Long after the New Year corks have popped, I'm just now resolving to frame and hang those family pictures and travel mementos that I have collected throughout the years. Living in a small space is advantageous in many ways, but wall space is definitely not one of them. The solution, a gallery wall along the stairwell (well, a partial solution - I mean, really, is there ever enough wall space?). Tucked in the stairwell, the collected wall seems more personal and humble than on display in the prime time viewing area of the living room. Plus, the collected gallery wall will visually occupy the odd corners of the stairwell (winning on a decor dime!).

The challenge? Creating a cohesive collected wall with visual balance. I'm not going for the haphazard look, but, on the same token, I would like a fluid collected wall - one that reflects my life and not a staged static wall. Meaning, a measured grid of color coordinated photos is not going to suffice. While I continue to play around with the arrangement of my gallery, here are some inspiring gallery walls from around the web.

I love the organic spacing of this thematic wall arrangement. (via Elle Decor)

This boho-chic floor to ceiling arrangement visually expands the small space. (via Curbly)

This black and white grid adds a modern graphic punch to the ornate settee. (via Casa Vogue)

This eclectic grouping counterbalances the oversized gilded mirror. (via Habitually Chic)

The fluid pattern of the monochromatic arrangement brings life to this wall gallery. (Design by Ken Fulk)

I love the warmth of this organic (and almost random) collected wall. (via Emily Henderson)