Bobby Berk’s Frameology Collection Solves a Common Gallery Wall Mistake

Bobby Berk is a beloved designer-turned-television host. After gaining notoriety as the resident design expert on Netflix's Queer Eye, Bobby left the show following season 8 to develop his design firm and embark on new career adventures. Now, he's counting down the days until his new show, Junk or Jackpot, premieres on HGTV later this year. The six-episode season will follow collectors as they discover whether their treasured collections are worth beaucoup bucks or a quick trip to the dump.

"Collecting is a personal pastime that brings joy and inspiration, but it's easy to get carried away," Bobby said in a release. "I'm excited to help passionate people sift through their cherished items and give them reimagined spaces that will best honor what they hold dear."

Another thing that brings Bobby joy? Well-displayed photos and frames. In October 2024, Bobby teamed up with Frameology to unveil the Bobby / Berk Collection, featuring six curated gallery wall sets, in which shoppers can choose from various frame colors and mounts.

"I really wanted to create beautiful gallery walls that would work in lots of different rooms and on different walls," Bobby tells HGTV. "I incorporated matting that is a bit wider and more substantial, which makes each piece feel more high-end as well. And most importantly, I wanted to simplify the hanging process. That's the part of a gallery wall that feels the most daunting: How do I hang this so it looks good and doesn't leave a ton of nail holes in the process? So I included a full-scale template that lets you preview how it will look — and shows you exactly where to nail."

As much as Bobby's Frameology collection streamlines the photo-hanging process, there's still more to be learned. Luckily for us, Bobby is willing to share. Ahead, the 44-year-old designer shares his top five tips for displaying family photos at home.

Display With Intention

Above all, Bobby says to be intentional about the photos you display in your home. "I always tell people — your walls don't have to look like a scrapbook," Bobby says. "Instead of scattering frames everywhere, group them with intention." You can take this approach, whether on a wall, mantle, shelf or other tabletop surface. "A gallery wall is a great way to create a curated moment that feels designed, not messy," Bobby says. "Or, try grouping a few framed photos on a surface, like a side table or a console, for a way to display memories without adding clutter." This table set of three is the perfect addition to a shelf or sideboard.

Choose a Frame With Your Design Palette in Mind

Nowadays, so many different frames exist. As much as we love the look of a statement frame or two, overall, Bobby suggests approaching framing as an extension of your existing design palette. "Think of the frame as part of your design palette, not just a border for the image," he says. "Black or white frames are a timeless choice and let the photo shine, but if your room has warmer tones, a natural wood frame can tie everything together beautifully." Don't stop at the color of the frame; get cohesive with the finish, too. "I also like matching the frame finish to something else in the room — like a wood tone in your furniture or a metal from hardware — so the whole space feels harmonious," Bobby adds. A solid wood picture frame is a step in the right direction.

Opt for Matching Frames in a Gallery

While multi-frame gallery walls exist — and might even be a maximalist's dream — Bobby prefers to keep framing standardized to minimize visual noise that could potentially distract from the photos being displayed. "I always prefer to match the color or finish of frames in a gallery," he says. "It creates a more cohesive look and feel that is more intentional," like Frameology's most classic gallery.

Mix Frames Like a Pro

While Bobby prefers matching colors and finishes, he's all for experimenting with frame orientations, sizes and even designs so long as those two boxes are checked. "It's all about balance," he says. "Start with your biggest piece as the anchor for the display, and then build around it with a mix of orientations." The trick to making various sizes work together is to keep the spacing consistent between frames, he adds. Bobby designed the deep wood molding of his collection's Luxe Wall frame, with the intention of adding depth to your space and elevating memories.

Map It Out Before Grabbing a Hammer or Drill

Gallery walls offer a curated way to display memories in a home; however, they can also be the cause of many nail and drill holes if you don't properly plan the layout ahead of time. "I like to map it out on the floor before hanging. Play with the arrangement until it feels balanced to your eye, then transfer it to the wall," Bobby says. Buying a pack of six frames of the same color in varying sizes gives you the freedom to play with the arrangement, while also ensuring the result remains cohesive, no matter how you decide to hang them.