Vignette Much?

Ok, so I’m not an expert. But I DO love to create fun little vignettes in my home, over and over. Wanna know the secret to a good one? Levels.

Bam. This post could just be done. Buuuuuut since it’s my favorite part of the finishing touches on a space, I’ll go on. Let’s just say you’re styling your mantel. The #1 thing that brings interest is L-E-V-E-L-S. Uh hem, I mean, in my humble opinion. Old books (my personal fave), a cool old box, a scale, you get the picture. We’re trying to create interest and dimension. Speaking of which, try something unexpected up there! If you have a BIG mantle, go look in your garage for the single biggest item you own (think farmhouse charm, not lawnmower) and throw it up there. Then create your look around it, with…you guessed it, levels.

Another key to a successful vignette, mantel, or bookshelf is S P A C E. See what I did there? Let your items breathe! Always important to edit. A little restraint goes a long way. With no place for the eye to rest, it just becomes a bunch of stuff on the mantel. And then your husband comes home and looks at you like you’re crazy, and all you’ve had to eat that day is a bowl of cereal and a string cheese, sooooo ya. A “hangry” girl, a jacked-up mantel, and a surprised husband is not the ideal combo. Oh whoops…just me?

Finally, a good mix of textures is important. Think shiny, flat, basket-y (that’s a word, right?), something to add “life” (aka a plant), and a little graphic punch is always nice, like a letter or a number.

Ready? Go clear off your mantel. Or bookcase. Or counter top. Now eat a light snack and go raid your garage! This is going to be fun!