Some time ago, we were visiting friends in Wichita, Kansas. Whether you like Halloween or not, this is THE place to be this time of the year (our next post will show why!). These photos are from our friends Art Exhibition in local gallery. We hope to convey the spirit of Dias De Los Muertos and inspire fellow Houzzers to have fun this weekend remembering the dead and that we're here for a good time not a long time! Enjoy everyone

Hi, I think remove the fish tank in the corner and put a tall decorative lighting structure there instead and different objects on the mantel piece, i.e., a tall leaning mirror, or a round mirror to balance? Also, off set the display as it is too uniform, i.e., one bit in the middle, one either side, one either side of them its all a bit too "centralised". Group individual items more to one end to help balance better! Hope you understand that sentence! Also (sorry) the height of the light next to the tv doesn't work for me either, it needs to be taller or much shorter than the tv, also, changing them around, i.e. lamp next to curtains, may work better too? I love the lamp, just not there!x Or, a cheaper option, choose a branch from out walking, a fairly substantial piece that you could put behind the fish tank and branch out over the fire place, paint it white, fix to wall and decorate with small fairy lights. Doing away with the candles in the centre and then display the deer to the left of the mantle as you look at it? All merely suggestions!x

Phil you have pulled this off, it's not easy to get a range of different size and styles of pictures to look good together but you have made it look effortless. I bet it took ages. Elaine @ Property Facelift

I'm loving all the advice, suggestions and photos. Thanks everyone! Finding it really helpful. The ceiling must remain white because I don't want to have to paint it again. Hellish job! I really like the idea of painting the rail and skirting boards the same as the wall. Would I use eggshell for the skirtings or a matt varnish over emulsion? Suppose either would do the job? Like the idea of using a lighter shade of the wall colour above the rail. I think the white scheme looks super smart, but I might try the colour and see how it looks. Using colour in that space really appeals to me. The wallpaper idea has worked well in our bedroom, it makes the room feel cosy and personal. But, it might be too much for our lounge, which is a much bigger room with a lot going on already. The lounge window faces east so very light at one end, and very dark at the other. It's a cool room during the day, but cosy in the evening with fire lit. If using the wallpaper idea, give some careful thought to your choice of pattern. The size and repeat. It's got to work in a very short area. Would love to see pics if anyone does it though!