Magazine

Your guide to creating smaller vignettes

Hone in on your overall interior aesthetic through curating decorative collections.

The what 

Determining your personal style can seem like a big ask — but you don’t have to define your interior aesthetic in its entirety. Instead, flex your curatorial muscles on smaller vignettes that provide a low-risk opportunity to play. When choosing what to include, shop intentionally, yet leave room for the fun of spontaneous finds in unexpected places. Items from craft markets and thrift stores can combine beautifully with investment treasures to create collections that are uniquely you, so just be guided by what makes your heart sing.

MAIN IMAGE, BACKGROUND Panel in Resene Indian Ink, prop in Resene Botticelli, resene.co.nz. Fabric and flower stylist’s own. OBJECTS FROM LEFT Tumbler by Monmouth Glass Studio, $75, tessuti.co.nz. Plate by Yamaguchi Pottery, $50, astuteassembly.com. Wave incense holder by Rachel Saunders Ceramics, $96, fourth-st.com. Herringbone vase by Phil Cuttance, $149, everyday-needs.com. Onyx grapes, $150, fourth-st.com.

The where

Another bonus of starting small is it means you can begin now; it’s micro-redecorating — no major decisions, commitments or paint charts required. All you need is a surface — sideboard, mantelpiece, you name it. Casting your eye over your vignette each time you pass by will bring beauty to your everyday and inspire you to mull over your aesthetic preferences for larger projects. 

ABOVE, BACKGROUND Plinth in Resene Kalgoorlie Sands, resene.co.nz. Fabric stylist’s own. OBJECTS FROM LEFT Akebia table mat, $45, everyday-needs.com. Egg cup by Creamore Mill, $16, fatherrabbit.com. Vessel, $200, emmabadeia.com. Fan by The Beach People, $25, paperplanestore.com. Raised glass plate by Mayuko Ogawa, $780, astuteassembly.com. Rania concrete pear, $26, fatherrabbit.com. Ikebana vase by Shiho Hayashi, $550, astuteassembly.com.

The how

No strong theme for a vignette? No worries — miscellaneous assortments are more intriguing anyway. One key to mastering an interesting mix is blending ornamental pieces with functional ones, such as candles, jugs and trays. Aim to juxtapose scale, height, material, shape and purpose, telling stories of your life and loves in each arrangement. Add flowers or foliage for their form and fragrance — a single bloom or branch is all it takes. 

ABOVE, BACKGROUND Panel in Resene Moccaccino, resene.co.nz. Fabric, book and flower stylist’s own. OBJECTS FROM LEFT Sun tray, $149, powersurge.co.nz. Bubble candle, $20, instagram.com/behindtheblushdoor. Bronze Venus ornament, $285, babelogue.shop. Jug by Jochen Holz for Hay, $85, cultdesign.co.nz. Tub jug, $198, and Ridge vase, $198, by Muuto, bauhaus.co.nz. Brown jug, $45, flotsamandjetsam.co.nz. 

Styling Juliette Wanty
Photography Scott Hardy

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