Arranging vignettes: Do you know your design letters?

<br /> <span style="font-size: small;">Are you challenged when it comes to arranging  accessories? Do you look at details in  decorating magazines and marvel at how everything  looks just right? Many people think the final touches are the most difficult part of home decor, but they don't have to be.  There are all kinds of tips and tricks of the trade.  </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">One of the simplest design tips I can offer is the use  of  letter formations to organize interesting accessory vignettes. I'm calling on my background in visual art and floral arrangement to offer you this advice.  Other decorators may have different ways of describing their approach. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">The most useful letters for designing vignettes are ....  A, V,  O, C, L, and M.   </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Here goes...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A</b></span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/89012/eclectic-bedroom-traditional-bedroom-san-francisco"><img alt="eclectic bedroom traditional bedroom bedroom vignette " border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/89012_0_8-5274-traditional-bedroom.jpg" title=" Designing Home: Do you know your design letters?" width="499" /></a></div><span id="goog_1995808543"></span><span id="goog_1995808544"></span><br /><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/san-francisco" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/nicheinteriors/niche-interiors" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Niche Interiors</a></small></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">This is a very tight <b>A </b>line of design.  The visual height is always through the middle and the base is wider, but the bottom width can vary.  My eye wants to see something slightly taller than the dish - a sphere  would be lovely here. Perhaps the owner is like me,  always looking for just the right object to finish a room.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171277592048244829/" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjs5SKKSr1jRiDU2Qs8oVfke1VTi_nSk0Kstza7o9HyXfzUEQz2L9JoUK3ML_sbpMItQ5_WAVqeUmkFYh8h7SB5CG3ff4u7xU6UkKOJ9JgRyd58hxe6uf9wAIIbPIQl4ES3_Rs5soAagy0/s1600/A+line+of+design+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vignette, black and white, A line of design " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjs5SKKSr1jRiDU2Qs8oVfke1VTi_nSk0Kstza7o9HyXfzUEQz2L9JoUK3ML_sbpMItQ5_WAVqeUmkFYh8h7SB5CG3ff4u7xU6UkKOJ9JgRyd58hxe6uf9wAIIbPIQl4ES3_Rs5soAagy0/s640/A+line+of+design+.jpg" title=" Designing Home: Do you know your design letters?" width="425" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/house-no-31-11876061/easter-decoration-2629313647/link=aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5teWxpdmluZy5zZSUyRmJsb2dnJTJGaG91c2VubzMxJTNGYXJ0aWNsZUlkJTNEMjM2Ng=="><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another <b>A </b>with a tall vertical.  Because this is a monochromatic scheme the overall A shape is more evident. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> Are you noticing how the height is usually a piece of art?  It  could also be a sculpture, a mirror,  a  tall vase of twigs or flowers or photos hung on the wall.  The base can also  be much wider and the height much less than these examples. </span></div><div style="color: #444444;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>V </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWBp3geaNmhW8qz1U4qJu9veEBS_kjDKiDp0xvXC-kx9vmk7Fh5O56JIQWxMqi4Dijqpg-qjOuHNWaL-3dxsAs7iuGfM10I88-ucBSLkeycSrQgnDXSOna-MMAGvb09hQkDNAYp91Vyxd/s1600/v+line+of+design+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="console table, vignette, V line of design " border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWBp3geaNmhW8qz1U4qJu9veEBS_kjDKiDp0xvXC-kx9vmk7Fh5O56JIQWxMqi4Dijqpg-qjOuHNWaL-3dxsAs7iuGfM10I88-ucBSLkeycSrQgnDXSOna-MMAGvb09hQkDNAYp91Vyxd/s400/v+line+of+design+.jpg" title=" Designing Home: Do you know your design letters?" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/65544/Glenn-Gissler-Design-contemporary-entry-other-metro"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source </span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The reverse of A is V. </span>In a V the lowest point is usually in the middle of the arrangement.  Sometimes thinking about it as a check mark is helpful because one side is usually taller and one is shorter. <span style="font-size: small;"> A V line of design doesn't  have the height through the middle that an A line of design does. Sometimes only these two shapes are presented in vignette discussions, but there are so many more ways to think about it.  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><small><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>C</b></span><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/virginie/cnw-production" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a></small></div><br /><div style="color: #444444;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/69974/Quintessential-Dressing-Table-eclectic-bedroom-toronto" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Quintessential Dressing Table eclectic bedroom" border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/69974_0_8-5029-eclectic-bedroom.jpg" title=" Designing Home: Do you know your design letters?" width="459" /></a></div></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/lucidid/lucid-interior-design-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Lucid Interior Design Inc.</a></small><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGoHEBI7V77aecAl45xW0npPmIvv2y7r_WHbFzSgUEFw9yy1kMaEs_vry9H4Lf6lg27s73ZCmPPx7TKhT2_UV0AUKIVTX06KTvrHn4ewafb7WFrcne8fTAoqQYyb8CyIeVLSSS3YbcaSq/s1600/c+line+of+design+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vignette, console table, C line of design " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGoHEBI7V77aecAl45xW0npPmIvv2y7r_WHbFzSgUEFw9yy1kMaEs_vry9H4Lf6lg27s73ZCmPPx7TKhT2_UV0AUKIVTX06KTvrHn4ewafb7WFrcne8fTAoqQYyb8CyIeVLSSS3YbcaSq/s640/c+line+of+design+.jpg" title=" Designing Home: Do you know your design letters?" width="490" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://keltainentalorannalla.blogspot.com.au/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source </span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> You don't often find C lines of design and they are the most obvious when there's only one object banked by something that is circular as with the mirror and twigs.  Your eye just wants to make that sweep.  But sometimes it is the placement of objects that creates a C sweep with the largest object placed at the beginning of the C as in the photo above. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> o</b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/80063/Joni-Spear-Interior-Design-contemporary-dining-room-st-louis"><img alt="Joni Spear Interior Design contemporary dining room, vignette " border="0" height="512" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/80063_0_8-1555-contemporary-dining-room.jpg" title=" Designing Home: Do you know your design letters?" width="500" /></a></div></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/jjoni257/joni-spear-interior-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Joni Spear Interior Design</a></small><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> Some designers may argue this is a classic V formation but I would disagree because the mirror causes the eye to move in a circular fashion around the display.  The lamps are taken in with that sweep. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><small> </small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/75382/Wakefield-Residence-modern-living-room-boston"><img alt="Wakefield Residence modern living room, vignette, console table " border="0" height="648" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/75382_0_8-6287-modern-living-room.jpg" title=" Designing Home: Do you know your design letters?" width="484" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/rlreider/rachel-reider-interiors" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Rachel Reider Interiors</a></small><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> Another  symmetrical O line of design.  The base is set so broadly that your eye just wants to do the circular movement around the objects. The three rounded shapes  add to the circular movement.  </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhME2HQi8bEQbK1xrV7VE5sN7CiOO6rfeJPe_o-l2gRFgb5gGZtQo24LZ9db9qpCqOc2Wp02SD9nCMgCkgXPudECFNw_BzaLJOtqHbOHhkWPT9lX9AYCB3zbxmPSmGXFuwXBfxrJUjPO6dE/s1600/O+line+of+design+starburst+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vignette, starburst mirror, o line of design " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhME2HQi8bEQbK1xrV7VE5sN7CiOO6rfeJPe_o-l2gRFgb5gGZtQo24LZ9db9qpCqOc2Wp02SD9nCMgCkgXPudECFNw_BzaLJOtqHbOHhkWPT9lX9AYCB3zbxmPSmGXFuwXBfxrJUjPO6dE/s640/O+line+of+design+starburst+.jpg" title=" Designing Home: Do you know your design letters?" width="438" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Another very strong O line of design.  It is even more obvious when you have a narrow base. </span><br /><small><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></small><br /><br /><small><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>L </b></span></small><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/48831/Metal-decor-modern-living-room-other-metros"><img alt="Metal decor modern living room, console table vignette " border="0" height="500" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/48831_0_8-8259-modern-living-room.jpg" title=" Designing Home: Do you know your design letters?" width="500" /></a><b> </b></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">  <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/virginie/cnw-production" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">CNW PRODUCTION</a></span><br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/211659/Urrutia-Design-contemporary--san-francisco"><img alt="Urrutia Design contemporary , console table " border="0" height="360" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/211659_0_8-6107-contemporary-.jpg" title=" Designing Home: Do you know your design letters?" width="500" /></a></div></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build/san-francisco" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/jasonurrutia/urrutia-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Urrutia Design</a></small><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/48831/Metal-decor-modern-living-room-other-metros"><br /></a><span style="font-size: small;">The requirement for an <b>L </b>line of design is a very tall object placed on the edge of the design with a broad base.  Of course you can also reverse the L.  If the hurricanes were taller I would call the  vignette above a V.  </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/virginie/cnw-production" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a></span></div><div style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>M</b></span><br /><br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkza0vAcPPsvNbd6SOFLSzx7tOeRxqYWarWMwn2wcSliQQ8QsHZRuKQrLJr495L8Oi2MX3APmpjWVk49FtO-5Wc-tXCAbqJvgkA5HEvQWuidtF2XULCjYOzZ2G7ULD_q8u_8FlyxWznrMH/s1600/M+line+of+design+with+vases+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="black vases, console table " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkza0vAcPPsvNbd6SOFLSzx7tOeRxqYWarWMwn2wcSliQQ8QsHZRuKQrLJr495L8Oi2MX3APmpjWVk49FtO-5Wc-tXCAbqJvgkA5HEvQWuidtF2XULCjYOzZ2G7ULD_q8u_8FlyxWznrMH/s640/M+line+of+design+with+vases+.jpg" title=" Designing Home: Do you know your design letters?" width="480" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.missmoss.co.za/2014/06/13/moving-mountains-2/?utm_source=feedly&utm_reader=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=moving-mountains-2"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source </span></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 10px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">You don't often see the <b>M</b> line of design used, but it works well when you are displaying collections where you have several heights</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">with</span><b style="font-size: medium;"> </b><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">dips in the middle and you start with shorter objects on the ends.  </span></div><div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="color: #76838b;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><b>W </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikURCFK7Mb9PG9k0RDYp7u_kGKBxnf9N9LLbqIauc8uTPJpAXvZaAOWiwIKMX4OUEEXYCYQU3kdkf_gfvt2Ayb5O4n8U_ECQz6KbAfdGwfX4Ff4An1mEFmGxJCJ7OkncTrWCJuZVLx1Gms/s1600/W+line+of+design+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="traditional mantle vignette " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikURCFK7Mb9PG9k0RDYp7u_kGKBxnf9N9LLbqIauc8uTPJpAXvZaAOWiwIKMX4OUEEXYCYQU3kdkf_gfvt2Ayb5O4n8U_ECQz6KbAfdGwfX4Ff4An1mEFmGxJCJ7OkncTrWCJuZVLx1Gms/s640/W+line+of+design+.jpg" title=" Designing Home: Do you know your design letters?" width="516" /></a></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="color: #76838b;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source </span></span></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #76838b; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81DpTWFjTUL8wdnVHyTrVMQXkn7XS73aW2oOxsZ1dLzWJsUgwDA0SQ1LeLMdAQZ2lwUGubn1wsDX2dVR3J7vCcdkeLdgE1GvaH0UXQtEuKf9yReSRlTSibJZU4eTbYclXUrQ7yY3jJu-T/s1600/blue-lamps-on-console-honeywerehome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="console table vignette blue lamps " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81DpTWFjTUL8wdnVHyTrVMQXkn7XS73aW2oOxsZ1dLzWJsUgwDA0SQ1LeLMdAQZ2lwUGubn1wsDX2dVR3J7vCcdkeLdgE1GvaH0UXQtEuKf9yReSRlTSibJZU4eTbYclXUrQ7yY3jJu-T/s640/blue-lamps-on-console-honeywerehome.jpg" title=" Designing Home: Do you know your design letters?" width="450" /></a></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">If the shorter objects are on either end it is an M, but when you start with taller objects on the ends and it is also high in the middle  it moves into a </span><b style="color: black; font-size: medium;">W.  </b></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>What line of design do these vignettes follow? </b></span></span></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>1.</b></span></span></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhxAONGudlJ_EIRQw-75kMMd2diNK6G76Pn3uNTG80QSdF57orgFHri5J-rPV7DY_ADiSD2DCv0BUiaWgUD2_OVT7daYCnzkyikHaseeG5XyDklNTxe3M8LbaVN5hpSGLvJwaKN_5dMCh/s1600/177962622744862079_g0vwkOkn_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhxAONGudlJ_EIRQw-75kMMd2diNK6G76Pn3uNTG80QSdF57orgFHri5J-rPV7DY_ADiSD2DCv0BUiaWgUD2_OVT7daYCnzkyikHaseeG5XyDklNTxe3M8LbaVN5hpSGLvJwaKN_5dMCh/s400/177962622744862079_g0vwkOkn_b.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4t0kAU1lxnVtE5TmzSgPz1XEikJKN8bGwJ1CCCJqGwbvmwLgCHrd4KRpqXUAaU-gusjM1KutWOo22WLolArK3-deYMf80vj0JsQnKxFrk_vvZ4JrTTm_xRxaA06C0KHla_g1EWkLl-Kp_/s1600/177962622744854083_DMl2M71d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><br />2.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpa9Fnzx15EOk_21GrFwoiH7pHKu-8p3xfo7lAa8px7L-0zD5gSDWfbisJTm7aWxb9BI_01S3Dg3qa2eYLYfnvhmEq7SEgCLa8R_buEZjPDHqppht3NoGQHoXpyLi2ceSxpNBT3nrO8-4b/s1600/171277592048225472_orqECKvW_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpa9Fnzx15EOk_21GrFwoiH7pHKu-8p3xfo7lAa8px7L-0zD5gSDWfbisJTm7aWxb9BI_01S3Dg3qa2eYLYfnvhmEq7SEgCLa8R_buEZjPDHqppht3NoGQHoXpyLi2ceSxpNBT3nrO8-4b/s400/171277592048225472_orqECKvW_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #76838b; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>3.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #76838b; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWVEVAjOPm96CJ1WjNMzkh8XRQZ1u9eBb3qpSLpAjcwP2xKde1PYoRvkkHUzOmAgLFr7oALgq1ytsNbD2HzO3ohntKJi8-RGTAncsxhoGxNhhVV0UmDOf-OQwErFBVLO7ved_l2DNUvxV/s1600/+c+line+of+design+with+mirror+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWVEVAjOPm96CJ1WjNMzkh8XRQZ1u9eBb3qpSLpAjcwP2xKde1PYoRvkkHUzOmAgLFr7oALgq1ytsNbD2HzO3ohntKJi8-RGTAncsxhoGxNhhVV0UmDOf-OQwErFBVLO7ved_l2DNUvxV/s400/+c+line+of+design+with+mirror+.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #76838b; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot.ca/2012/01/vintage-library-card-catalogs.html">Source </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1.This is  an A because of the wide base and the tall height through the middle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2.  Whenever you see a  lot of objects of similar heights spread out and starting and ending with a shorter object it is an M.  The more objects there are it can turn into a long zig zag of Ms. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3.  Oh so tricky.  Without the curved object to the right it would be an O line of design, but your eye stops on it making it  a C. </div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span></span></div></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br />  </div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">And there you have it.   Keep your eyes open when you see arrangements and observe the  lines of design  used. Then start arranging! </span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div></div>

Arranging vignettes: Do you know your design letters?

