The revered Joan Didion’s influence extends far beyond her writing. Her minimalist, precise prose and sharp cultural observations translated into a personal style defined by understated elegance, beginning with her most famous family home in Malibu, California.
Joan and her husband, John Gregory Dunne, lived in a somewhat dilapidated but iconic beach house on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu from 1971 to 1978. During that time, she decorated with neutral tones, tailored pieces, and an eclectic gallery wall, the latter of which can be seen in her living room.
An archival image from 1976 continues to offer a blueprint for perfect gallery wall styling, featuring variously shaped frames filled with drawings, artworks, and photographs.
Fifty years on, it continues to inspire unique, personal living room styling that feels perfectly imperfect. The best wall decor ideas are those that celebrate the individual behind the home, meaning this aesthetic will look just as good in 2026 as it has for the past five decades.
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With a thin metal frame, this piece is perfect for creating a sleek, modern gallery wall. Available in multiple sizes, it fits a variety of spaces.
The Coquille Mirror adds a playful touch with its curved edges, making a bold statement on any gallery wall.
Elevate your gallery wall with this striped frame, which adds a refined contrast and visual interest to simpler, more minimal frames, creating a sophisticated display.
This taper candle holder showcases a chic silhouette with an antique finish, exuding timeless charm. Hand-forged individually, each piece carries a unique texture and character, making it a distinctive addition to any coffee table (like Joan's).
An exercise in refined taste, this Joan-inspired lamp is the perfect finishing touch for any chic interior. Its handmade white alabaster body radiates modern elegance, while gold metal accents elevate its sophisticated and glamorous appeal.
Refresh your coffee table with the understated glamour of this classic gold tray. Crafted with a sturdy metal frame and a lacquered finish, this tray offers a unique handcrafted charm, making it a striking focal point for any tabletop.
Plus, I am not alone in my observations. 'The difference between a house and a home comes down to a number of things, but one of the most important differences is what’s on the walls. Whether it’s a few photographs, posters, artwork, or even mirrors, the way we adorn our walls is what helps to personalize a space,' comments Sam Greig, the head of design at Swoon.
While Didion has made decorating with art feel effortless, it can be tricky to know how to approach a similar gallery wall. However, Sam reassures that it doesn't need to look perfect. In fact, as her space reminds us, the best gallery walls aren't overly curated.
'A gallery wall can seem like an intimidating prospect, but you don’t have to be an art collector to have nice things up on the walls. See it more as a place to display items that are important to you and enhance the space,' he says.
'What’s really needed is a design sensibility which will help you to make the most out of what you do have, both art-wise and space-wise. There are many different display options, so the first thing to figure out is what you want to display and where you want to display it.' Follow this advice, and we can also promise it'll look as stylish in another 50 years.
