Monday, March 2, 2009

Designer Tricks

When you look through home decor books and magazines, you've probably noticed some tricks that designers consistently use when staging a room or vingette.
Let's have a discussion on
"Designer Tricks."
Gather a Grouping Groupings and collections are generally gathered over time and because of that, they give a home the feeling of age. They fascinate the eye and tell a story of the people who live in the home. Take a walk around your house and gather up objects that are alike. Group those objects together for more impact. Each framed burlap design certainly looks great on it's own, but when displayed together they have the appeal of a collection and more design impact.
Layer It On Layers really give a display character and charm. In this display there a several layers. There are layers of frames, of candles, and of books.Lighten Things Up When a lamp is turned on, even during the day, it gives warmth to a room. Lamp light is more warm and relaxing than harsh overhead lighting. Scatter lamps throughout your home. Try to add small lamps in unexpected places, like bookshelves, bathrooms, and kitchen counters, for an added touch of coziness.
Candles give that same warmth, even when they're not lit. Some designers say that you MUST burn your candles, if only to burn the wick. I think it's a personal preference. Sometimes I like the look of a fresh, unburned candle. It's your home, YOU make the rules.
Nurture Nature Flowers, plants, grasses, even fruits and vegies help to bring LIFE into a room. Next time you browse through a home decor catalog, notice how many pages include an element of nature. If you don't have the time or energy to take care of the real thing, then go for faux. Just make sure that the faux nature looks as good as the real deal.Book It Every room and display looks more inviting with books or magazines. It's that design element that says, "Slow down, relax, and sit a while." Pile your books and magazines in pretty stacks. Use them to give a display lift and height. You likely already have several books and magazines, so you can incorporate this designer trick into your home without even spending any money. Don't underestimate the impact that a stack of reading material can have in your room.Repeat That When a design element repeats itself it has more interest and ties the entire look together. Notice how there are several elements that are repeated. The burlap in the frames is repeated around the candles. There is a repetition of frames, candles, and mirrors. Even the letter A is repeated.

Okay, our design discussion has concluded.
Your assignment is to incorporate one, or several,
of these design elements into your home.

Now, get up out of your chair and do your homework.
Oh, there's one design element we didn't discuss.
Have Fun
making your house a home!

19 comments:

AnNicole@Our Suburban Cottage said...

Wow, this is such a great break down of how to create a beautiful display. I would LOVE to see similar ideas in other areas of the house...but I'm just nosey that way :).

CMB said...

This is great information...I have been tweaking things around my house and have found that having an inspiration picture of a look that you like can really help in doing a display in your own home. I love a layered look with lots of textures too!

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

I have shopped the house for my mantel, but i didn't layer. I'll need to go do some homework & see if I can layer with a skinny mantel.

Darlene - Our Creative Life said...

Great advice and great vignette!

Lisa said...

THAT IS GREAT INFO. THANK YOU FRIEND!

HUGS FROM SNOWY MAINE

http://sophie4me.blogspot.com/

Shell in your Pocket said...

How fun and I love the grouping idea...I have never been great at it but you inspire me.
sandy toe

Our Complete Family said...

Can you come make my house neat-o like this, too?!?
I love this display~ it is so cozy!

kristal said...

wow. i'll be digesting that post for a while. super helpful...thanks!

Unknown said...

I love this! What a fun post to read and to learn about how to layer your accessories!

Darlene said...

You are the queen of vignettes....yours always look beautiful. Thanks for all the tips so we can have a beautiful home too.

Chris said...

Great suggestions! Of course, it helps when you have such fabulous pictures to get your point across. I'm way behind on my burlap "art". You're making me look bad! ;-)

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

sound advice!

Cricket said...

Just what I needed. I've had mantle problems lately and everyone tells me to come on over to your blog and check it out! BEAUTIFUL!

Sherri said...

Beautiful! I've been adding books, candles and such around the house. I am loving the look it creates. I am now hunting something to 'layer' with my mirror on my mantel. Thanks for the inspiration.

Unknown said...

Great ideas, teacher, thanks for learnin' us something! :)

Ruby Red Slippers said...

What a great break-down. I love it!
I also read the post before, and I am making my own platter-that is an easy idea for sure!

Salmagundi said...

Great info! I always need inspiration - I'm especially in a vignette funk right now. Must get up and try some stuff. Thanks. Sally

Anonymous said...

I ADORE your blog! I am always excited to read your decorating ideas! I am so excited about making my own burlap monogram!

I am hosting a giveaway for a decal monogram on my blog. I would be tickled pink if you would stop by and check it out!

AndreaLeigh said...

great information! i love adding in plants... it definately makes a house look more homey.

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