Creating visual vignettes
Secondary focal points dotted throughout the home can give your décor tons of visual interest. Cosy vignettes, such as the one in our feature room, are inviting and visually stimulating. Although these small groupings should relate to the rest of the décor, they can be as individual as you are. Settings can offer more design freedom and flexibility within the larger scope of the overall décor theme. You can use them to create a specific functional space while incorporating pieces that might not otherwise fit into the overall space.
A vignette could be created to provide a comfy reading area similar to the one in our feature photograph; a place to showcase a small collection such as a table display at the end of a hallway or an area for hobbies such as stargazing, complete with telescope and accessories.
While a telescope might not fit into your current décor, for example, it can become part of the space simply by making a special place for it and including a few supporting accessories. Now, suddenly, that telescope you were always tripping over is part of an interesting vignette that has purpose and visual appeal. The same solution could be used to marry in other mismatched items you want to keep. That comfy old armchair mom gave you may not fit stylistically with your living room grouping but set off to the side in a smaller, purposeful setting, it might fit in just fine.
Creating an effective grouping is key to making it work alone and also within the overall room. In creating small focal points you want to ensure they catch the eye. This can be done in many ways.
The vignette pictured here encompasses little more than an armchair, two wooden crates, a throw rug and accessories, yet it has lots of appeal. There are a few reasons why it works so well.
Create a visual triangle
The overall grouping is arranged in relation to the large, horizontal window. The window frames the grouping, if you will, creating a visual triangle between the two end tables and the window. The invisible triangle makes the eye move around the setting in a pleasing way and visually defines the vignette. In place of a window you could use a large picture, tapestry or similar item to create the same affect. If, for instance, you want to create a display table at the end of a hallway you'd want to include a painting or mirror over the table to round out the grouping.
Use corners to your advantage
Finding space for your desired grouping might be a challenge but you can usually find enough space in the corner of a bedroom or living room that can work. Use the angles to your advantage both spatially and visually. The furniture in our feature room is set on an angle to take advantage of the usage of the corner and also to allow for traffic flow to the patio doors and the deck. Having the items set on an angle is also more appealing. If the furniture had been set flush against the wall under the window it wouldn't be nearly as interesting and would probably look more like a waiting room than a cosy sitting area.
Include the unusual
Using odd pieces to create a vignette is a great way to incorporate them into the décor in a visually stimulating way. If you separate the items in our feature photograph you are left with a bunch of items that don't really relate to each other. The chair is contemporary, the hide rug is woodsy and a little retro, the two trunks are rustic and rough-hewn and the decorative footrest has a bohemian flavour. The mustard-coloured coffee service is vintage 1950s while the other glass accessories are circa 1970s. If you had an attic filled with these items you'd probably want to have a yard sale but look how lovely they all work together! This is your chance to throw in those odds and ends you've been holding on to and see if they can work in a smaller grouping.
By the same token, if you're on a tight budget and find like items at a yard sale keep in mind how they can work together in the right setting. Keeping your options open will help stretch your decorating dollar.
Carrying the mustard colour around the vignette makes it cohesive. Use a similar tack to relate your vignette to the rest of the room and you'll have a successful outcome.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
