Does this look like your mantle, shelf or the top of a dresser?
Cali, you're not alone. I see this all the time: candlesticks balanced on either side of some super small decor item resting in dead center. Accessories are simple, clean and . . . . . . . . BORING!
I've created an example of how to go from Snoozeville to interesting. Let's go from the example above to this:
This may not be your style. But, the design principles work with any decorating style. Here the candlesticks are paired on one side with candles in different heights and a floral arrangement is added opposite to form the "frame" of a vignette. Notice the floral arrangement is a completely different size in width. It does share a similar height and gives a much needed contrast to the shine and linear quality of the candlesticks. Next, add a smaller item like the Russian box at or near the center.
The varying height and materials of all the pieces work beautifully together as they are create a visual tension in colors and texture as well as giving the collection movement as your eye is forced to move around the pieces to take in all there is to see. What also works is the way they all share varying elements such as color (golden yellow) and shapes (circles).
Don't overlook the power of 3. Vignettes always work when placed in 3s. That is not always a literal use of 3 items. Here the candlesticks serve as one item visually, creating the eye pleasing use of 3.
One last thing to note: many homes look like the first picture because they don't want the house to look cluttered. Clutter can be easily divereted by creating INTENTIONALLY RANDOM vignettes. Don't fill every space in your home with accessories! Choose where to have a collection of decor and where to keep the space completely free of stuff. Empty spaces like a portion of a bookshelf, part of the dresser's top, a cleared area on the nightstand, give the eye a place to rest and the space from looking cluttered.
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