How to create your very own professional-looking gallery wall

Nov 10, 2022

A gallery wall is a great way to create a feature wall, show off your hundreds of lovely photos or even add drama to a room without too much hassle. And it is something that you can change and swap around whenever the feeling tickles your fancy.

You'll need a little bit of time to map out your gallery and to hang your photos but there is nothing too strenuous to it really. In fact, making sure you have clean, straight lines is probably the hardest thing about it.

One of the best shapes to go for when it comes to your gallery wall, in our opinion, is square. Fujifilm actually allow you to print off your photos – canvas and just normal prints – in a square shape which is ideal for this job. The photos don't all need to be the same size but the square shape gives consistency and makes it look clean, and therefore visually appealing.

To help you make the most professional-looking gallery wall (without having to call in the experts), we have compiled a list of six tips that you should follow before you go anywhere near the wall with a nail.

1. Know how many photos you want to work with

Make sure you have enough photos to make an even gallery wall. Work in columns or rows of threes or fours (i.e eight or nine photos) – anything less and the impact won't be as dramatic; any more and you'll suffocate your wall. Once you have decided how many photos you need, print them via the Fujifilm Imagine app and pick up your frames.

2. Speaking of frames…

To keep things clean, opt for frames of similar thickness and colour, although using various frame colours can look really nice on a plain background. However, you don't even have to use frames. Fujifilm allows you to put your favourite photos on square canvas which can look really effective if mounted on a white wall.

3. Make sure your wall is ready

There is no point hanging up your wonderful gallery only for your dirty, paint-peeling wall to take away from it. Before you start, smooth down any lumps and bumps, wipe away any stains and re-paint if necessary. If you opt for a patterned wallpaper, keep your frames fairly neutral or if you opt for a plain background, go with colourful frames and photos.

4. Grab that measuring tape

Before you put a nail anywhere near your wall, measure out exactly where on the wall you want to put your frames/ canvas prints. You will need to measure out the space between each photo – top, bottom and sides – so that they are equal in distance and straight. For this you will need to know how much space you want between them and in what part of the wall you want them to hang. So have a proper think about arrangement and use a pencil to map it out.

5. Create templates

To be 100 percent sure that everything is right, we suggest you create templates out of newspaper so that you can visualise what exactly your gallery wall will look like. Use masking tape to stick your newspaper frames on the wall and step back. How does it look? If you're not feeling it now is the time to move things around and try a new arrangement.

6. Now is the time for nails

Once you're happy with your arrangement, mark out where your nails will go and get hammering. Hang photos one at a time so that if you do change your mind halfway through it won't be too much of a hassle. When all your photos are up take a step backwards. Look out for mismatched colours and crooked frames, the things that take away from your beautiful gallery wall.

Now all you need to do is give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done, and enjoy your work of art.

Here are the top gifts for your friend who is obsessed with candles

Dec 10, 2019

by Amber Saunders

No home is fully complete without candles, especially during Christmas. We’ve rounded up our favourites, tried and tested them and only the ones that we really love have made the cut.

Brooke & Shoals

Multi award-winning Irish brand Brooke & Shoals is synonymous with the gold standard of luxury gifting. Based in Greystones, Co Wicklow, they tick all the boxes when it comes to luxury gifts that smell amazing, create Irish jobs and have a lower carbon footprint than many other brands in their sector. Their range comes in candles made using only natural wax, diffusers, hand wash and hand lotion in scent favourites such as White Lily Ylang Ylang, Elderflower, Rhubarb & Rose, Sweet Pea & Tea Rose, Grapefruit & Lemongrass, Lemon Verbena & Bergamont, Saffron Patchouli & Oud, Sandalwood, Vanilla & Salted Caramel. But it’s this year’s festive range that has captured our hearts.

The Frosted Ginger & Winter Berry candle is divine and come in ready to gift packaging to make life as easy as possible.

The Cinnamon & Cedar candle evokes memories of Christmas with a scent so familiar that it’s like a Christmas hug in the home.

Both are available in a reed diffuser to fill your home with festive spirit.

Scented candles RRP €20 and diffusers RRP €29

Available from over 300 stockists nationwide including Meadows & Byrne, Carraig Donn, House of Fraser. Buy on-line at Brook & Shoals or pop into the shop in Greystones where they have the most divine gift-wrapping service.

