Take a quick glance around your home. Chances are, you’ll spot a vignette in nearly every room, from a cluster of candles and hardcover tomes on a coffee table in the living room to a vase of flowers, a lamp, and a trinket dish on a nightstand in a bedroom. These thoughtful groupings offer an…
The Art of Subtle Similarity
So, what’s this designer secret? It’s simpler than you might think. Decorative objects should be cousins, not twins; similar, but not the same. The eye is drawn to repetition: find a common thread between items, such as a color or texture. This creates a natural focal point while avoiding that overly coordinated, matchy-matchy look.
Keep in mind that items aren’t superglued to your coffee table either. Alex Bass, founder and CEO of art advisory and interior design studio Salon 21, says vignettes encourage you to routinely flex your creativity.
“I believe vignettes in the home should be dynamic, changing regularly based on new flowers, objects, or books,” Bass says. Below, the designer breaks down the best way to decorate different types of vignettes.
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Bookshelves
Despite the name, you don’t need to fill a bookshelf solely with books. These shelves allow for many design-forward vignettes, Bass says.
“I have a deep appreciation for bookshelves that not only showcase literature but also display an eclectic mix of unique objects such as vases, artwork, and more,” she shares. Bass recommends arranging your books in various orientations — some vertical, others stacked on top of each other — to increase visual intrigue. This varied arrangement also ensures some negative space, which is pleasing to the eye.
Decorate in odd numbers. The “rule of three,” commonly used in interior design, creates a balanced feel.
Tablescapes
Are guests coming over for dinner? To design a captivating tablescape, Bass emphasizes the importance of varying the height of decorative objects, such as vases and taper candles — items that don’t hog all the table space and allow conversation to flow. Flowers are always welcome, too; they add color, texture, and liveliness.
Vanities
For a bathroom vanity, keep utilitarian items (think makeup or skin care products) hidden away in a drawer. Then create a vignette with beautiful (and still practical) items, such as a vintage tray topped with a marble soap dispenser and a small trinket dish for jewelry. “This creates a refined and thoughtful display that emphasizes beauty and functionality,” Bass says.
