Paul McCartney follows this late 17th-century decorating method to make his dining room feel uniquely personal, but his style remains replicable

What happens when a decorating staple meets a music icon? You get Paul McCartney's gallery wall, as evidenced in his dining room. This isn't the first time we've noted the curated frames on the Beatles musician's wall, but one year after we first commented, they remain as inspiring (and timeless). This isn't a surprise, however, when you consider the history of the gallery wall.

Despite being a beloved feature in contemporary homes, the concept of a gallery wall dates back to the 1670s, when it was an official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in France. Artworks were displayed from floor to ceiling in tightly packed arrangements, reminiscent of how a gallery wall would look today.

In the centuries that followed, the type of artwork and photographs shown on a gallery wall has evolved, as Paul's dining room reminds us. On his wall, he has a series of vibrantly painted artworks and black-and-white photographs, all of which reflect his personality and passions.

With this technique, however, it's hard to go wrong. You shouldn't follow the exact photos and artworks he uses, but rather, use them as inspiration to frame the images that make you the happiest.

Paul is in good company. Martin Waller, the founder of the global design house, Andrew Martin, swears by this decorating technique, but notes that a successful wall is 'both an art and a science.'

'A great gallery wall should feel as if it’s evolved over time, not been clinically measured into existence. There’s an alchemy to it - balancing shape, colour, and story. Start with one anchor piece and build around it, allowing your instincts to guide you rather than a ruler. That said, a little structure goes a long way,' he says.

Knowing how high to hang pictures is the first step to sucsess, and investing in the right frame is equally important, according to Martin.

'Hang artwork at eye level or just above, and never underestimate the importance of framing; this is a cost you should never hold back on,' he says.

'The right frame can transform a picture and is critical to the overall feel of the artwork. Create shapes and patterns with multiple pieces to form a gallery wall, remembering also to keep uniformity and structure in the final shape. If you have two portraits, face them towards each other as if they're having a conversation, and make themes like putting all your pictures of animals together, even if they're of different styles and eras. The important thing is to tell a story with your wall.'

When it comes to the type of artworks and photos you should frame, Paul McCartney's arrangement is the perfect blueprint.

'Play with color by using all monochrome pieces, then one vividly colourful work in the middle. Don't be afraid to put very contemporary art in a traditional space, or vice versa; it is often the merging of seemingly incongruous styles that creates beauty through surprise,' Martin adds.

If we are to take one last lesson from Paul's wall, it's that we should only ever buy (and frame) something that resonates with us. 'Only ever buy something you like. Art, above all else, should always be personal,' Martin says. We can't wait to get started in the dining room and beyond.