  Are you challenged when it comes to arranging  accessories? Do you look at details in  decorating magazines and marvel at how everything  ...

Read more »

Go green for spring

<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />And continuing with thoughts of spring decorating.... <br /><br />When you enter my house the dining table is in full view from the entry.   In a desperation move while babysitting my 3 granddaughters, I  stuck some fake lavender in a glass jar and thought that I could get away with it.<br /><br /> I was called out on that move by a family member who was a little horrified I had fake flowers.  I admit they were not good fakes.  I defensively pointed out I had beautiful fresh, pink tulips on my kitchen table, but I was caught.  Time to make amends.<br /><div><br /></div><h4><b>Something green </b></h4><br />Nothing denotes spring like new growth, green and/or plants.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-T_xRMiZPVa0FRaOz1LZAviXpeKpf2gp1OlzpK1ncCf0OYnRJm6PQV405G30YcZXv9WZWY9XPmOKus8u8jfl1FOnORMYlHHpXPCarXSqFtJeKJ8Zvq84leSJIxkafnR9hvwK-tV_QH4d/s1600/fern+in+candlelantern+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="ferns , lantern, spring decor, centrepiece" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-T_xRMiZPVa0FRaOz1LZAviXpeKpf2gp1OlzpK1ncCf0OYnRJm6PQV405G30YcZXv9WZWY9XPmOKus8u8jfl1FOnORMYlHHpXPCarXSqFtJeKJ8Zvq84leSJIxkafnR9hvwK-tV_QH4d/s1600/fern+in+candlelantern+.jpg" title="Designing Home: Spring centrepiece for dining table" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Lately I've been seeing live plants in lanterns.  I like the look and feel, but my place is not a lantern kind of home.  I already tried the plainest one I could find, and moved it all over the downstairs rooms to no avail.  It went back to Pier 1. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxGBq6yWhY-y64q9qPcj006495uygqaZOr84w05oPvSCKS_d8RQuU3syFuIhbcyA_UR-cE4GZeCHwQHNrNPRqo3ymKL8TSjJL2Au5ucPlhhJk9ps3LvfQPhPJTNz_OUnm2YwghFcvSoX9/s1600/plants+in+lanterns+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxGBq6yWhY-y64q9qPcj006495uygqaZOr84w05oPvSCKS_d8RQuU3syFuIhbcyA_UR-cE4GZeCHwQHNrNPRqo3ymKL8TSjJL2Au5ucPlhhJk9ps3LvfQPhPJTNz_OUnm2YwghFcvSoX9/s1600/plants+in+lanterns+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="glass lanterns, ferns, centrepiece, dining table" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxGBq6yWhY-y64q9qPcj006495uygqaZOr84w05oPvSCKS_d8RQuU3syFuIhbcyA_UR-cE4GZeCHwQHNrNPRqo3ymKL8TSjJL2Au5ucPlhhJk9ps3LvfQPhPJTNz_OUnm2YwghFcvSoX9/s1600/plants+in+lanterns+.jpg" title="Designing Home: Spring centrepiece for dining table" width="287" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love repetition as a design statement so it's little wonder I'm attracted to these ferns. Lanterns just won't do, but repetition is possible. </div><div><br /></div><h4>Keeping it simple</h4><br />So I decided to keep my dining table decor simple  by choosing three green things massed together in a small trough planter.  I'm talking ferns, real ones.<br /><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmKS9H75xllBukSqi4XP4aO7OfKtyCHAE9qXzsFo7JhHKsD-JZBKL0ahCYXsFNs-c9GNVrnmfFwVTwwnkN1Y0iRpFDd7kjsCEcqq-KO3gb6RTIqDjE4JHjjVMmoD1l2NIwtGM0ex_8XGD/s1600/preparing+planter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="boston ferns, trough, centrepiece, dining table" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmKS9H75xllBukSqi4XP4aO7OfKtyCHAE9qXzsFo7JhHKsD-JZBKL0ahCYXsFNs-c9GNVrnmfFwVTwwnkN1Y0iRpFDd7kjsCEcqq-KO3gb6RTIqDjE4JHjjVMmoD1l2NIwtGM0ex_8XGD/s1600/preparing+planter.JPG" title="Designing Home: Spring centrepiece for dining table" width="400" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxGBq6yWhY-y64q9qPcj006495uygqaZOr84w05oPvSCKS_d8RQuU3syFuIhbcyA_UR-cE4GZeCHwQHNrNPRqo3ymKL8TSjJL2Au5ucPlhhJk9ps3LvfQPhPJTNz_OUnm2YwghFcvSoX9/s1600/plants+in+lanterns+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">I'</span></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Three small  Boston ferns, and one trough planter that is very wabi sabi (lots of cracks and rough textures to play with the ferns).  I tried them in the planter before coming home with the lot.  The candles and silver leaf bird were leftovers from Christmas.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4kouyJNRDGYp7S96C-yrqhxhRzwavQakf_qZSXjNZpVZZgVbzi-VbS2uey1Ch3qoiu7uf4aXZBhN98oeJXZfA7C63J0UDx8sFwDJwmEb7walrP0_-FPsbKmLv2YL4_uYcmVc78RP8Ce_/s1600/arrange+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="silver leaf bird, candles, boston ferns, trough planter, dining table, centrepiece" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4kouyJNRDGYp7S96C-yrqhxhRzwavQakf_qZSXjNZpVZZgVbzi-VbS2uey1Ch3qoiu7uf4aXZBhN98oeJXZfA7C63J0UDx8sFwDJwmEb7walrP0_-FPsbKmLv2YL4_uYcmVc78RP8Ce_/s1600/arrange+1.JPG" title="Designing Home: Spring centrepiece for dining table" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> Tried the green candles, a no go for me.  I wish the bird was a little smaller, but that's what I have!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgzs_wC7LWC-ON_1FoPSUoLiZFsLcuryUO8KfjOUTbpOC-unM6rbfDKgyDAZhJk-abtmzrRVYI0dNn9i9BvEy0GDNDhupTV4_rzHRqDA_oAIwa-tgHPU7Hn-3TQOg3pK2taurPsl-apkm/s1600/arrange+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="candlesticks, silver leaf bird, trough planter, boston ferns, centrepiece" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgzs_wC7LWC-ON_1FoPSUoLiZFsLcuryUO8KfjOUTbpOC-unM6rbfDKgyDAZhJk-abtmzrRVYI0dNn9i9BvEy0GDNDhupTV4_rzHRqDA_oAIwa-tgHPU7Hn-3TQOg3pK2taurPsl-apkm/s1600/arrange+2.JPG" title="Designing Home: Spring centrepiece for dining table" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Still playing with the arrangement.  This will go on for weeks every time I pass the table.  Some day soon I'm sure the lot will end up  corralled in a gray or white tray. Things always do on this table.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXNfmLMGczHft2jL9ikpnQA7H3lhes-uyr1tqa2JwHGa5FOfASaN23-5BMKRKt60j1HH67tw6mUuG-KXbS02HxNLsK8RlLs94h1E1DC5-YXzLFa1DvuOHQpkVq2BALkG-kX_zr4phY13q/s1600/fall+plants.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="coffee table vignette, fern, copper bird planter, green tray" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXNfmLMGczHft2jL9ikpnQA7H3lhes-uyr1tqa2JwHGa5FOfASaN23-5BMKRKt60j1HH67tw6mUuG-KXbS02HxNLsK8RlLs94h1E1DC5-YXzLFa1DvuOHQpkVq2BALkG-kX_zr4phY13q/s1600/fall+plants.JPG" title="Designing Home: Spring centrepiece for dining table" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Remember this pic from a my friend Gail's house I featured in this <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2014/11/at-home-finishing-touches-for.html">post</a>?   I envy her the copper bird planter.  A planter and a bird all in one - my idea of perfect.<br /><br /><h4>Lots of options </h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I just have to keep these greedy, moisture seeking things alive with constant watering and misting.  I can see me carting them off to my summer house  for babysitting.  I'm  sure they will see lots of moves in the coming year- ledge in bathroom, kitchen table, window ledge in kitchen, laundry room counter or shelf.  The possibilities are endless.  That's a lot of decorating punch for less than $40. 00 and they improve my air quality! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Are plants part of your decor plan? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Go green for spring

