Group Mentality

There is something to be said about a great grouping in decorating. As a way to create impact, interest and that “wow” factor that every room should try to achieve in some way or another, start thinking about grouping to make it happen. I’ll admit that some things can stand alone and create impact in a room – a fabulous oversized painting above a mantle, a statuesque sculpture sitting by itself by a beautiful window overlooking a garden, and so on. But, by and large, to create impact in your decor it’s best to think about groups.

Case in point, whether I’m working on a job styling or propping for a magazine, newspaper or advertising job, I always pay close attention to the accessories that are needed, and what would work best together. Be it be candles on a table, artwork on the wall, or vases on a fireplace mantle, it’s important to create a vignette that is attractive and interesting to the eye. And yes, this is often the tricky part. However, generally speaking, there are a few rules to follow.

Try using the same or similar coloured items. If you want to create a lovely centerpiece for dinner or just for display, try and choose at least 3 vessels of the same colour. Shapes and texture will automatically complement one another if all the items are white, or black or even hot pink.

 

 

Ground the collection. Trays, mirrors or interesting pieces of stone or wood are fabulous for grounding a collection. I pick up trays everywhere I go, and use them on bedside tables underneath a lamp, clock and water glass. It gives the grouping an immediate feeling of unification.

 

Shape matters. If possible, choose shapes that are pleasing to the eye, and contrast each other in some way. For instance, a tall skinny glass vase alongside smaller wider and rounder glass vessels creates that impact you’re after. Put a selection of blooms in each and you probably have some “wow” factor.

Finally, have fun with groupings. I personally love framing a colourful painting my 3 year old did at preschool with a finely framed expensive art piece, some wooden initials, and so on. I love mixing medias, shapes and sizes of artwork – but I do try and keep frame colours the same or similar. Lighthearted alongside serious – like they say, opposites attract and in this instance, it’s true.