I really, really love old maps.
And few weeks ago I saw this display of a Parisian map at my favorite fabric store in Boston, Zimman’s, and was reminded of my love for antique (reproduction) maps that have been enlarged, cut up and framed in a tight series.
The capiz lotus chandelier helps too… love it.Other examples from around the web:
via Apartment Therapy
via Katiedid
via Cote De Texas
via Material GirlsIn our new house there is a really long wall above our sofa that was screaming for a framed series. As much as I love Paris, I decided that a map of Brussels would be more legit/meaningful. I bought a largish repro map from the 1800’s for cheap off eBay with the intent to cut it up, scan it in and send it off to be enlarged and printed for framing.
True to form, the map hasn’t even arrived in the mail yet, and I’ve already changed directions for the above-the-sofa art. BUT I still think it is an awesome idea and I’m sure I’ll use it in another house or maybe even in a different room here.
If you like the look of a framed map series, you should consider using rasterbator with a copyright-free map image, your home printer and some cheap IKEA or Target frames.
Or if you’re not feeling the DIY route, check out a few of these retail options:
Williams Sonoma Home, on sale $200
Z Gallerie, on sale $250
And for those of you that like a little more color on your walls – Art.com, $499
So happpy to have found you! I just clicked over from Designing Life because of your post on maps, and was pleasantly surprised to see you are in Cambridge. I am visiting here while my husband is in school for 3 weeks. I love it and just did a post on our day yesterday in the South End of Boston. I am going back to read more of your posts to see what else I can learn about the area! Great blog and love the maps!!
Hope you love your new home! Oddly, the map art is too intricate and busy for me–for some odd reason, it makes me feel lke I'm lost, trapped in a car with my husband, no GPS and only a map…
These are wondeful, I like the large scale maps. Thanks!
Leslie
I love maps too. it's weird – I wonder why people love maps so much?!!!! my favorite are maps of a property. like the one in Saladino's book.
Absolutely love this idea.
I really, really like this. Great post, neat idea!
This is one of the best ideas I haven't had the opportunity to use yet. Have attempted to with a couple of clients but no takers so far. Luckily, maps are classic, so I'm still hopeful that one of these days…
Wow, I love this post… and funny enough, I did a post on my blog last week about decorating with maps… these are more of a "kid's room" series, where maps are used to decoupage and function as wallpaper (http://urbansardines.wordpress.com/2009/07/09/armchair-traveller/).
But I love how sophisticated this looks. Wonderful!
i love the englared frame map idea too!! I want to create something like that for my husband (he loves old maps). Hudson in Boston had something very similiar a few months ago … looked great!! I will have to check out the website you listed for maps … good post
Another map lover here.
The many individual elements on a map make it nearly impossible for me to view and tire of a map as a single, static image.
I can't wait to try to screen idea.
I love the idea of hanging a vintage map in pieces. I also like that you picked a map of a place that was special to you.
I know you've changed your mind on using it above the sofa. What direction are you going in now?
Hope Delaware is treating you well!
Both of my SILs went to school in Delaware let me know if you need any recommendations and I can ask them.
I love maps too! I framed the wrapping paper maps by Cavallini… I like to tell myself they are vintage!
Oh how I love old maps! And breaking it up into a series makes them look just that much more like art. Love it!
Yes I love this idea. Especially when you are from a place with so much history. It's even more special, and something to have conversation with when guests visit.
I did this for every country I come from! I am English, Norweigen, Swedish, German, & Swiss. I also did this of Switzerland for my Swiss grandmother's birthday … she loved it! :)
i love your finds!