Jane Darcy

Created by young Irish mum Gillian Halpin, ‘Jane Darcy’ is a range of scented candles and room diffusers available in a selection of fragrances including French Lavender & Lovage, Kaffir Lime Basil & Blood Orange, Zesty Lemongrass & Bergamot. These luxury scented candles are made from 100% natural soy wax and boasts a 10% parfum concentration which is notably higher than most luxury candles on the market. Each candle and diffuser is packaged in a luxurious gift box and finished with a hand tied gift bag accompanied by a complimentary box of matches and a personalizable gift card, making it an ideal gift for someone special.

RRP €30 for candles

RRP €35 for diffusers

Available from Jane Darcy and in selected retailers nationwide.

L'Occitane

L'Occitane is a familiar brand for their well-known natural beauty scented hand creams and body lotions but their candles are not always top of mind. This year, they have four candles in their gifting range – choose from:

Relaxing Candle – Relax with the long-lasting scent of lavender from Provence combined with sweet orange, bergamot, mandarin and geranium.
Harmony Candle – a candle with the scent of Provençal woods with a blend of cypress, thyme, eucalyptus, juniper and ylang-ylang essential oils, to bring a feeling of harmony.
Uplifting Candle – a candle with a delicious scent that leaves you smiling and feeling good inside. Made with the essential oils’ immortelle, basil, cypress, eucalyptus and litsea cubeba, they come together in a fragrance that’s deliciously aromatic.
Revitalising Candle – a fresh and invigorating candle blending scent of mint, pine, rosemary, sweet orange and litsea cubeba.

RRP €22

Available in-store or online at L’occitane

Aroma Works

Aroma Works source natures finest soy wax to make their candles, while the aroma delivered by our 100% pure essential oils envelops in the scents of purity. There are four fragrances in the Aroma Works range:

Nurture Candle is a rich and fruity, luxurious blend of 5 essential oils. It has a fresh top note of may chang with the sweet, fresh scent of roman chamomile and the soothing aromatic base of Sandalwood.
Serenity Candle has a citrus, yet warm fragrance of lemongrass that will energise your mind and body whilst at the heart of this blend, the exotic floral beauty that is neroli, will serve to restore your emotions and soothe away stress.
Soulful Candle is complex and exotic. It is a soulful blend that brings together 7 essential oils. Top notes of spicy frankincense and fruity juniper berry provide a deeply calming sensation to soothe jangled nerves, whilst the fragrant base notes of patchouli help to ease away fatigue, providing a truly warming and relaxing experience.
Inspire Candle has a warming fragrance which combines top notes of spicy black pepper and fruity, sweet juniper berry with the freshness of uplifting lime. At the heart of this delicious blend, geranium adds a soft calming element.

RRP €38

Available in good pharmacies or online at Cosmetics Online

Jo Browne

Jo Browne is a qualified reflexologist and holistic therapist with a passion for essential oils and their natural healing and revitalising benefits. Founded in 2016, the brand’s original foray into natural beauty products saw the launch of Jo Browne natural solid perfumes for men and women.

The brand has added a new Bamboo Aroma Diffuser to its range of all-natural skincare and perfumes, handmade in Ireland. With light therapy that can be fixed to one colour or turned off, Jo Browne Aroma diffuser uses cool mist so never gets hot and is so easy to use, simply plug it in, lift up the cap, add water to the max line and 3 drops of your favourite Jo Browne Blends of which there are 6 available: Fresh Blend; Calm Blend, Breathe, Sleep, Signature and Christmas.

RRP €75.00 for the diffuser and €20 for each of six blends

Available from Meadows and Byrne, Kilkenny Shop, McElhinney’s, House of Ireland and independent gift shops and online at https://jobrowne.com

The Conscious Store – Irish Forest Candle

The Conscious Stores candles are hand-poured in small batches and made with love in Tipperary. The range includes Lavender Field, Plum & Rhubarb, Fig & Cassis, Rose Garden and Bluebell Woods. But it’s the Irish Forest that we fell in love with – it’s a deep fresh scent of fresh fir needles, cedar and musk and a hint of wildflowers. These beautiful candles are made with natural, renewable soy wax, a touch of coconut oil, cotton wicks and a mix of high-quality fragrance and essential oils. The packaging and labels are made from recycled paper and the glass jars are recyclable.