And continuing with thoughts of spring decorating.... When you enter my house the dining table is in full view from the entry.   In a desper...

Read more »

Accessorizing: Learning from a pro - Vicente Wolf

Part 4 of 4 Accessorizing your home<br /><br />I am intrigued by the designs of Vicente Wolf.   I've studied them as I study compositions by famous artists  in an effort to dissect  the lines of design, and the thought processes he engages in as he creates beautiful spaces.  In my opinion a good  design never looks too put together, too matched, but has  an effortless, collected feel. His always do.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzMDaF6ABjXvJZ246-oxRDRK3kNX8yuYLVpXUBS8nhcoHciXkuVyyEiQE-Hdm-9cE-LIQxC5-GCwaRnbM2Y86xI9iarlT_gLr5xKsf7UPSLhfWeTiQofkSp5G8vMo4aLAgqUzEAn8APua/s1600/Wolf-antique-+table-modern+-chairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzMDaF6ABjXvJZ246-oxRDRK3kNX8yuYLVpXUBS8nhcoHciXkuVyyEiQE-Hdm-9cE-LIQxC5-GCwaRnbM2Y86xI9iarlT_gLr5xKsf7UPSLhfWeTiQofkSp5G8vMo4aLAgqUzEAn8APua/s1600/Wolf-antique-+table-modern+-chairs.jpg" width="373" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.vicentewolf.com/associates/residential/35">source</a></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mqdnrAKtl9uoPXNof8VxB4mvKA97KUP3f_5siB4qswcKaCZS3dKXAvgG8qgGxs5tkmBqAF-aHMVJTcgD_n-YijyU6FYnD9lS5DGYOU3m9o0SoKHlcS1EyXHQGqvOnERU6sa3HdQF-9Tm/s1600/ottoman+circles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mqdnrAKtl9uoPXNof8VxB4mvKA97KUP3f_5siB4qswcKaCZS3dKXAvgG8qgGxs5tkmBqAF-aHMVJTcgD_n-YijyU6FYnD9lS5DGYOU3m9o0SoKHlcS1EyXHQGqvOnERU6sa3HdQF-9Tm/s1600/ottoman+circles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.vicentewolf.com/associates/residential/35">source</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNLchxlY2stfACcLufXxBeX9APXU3wfqHrT2XKnAjBoHzRaK-ICgEVlN1kqmLNPH-rwreLrCGkFqvGtFc-8mQeFzLiCIGIyTS0spStUU86C5TRzuXecWmgSN6C13hMFn47pSlDiNjt64m/s1600/art-backdrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNLchxlY2stfACcLufXxBeX9APXU3wfqHrT2XKnAjBoHzRaK-ICgEVlN1kqmLNPH-rwreLrCGkFqvGtFc-8mQeFzLiCIGIyTS0spStUU86C5TRzuXecWmgSN6C13hMFn47pSlDiNjt64m/s1600/art-backdrop.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.vicentewolf.com/associates/residential/35">source</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>Pale backdrops  and a mix of antiques and cultural artifacts are his trademarks, but there is so much more to his designs.  When you observe his work closely you find that there are design features he is drawn to that get repeated in variations in different spaces.  While each space is unique, you can see similarities in  his choice and arrangement of objects.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78U_rC0YIa9mdGpmP70DwPsOv9aHaBFDkGJncMIniaodqI44QQP3lAtL0Eeg1atoQA_xtuMaMj6JE2dKcAUBQuPG0zvRoCtKfD2otGji3yZhSfWNI9tMo5_XyvS4MiYGsW4maegu_Y3M3/s1600/composed+vignettes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78U_rC0YIa9mdGpmP70DwPsOv9aHaBFDkGJncMIniaodqI44QQP3lAtL0Eeg1atoQA_xtuMaMj6JE2dKcAUBQuPG0zvRoCtKfD2otGji3yZhSfWNI9tMo5_XyvS4MiYGsW4maegu_Y3M3/s1600/composed+vignettes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.vicentewolf.com/associates/residential/35">source</a></span><br /><br />His background in photography obviously informs  his interior design aesthetic or maybe it's the other way around.  When I look at any space he has created, I see so many compositions within compositions, layers that cause you to look throughout his spaces.  I am  also sure they are photographed  to make you do just that.<br /><br /><br />The artist in me is attracted to how he organizes random objects into vignettes (object compositions).  So after much viewing, thought, and reading, here's what I've learned from this brilliant, self-taught, New York designer. <br /><br /><h4>Repeat  still life elements</h4><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3Cp9Foc_go24_ghius43fQeBLeZVRAS-CfpPB5qHlMBQGJl386Ji3VBzmw20H-YhLrTw8Zo97r1QYoDRXMoe3CFhtntxS-EdJ3dU04fMEgk0snx5zzjOGI31DqvFhMdhNROOdLFHfd82/s1600/art+composed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3Cp9Foc_go24_ghius43fQeBLeZVRAS-CfpPB5qHlMBQGJl386Ji3VBzmw20H-YhLrTw8Zo97r1QYoDRXMoe3CFhtntxS-EdJ3dU04fMEgk0snx5zzjOGI31DqvFhMdhNROOdLFHfd82/s1600/art+composed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h4><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.vicentewolf.com/associates/residential/35">source</a></span></h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">Wolf  often uses a painting to inform a vignette created near it.  Elements are repeated from the artwork as in the tree and scrubby plants  in the tray.The three candles mimic the strong vertical in the left of the painting and there's really three table tops- one in the art, the table itself, and the tray on the table.</span><br /><div><br /></div><h4>Layer furniture</h4><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMwvU4VRw78Dt3KW0MjgrWDAqlEmND7tUUEiTcPhF835thMJQ7-4SfoxIdcZDurZPXwcABbbeAnUzjeEfFhojRvTK1JThc2CRJmczn8Y0RFgnvL2SXOrUSnW3OmQHTKXY5SOaCjony8CU/s1600/+Wolf+-layered+-tables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMwvU4VRw78Dt3KW0MjgrWDAqlEmND7tUUEiTcPhF835thMJQ7-4SfoxIdcZDurZPXwcABbbeAnUzjeEfFhojRvTK1JThc2CRJmczn8Y0RFgnvL2SXOrUSnW3OmQHTKXY5SOaCjony8CU/s1600/+Wolf+-layered+-tables.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.vicentewolf.com/associates/residential/35">source</a></span><br /><br />Not only is layering furniture a way to deal with limited space and provide versatility to meet various entertaining needs, it is also an effective strategy  to  provide visual interest and a focal point in an otherwise simple space. I like how the  large ottoman (often a signature piece for Wolf) is the only pattern in the room.  It is also a way to move  circular shapes around  an otherwise rectangular space.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfUeswkijAaMO_e2xehkSjhr-iqZKiiKMKwrpY6B9LHuPQLRWgR6fU8IbXAczEageQ05Mh1wEbmS9ZO6z760xCoRnz4AF9VNFJNQO4Nh4NXN5Z_aG25z3SvGV_1-UeeixW6ZStOr0Y5H5/s1600/three+layered+tables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfUeswkijAaMO_e2xehkSjhr-iqZKiiKMKwrpY6B9LHuPQLRWgR6fU8IbXAczEageQ05Mh1wEbmS9ZO6z760xCoRnz4AF9VNFJNQO4Nh4NXN5Z_aG25z3SvGV_1-UeeixW6ZStOr0Y5H5/s1600/three+layered+tables.