Today I wanted to share with you a tactic that stylists and designers use to elevate a room’s presence. During the decorating phase of a project, pros often create little “vignettes”.
When you see the word vignette, what comes to mind? Wikipedia describes a vignette as:
” … a short impressionistic scene that focuses on one moment or character and gives a trenchant impression about that character, an idea, setting, and/or object.[1] It’s a short, descriptive passage that’s more about evoking meaning through imagery than it is about plot.”
This description is very much in line with how a vignette functions in a home. I would describe a vignette as a little “moment” within a larger space. When I am shooting a house for a home tour on the blog, I often seek out these spots because of the emotion they evoke. That is one of the differences between looking at real estate photos of a house versus a magazine spread. Real estate photos are mostly “whole room” shots, while editorial style photos incorporate vignettes and close-ups. The approach is different because the objective is different.
Here are a few examples of some beautiful vignettes:
Nice, right? Vignettes are usually functional, but also styled in an appealing way to draw you in. Perhaps you’re wondering what the difference is between a vignette and all that jazz I recently described in my post about styling. There is a lot of overlap. A vignette is usually styled. But not all styling is done for a vignette. For example, a kitchen can be “styled” with a bowl of oranges on the counter, maybe a big case of flowers or a pretty dish towel. But within that kitchen, there may be a cute little coffee station or a bar cart that has not only been styled, but is actually its own vignette.
Spotting Vignettes:
To better help illustrate this concept, let’s take a look a look at an example of a room that has been styled, followed by the vignettes within the room
This shot captures the whole room. The throw, the pillows and that fluffy white thing were all added to style the room and make it more appealing. I also see at least 3 vignettes: 1) the fireplace mantel, 2) the console table with the round mirror, and 3) the console with the artwork over it. Not surprisingly, the photographer has mixed in photos of the vignettes along with the pulled back shots in the post that features this tour.
Why are vignettes even a “thing”?
Now that you hopefully know how to spot a vignette, you will probably notice them a lot more in your favorite decor magazines or blogs. Maybe even at your friend’s house that looks effortlessly put together. Beyond just being able to identify them, here are a few reasons why you might want to create a vignette in your own house:
- Gives your room/house a more pulled together look.
- Creates a more intentional space.
- Adds emotion and feeling to a space.
Creating a vignette in your home:
Adding a vignette or two in your house can be a fun exercise in creativity without much cost. Just thinking about each space and the function you want it to serve will create little intentional moments. These moments will add up to creating a personalized and interesting space that is uniquely yours. Here are a few steps to creating a vignette in your house.
- Pick a spot in your home. This could be a little reading nook, a console in a foyer, a dressing table in your bedroom. The location is up to you.
- Establish the major pieces of furniture (if any). In the case of the mantel, you may not need to add any furniture. If it’s a reading nook, you might have the chair, but not a side table. Bring in what you need.
- Layer on your supporting players. You may need to add a lamp, a vase, a mirror. Just some interesting pieces that will add function to the space. Try to find interesting, unique pieces that make a statement.
- Style away. Add a few meaningful or beautiful touches to draw you on. This could be some flowers, a sculptural object or a piece of art that you love.
- Take a photo. Once you are finished assembling your vignette, take a straight on photo with your phone. Does the spot look inviting all on its own? You are on the right track!
So are you ready to give it a whirl?
For more tips and advice on home decor, see the rest of my “Design Lessons” HERE.