RRP €25

Available in The Conscious Christmas Store on 13 Fade St, Dublin 2 or online from TheKind.co

Green Angel Pure & Organic

Green Angel have taken their many years’ experience of candle making blending premium oils and fragrances to create a distinctive, luxurious and relaxing range of reed diffusers to fragrance your home in a safe and natural way. Their candles are as natural and organic as possible with no harsh chemicals, no artificial colours, no paraffin, no mineral wax and are ethically sourced too.

Both of Green Angel’s candles & diffusers are available in two different scents. The White Linen fragrance has a fresh, powdery linen top notes, floral heart of rose and muguet accords over a woody, musky base. The Lime & Lemongrass fragrance has a fresh vibrant juicy fragrance with cool West Indian lime heated by hints of Jamaican ginger and aromatic lemongrass.

RRP Candle €19.95 and Diffuser €29.95

Available from the Kilkenny Shop, Avoca, Shaws, Meadows & Byrne and leading pharmacies and lifestyle shops nationwide. Alternatively buy online at www.greenangel.com

Emma’s So Naturals

For winter wellness, Emma’s candle range wraps you in an invisible blanket of sensory spiced comfort. Working from the countryside in Louth, it’s possible with handmade candles to put a lot of love into the process. Not only this, Emma Fallon infuses each candle with an original blend of pure essential oils in a base of soya wax (palm-oil free). Her creations are clean burning for hours on end creating a beautiful atmosphere in your home.

Her core range includes fragranced candles including scents such Basil, Lime & Mandarin, Lemongrass, Lavender, Harmony, Masala Chai and Pacific Ylang-Ylang but none are so strong that they will overpower the room. However, it’s her Spiced Orange Candle that we fell in love with. It evokes the warmth of the Irish home in winter with its uplifting blend of orange, warming benzoin, spicy ginger and festive frankincense.

RRP The Emma’s So Naturals’ Glass Tumbler Candle comes in an Irish designed uniquely floral box, priced at €19.50, Travel Candle Tins retail at €10.50, Wax Tart Melts at €4.95

Full list of stockists or available from www.emmas.ie

Voya

The Voya Ginger Chai & Mandarin natural scented candle releases the evocative warmth and awakening of spring. Containing top notes of ginger chai and spicy cinnamon that disperse from its fresh Brazilian mandarin heart and smoothed over with buttery Madagascar clove oil, the warm rich under tones of spice soften an abundance of fresh citrus scents to ensure you enjoy a positive pick me up and a real sense of emotional wellbeing.

RRP €27

Available in Kilkenny Stores or online at Kilkenny Shop

Jo Malone

If budget isn’t an option, then Jo Malone has a new fragrance for Christmas 2019. It’s the Orange Bitters candle. Take a dash of sweet orange and a burst of ripe mandarin. Finish with a splash of bitter orange to reveal rich prune and a base of sensual sandalwood and amber.

RRP Deluxe Candle €150 or Home Candle €52

Available from Brown Thomas

Candle lovers, you’re going to adore week 4 of Aldi’s Secret Six offers

Dec 2, 2019

by Kat O'Connor

Week four of Aldi’s Secret Six Offers is here and it may be our favourite so far. The weekly offer, which is available for a limited time each week, has brightened up our Monday morning.

This week’s Secret Six Product is Limited Edition Hotel Collection Ginger Biscuit Luxury Candle €4.99 – the perfect Christmas scent! This offer is available this Thursday, December 5– Sunday, December 8 only (while stocks last)!

Each Monday, Aldi will release details of the week’s Secret Six Offer, and each Thursday, when you buy one of these amazing products, you will get a second one, FOR FREE!

So head to your nearest Aldi store every Thursday between now and Christmas to avail of this amazing offer!

Terms and conditions for Secret Six:

The Secret Six promotion is available in all Republic of Ireland Aldi stores, commencing on Thursday, 14th November to Sunday, 22nd December.
Offers are available from the Thursday they launch to the Sunday, 3 days later, while stocks last.
Availability is limited, and customers can only receive one offer/purchase per transaction.
The promotion is a ‘Buy One Get One Free’ promotion on a selected weekly product.
This promotion is subject to availability and stock quantities will vary from store to store.
Offer is available only while stocks last.
Any alcohol offer will only be available to people over 18 years and from 10.30am.
Aldi reserves the right to withdraw the promotion at any time or to vary the elements of the promotion.
Prices are correct at time of dispatch and are subject to change.
A cash alternative in lieu of the second free product is not available for this promotion.