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.vicentewolf.com/associates/residential/35">source</a></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Another idea for layering a table and an ottoman. Circular motifs play in this space too.  Have you noticed the use of higher tables? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmhCMYavcfwcIrHNJVH_pC3PrCqZChVkuYoe4wYecvn2DtmkwTTnsPEbzp0yyR3dRmHl8-fVRZWK8GrL0LcygK5g67juISfUQ_Sc6W-vvZ-wh-yPuUxNpw25IHq6xvUcYCCYA_XqWzOfh/s1600/bedside+vignette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmhCMYavcfwcIrHNJVH_pC3PrCqZChVkuYoe4wYecvn2DtmkwTTnsPEbzp0yyR3dRmHl8-fVRZWK8GrL0LcygK5g67juISfUQ_Sc6W-vvZ-wh-yPuUxNpw25IHq6xvUcYCCYA_XqWzOfh/s1600/bedside+vignette.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.vicentewolf.com/associates/residential/35">source</a></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Circular motifs and layering under a bedside table.  The textural and geometric  elements of  pieced or woven wooden elements are also prominent as you can see below. </div><br /><br /><h4>Use texture and geometry in wood</h4><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFn7wRi6WwiV3rl_eOJOBhPzyhDUFBN_mK2YqGvOGo80C61XNLMa7V09NKy9cmWDzNWCEFyh6qXV8D1PJnjrQt7P3FiYB1KPQ2i9CCoKyWsXnVLtr9-X6fcYhfmgDVUfELsTBC0koXn1J/s1600/Wolf-screen-stools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFn7wRi6WwiV3rl_eOJOBhPzyhDUFBN_mK2YqGvOGo80C61XNLMa7V09NKy9cmWDzNWCEFyh6qXV8D1PJnjrQt7P3FiYB1KPQ2i9CCoKyWsXnVLtr9-X6fcYhfmgDVUfELsTBC0koXn1J/s1600/Wolf-screen-stools.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.vicentewolf.com/associates/residential/35">source</a></span></div>Sometimes these effects are used over mirror to create intricacy and depth. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPXDy64atiLiD4g1lEoeqaNahWI2q85ICI9Pl9QVdXLA5O6N6fCR-AYJtHgA1WShj3lN1q5ZyyjkuXZ7pDZn53MVHggdrmKdtRmyNIhDoigWrYqYmpcc_XkAU2nVS4WscPwP_ZgHVckkH/s1600/floating+shelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPXDy64atiLiD4g1lEoeqaNahWI2q85ICI9Pl9QVdXLA5O6N6fCR-AYJtHgA1WShj3lN1q5ZyyjkuXZ7pDZn53MVHggdrmKdtRmyNIhDoigWrYqYmpcc_XkAU2nVS4WscPwP_ZgHVckkH/s1600/floating+shelf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.vicentewolf.com/associates/residential/35">source</a></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnNiyEeAJFNsct_AkN_CM5obgSpZmPRNRRRyjT6RNGXrPe5h_b3afvXKousbvOlsYOhcue6RtTgW9_0302KYRwR5BrRL9Wc2Kfccapb4NaGX8XHFMi39OtqllYEOFcrMBsd8o_JknUmBt/s1600/Wolf-hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnNiyEeAJFNsct_AkN_CM5obgSpZmPRNRRRyjT6RNGXrPe5h_b3afvXKousbvOlsYOhcue6RtTgW9_0302KYRwR5BrRL9Wc2Kfccapb4NaGX8XHFMi39OtqllYEOFcrMBsd8o_JknUmBt/s1600/Wolf-hotel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.vicentewolf.com/associates/residential/35">source</a></span></b><br /><b><br /></b><b>Suspend mirrors/art  in space</b><br /><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdRZWx-o-iESQDCog_pgZePZ9y7Sj99EupXB13XYledXVkGdQqp0VL-FoPYkh1ccWxw4INhBJI-z4OKQablyfDeDHn2M0sVGV6mUYw786yYrZS3TUEs-YSES4AfYEvVPRQz93AVZHFoFJ/s1600/hanging+mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdRZWx-o-iESQDCog_pgZePZ9y7Sj99EupXB13XYledXVkGdQqp0VL-FoPYkh1ccWxw4INhBJI-z4OKQablyfDeDHn2M0sVGV6mUYw786yYrZS3TUEs-YSES4AfYEvVPRQz93AVZHFoFJ/s1600/hanging+mirror.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.vicentewolf.com/associates/residential/35">source</a></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMwvU4VRw78Dt3KW0MjgrWDAqlEmND7tUUEiTcPhF835thMJQ7-4SfoxIdcZDurZPXwcABbbeAnUzjeEfFhojRvTK1JThc2CRJmczn8Y0RFgnvL2SXOrUSnW3OmQHTKXY5SOaCjony8CU/s1600/+Wolf+-layered+-tables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br /><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Frame  compositions in compositions </h4><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34pQ1RQ34B5oK-hASnSsVEZ6pbWLXaJ4S2H2RWJ98IIs9aZbBXTWyCFedm4g7cHhbBhSdRm7k5jddGmuRfCsrkEyxDttacBGDQYoIqMrx32UoPdvRSsWB6s5jMF2c6hYuxVFk-Bd4BQY9/s1600/repeated+rectangles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34pQ1RQ34B5oK-hASnSsVEZ6pbWLXaJ4S2H2RWJ98IIs9aZbBXTWyCFedm4g7cHhbBhSdRm7k5jddGmuRfCsrkEyxDttacBGDQYoIqMrx32UoPdvRSsWB6s5jMF2c6hYuxVFk-Bd4BQY9/s1600/repeated+rectangles.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.vicentewolf.com/associates/residential/35">source</a></span><br /><br />This vignette illustrates  how to organize objects and frame them with what lies behind.  In this case the fireplace frames the vignette in front of it.  I also love how the mirror acts as an additional backdrop element in this vignette.<br /><br />I'll finish with an important observation.  While I have highlighted some of the common themes I see in Wolf's designs I do not feel that his spaces are all the same.  He obviously feels it's important to work with clients to create personal spaces for them.  When you look at the slideshows on his website this is very apparent.  As he notes in Lifting the Curtain on Design (one of my favourite design books of all time)  page 128, " I know how to paddle a canoe.  But I approach each river in a different way"<br /><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>If you're intrigued check out this <a href="http://houseandhome.com/design/interview-vicente-wolf">interview</a> done by Canadian House and Home.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7dy9xaFPJtfwrV0kE6TL_utfaRzQ6VROaSL9UaYhgqL-XdQl4LSZszA8qUvdrWecqDk0Lv1wqaEzj0j8Ocdsl1NGR5NmFWdEDMBMQ8tLWpNhCXrj5DfgLUp25AGGyOfEh5BUYWWu_1GH/s1600/wolf-book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7dy9xaFPJtfwrV0kE6TL_utfaRzQ6VROaSL9UaYhgqL-XdQl4LSZszA8qUvdrWecqDk0Lv1wqaEzj0j8Ocdsl1NGR5NmFWdEDMBMQ8tLWpNhCXrj5DfgLUp25AGGyOfEh5BUYWWu_1GH/s1600/wolf-book.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Vicente+wolf">source</a></span></div><br />And here's a great read  if you like the glimpse I've given you of this designer's work.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Floating shelves, mixed chair styles,  limited patterns, repeating shapes and so much more not covered here.  I am limiting myself severely on this topic because I would break my self imposed post length rule. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Feel free to add your comments to keep the conversation going. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />

Accessorizing: Learning from a pro - Vicente Wolf

Part 4 of 4 Accessorizing your home I am intrigued by the designs of Vicente Wolf.   I've studied them as I study compositions by famous...

