Global Eclectic Vignette and Styling Tips

Want to know something that I love doing? I love sourcing and curating unique and eclectic items and putting them together to create visually appealing vignettes. 

A vignette is like a 3D scrapbook. It is a chance to display favorite finds, items that you love, mementos from trips. It often consists of simple objects that make the owner's heart beat a little faster. Displaying the objects in new, fresh, and unique ways elevates them into a curated collection that invites people to take a longer look.

I put together this global eclectic vignette with recent finds that will be for sale in my pop-up shop. Keep reading to see the details!

A large, hand-embroidered are piece (signed in the corner) set the tone for this display. I love the colorful animals and nature in this embroidered piece. 

A piece of thrifted fabric adds more color and works well as table cloth or covering.

On the right hand side an old photo of a Torri Gate is propped against the wall. Behind it is an Aztec brass plate. I don't usually buy these types of brass plates, but this one is heavy and different than most that I see. I did have some rust and stains on it (I think a metal planter sat on it) that I removed with Brasso. A divided rattan box, probably for a vanity, holds three similar shells, candles, and a carved wood box. 

Two different sized rattan bowls nest with a wood ball in it. The bowls incorporate fantastic, warm, organic texture. Behind the bottles sit two identical glass bottles with willow branches from our yard in them. The branches are wild and add movement to the symmetrical bottles. Use what you have--clippings from the yard are perfect for vignettes. 

Note, the carved wood bowl hung sideways. Why sideways? Because it fit in the space but, more importantly, why not? A bit of whimsy is good for the soul.

A hand carved, wood deer-swan or deer bowl completes the vignette. It could be used to hold bits and baubles, collected trinkets. I left it empty with the willow leaves falling into it.

Art from different countries, objects with organic, natural textures purposefully placed and propped come together to create an interesting and visually appealing vignette.

Vignette tips:

1. Gather objects that have a common theme, color, feel, but aren't too matchy, matchy.

2. Vary heights, shapes, and materials, but do have some repetition.

3. Create smaller displays within the larger vignette such as the divided wood box, Torri Gate photo, and brass plate.

4. Incorporate nature--branches, flowers, shells, rocks.

5. Use some symmetry in the vignette.

6. Layer objects.

7. Don't forget something unexpected or whimsical.

8. Play, have fun, and take pictures to see what is or isn't working.

Recently Sourced Fall Finds

Okay, before anyone yells at me, I KNOW it is only mid July and we have a whole lot of summer left before autumn arrives. And I am not wishing long, hot summer days away. BUT, I am starting to curate and source items for fall sales and here are a few of them!

Keep reading to see the details on these fabulous, fall finds.

This picture frame was made from two old windows. Whomever made it did an excellent job adding mattes and backing to it. The plaid Pottery Barn napkins are perfect for fall table settings. 

I don't often buy old rolling pins anymore, they don't really sell. But, this one has great patina with well worn, red handles and the price was right. The handmade tiles have fantastic color and came with picture hangers on the back. They would be perfect for a small spot in a kitchen.

This large poppy needlepoint is beautifully handcrafted and a great transition piece for ushering fall in. The rooster platter would serve up a nice fall meal.

A nice wood frame is always appreciated and the wood trough bowls were found at two different thrift stores on different days. These always look so good on dining or coffee tables. A gold detail box (I think made for a knife or art supplies) and a brass lion bookend incorporate warm autumn colors. Note the Woolrich, corduroy quilt everything is displayed on. Oh, and the copper bar set came in its box and everything was wrapped so it is definitely brand new.

The antique carved wall shelf reminds me of something that would hold the Eucharist in a Catholic church. I am unsure, but it is a gorgeous piece. The brass trays, the vintage children's book, and the Ralph Lauren wool blanket make my heart go pitter-patter.

The copper bucket holds two gold framed, made in Italy pictures. The old wood hangers are perfect for displaying art or blankets.

In the upper part of the above photo is a sturdy, slatted bench and a wool pillow. 

I love sourcing new items for my customers, and a few for myself. And while I am enjoying lazy, hot summer days, I look forward to fall decorating in both my pop-up shop and at home. 

FYI--Here are my next POP-UP SHOP opening dates!

Using Thrifted Clothes to Reupholster

When I need to recover something, the thrift store is always my number one, go to spot to find fabric for the project. I look at not only the fabric scraps thrift stores sell, but also at the bedding, linens, rugs, and clothing. So, when I recently purchased this sweater on half price day ($2.50) I knew it would make great fabric for a vintage stool I wanted to recover.

Now, I must say I was tempted to keep it and wear it. It is super soft and was spendy for someone who originally bought it. But, it didn't fit right, the sleeves were too short, and I don't really resell clothes so I decided upholstery fabric it was! 

I reupholstered this great vintage stool six years ago. I used thrift store clothing then too--a wool vest with great blue and green colors.

This stool is an oldie, this is the tag under it.

While we loved it and definitely use it, I don't have a lot of turquoise or aqua in my decor anymore so I decided it needed a makeover.

The stool is ow being used in the sitting area in our attic space. This space is my new art room, TV spot, and lounging area. It is also the coolest spot in the house right now because it is the room with a standing air conditioner. 

Everything else in the space is second hand and thrifted as well--the rug, the chairs, the table, the quilt hanging on the half wall, the art and decor.

