How to Create a Fresh, Visually Appealing Vignette

The lilacs are finally starting to bloom in Montana, at least on the south side of my lilac bushes.

 I couldn't wait to bring some inside--they smell so delicious!

A vase full of fresh flowers called for creating a lovely spring vignette with unique finds and personality. If there is one thing I know that I can do well, it is that I have the ability to create a visually appealing, cohesive, and pretty vignette with random, curated items. Keep reading to see why this works and how to put together your own, unique to you, display.

I started with my freshly cut lilacs in a vintage, waterfall, Hull vase. I knew this was going to be the centerpiece of my vignette, although that doesn't mean it has to be in the center of my display. Allowing the vase of flowers to be the tallest item makes it the center of attention.

Placing curated finds on a tray, in this case a round, thrifted mirror, helps the random objects to not look cluttered and creates cohesion. Repeating colors, shapes of objects, or theme also lends to a vignette that looks like it was thoughtfully collected and created.

I repeated the color green, although using different shades. I also used three rectangle shapes--the books, the carved, wood box, and the painting that acts as a "placemat" or a little tray for the brass candlestick.

Two vintage poetry books I picked up for a quarter each at a garage sale add more color and height. The Where the Sidewalk Ends book has recently been banned in certain states that like to ban books. It was a favorite of mine to read from to my students when I was a teacher. 

Vary the height of objects and think of a triangle when placing them. The flowers are the tallest item, then the candle on the books, and then the candle on the painting. The box is not part of the height triangle, but creates another triangle with the books and the painting.

The carved wood box adds another texture. The warm color of the wood mimics the warm brass candlesticks. Use items that you love and that have a personal meaning. The heart shaped beach finds are form the trip to Maui that Hubby and I recently took.

It was a long, cold winter and fresh flowers from my yard are a welcomed reminder that it is warm again and winter is finally over. Bring them in your home, make them pretty with curated and found items that you have gathered and love. Mmmm, and take a deep breath and smell their loveliness.