This Outdated Feature Wall Trend Is Back in Style Thanks to Josh Brolin’s Maximalist Living Room – A Key Look for 2026

Gallery walls were big news in interior design circa 2010. A space to showcase your decorative taste and a chance to tell a unique story, this once-outdated wall decor trend has made a decisive return, transformed into a sophisticated display that prioritizes character, depth, and personal narrative – key elements of luxury design for 2025 and 2026.

Decorating with artwork on the wall is a simple way to achieve an instant effect – every room has more wall space than anything else. As spaces are increasingly designed for individual expression, walls have become critical features.

‘I often think that people don’t pay nearly enough attention to their walls, spending months researching fabric or furniture but only minutes choosing how to decorate their wall, or what art to hang,’ says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin.

When American actor Josh Brolin, the star of Weapons and Dune: Part Two, revealed his Malibu home two years ago, designers noted the exceptional gallery wall, curated by interior design duo Pierce & Ward, Louisa Pierce and Emily Ward, which pulled out all the stops to tell a genuine story.

Storytelling in design is vital for 2026. Beautiful things alone are not enough; your life’s narrative and personal collections should have a pivotal resonance in your interiors. The traditional gallery wall we once loved has been refined into a powerful tool for this purpose.

Gorgeous gallery wall ideas have never been so effortless. Affordable art fairs, vintage markets, and online platforms are thriving – creating your very own curated wall at home is more accessible than ever.

There are multiple ways to make your gallery wall look as striking as Josh Brolin's. Start by defining your style, whether it’s the eclectic, quiet minimalism, or a tailored, modern classic approach. This will guide your choices, from the subject matter and color palette (e.g., black and white photography or earthy tones) to the framing.

‘There are a few factors to take into account when deciding where to put a large gallery wall of pictures,’ says designer Sophie Ashby. ‘Consider the position of furniture, the entry to the room, and the windows – behind a sofa or above the fireplace is always a reliable location.’

‘Gallery walls can feel personal and cozy – and are a great way of displaying a collection of art,’ says interior decorator Leonora Hamill, who works on projects between New York and London. ‘I often hang an arrangement of framed work on paper with the odd small textile on a stretcher in an entrance or above a sofa or chest of drawers. Even if a work isn’t valuable, it usually looks great surrounded by other art. The secret is to reframe small pieces. A new frame goes a long way.’

Framing artwork is an art form in itself, and how you frame your chosen art is critical to achieving the sophisticated, layered aesthetic of 2026.

Marcus Crane, director of McCully & Crane, agrees with this sentiment: ‘At McCully & Crane, we’re very much about curating a wall with art of differing scales to create an eclectic collection. It’s all about embracing a bit of spontaneity; perfection isn’t always the aim. We often like to use various subject matters and mediums in each group, too – an abstract, a portrait, a still life – and mix up the framing.'

Deciding how to frame a piece can be as difficult as selecting a work of art. By thoughtfully mixing frames – from antique gilded to sleek, modern dark wood or metallic accents – and incorporating diverse mediums, your artwork will become a museum-worthy, bespoke installation.

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For many years, the simplest way to access art was through galleries and art shows. Today, with high-street brands recognizing the appeal of original art and prints, opportunities have exploded. Works can start from as little as $100, and it’s not always about unearthing the next Rothko or Hockney – it’s about finding a piece – and a frame – that truly speaks to you.

In conclusion, the modern gallery wall is far more than a fleeting decor trend – it is a powerful way to infuse individuality and narrative into a luxury home. With a mix of spontaneity, diverse materials, and thoughtful framing, you can design a lively, characterful display that aligns seamlessly with the richly layered interiors set to define 2026.