I did show the space awhile ago on my social media. Since then I did find this cute, bamboo, demilune table that works better between the two chairs. 

I saved as much of the sweater as I could because I will use the rest for a pillow or two for the chairs. The colors in the space are reflective of my favorite season, autumn. They are earthy and calming and the newly recovered stool is the perfect addition to the space.

Remember to see the possibilities in thrifted finds and look for what something CAN be rather than what it is.

A Beachy Vignette & Furniture Makeovers

Okay, so let's start with a game--what is wrong with this picture?

Did you find it? The vintage shell sketch propped on the table is upside down. I would like to say it was intentional, something artsy I was trying, but sadly it was not. I didn't notice it until I had taken apart this staged vignette and uploaded my photos. Oh well, it hopefully won't bother you as much as it does me.

Let's start with the BEFORE pictures of the garage sale table,

and the garage sale, vintage, Drexel chair.

For the table, I sanded the black spray paint off to reveal lovely wood, perhaps mahogany?? The table is old and is heavy and well made. I didn't have sanding and stripping the curvy legs in me, so I chose to paint them a lovely, light, sage green.

The chair is not completely finished in these photos, I had a little more sanding to do on it. I stripped most of the finish off. I will use a protective clear coat on it that will keep the light, bleached wood look (I think this is white maple). I recovered the seat with a thrift store rug. It was a challenge to cut and staple so that there weren't any bulky spots, but I love the heavy fabric texture and the ocean blues in it.

I decided to show off these furniture upcycles with recent thrifted and garage sale finds in a simple, beachy vignette and sitting area. So besides the upside art, let's talk about what works with this display.

A wool rug that has beachy blues and greens and sunset peaches and oranges is a fantastic, temporary way to add some color and texture to the wall. Note how I didn't center the table against the rug. Hanging it off-center from the table adds interest and is a fresh way to display a wall hanging. Asymmetry is a good thing in vignettes. A bamboo handled picnic basket, perfect for a day at the beach, and works to hold items that you may want to hide in space. The bamboo handle and rattan basket add organic textures to the space.

A vintage, signed and number, etched plate print of a beach shack hangs on the wall. A bamboo and rattan tray repeat the textures found in the picnic basket and add height to the vignette. A couple pieces of driftwood add more height on the right side of the print.

The shell sketch sits atop the table, propped against the tray. Next to the tray behind the propped art is a candlesticks holding a decanter full of sea glass and shells.

On the table sits a shell-filled, thrifted planter in a lovely, ocean blue color. Three, larger, fancy shells sit on the table.  

Color, texture, repeated elements, varying heights, pieces with storage and purpose all make this beach inspired sitting spot ideal for a bedroom or family room.

5 Ways to Use an Accordion Peg Rack

Accordion peg racks are common finds at thrift stores. I probably see at least one a week at the local thrift shops. 

There are lots of different ways you can use this classic hanging racks in your home. Here are five ideas.

Use the peg reg as an ever-changing, decorative wall art piece. Add and subtract favorite items seasonally. Wire wrapped around a yellow glass bottle makes a hangable vase. The 1970 basket purse was a bit unstable on the peg so I used a rubber band to secure it. A favorite frame hangs evenly when placed on two pegs.

An accordion peg rack makes a great display for unframed art or photos. Tuck smaller pieces  in between the overlapping wood slats and hang larger pieces on wood pant hangers. These are all my painting practice pieces.

A more traditional use for a peg rack is to use it for coats, hats, and bags. It would be great in a closet or bathroom to hang favorite, frequently worn shirts.

The peg rack can be hung vertically and narrow wood pieces will rest on the pegs to make a display shelf. You need to use a nail or screw under one of the cross joints so that the rack doesn't move. I would secure the wood pieces with a bit of hot glue to make a perfect shelf for a favorite collection or small trinkets.

And the typical use for these accordion peg racks is in the kitchen as mug and towel holders. They look nice hanging on the wall under cupboards or above a coffee station. 

A few other ways to utilize these racks include drying flowers and herbs, hanging towels in the bathroom or outdoors by a swimming pool, displaying a vintage tablecloth collection, hang copper pots from one, or use to display a wood cutting board collection. There are so many ideas and ways to put these pieces to work in your home--be sure to pick them up when you see them!

Red, White, and Blue Decor that Isn't a Flag

If you love red, white, and blue decor for summer here is your reminder that you don't have to drape flags all over your house to achieve the festive look you are looking for. I believe flags are meant to be flown respectfully, not used as decorations. If you like to decorate with flags, that is great, I just don't.

These recently sourced items add perfect vintage Americana style to any home. Keep reading to learn about the details on these thrifted finds.

The blue wood box is homemade and has lots of compartments in it. It makes a great display piece open, but could be set on a table closed as a lift that adds some color. The vintage white and blue tablecloth and other vintage linens add color and pattern.

The mosaic tile barn art is a nice piece of folk art. The red ceramic berry basket can be used to hold berries or flowers.

The colors in this vintage still life incorporate the summer scheme without being too literal.

A cotton navy blue striped blanket in a red gingham lined wire basket holding a bicentennial plate and a faux red geranium all speak of summer.

Blue tin graniteware, a gold bell sitting on red stool, vintage books all incorporate more Americana without being too over the top. Remember to have fun when sourcing new items for your home and look for things that convey the mood or theme that you want to create without being too literal. Subtle touches are better design than over-the-top.