creating vignettes like a pro

There are stores that I just waste time in - I don't need anything, but I can't help myself. I love staring at their amazing tablescapes. I marvel in the way talented people bring items together that create a visually beautiful vignette!

For years I struggled to recreate the same designed look at home. I played around with my own items, but I was never able to create the same cohesive look from disinterested elements. I found myself resorting to photographing store groupings (ah, the benefits of the iPhone), then buying everything only to find that once at home the same items placed the same way were blah - nothing - nada, the vignettes just didn't look right.

I can't tell you how many hours I spent on Pinterest trying to dissect the formula (it really would be one of my most embarrassing admissions). I studied plenty of design books as well. I found that the tips and recipes were all pretty much the same - essentially you want to:

1) Start with a lamp (or two).

2) Use books for texture, interest and height

3) Add in some green - can be a plant (dried or fresh) or flowers

4) Add something eye catching

5) Layer in frames and art to create some dimension

6) Use a tray to corral items, especially if they are small items

7) Add in a candle, or two (I would have lit the wicks)

8) Finish with some decorative items that you love

9) And finally, remember scale 

After years of practice, I finally learned - as soon as I stopped trying to make the vignettes perfect, when I decided to just have fun with the items that I love and that have meaning, than the groupings I created were lovely (even beautiful at times) and heart felt!

Now is the perfect time to play around with your treasures - the weather outside is nippy, the holiday decorations have been put away (well, in some homes). I hope you have some fun!

Until next time,

la chasse au bonheur