Making an Entrance: Kathryn & Shane’s Colorful, Chicago Artist Gallery Wall
Jul 01, 2025
There’s something magical about walking into a home and immediately feeling the personality of the people who live there. For La Grange Park art lovers, Kathryn and Shane, that feeling now begins the moment guests open their front door.
Their new gallery wall – a joyful, eclectic mix of works by four local Chicago artists represented in our West End gallery: Lizzie Selle, Jess Root, Karyn Denten, and Crissie Vitale, creates instant impact. The vibrant color, varied styles and shapes, and layered textures feel like a collection built over years of meaningful discovery. But the kicker is we put this together in just one weekend with thoughtful design and collaboration.
Not sure where to start, they leaned on my expertise in interior design and art curation, collaborating every step of the way to create a story-filled, seamless look that will bring joy for years to come.
Creating a "Collected Over Time" Feel
When Kathryn and Shane reached out, their goal was clear: they wanted their entryway to reflect their love of art with an eclectic mix that felt intentional and cohesive—not random. Living in a historic home, they were working with the challenge of a narrow hallway, but they also had a unique design opportunity: a beautiful arched inset that we knew could become a focal point.
Through my complimentary in-home art consultation, we worked together to curate a look that blended their passion for shopping local with a bold, collected aesthetic. I started by selecting the perfect pieces for the arched inset, then built the shape and flow of the gallery wall around this architectural feature.
Because Kathryn and Shane are longtime collectors and clients, I felt confident in selecting pieces I knew they’d love. I even included two pieces they had previously purchased but hadn’t yet found the right spot for. I brought a curated selection of artwork from four Chicago-based artists, mixing frame sizes, shapes, and styles – pairing abstract works with realism to create visual rhythm and balance.
We laid the mockup out on the floor first, then used temporary command strips to test placement directly on the wall before committing to final installation. The result: a gallery wall that feels like it evolved naturally over time – layered, joyful, and full of stories –yet still pulled together with an intentional, designer’s eye.
What It Means to Live with Art
For Kathryn and Shane, their gallery wall is more than just decoration—it’s become a daily source of joy and connection. “We were blown away by how well it all fit together and really excited! Seeing it hung felt like the final piece in making the main floor of our house complete.” The vibrant mix of color and styles instantly catches their eye whenever they walk past—or even open the front door. “It’s such a pop of color, which provides such a sense of happiness. What we love most is how every piece is so different, yet it all works together.” It’s also made an immediate impression on guests. “Any time someone walks through our front door, it’s the first thing they notice. It makes guests feel immediately welcomed into our space.”
Supporting Chicago Artists
One thing Kathryn and Shane love most about their gallery wall is how it reflects their values and commitment to supporting local artists. “Shopping local is something we take a lot of pride in, so being able to have that reminder every time we see the pieces is always a good feeling.” They’re proud to share the stories behind each Chicago-based artist featured on their wall and love pointing them out whenever friends and family ask about the collection.
Why Work with an Art Consultant that specializes in Interior Design?
Choosing multiple pieces of art that feel both unique and cohesive can feel overwhelming—but that’s where I come in. For Kathryn and Shane, working with me took the stress out of the process. “It’s hard to put multiple pieces of artwork together, but leaning on Lizzie’s expertise really helped. She chose the perfect pieces and we are grateful to her for helping us create such a memorable collection for our home.”
At Lizzie Selle Studio and the West End Gallery, our complimentary interior design service helps homeowners confidently build art collections that bring color, joy, and connection into their space. If you’re dreaming of a gallery wall that feels uniquely you, and uniquely local, I’d love to help!