Read more »

At Home: Finishing touches for a contemporary home

<span style="font-family: inherit;">Accepting a visitor/decorator into your home to deconstruct it in words and pictures is not for the faint of heart.  There's  an element of trust in this endeavour, trust that I will represent the home in a truthful and pleasing way. Knowing this, I am always so pleased when homeowners accept my proposal to highlight their home and discuss elements of their decor that I am interested in writing about.  Once again I have willing participants in my At Home series.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Come along to see what the Erls have been up to for the last six months since they moved into their new home in the east end of St. John's, NL.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5JYBy4YsiLXDYTD-tyktym0PFFPTaO3xcOOO18bQDzk6s60JgHS3pidWmJVnhfflNp_Z9a9wDbpGLn7tOojxAVKHuL1FBa9xizPLpqLcJlS75dIc8QMtTfukX3g-lzQFHx0pM5qCKeZI/s1600/main+entry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5JYBy4YsiLXDYTD-tyktym0PFFPTaO3xcOOO18bQDzk6s60JgHS3pidWmJVnhfflNp_Z9a9wDbpGLn7tOojxAVKHuL1FBa9xizPLpqLcJlS75dIc8QMtTfukX3g-lzQFHx0pM5qCKeZI/s1600/main+entry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">WELCOME</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6x4J6AQsBaf_CLdpt76ZFXWAoTSZnF04Ikpx0Ta1AyW3MvedVy3BHvz7Xurt9_a8d8NAzbyYxXra4O5t4dFSzQethyEnU6BLY-mvFyXBsB4mmRkXsR8JULc3GN6dlkvJlEXC2IzeR2tTK/s1600/foyer-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6x4J6AQsBaf_CLdpt76ZFXWAoTSZnF04Ikpx0Ta1AyW3MvedVy3BHvz7Xurt9_a8d8NAzbyYxXra4O5t4dFSzQethyEnU6BLY-mvFyXBsB4mmRkXsR8JULc3GN6dlkvJlEXC2IzeR2tTK/s1600/foyer-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The entrance to this home provides a pleasing welcome with it's bold colour scheme and inviting landscaping.  As you move inside you soon realize that the exterior is an extension of the overall feel and colour schemes utilized inside. </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">A neutral background</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is very obvious that Gail and Gary are  detail oriented people because  great attention is given to  both the  permanent fixtures  in their home as well as the smaller details. This is a warm home even though the majority of rooms are painted  Benjamin Moore CC40 cloud white, a tried and true warmish white.   Thankfully I don't have to try to put a positive spin on a cool white (e.g.,  Benjamin Moore decorator's white) which I am not in the least attracted to.  Thanks for making my job easier!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">High contrast</span></h4><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IsGbouRLsiwaUylICHzV21P6mNrHv0a0AmsOBeCTIfaBLlXndegVNKEgFymqNv37BfXDRL-yYyK0GwohU21DjGHL9ye8lzpVHvALKZ9NxgwdgxlsgtW4k1TDR8ws_OZdPdGhNVsmDqTg/s1600/finishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="high contrast black doors, black stairs, dark wood finishes" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IsGbouRLsiwaUylICHzV21P6mNrHv0a0AmsOBeCTIfaBLlXndegVNKEgFymqNv37BfXDRL-yYyK0GwohU21DjGHL9ye8lzpVHvALKZ9NxgwdgxlsgtW4k1TDR8ws_OZdPdGhNVsmDqTg/s1600/finishes.jpg" title="Finishing touches for a contemporary home" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the most striking aspects of this home is the high contrast between the  darker wood finishes</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">( hardwood, doors, stairways), and the light tile, walls and windows.  The stained glass transoms created by Don Ryall were designed to parallel the one in the entry.  Two additional transoms over the entries to the kitchen carry this patterning and contrast into the centre of the house.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vibrant accent colours</span></h4><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95rsuDrKuAs0ntZYJL4ogi73LARU-QmOR-vGWUoxWyVHVL8l1mnxnmo7zuuVv9BCZAc1TIHws9KP9A4NSgHNpVZttOAnYbafnOoBc-caLfl6J-eN18aDVVSkBDkwXHG_1kJcteNN-cpbu/s1600/accent-colours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95rsuDrKuAs0ntZYJL4ogi73LARU-QmOR-vGWUoxWyVHVL8l1mnxnmo7zuuVv9BCZAc1TIHws9KP9A4NSgHNpVZttOAnYbafnOoBc-caLfl6J-eN18aDVVSkBDkwXHG_1kJcteNN-cpbu/s1600/accent-colours.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gail has broken up the neutral framework with her love of vibrant colours liberally employed in her accents.  With each room having a different accent colour ranging from blues to orange and red you are kept interested as you move from room to room.  There is definitely an up beat feel to the space.   Knowing that Gail is a gardener, I would describe her accent colours as a garden palette.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">Function and form</span></h4><div><br /></div><h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsbcDWHw5XywsbceyH-Qv0OqWS77-b-u1I5oUt1l68kvFEpjhSGWqIqKIDYxQaCtXlPkSqeORcmyUloa7Odo5-HviKMRtEOytMncuwLsNLfBfFe1Umsw5JDbndSmGCX4dksFC4Pe1Oz6N/s1600/accessories+ff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsbcDWHw5XywsbceyH-Qv0OqWS77-b-u1I5oUt1l68kvFEpjhSGWqIqKIDYxQaCtXlPkSqeORcmyUloa7Odo5-HviKMRtEOytMncuwLsNLfBfFe1Umsw5JDbndSmGCX4dksFC4Pe1Oz6N/s1600/accessories+ff.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></h4><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">When you choose basic colours you can move things around to see where they look best. Gail's accessories for the most part are functional objects: pillows, clocks, baskets, vases, candles, trays, throws etc., which are easily interchanged.  While I was photographing, I had the urge to do just that to show the versatility in her collection of objects, but that might be another post. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><h4><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use what you have</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the struggles many people have in a move to a different style and size of home is carry over.  Often what looked great in one space, just doesn't work in another even when you keep much of the same furniture.  When I questioned Gail about this she estimated she reused about 80% of her things.  She believes  her interest in certain colours remains constant, and much of what she purchases can be used in a variety of settings.   Pillows are quickly updated with new covers, while vases, a particular favourite, alway work in a space for flowers/greenery, or to add a sculptural element to the simplest arrangement of objects.    Re-using accessories is a responsible approach to decorating, and it also provides the much needed time to find the final finishing touches.