For more information see www.aldi.ie

Homeware goals: Aldi is selling a bath tray and we seriously need one

Nov 21, 2019

by Kat O'Connor

The miserable weather has us itching to go home and get as cosy as possible. All we want to do is unwind with a good book and a glass of wine.

The freezing cold has also left our hair in an unruly state so a pamper night is well and truly on the cards.

We’re talking bubble bath, face masks, hair masks- the works.

One thing that is going to make bath time even more enjoyable is a bath tray and you can soon get your hands on one in Aldi for an absolute bargain.

Treat yourself to stylish interiors updates and indulgent home comforts this winter with a range of beautiful Specialbuys, on sale in 139 Aldi stores nationwide from Thursday, November 21.

The Bath Tray is on sale for a mere €12.99 and features slots for tealight, wine glass, iPad/Kindle tablet and a book.

You can choose from extendable Bamboo Bath Tray with a bookstand or a solid Pinewood Bath Tray.

What more could you ask for?

As well as the bath tray, Aldi are selling homeware delights that are bound to make your house feel super snug this winter.

Hotel Collection Extra Large Candles €9.99

The above products are available in 139 Aldi stores nationwide from Thursday, November 21.

For more information, see www.aldi.ie

We need these adorable Harry Potter Christmas tree decorations

Nov 17, 2019

by Kat O'Connor

We know it’s too soon to put the Christmas tree up (even though we really want to) but that doesn’t mean we can’t go shopping for decorations.

Decorating the tree is one of the sweetest Christmas traditions and we’ve found the most magical decorations that Harry Potter fans will adore.

These adorable Harry Potter trinkets will add even more magic to your tree this year. Can you even handle how cute the Dobby ornament is?

There are six ornaments to choose from, including Ron, Harry and Hermione flying on their broomsticks, Hedwig. The Sorting Hat and Dobby.

The Hallmark ornaments would make the best early Christmas gift for the Hogwarts lover in your life.

Watching Harry Potter is one of our favourite Christmas traditions, even though it isn’t the most festive film.

There’s nothing we love more than curling up on the sofa on Stephen’s Day with a tub of Roses beside us and Harry Potter playing on the telly.

You can find the decorations on Amazon here, but we’d order quick because they’re bound to sell out in no time.

Aldi announces return of Secret Six Offers for 2nd Christmas in a row

Nov 11, 2019

by Kat O'Connor

Festive value! Back by popular demand for the second year and starting this Thursday, November 14 in 139 Aldi stores nationwide for 6 weeks, Aldi will launch its Secret Six Offers just in time for Christmas!

Each Monday, Aldi will release details of the week’s Secret Six Offer, and each Thursday, when you buy one of these amazing products, you will get a second one, FOR FREE.

The very first Secret Six Product this year is Plush Christmas Figures €12.99 each. The soft and jolly decorative figures are for decoration only. Choose from Snowman, Elf, Santa or Reindeer. Approx. 90cm tall. This offer is available this Thursday, November 14 – Sunday, November 17 only (while stocks last).

So head to your nearest Aldi store from this Thursday and every Thursday between now and Christmas to avail of these amazing offers!

Terms and conditions for Secret Six:

The Secret Six promotion is available in all Republic of Ireland Aldi stores, commencing on Thursday, November 14 to Sunday, December 22.
Offers are available from the Thursday they launch to the Sunday, 3 days later, while stocks last.
Availability is limited, and customers can only receive one offer/purchase per transaction.
The promotion is a ‘Buy One Get One Free’ promotion on a selected weekly product.
This promotion is subject to availability and stock quantities will vary from store to store.
Offer is available only while stocks last.
Any alcohol offer will only be available to people over 18 years and from 10.30am.
Aldi reserves the right to withdraw the promotion at any time or to vary the elements of the promotion.
Prices are correct at time of dispatch and are subject to change.
A cash alternative in lieu of the second free product is not available for this promotion.

