Styling 101: 8 Simple Steps to Creating a Vignette

WHAT can I put in my vignette?  Anything really: vases, mirrors, plants, greenery, photos, postcards, candles, ornaments, branches, fancy paper, art, objects, jars, boxes, lamps, books, clocks, collectables, DIY creations...you get the idea.

This week, I've had the exciting opportunity to attend a styling workshop by New Zealand's well known interior designer, LeeAnn Yare.  This workshop and covered the styling basic of 'How to Create a Vignette'  I was SO unbelievably excited for days leading up to this event! It mean, not only was I going to meet LeeAnn herself, but the workshop was held in her amazingly, gorgeous shop, 'Collected', where we got styling practice with lots of her products, and also squeezed in some shopping time!  So....I thought I'd share with you what I already know and what I've learned so far.

But first, what is a vignette, and how do you say that crazy looking word!?  A vignette is pronounced 'vin-yet'.  A vignette is basically a small group of items purposefully arranged for display.  LeeAnn Yare described them as, "A vignette is a collection of objects that are pleasing to the eye".  Creating vignette's is a simple, fun way of injecting some personality and flair into your home.  Let's look at the basics:

• WHERE can I make my vignette?  Any flat surface such as a bedside table, dresser, sideboard, mantle piece, or on top of a stool or chair.
  

STEP 1 - CHOOSE
Choose your spot for your vignette.  Clear everything off and start with the clean, blank slate.

STEP 2 - ANCHOR

• Start with an object that will act as an anchor to your vignette.  This is usually the larger, dominating piece, such as a lamp, floral arrangement or sculpture, like this....
  

LETS GET STARTED!

STEP 3 - THEME
Think about creating a theme or colour palette to help you in selecting what items to add to the anchor object.  Displaying items in odd numbers, such as 3's and 5's work best.  
(Notice the 3 blue ceramics (2 plates and a vase)?  Add in the two lamps, and you have both 3 & 5 items at work here!)

STEP 4 - HEIGHT
Play around with the heights of your items.  Varying the heights will give a cohesive, interesting look.  Stack books and put a candle, or vase on top to add height to an object.

STEP 5 - LAYER & TEXTURE
Layer up your vignette, starting with the back, and working towards the front.  Try objects with different textures.  If there's a wall, lean artwork or a mirror against it.  It's ok if items overlap too.

• STEP 6 - ADMIRE & EDIT
• Take a photo of your vignette when you think you're done.  Stand back.  How does it look?  Try moving things around.  Take something away (less is sometimes more!).  Now stand back again.   Have a look at your original picture.  Which one looks best? Often your first gut instinct will be right!  
  

  STEP 7 - EVOLVE
Let your vignette's evolve over time.  The best design takes time!

STEP 8 - REARRANGE
Don't leave your vignette's stay the same forever!  Add to them, swap out items, and shift them somewhere else in your house!.......And don't forget to dust!

And in case you can't remember, here's a really easy-to-follow visual formula....