wall adds rhythm and movement, turning a pass-through zone into a design moment. Black-and-white photography or a series of coordinated prints works especially well here. It’s a subtle change that makes your home feel curated from the inside out.
Left to right: Venice Palms by Catherine McDonald 28”x40 ”, Surfer Boy by Ed Pineda 20”x14”, Palm Tree Nomad by Kristen M. Brown 14”x20”, The One and Only by Alicia Bock 28”x40”, Windswept by David Pascolla 20”x14”, Evening Sail by Michelle Adams 10”x14”.
