A couple of days ago, I received a call from a prospect grumbling that she had recently engaged another professional to do up her apartment but found, to her dismay, that the result didn't provide the impact she was looking for. She eventually concluded that one key ingredient is missing and asked if I could help her tie up the loose ends.
That important component she was referring to is the accessorizing of the whole space. Accessorizing is such an important part of interior design, but it's often the part that most home owners miss out. It is the finishing touch to an otherwise bland-looking space.
"How difficult can it be to decorate up a room?" you may ask. But my friend, it's really easier said than done.
Specifically, let's look at tablescaping, which is basically the art of arranging objects on a horizontal surface. Tablescapes are a great way to show off your most cherished items or collections. On a deeper level, it's an insight into the personality of the person who gathers these interesting bits and pieces together. Personally, I find a bare table disturbing. It's comparable to a person without soul.
It's pretty obvious one shouldn't be dashing off to a shop to shop for home accessories right away. Instead, look at what you already have. Run through your collection of books and memorabilia you’ve collected over the years first. A home is not a showroom, so it should never be a staged performance.
All the principles of interior design - unity, harmony, balance, proportion, contrast and rhythm - apply to the art of tablescaping, as I call it. The twist comes from your personal interpretation of those principles.
Here are some tips I hope you will find useful when you are sculpting your own tablescapes:
1. Grouping objects of different shapes but in the same color can be good idea. One can further create strong visual interest with objects in a single color but different textures.
2. Experiment with the rule of opposites: pair glossy surfaces with matte ones, vintage objects with contemporary pieces, round bowls with square vases. You get it.
3. Balance is everything. Keep items from feeling disjointed by playing around with the heights of the objects so that things will look pleasing but not boring. Ensure the objects are not overly small. And remember to choose at least one bolder item to be a main focal point.
6. This links back to what I've said earlier: a home is not a showroom. Make sure to leave space on a table for it to be actually functional.
Stan
All the principles of interior design - unity, harmony, balance, proportion, contrast and rhythm - apply to the art of tablescaping, as I call it. The twist comes from your personal interpretation of those principles.
Here are some tips I hope you will find useful when you are sculpting your own tablescapes:
1. Grouping objects of different shapes but in the same color can be good idea. One can further create strong visual interest with objects in a single color but different textures.
2. Experiment with the rule of opposites: pair glossy surfaces with matte ones, vintage objects with contemporary pieces, round bowls with square vases. You get it.
3. Balance is everything. Keep items from feeling disjointed by playing around with the heights of the objects so that things will look pleasing but not boring. Ensure the objects are not overly small. And remember to choose at least one bolder item to be a main focal point.
4. It is not wrong to decorate with just one object, but do make sure its size is right. For example, wide and bold might work better than tall and skinny.
5. Books make for some of the best decorative accessories around and act as ideal pedestals to elevate shorter display objects. And yes, they make you look intelligent too. Even if you're not.
5. Books make for some of the best decorative accessories around and act as ideal pedestals to elevate shorter display objects. And yes, they make you look intelligent too. Even if you're not.
6. This links back to what I've said earlier: a home is not a showroom. Make sure to leave space on a table for it to be actually functional.
Stan
