Collector’s Corner: Build a Set (Without Overthinking It)

Collecting national park art shouldn’t feel like homework. It should feel like planning your next trip.

Why “sets” look so good on a wall

A single national park poster can be a statement. But a small set, even just two or three, creates a story.

• More intentional (like a curated gallery, not random decor)
• More personal (your places, your memories, your style)
• Easier to expand over time (add one poster whenever a new park becomes “yours”)

If you’ve ever thought, “I love this poster… but what would go with it?” this post is for you.

A set turns one poster into a collection.

The 3 simplest ways to build a set

There are a million ways to collect. These are the three that are easiest to start, easiest to grow, and hardest to mess up.

Recipe #1: Collect by Region

This is the “I love this place” approach. Choose a region you’re drawn to, and your wall becomes a visual map.

Great for:

• People who return to the same area again and again
• Gift-givers (it’s easy to match someone’s favorite region)
• Anyone who wants their wall to feel cohesive fast

Easy region ideas:

• Southwest: canyon parks, desert parks, red rock icons
• Pacific Coast: sea cliffs, foggy forests, coastal sunsets
• Rockies: alpine peaks, lakes, wildflower valleys
• Pacific Northwest: rainforests, moss, dramatic coastlines
• Utah Mighty Five: instant set, instantly recognizable

Tip: Start with your anchor park (the one you love most). Then add two “neighbors” to complete the set.

Pick a region. Pick an anchor park. Build outward.”

Recipe #2: Collect by Color Palette

This is the fastest way to create a set that looks like it was designed for your home. Start with your room’s tones, then choose parks whose posters share a similar palette.

Great for:

• Design-minded collectors
• People decorating a new space
• Anyone who wants a “put-together look” without trying too hard

Simple palette directions:

• Warm Desert: sand, rust, terracotta, sunset gold
• Cool Alpine: blues, slate, snow, evergreen
• Coastal Calm: sea glass, soft grays, pale sky tones
• Bold Contrast: deep navy + bright highlights (very gallery-like)

Tip: Repeat at least one color across all posters (navy sky, warm sun glow, evergreen tones, etc.) to make the set feel intentional.

Choose your palette, then choose your parks.”

Recipe #3: Collect by Trip Memories (Past or Future)

This is the most personal way to collect: your wall becomes a timeline. Build a set around parks you’ve visited, parks you’re planning, or a mix of both.

Great for:

• Families building traditions
• Couples collecting places they’ve traveled together
• Anyone who wants their home to feel like them

Easy memory set ideas:

• “Our Firsts”: first park, first big road trip, first sunrise hike
• “The Road Trip Route”: parks from a single trip, in order
• “The Year We…”: a set that captures a season of life
• “Still to Come”: three parks you’re determined to see next

Tip: If you can name the story in one sentence (“Our honeymoon parks,” “The parks we took the kids to,” “The trip we’re planning”), you’ve found your set.

A set can be a story: where you’ve been, or where you’re going.

Quick starter sets you can build in minutes

Option A: The 3-Poster Set

• 1 Anchor Park (your favorite)
• 1 Neighbor Park (same region)
• 1 Wildcard (a dream park or contrast color)

Option B: The 2-Poster Pair

• Same region or matching palette
• Hang side-by-side in a hallway, office, or over a console

Option C: The “Top Shelf” Collection (5+ posters over time)

• Start with 2–3 now
• Add one after each trip, each season, or each meaningful moment

How to make any set feel cohesive (without overthinking it)

• Repeat a color (sky tone, warm light, evergreen, desert red)
• Repeat a theme (sunrise, peaks, water, wildlife)
• Keep frames consistent (same finish + mat style = instant cohesion)

That’s it. You don’t need rules. You just need one thread that ties them together.

Ready to start your set?

Pick one recipe (region, palette, or memories), choose your anchor park, and build from there. Collecting is supposed to be fun, personal, and a little addictive.

Start Your Collection