Vignette Ideas to Transform Your Home One Corner At A Time
How to create artfully styled arrangements throughout your home
When I was decorating my home, I had an epiphany that changed everything – I started thinking in terms of vignettes. When you study well-designed rooms, you find they’re made up of visual compositions with several elements that catch your eye and elevate the space — a styled corner of a room, an arrangement at the end of a hallway. These moments can sometimes be the most memorable in a room (and are the most fun to create).
Vignettes are the solution to empty and forgotten walls and purely functional spaces that are lacking personality — in any room of the house. Not only do they add design interest that makes a space look more finished, they also lend it character that makes it feel homey and warm.
I also discovered focusing on vignettes helps to simplify the design process. I think of vignettes almost like building blocks of a room. While you want to take the whole room into consideration, you can chunk it down into one vignette at a time. This approach is less overwhelming, not to mention more satisfying, producing results along the way (as opposed to waiting for one grand ‘after’ reveal). In this sense, vignettes are conducive to slow decorating and being intentional about design over time.
I think the best way to wrap your head around vignettes is to see different examples. That’s how I learned and trained my eye. So, I will share vignette ideas that have inspired me in my design journey and break down the components into ‘formulas’ you can easily follow to create your own vignettes.
Enjoy!
Tabletop with Objects, Art, Something Lower
This composition is perhaps the most classic and foolproof. A piece of furniture with a tabletop anchors the arrangement. On top is a pleasing and practical set of objects: a lamp, books (stacked or arranged sideways), a plant or vase, a decorative bowl or object. A piece of art roughly proportional to the table draws the eye upward. Oftentimes there’s a bonus element in the lower section, whether that’s a storage/waste basket or a side chair.
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sense of spen• cer
noun [sɛns, əv, ˈspɛnsər]
Reflecting one’s identity through their interiors
A home with character and soul
When a house becomes a home
Alfred Newall
For maximum impact you can frame the vignette in a doorway.
Carolina Herrera Báez
This example serves as a reminder that a round table can be pushed against the wall as part of a vignette.
Bonhomie Interiors
As illustrated above, settling on a color palette can help to unite the objects in the composition.
A Floating Table Moment
Placing a table, typically rounded but could be square, in the center of a space can create a strong focal point. Given the shape, this arrangement typically looks best with an object in the center, like a large floral arrangement, plant or a statue. Stacks of coffee table books look particularly good around the perimeter (or keep it bare for a minimal look).
In an entry hallway, this table can be used for keys, wallet, etc.
Benjamin Reynaert
A skirted table is a lovely option to bring in some pattern and softness. Also, pendant lighting can be aligned with the center of the table to add to the vignette.