Oftentimes, when people ask me for help, they think they need a whole bunch of new things when really, they just need to switch things up and consider what they have differently.
As a designer, I must say it’s very satisfying to find new uses for things and, in this day of over-consumption, it feels good to not add to the landfills.
Here are some simple things you can do to add some oomph into your space:
Groupings - a stylist’s #1 trick
Bringing things together to create interesting vignettes
I find that a lot of people have a tendency to collect things, sometime unbeknownst to them even! Do you tend to save those interestingly-shaped or coloured jars instead of putting them in the recycling bin? Or have you ever kept those empty gift boxes (you know the ones ;) because they were so pretty? Putting those things together in groupings can look visually interesting and also give you a happiness boost because it is displaying things that give you pleasure and didn't cost a thing!
I have grouping all throughout my house. On my kitchen windowsill I’ve grouped together my potted plants:
Here's another kitchen example from Heath Ceramics. The designer created little groupings from the clients pottery collection.
In the upper cabinets in my kitchen, I display my collection of white kitchenware (many of which I’ve picked up at garage sales).
Here is a beautiful front entry from Blackband Design, the woven baskets add some fun to the otherwise empty space under the console table:
Here's a fun gallery wall in an office, via iLevel Inc.
Another creative way to incorporate groupings is to use some of your kids toys. I've grouped my kids' lego creations together on a tabletop or windowsill, but you could also use some cool looking figurines, wood blocks (stay away from plush animals though!) The fun thing is that it doesn't cost anything extra and it makes for an unexpected and visually interesting vignette!
Advanced groupings:
Another trick is to put your groupings on a platform, such as a book, a tray, or a cutting board!
It could be pairing similar objects like a stack of books that are close in colour and/or shape, or a cluster of candle sticks. If you have perfume bottles they look nice grouped together as well.
Here's an example of vases grouped on a tray (I actually think it would look nicer without the flowers) and another grouping of straw items, from The Makerista:
Be sure to check out the other posts in the Styling 101 Series!
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