</span><br /><h4></h4><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wood tones as a backdrop</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since the vibrancy of her accent colours are reminiscent of a riot of colourful flowers,  a range of wood tones in furniture and accessories  provide  a great foil this the bold intrusion of colour. Mixing wood tones throughout a space creates warmth and carries hints of nature throughout  a home.  While some people get carried away with efforts to perfectly match wood tones,  a more eclectic approach provides greater interest.  Choose one to dominate and be flexible with the rest.  For more on  how to integrate wood tones like a pro check out <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2012/03/thoughts-on-mixing-wood-tones.html">this post</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inspiration</span></h4><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbnVFlGy-q9OZn2lqwrGY2RdR4CB-xK7uKZOWYKwzKaD1OoWfOwuFNa7QAw5WeRz9P2v_kI99smIGLVZkTvVVJDST4EXsHSQelg1UkyUunmBzDoHyN90sNQPO9I-zsZOhETaa3B-3bIUj/s1600/coffee-table-magazines.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbnVFlGy-q9OZn2lqwrGY2RdR4CB-xK7uKZOWYKwzKaD1OoWfOwuFNa7QAw5WeRz9P2v_kI99smIGLVZkTvVVJDST4EXsHSQelg1UkyUunmBzDoHyN90sNQPO9I-zsZOhETaa3B-3bIUj/s1600/coffee-table-magazines.JPG" width="277" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When asked about sources of inspiration, Gail admitted she has a  weakness for decorating magazines, and also watches  certain decorating shows.  But there is no doubt in my mind that she takes much of her inspiration from nature because it is referenced repeatedly in her home.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A good example of this is the art work over the bed in the master bedroom.  Not only does it bring us into a relaxing day by the sea it also relates to the lake that is visible through the windows.  As you can see, window treatments are minimal and frame the great views.  </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBUTZFyaqdxzbV1a88uENLta5WG8Xd-WCG2RdQSRnQgxj9V3mzMkGDyJkeAzMyqhc-pPBZGadZhsOrpgV8veL_BYYE2gW-N8rmRZEKIt5e1zt95VeGMAk1oGvJchw3pxeo453haDY_Aks/s1600/master-collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBUTZFyaqdxzbV1a88uENLta5WG8Xd-WCG2RdQSRnQgxj9V3mzMkGDyJkeAzMyqhc-pPBZGadZhsOrpgV8veL_BYYE2gW-N8rmRZEKIt5e1zt95VeGMAk1oGvJchw3pxeo453haDY_Aks/s1600/master-collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">European travels  have obviously had an impact on how The Erls' choose to organize and furnish their home from the single European duvets to the  clean lined aesthetic evident in every room.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0G8nVq6RMMFCjiHqvQRLIIcMq31C6Nvd5V2n_AyUaJNa4sxCwatZgtarLHxyCuPCkc34yo93HyNCDJYHOdPUv1uhiqZUwTjHWrjuHxHVrh11Kcg6kpuqjSqwUCqxkDG0D5n3ZvCuVdpF/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0G8nVq6RMMFCjiHqvQRLIIcMq31C6Nvd5V2n_AyUaJNa4sxCwatZgtarLHxyCuPCkc34yo93HyNCDJYHOdPUv1uhiqZUwTjHWrjuHxHVrh11Kcg6kpuqjSqwUCqxkDG0D5n3ZvCuVdpF/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTM_jHCzI0jmT37LENsaipBs10QZ6DAWpyqfoigzZZjkliyqMXL04zYS3jBSkZsFOKUM76jUsqAP102AshyphenhyphenWYpWJn8fePGyb9j-Dkptish8KUditIQ_CC1-IIXU2m991yF7ozf5jB4ozk6/s1600/vanity-+ensuite_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div><br /><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTM_jHCzI0jmT37LENsaipBs10QZ6DAWpyqfoigzZZjkliyqMXL04zYS3jBSkZsFOKUM76jUsqAP102AshyphenhyphenWYpWJn8fePGyb9j-Dkptish8KUditIQ_CC1-IIXU2m991yF7ozf5jB4ozk6/s1600/vanity-+ensuite_01.JPG" style="color: #0000ee;" width="295" /><br /><br /><div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The soft cream accents from the bedroom are darkened to a soft gold in the ensuite. Again, you can see nature references in the grain of the storage boxes and the content of artwork.</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Seasonal decorating</span></h4><div><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGoI5m4VabmIsAbBaefvGDF5KXUXDYoDJVcsapN3XyYXMX_gPTuggKUX5NZWjokk2nc-amTLFQl3ixU0KlmU6fQP5uIbhl3pMEioRcF22k7_DmBNZYTFTFBrUwCx0YN3mqZjVIV2jzTGt/s1600/fall+plants.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGoI5m4VabmIsAbBaefvGDF5KXUXDYoDJVcsapN3XyYXMX_gPTuggKUX5NZWjokk2nc-amTLFQl3ixU0KlmU6fQP5uIbhl3pMEioRcF22k7_DmBNZYTFTFBrUwCx0YN3mqZjVIV2jzTGt/s1600/fall+plants.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you choose the right accessories there isn't much you need to do when special events roll around. Gail and I  have the same decorating philosophy about seasonal decor!  The answer to all her seasonal decorating is colour specific to the season supported by what else - flowers and greenery.  Pop in a few orange flowers in the tray you saw in an earlier pic  and you're ready to go. That's where her vase collection comes in. She  also liberally uses fruit and vegetables in her arrangements.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vignettes</span></h4><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ94BYPlWKvWl0hdMEXLyQDXEAj4n3sKqqNn933CBFI8k1Tw60fs5yv2tagTxhDNo9n8rk9nMdpscsd2OaS5oyJayJCNyVq7qsxH5519UGg_96U-N9TydHSDf_WFUhcsBBZ-EjrlxcF189/s1600/Erl-kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ94BYPlWKvWl0hdMEXLyQDXEAj4n3sKqqNn933CBFI8k1Tw60fs5yv2tagTxhDNo9n8rk9nMdpscsd2OaS5oyJayJCNyVq7qsxH5519UGg_96U-N9TydHSDf_WFUhcsBBZ-EjrlxcF189/s1600/Erl-kitchen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chuckle, chuckle... decorating speak for arranged objects.  It's the perfect word in my book, but I've gotten some strange looks from clients when I use it.   There is definitely an art to arranging objects in a pleasing way.  In essence, you are creating a 3 dimensional composition.  Check out this post for lots of tips on the various lines of design you can use when composing  arrangements.  In addition, the top three things to remember are: 1) odd numbers of objects; 2) varying heights; and 3) variety in colour and texture. Then there's: repetition, balance (symmetrical and asymmetrical) and overlapping. I see all of these elements/ principles used in Gail's arrangements.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For many people decor decisions are usually made at the  instinctual level.  Each of us is attracted to various colours, shapes/forms, textures, etc., and how  they can be organized.  Often we may not be aware of our biases.  I told Gail I would seek hers out for the post.  As you can see in the collage of kitchen shots above, she has a definite attraction to vibrant colours, repetition of form and threes.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_XNgbgt8tFviaXprYlzrQkC_BXOrE4w4mCGW6QSSl6ozpHt6zRXYSYwoggxwRoQgQDuErb3LUgLqgAXJxLry5qHPWivP-8xcWu-Grd_vIz7W79LbgJhSFy1ikHhqx7qLKc9JsgO7ZmUX/s1600/apples+and+flowers_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_XNgbgt8tFviaXprYlzrQkC_BXOrE4w4mCGW6QSSl6ozpHt6zRXYSYwoggxwRoQgQDuErb3LUgLqgAXJxLry5qHPWivP-8xcWu-Grd_vIz7W79LbgJhSFy1ikHhqx7qLKc9JsgO7ZmUX/s1600/apples+and+flowers_01.