DIY Network

*Marathon Special: Sports Wall Displays & Interiors From "Major League Remodel Marathon" episode DMLR-M2

Interior designer Carrie Openshaw provides expert supervision as Johnny Bench plans a wall display with some of his baseball memorabilia.

The best way to enjoy a collection of baseball trophies, plaques, collectibles and other memorabilia is to display them where you can see them -- such as in a wall display.

In the home of baseball Johnny Bench, the challenge was to determine the best way to incorporate a number of items from his baseball career into a large wall space. Johnny worked with interior designer Carrie Openshaw to plan a strategy for Johnny's wall display.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

• Before they began hanging items, Carrie discussed with Johnny the types of memorabilia, photos and other objects he wanted to include in his display (figure A).

• Once Johnny had selected the items of memorabilia he wanted to incorporate, work began on formulating a layout strategy. His collection incorporates pictures, plaques and many other objects in a variety of shapes, sizes and dimensions, so the first step was to work out an arrangement by sketching it out on paper (figure B).

• For a varied collection like this, Carrie incorporates the concepts of asymmetry and balance in arranging the objects in a manner that creates visual interest and is pleasing to the eye. Objects are placed in odd-numbered groupings, and the arrangement is devised with an effort to avoid a "cookie cutter" placement that might look less interesting and too uniform.

• With the plan worked out, Johnny, Carrie and carpenter Darrin John got to work hanging the objects according to Carrie's sketch (figure C).

• Work continued until each object was mounted on the wall (figure D).

• A torpedo level was used to ensure that photos and framed art were hung evenly (figure E).

• The finished wall display allows Johnny -- as well as visitors to his home -- to gain enjoyment out of these collectibles and career mementos (including an MVP trophy, Johnny's photo on the cover of Sports Illustrated, a street-sign from a street named after Johnny, and a congratulatory letter from President Reagan) rather than simply keeping them stored away.

• Carrie recommends mounting valued photos and framed collectibles using acid-free mats and anti-glare glass to protect the image from deterioration and fading over time.