For more information see www.aldi.ie

Jo Browne’s new diffuser is the perfect addition to your home

Oct 4, 2019

by Anna Murray

Our favourite Irish beauty brand has just released its first aroma diffuser and we are LOVING it.

Just in time for the season of nights-in and snuggly pyjamas, the award-winning Jo Browne has added the Bamboo Aroma Diffuser to its range of all-natural skincare and perfumes, handmade in Ireland. This gorgeous new addition to an already gorgeous range is the perfect way to spoil yourself as the cold weather approaches.

So easy to use, the aroma diffuser uses mist- meaning it never gets hot. You simply plug it in, lift up the cap to add water to the max line and add three delicious drops of your fave aroma blend by Jo Browne.

There are so many reasons to treat yourself to a diffuser. The aromas add a certain lux to your home, making you feel all-relaxed when you come in after a long day. Delivering the perfect amount of scent in minutes, the essential oils can have an incredible overall effect on your physical and emotional well-being. At the touch of a button, you can work your way to a better night’s sleep, reduce those stress levels and even lift your mood.

The diffuser has the added benefits of humidifying and purifying the air, as well as reducing dust. Interestingly, aroma diffusers have an ionising effect: the air quality is improved because more negative ions are released into the air. The delicious smell fills the room in minutes, creating a clean and zen space for you to really rewind and chill- not to mention, the Jo Browne Aroma Diffuser is a fabulous addition to any room décor!

One of our favourite things about this gorgeous new product is the bamboo packaging. Not only does it look great, but it is also ecologically friendly- complementing the all-natural brand values of Jo Browne. Depending on your mood, you can choose from six beautiful aroma blends: Fresh Blend; Calm Blend, Breathe, Sleep, Signature and Christmas.

Priced at €75.00 for the Diffuser and €20 for each of six Blends, the Jo Browne Diffuser and Blends are available online at https://jobrowne.com. You can also pick yours up at Meadows and Byrne, Kilkenny stores, McElhinney’s, House of Ireland and independent gift shops across Ireland.

How to make a vase, from a pumpkin according to Bloom & Wild

Oct 1, 2019

by Kat O'Connor

October is officially here and we are so ready to embrace the autumn time. The bright evenings have left us so trips to the beach are few and far between, but we'll still be kept busy in October. We're talking Hocus Pocus movie night, reading books by the fire and drinking way too much hot chocolate.

We'll also be turning the house into an autumn treasure trove. There'll be pumpkins and colourful leaves everywhere you look and nothing can stop us. We're nearly tempted to follow in Zoe Sugg's footsteps and buy an autumn wreath and some hay bails for the front porch.

Too much?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zoë Sugg (@zoesugg) on Sep 23, 2019 at 9:54am PDT

One creative project we're dying to try is revamping pumpkins into pretty vases. Thankfully, this isn't half as complicated as it sounds and the final product looks adorable.

Bloom and Wild reveal how you can revamp your Halloween decorations with these pretty pumpkin vases. It's time to invite a friend over and get crafty together.

Make your flowers really stand out with a vase like no other.

Floral stylist, Amelia Christoffers said, "Pumpkin vases are a fun autumnal alternative to a classic vase"

Step 1: Cut a hole in the top of your pumpkin

Step 2: Scoop ut the innards, replace with wet floral foam

Step 3: Add your blooms and foliage

Et voila…

4 types of property personalities you meet when house hunting

May 30, 2019

by SHEmazing Contributor

In terms of commitment, buying a house is up there with tying the knot. For that reason, house-hunting can feel strangely like dating. Just like those folks in your Tinder feed, there are so many potential homes out there to choose from. Each has their own unique characteristics. Some look fantastic on the outside but need a lot of work on the inside. Others might bore you slightly at first but eventually charm you over time.

Perfect Property, Ireland’s leading property search platform, has discovered the four types of house you’ll probably encounter in your house hunting adventure.

The Charming Older House

It’s a little older than what you’re used to, but you just can’t help yourself. You’ve been totally seduced by its charms and classic appeal. Like a fine wine, it has aged beautifully and only taken on more irresistible character over the years.

Your friends and family may have reservations about its structural stability and longevity. Sure, there may be a few creaks here and there, but you just can’t stop thinking about its timeless features. One thing is for sure, they don’t make houses like this anymore.

