HOW TO STYLE A VIGNETTE FOR THE HOLIDAYS & BEYOND!

One of the most commonly asked questions from clients and friends is, “how do you style a vignette?” You might ask, what exactly is a vignette?

vignette (Pronounced| \ vin-ˈyet): In interior design we refer to a small area in a home that has been curated or styled with a grouping of objects as a vignette.

A vignette allows you to make a decorative statement within a contained area, encouraging viewers to pause and appreciate what's displayed. Designers create vignettes during the final stages of a project with accessories, lighting, and objets d'art, placed on surfaces, such as shelving and tables.

objets d'art (Pronounced \ȯb-ˌzhā-ˈdär): French for “art objects”, can refer to accessories, sculptures… beautiful things of various sizes.

The above photo shows multiple vignette areas. For example, each shelf space can be considered an individual vignette, as can the entire shelving unit as a whole. The accessories on the cocktail table are also a vignette.

As vignettes are the finishing touches on a project, they can – without exaggeration - make or break a room. This is because while all the larger pieces might be perfectly selected and placed, it’s these groupings of medium to small-sized pieces that really draw a room together. Thus, vignettes are essential to organizing and displaying family mementos, heirlooms and special bric-a-brac.

I always recommend revisiting vignettes and switching things up now and then, to keep your home fresh and inspiring. With the holidays here, you’ve likely already taken out seasonal décor and treasured little items. Now, how can you create vignettes using these items in your home? Here are some tips that can be applied this season… and every time you’d like to zhuzh up your space!

zhuzh (Pronounced \ZHOOZH): Kick it up a notch, or to improve in appearance by way of a slight adjustment.

Gather Accessories

Shop within your home or purchase new pieces as preferred. Collect books, pictures frames, drawings, vases, natural elements … anything that inspires you! Consider adhering to a color palette of two or three colors for more cohesive results.

Anchor Object

Choose an accessory that will serve as your focal point for each vignette and dub that piece the “anchor object”. This piece will visually “ground” your entire vignette, and serve as the center of interest. (It might also be the largest or tallest item.)

Work Your Way Forward

After positioning the anchor object, continue layering accessories from back to front, saving the smallest objects for last. This technique will allow you to create a sense of depth in your vignette, preventing it from looking flat.

Odd Groupings

Consider arranging your objects within the vignette in odd numbers, such as in groups of 3 or 5, for a more dynamic outcome.

It’s Always Personal

The most interesting vignettes are the ones you haven’t seen before. As in, think about what makes your vignette unique to you, your family and your home. Consider spending less time examining IG/Pinterest posts, or purchasing everything in a store display in pursuit of imitation. Instead, arrange pieces that have deeply personal value, conjure the happiest memories and tell your own story. After all, that’s what makes each home individually extraordinary during the holidays and throughout the year.