An effortless way to add a little professional decorator pizzazz to your home is to create little décor arrangements or vignettes atop bare tables or shelves. Now, as we defined a couple of weeks ago, a vignette or tablescape is a “grouping or collection of bits and pieces purposefully arranged for display” – you can read the rest of our Décor Dictionary definition: here.

In all essence you are creating a scene or décor still life. A vignette gives your room a more refined appearance – it is an easy way to create a focal point and add interest to your space.

Here are six uncomplicated steps to creating a successful décor vignette…

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Designer Emily Henderson used stacked books as platforms to give this gorgeous bookcase vignette some height. This is such a beautiful collection of items – love the use of colour! | via http://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/announcing-styling-how-tos/

Love the play in contrast between the white and black | Hannah Lemholt Photography via http://honeypielivingetc.blogspot.com/2012/06/sondagsfix-hemma-hos.html

Stick to a style or theme: 

One of the keys to a successful vignette is unity through a common theme or style. It is important to insure that the style of your tablescape does not veer too far away from your room style – a Shabby Chic-decorated space with a stark Contemporary vignette will look out of place. A vignette does not necessarily have to have a theme; however it is an excellent way to create a cohesive scene. For example: a nautical arrangement.

Vary the height, size, texture, and shape of the objects:

A successful vignette greatly depends on contrast and balance. Give your vignette height – play with a tall vase or a lamp. Mix in décor items – some small, some large; some skinny and tall, others that are short and tubby; round and square; shiny and natural – the interest is in the contradiction.

Create depth by layering:

Work from the back to the front of your table – bigger items at the back, smaller ones at the front. Use a larger object, such as a mirror or piece of art, as an anchor and arrange your collections around that. Don’t be afraid to overlap items – positioning a painting in front of a bigger mirror can be quite effective. Group items instead of placing them in linear lines – this creates the needed dimension.

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We love this uncomplicated vignette by Maria Killam. I especially like the overlapping mirror and framed sketch | via http://www.mariakillam.com/2009/08/vancouver-stylist-how-to-create-a-vignette-or-tablescape.html/

Adore this nautical-inspired vignette… that little sailboat is awesome! | via http://anurbancottage.blogspot.com/2011/11/vignettes-101.html

Bold black, crisp white and sunny yellow – this contemporary vignette is perfectly balanced | via http://www.casadeco.fr/en/collections/detail/123

Group objects in odd numbers:

For some reason odd numbered groupings have a greater visually impact than even numbered ones. Place décor items that share a similar shape, size or colour together in odd numbers – collections of threes work particularly well.

Get personal:

Add something of yourself to the vignette – it is no good replicating a vignette you saw in a magazine or on the net if it doesn’t speak of who you are. Use family photos in a variety of frames or include little keepsakes and mementos (such as grandpa’s old pocket watch). We collect things because we find them interesting or appealing. Why not include a small grouping of what you find beautiful, whether it is pieces of antique cutlery or a couple of ceramic birdies. Add what you love.

Fiddle:

Most important of all – fiddle! Take a step back and review your newly created vignette. If it doesn’t sit well with you move items around, eliminate or add as you see fit. Playing forms a big part of decorating. Fiddle until it is just right! And remember… have fun!

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I simply adore this quirky vignette which features a collection of specs and even a couple of pipes! LOVE the 3 ceramic hands! | via http://www.nehomemag.com/article/passion-pale

An equestrian-themed vignette! | via http://laurieannas.blogspot.com/2012/01/farmhouse-bedroom-reveal-farmhouse.html

Minimalist, clean and uncomplicated!

Designer Mark D Sikes adds a touch of the classical to this lovely mantle vignette! | via http://amyneunsinger.com/photo-portfolio/home/#prettyPhoto

New York based interior designer, Jenny Wolf, created this quirky vintage bathroom vignette | via http://www.mixandchic.com/2012/03/cool-designer-alert-jenny-wolf.html