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Notice the repetition of rectangles above in the art, tray and the counter, as well as a strong vertical orientation in the vase and flowers. The curves in the apples, vase and flowers help to  counteract the straight lines. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course, you have to completely ignore the electrical collage behind the interesting one! Wouldn't we love a house where all the functional elements could disappear into the walls?</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5YtE9SibbvkgNEB0UXLNZCZwx0ud7lwCh-ZeiVbpNcg_nk7NP_89uqKL2577L0ZMJ9hfHDzpXubXz88PfG-buIyGvq2XGzDi87jrHX4dZnw2NPRe98hr67S4TB9RRA8yzhxI94PpejYz/s1600/powder+room+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5YtE9SibbvkgNEB0UXLNZCZwx0ud7lwCh-ZeiVbpNcg_nk7NP_89uqKL2577L0ZMJ9hfHDzpXubXz88PfG-buIyGvq2XGzDi87jrHX4dZnw2NPRe98hr67S4TB9RRA8yzhxI94PpejYz/s1600/powder+room+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A fresh apple green is repeated throughout her powder room.  Here there are threes again and a strong vertical orientation in the daisy art work.  I've made my own vignette/collage and added the bottle and branches from her stairs. It really does work better on the stairs, but you get the idea about moving objects from room to room when you have accent colours that work well together.  See the hint of orange in the tissue box and the the centre of the flower.... ah, the possibilities with this green and that dark wood.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sightlines</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sightlines are often forgotten elements in home decor.  Looking through into another room or down a hallway and having an anchoring element/focal point to tease your eye is a way of providing interest.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGbeBPoffG34GgvBoWGdDkHIXHsLP0EsBg6otVpw99xWkhT8yzYXvvhJBFFcUUN5ADJkIo5Wqr1F844E7Y2N_edeLoUSpL2sx4x98X8T3J2D5Ej-s4Dyl_KvzPHCsm8wiWt4CSuAgrQhm/s1600/sightlines_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGbeBPoffG34GgvBoWGdDkHIXHsLP0EsBg6otVpw99xWkhT8yzYXvvhJBFFcUUN5ADJkIo5Wqr1F844E7Y2N_edeLoUSpL2sx4x98X8T3J2D5Ej-s4Dyl_KvzPHCsm8wiWt4CSuAgrQhm/s1600/sightlines_01.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">When you enter the foyer in the Erls' home and open the door to the living area you are greeted by this eye catching photograph of  their daughter, Karen taken by <a href="http://www.jreidstudios.com/">J. Reid Studios</a>.  Not only does it provide a focal point from the entry, it continues to have a strong visual pull in the living room and dining room. </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyyNqGXRU6gO6aXf1kjOP39q1nAdFjnPAfqiARyt6ovf8UQR_S9bEMYY_7XjXs8DQ8OlS82f2UnEfpgFbvJdSnodqwAIlTBtZJkS479rrCR4sDkuVSx_3wdmka4W48CHoH7iwNz1xR63n/s1600/flowers-portrait.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyyNqGXRU6gO6aXf1kjOP39q1nAdFjnPAfqiARyt6ovf8UQR_S9bEMYY_7XjXs8DQ8OlS82f2UnEfpgFbvJdSnodqwAIlTBtZJkS479rrCR4sDkuVSx_3wdmka4W48CHoH7iwNz1xR63n/s1600/flowers-portrait.JPG" width="306" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Arranging things below such a striking piece  takes restraint because the portrait  has to shine.  You can see that the majority of  objects are darker, simple forms of varying heights.  Adding colourful things to this vignette would not have worked  half as well. The plant provides softness and connects well with the other plants/flowers in the room.   Also notice how the objects form a zig zag effect as they are arranged across the long expanse of table top - one of the best strategies for console tables. Balance is created without symmetry.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGy-bPrkLgrhK0-mj8vsll0N_SWiBjoXBKkCz9OlE-B2mVsb1Ge7EzHMkFU8-THLMhGGjLMk6knmFSsYsxySZCig8950SnFCsX1abw-0OurLSDAxdPuVv5JAEKZTrDgq-07I1b616s1FfH/s1600/kimono-chest+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="red Ikea media cabinet, Asian influences, kimono, vignette" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGy-bPrkLgrhK0-mj8vsll0N_SWiBjoXBKkCz9OlE-B2mVsb1Ge7EzHMkFU8-THLMhGGjLMk6knmFSsYsxySZCig8950SnFCsX1abw-0OurLSDAxdPuVv5JAEKZTrDgq-07I1b616s1FfH/s1600/kimono-chest+.JPG" title="At Home: Finishing touches for a contemporary home" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: start;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When you walk out of the guest bedroom or up the main stairway this vignette greets you.</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAUxUYfzBNyIn6uCUkFOd__rdd-RrNGrZeKKu4rqYx9twv5UCoQzKNCpA9E2j6iW43BD5WuTP2kim06DkJ9MueZ-IMJuLzMpJjYRYMw68bsrdT1pz5Zs5ve7cgbqfuVRHyMpRlzTxPqyE/s1600/guest-bedroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="european duvets, striped bedding, red accent bedroom, accessories " border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAUxUYfzBNyIn6uCUkFOd__rdd-RrNGrZeKKu4rqYx9twv5UCoQzKNCpA9E2j6iW43BD5WuTP2kim06DkJ9MueZ-IMJuLzMpJjYRYMw68bsrdT1pz5Zs5ve7cgbqfuVRHyMpRlzTxPqyE/s1600/guest-bedroom.JPG" title="At Home: Finishing touches for a contemporary home" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeW1YaA9qpZR0_IbNHn8ZfXlLVwqrNfYgMIAN9MdPjV3EmV_jtxBEs1wpHywKgHr7B4P3nlUIyNWAAIu4-lfnNYEXFtuwYNNc8usYhJFUJCM7M-VRV4xhNJVkuuvT3-v7MxKvDqMBg-1Dt/s1600/console-guest-room_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeW1YaA9qpZR0_IbNHn8ZfXlLVwqrNfYgMIAN9MdPjV3EmV_jtxBEs1wpHywKgHr7B4P3nlUIyNWAAIu4-lfnNYEXFtuwYNNc8usYhJFUJCM7M-VRV4xhNJVkuuvT3-v7MxKvDqMBg-1Dt/s1600/console-guest-room_01.JPG" width="291" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The red is carried forward into the guest room and ....</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRt0-Nxtsn-9Osf4ANBPjreQAesczKzU8jcyixA4tgGtgAOpEr0Dw7zLDsCJiNThgD-SxffZbFn5Cmg626Ebn7mjJJH58br-YyP0UlMUyI-0RfYBZQZ1MQ2cvujMFNXhXe9ovPNi1B22mH/s1600/main+bath+vignette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRt0-Nxtsn-9Osf4ANBPjreQAesczKzU8jcyixA4tgGtgAOpEr0Dw7zLDsCJiNThgD-SxffZbFn5Cmg626Ebn7mjJJH58br-YyP0UlMUyI-0RfYBZQZ1MQ2cvujMFNXhXe9ovPNi1B22mH/s1600/main+bath+vignette.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">.<span style="font-family: inherit;">..the orange from the kimono is used as an accent in the main bath.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">There's so much more I didn't write about, but I've generously sampled the finishing touches in this home.  Thanks so much to the Erls for graciously agreeing to have us tour their home.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Perhaps you have a favourite element or room or you  would like to share your ideas in the comments.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4></h4>

At Home: Finishing touches for a contemporary home

Accepting a visitor/decorator into your home to deconstruct it in words and pictures is not for the faint of heart.  There's  an element...

Read more »