How to style your wedding & family photos in a design-led home

As a wedding and family photographer, I obviously cherish personal photos and feel they deserve to be seen and displayed. Equally, I adore interiors and curating a thoughtful and visually appealing aesthetic. I find it can be challenging to get the balance of wanting to print and display our precious memories as our young girls are growing but do it in a way that’s restrained and blends beautifully with the interiors. 

So as I continue to navigate this myself, I thought I’d share my advice.

Firstly, it does help to have the same photographer for both your wedding and family portraits so that the style and editing is consistent.  When choosing your photographer, it’s worth thinking long-term, especially if you care deeply about your home’s aesthetic. The tones, style, and composition of your images should feel like a natural extension of your space. 

When it comes to planning what to wear for family sessions - neutrals, earthy tones, and soft textures photograph beautifully and sit effortlessly within modern, minimal or traditionally styled homes. Think linen, cotton, knits etc. It’s all about creating timeless images you’ll love living with for years to come.

Curate with Purpose

Start with intention. Select 5 to 10 photographs of your absolute favourite images, the ones that stop you mid-scroll or evoke something you want to feel every day. Black & whites are a very easy, classic and timeless option that work in most spaces, as a stand alone or as part of a gallery wall.

However, I also love colour too, so picking the ones with similar tones and colour palette, creating a cohesive layout and placing these in a neutral location such as the hallway where there isn’t too much else pulling your attention. 

Embrace Placement as Design

Picture ledges or built-in shelving

Shelf styling is an art form, and it’s fun to find ways to incorporate your photos here. Think layering, artful, casual. Lean your framed photos alongside coffee table books, stone vases, or a small sculptural pieces. In the above image, I’ve displayed a small wedding photo in a gold frame. This sits on top of a wooden photo box filled with wedding photos, our wedding album and a family photo album. These sit next to 2 layered black and white images from newborn sessions with our daughters. Other images on the shelves are photos from travels, art prints etc. amongst books and other treasured objects. 

Transitional spaces (Hallways & Staircases)

These areas are ideal for small gallery walls done in a clean grid layout. Keep spacing consistent and frame styles harmonious. 

Bedrooms & Private Corners

Your most personal images might belong in your most personal spaces. Think: a tender maternity shot in the ensuite hallway, your first dance framed on a nightstand, or a newborn portrait in the nursery nook.

Frame it like art

Framing matters so much. It’s what transforms a photo into a work of art. Choose frames with larger white mounts to create a more luxurious look. For the most convenient option, if you’re a client, you can order pre-assembled frames which come ready-to-hang with a permanently sealed backing board and hanging hardware included, all within the shop in your online gallery.

If you’re happy to take care of framing yourself, here are a few of my go-to high street options:

  • April and the Bear: Stylish, well-made frames with beautiful textures.

  • Zara Home: Affordable luxury in neutral tones.

  • H&M Home: Budget-friendly options that look way more expensive. These are made from real wood so won’t warp like cheaper options. 

  • IKEA: The Lomviken or Ribba ranges are great for minimalist gallery walls.


    Keep your frame finishes cohesive with your interior hardware, oak, antique brass, matte black or ivory. 
    It’s best not to mix more than 2 styles in one area. 

Print with Purpose

Professional photos deserve professional printing. Please (I beg you), don’t print your family heirlooms at the pharmacy or supermarket kiosk. If you’re a client of mine, you already have access to my curated print shop within your online gallery where I’ve selected papers, sizes, and finishes that work perfectly in stylish homes. 

If you are going for a cost-effective option, Photobox.ie are quite good. Always make sure to uncheck any additional image enhancements, as your photographer will already have edited the image and any extra enhancements will likely ruin the perfect skin tones that the photographer has worked hard to achieve. 

Another option is creating beautiful albums that can sit on your shelf or coffee table along with your stylish coffee table books. Again, you can create these in your online gallery shop. 

Gallery wall options

  • Large-scale minimalism: Choose 9 black and white images, frame them with a thick white mat and black frames. Hang above a console or entryway bench for gallery vibes.

  • Mixed-media wall: Blend your family photos into a wall of art prints, landscapes, or vintage sketches. Only choose 1 or 2 and ensure the tones are consistent with your other artwork. An option would be for one in black and white and another in colour.

Keep it fresh

Your home and life will evolve, so your photo displays should too. I recommend a refresh and documenting your family every 1–2 years, and updating your home with new moments so that your home follows your journey.

Final thoughts

Your home tells your story and your family is a huge part of that. Displaying your photos doesn’t mean sacrificing sophistication. With the right curation, styling, and materials, your memories can blend beautifully into even the most design-conscious spaces. Also, you do you - if you love it, that’s all that matters. 

If you're a past client and want help choosing the best images to print or styling them in your home, feel free to reach out. I’m always thrilled to see our sessions living on your walls where they deserve to be showcased. 


Claire Brown