The Out of My League House

You get butterflies just looking at it. The proportionate aesthetics, the well-defined features, the size of it – ugh it’s hard not to hit that super-like button. Simply drop-dead gorgeous. You can’t help yourself dreaming about the luxury, the sophistication and the opulence.

But in reality, you know that the chances of even setting up a viewing are slim with a few too many zeros in the price tag. Maybe someday you will own a house like this, but for now you’ll have to be content with the photos and the fantasies they inspire.

The Diamond in the Rough House

It might feel a little beneath your usual high standards, but you just can’t help to see its potential. Sure, it’s a little rough around the edges, however, given enough time and effort you can surely turn it into something special. If you can picture the end result, there’s nothing that a newly purchased toolkit and a few YouTube videos can’t fix.

Your parents may initially disapprove of what they think is a sub-par choice for their offspring. But in a few years, you know that they’ll come around to appreciate what a wonderful home your house has become.

Despite the work required, you should be able to negotiate a decent price on properties like these and put your own stamp it exactly the way you want,” comments James Durr, English / Irish developer (Property Solvers).

The Take Home to Meet the Mother House

Practicality and functionality are the order of the day here. This is the kind of place that your mother would love to boast about down in the parish centre.

It’s well refined without being flashy. It’s interesting without having a host of hidden secrets. It’s charming without being cheesy and you can always rely on it no matter what. Once you get to know it, you’ll fall deeply in love with it. The only problem is that independence may be short lived with your mother knocking on the front door frequently.

Find Your Perfect Match

With so many properties to choose from it can be a daunting task to commit to one that you know you’ll love for the rest of your life. The good news is that unlike dating, a home won’t ghost you after a first viewing or still have an ex-owner in the picture.

Whether you’re starting your house hunting adventure or you’re a seasoned veteran, be sure to find a property that doesn’t just suit you right now but one you can grow into. With Perfect Property’s Perfect Match feature, your ideal home is only one search away.

For more beautiful homes like the ones mentioned above, visit perfectproperty.ie., Ireland’s most innovative property search platform.

Cosy & cute: The ultimate Gift Guide for your pal who just moved

Dec 3, 2018

by Staff Writer

We all know someone who decorates their home with an enthusiasm for aesthetic most of us can't possibly muster.

Whether they're obsessed with plants, faux fur accents or glass wear, this list has the perfect interior decor pieces to add that finishing touch on any room – and with the housing situation the way it is at the moment, renters are moving around more than ever.

Help your pal make their new house a home this festive season, with some stunning interior decorating bits specially for renters, that add pzazz to a space without a permanent impact.

Sass & Belle Pack of 4 Leaf Coasters €16.59

Marbled Cushion €35.90

Beyonce Wasn't Built In A Day print €4.66

Mohair Blanket €199.00

Sass & Belle gin tea cup €16.59

Free As A Bird DIY Embroidery Kit €15.00

Trinket Pot €9.99

Mimo by Premier oil slick stainless steel cutlery 8 piece set €30.42

Lovato Fresh Linen Black Candle in Luxury Box €21.95

Root 7 G & Tea Set €41.48

White Sage Smudge Stick €6.95

Folkster Dawn Gold Frame €24.95

Lovato Candles Black Diffuser – Black Raspberry & Peppercorn Regular €27.95

The Coveteur : Private Spaces, Personal Style by Stephanie Mark €29.00

Stoneware vase €22.99

Penneys launch new Friends collection, and we are so here for it

Jul 20, 2018

by Jen McShane

Are you one of THOSE people? The person who still watches the Friends repeats on Comedy Central because it is pure telly gold. Sure, years after it was actually on the air we could see it had more than a few issues; Ross still being a Class A jerk (they were not on a break and Rachel deserved better), some gags that weren't exactly PC and diversity in casting? Yeah, there was none tbh.

But, it was of its time. We loved it then, we still (or, for the most part at least) love it now and to fuel our obsession with too much coffee and Joey's love of not sharing food (sometimes, being selfish is worth it) Penneys have just announced a new Friends-themed collection.

And we love it!

Think t-shirts (maybe not quite as tiny as THIS one), coffee mugs, duvet covers, notebooks, key chains… and lots more I'll-be-there-for-you good stuff. Plus they are all perfect gift ideas for the truly great BFFs in your life, so you have an extra excuse to buy in bulk.