My Top 5 Foundation Pieces for Interior Styling
I get a LOT of questions about styling. The truth is- it is something that has always come naturally to me, and I spend a lot of time moving things around because it brings me joy and stress relief. I’m constantly composing vignettes and switching things up in our home, just for fun. Emmett catches little nuances, asking “Wasn’t that there the other day?!” In addition to playing mind games with my husband, it’s just a fun hobby of mine that eventually turned into my job. Styling really isn’t difficult- especially when you have a good foundation and formula to work from. I thought it may be helpful to break down my top five foundation pieces for interior styling in a blog post. Any guesses what they are? Trays, books, vessels, art, and objects. These pieces work for styling year round, and might come in handy this holiday season once you’re ready to decorate. Click through!
In this post, we’re going to zoom into a vignette and focus on the objects that support it. I also want to explain why they work, how function comes into play, and what makes a beautiful styled vignette. Ready to dive in?!
#1: Trays & Pedestals
First up… trays and pedestals. Trays are quite literally the foundation piece for styling. They help to ground a vignette and provide a grid for other objects to rest upon. They’re great for visual organization, and also come in handy for functional purposes- like a place to rest a drink (no coaster necessary). Trays and pedestals also help to elevate a styled vignette. Adding height and layers is all part of creating balance, and to do that- you need items that lift, while grounding. Make sense? I’m dropping some favorites below!
#2: Books
In September, I shared a giant post filled with my favorite interior design books. In addition to new books, I also do a lot of thrifting when it comes to adding to my collection. If you haven’t read my 10 tips for shelf styling with LOTS of books, it’s a must read! Regardless of where my books come from or what content they are filled with, they serve multiple purposes: entertaining, inspiration, and of course- interior styling. Books are probably my most used and relied upon styling tool. They really are the most versatile object you can style with! They add height, texture, color, interest (I love browsing favorite titles & topics in homes), and they act similarly to a tray to ground a vignette. You can stack them, slide them onto a shelf, or use them to elevate other accessories. Books are a must for a great vignette.
#3: Vessels & Bowls
Next- vessels and bowls. These super functional objects help to corral items and provide organization (both visually and physically). Most bowls are round and have a curvy feminine shape… soft lines are always a welcomed feminine addition to any styled vignette. Adding these softer pieces helps to break up hard, angular lines (remember contrast is a great thing). They also carry a sculptural, gallery look- which I really love in residential settings. I can never have enough vessels & bowls to style with. They end up in the majority of my vignettes.
#4: Art
Artwork is sprinkled throughout our entire house. Sometimes it’s obvious and sometimes you really have to look to discover a piece tucked here or there (like a scavenger hunt). From large art to small art, to art of all different mediums… I truly enjoy layering it into our home. It works great as a backdrop for styling and helps to add a vertical, two dimensional plane when you need to fill negative space. It also tells the story of the inhabitants of a home. I love that people walk into our house and find a horse in every room. They immediately wonder why we like horses and the story behind our equine artwork. Art gives a vignette personality and shouldn’t be skipped!
#5: Interesting or Functional Objects
Last, but certainly not least… objects! Objects can be functional (like our hand that holds our keys, pictured below) or they can just be interesting. From sculptural objects to pieces that spark conversation, these items also add character to a vignette. Might I recommend a bust, a bookend, or a vintage hand? Hah! All of these quirky objects found throughout our home complete the vignette and are the finishing touch in the foreground.
I hope this post was helpful if you’re working to compile your very own “capsule collection” of styling objects. These are the five components that nearly all of my vignettes include. They’re versatile, always work well, and don’t go out of style. Just like in fashion, maybe you have a black dress, an awesome pair of jeans, and a fabulous handbag- think of styling objects in the same way… but for your home. I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions in the comment section below! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend ahead. I’m actually headed out of town with two of my best friends for a little road trip. Sedona, here we come! I’m looking forward to escaping work for a few days. Have a lovely day, my friends!