The Art of Arranging

One of the services I provide my clients is Home Adornment. I essentially take what they have and re-arrange it to refresh the look of their home. (I also bring in new accessories, as needed.) There is an art to arranging pieces and many people struggle with it. Generally, here's what I see as some common problems:

1. Too much stuff crammed together (picture frames seem to be a typical one here)



2. Not enough stuff (often times because the person is so paralyzed by the thought, they end up doing nothing)



3. The arrangement is just missing an element or two.

So, like fashion, many of the rigid rules are gone and there's a lot more creativity and flexibility in what you can do. Nonetheless, there are some guidelines that certainly help. Here are just a few:

1. Group in odd numbers - 1, 3, 5, etc.



2. Have variations in height to fill the space



3. For a more formal look, the groupings should be mirror images; for less formal, less "matchy"



4. Be careful with collections - there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Create vignettes throughout a room, if possible, rather that having a whole rack of the same thing.

Here are some examples:

ABOVE: The matching lamps brings in a bit of formality, but the other objects add whimsy.




This is a great example of a simple, yet more formal arrangement

(photo by Justin Bernhaut for Domino Magazine May 07 Issue) This picture shows both great arrangement of artwork and the accessories on the table. I love adding a bit of nature to an arrangement - it adds a nice textural feel.

This is a bookcase in my house. Here's another example of adding a natural piece - this one really "pops" against the black. (It's a branch I bought at Pottery Barn.) Plus, the addition of the small vases gives a nice contrast of color to help tie the room together. Notice this bookcase isn't jammed with books, but displayed in an artful way.