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.