Styling Shelves : Principles of storytelling through visual display
Styling vignettes is my absolute favorite thing to do! It’s such a wonderful form of storytelling, and I use vignette-styling to share bits and pieces of myself with my friends and family that come by our home to visit. They are truly a good way to get to know me, and that is precisely how to use vignettes, as an invitation to share yourself with your loved ones.
I love visiting my friend’s homes and learning about them through the way they have laid out little clues (vignettes) throughout their home. So I would love to share the principles I use to create these sweet spaces!
Principle 1: Vertical Horizontal
Vertical: Styling top to bottom on rows of color Horizontal: Left to right in rows of color
Principle 2: Pyramiding
Using a focal point bringing the eyes to the middle and focusing in on a product. In this case, I’ve used a wreath to bring your eyes to the center of the shelf display. However, this can be applied to feature walls, tables, and shelfs.
Principle 3: Stacking
Stacking is just that - using more items and staking them on one another. I applied this principle by stacking the bell, and three Christmas trees on the book.
Principle 4: Symmetry & Balance
For me, this makes a space comfy and easier for my house guests to experience and navigate through each vignette I’ve laid out. Makes people feel good and not overwhelmed.
Principle 5: Consistency & Repetition
This principle reiterates (like the three Christmas trees and two reindeer for example).
Principle 6: Color Balancing
Visually, balancing the color throughout my entire home and vignettes are extremely important. Colors tell a story just as much as the actual item you’re using to create the vignette. It’s best to keep the colors cohesive when styling. I used a palette of matched tones (brown, black, gold, and forrest green). Be sure to balance the colors well and by being mindful of their placement and spacing - use color variations to achieve the right feeling.
Principle 7: Storytelling
To reiterate, I use visual display to incite imagination and allow my guests to get to know me. A good vignette concept will give your house-visitors inspiration and help them get to know your character. I used this shelf display to convey a Christmas theme, and to share the things I love most about Christmas.