How to Style an Organic Vignette

Start with something simple. For this example I used 1) a wooden platter, 2) my favorite botanical candle, and 3) an air plant resting on some pebbles in a vintage soap dish. My base is a rattan tray.

One of my favorite ways to invite more nature into a home is with organic vignettes. A vignette, for those of you who don’t know, is a small grouping of curated items used to fill a space, like décor. By incorporating a plant or plants along with other organic items into a vignette, you can amplify the effect of the natural elements being used. It also allows you to distribute more organic materials throughout the home in a balanced fashion.

Typically, you choose an item to be the “anchor," or the main item that the others are grouped around, so start by selecting something you want to feature. It could be a plant, a picture, a book, a family heirloom,... When incorporating a plant or plants into a vignette, keep in mind the space you have to work with and the amount of natural light available. While I prefer to use live plants whenever possible, faux greenery may be called for if it’s not an ideal location or practical to use real plants. (Or maybe you just don’t have a green thumb. That's okay!) Real or fake, a plant is still symbolic of nature and the outdoors, and that’s what is important.

Once you have your anchor selected, gather some items of interest that would complement each other. You may have a theme in mind or a color scheme they all share. Remember to include organic items such as wood, stone, and plant-based fibers like jute, rattan, bamboo, cork. Patterns and textures can also invoke a nature-inspired look. Have fun, play around with it. (Pro tip: Vintage items add whimsy and appeal. You can find lots of great stuff at local antique stores, consignment shops, Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, and more!)

The number of items you incorporate into your vignette is also important. Generally speaking, try to group items in odd numbers (3, 5, 7 is the rule of thumb). That means you'll need to practice editing your selections. Also, varying the height of the items is key. Typically, you would place a taller or larger item in the back and smaller items in front. This “layering” effect creates balance and adds visual interest.

Next, you’ll need a base, something that will go under your vignette to pull it together visually. You could use a tray, a table runner, a placemat, a basket, a rug, a shelf. Anything that visually defines the boundaries of your vignette to make it a focal point. Think of it as a frame for your masterpiece. Try to use a base made of an organic material in keeping with the theme.

Now, where should we place our nature-inspired creations? Well, there are plenty of obvious locations for vignettes, like entryway tables, guest bathrooms, kitchen countertops, just to name a few. There are also lots of little nooks and unexpected spots in your home that you can get creative with, such as stair landings, closets, toilet tanks, laundry rooms,…the list is endless! And when you want a fresh look, you can change them up whenever the mood strikes. That's the real beauty of vignettes in my opinion.

So there you have it. Organic vignettes. From a design perspective, they are a great way to introduce more nature into your designs. From a plant lover’s perspective, they are a wonderful way to showcase your leafy treasures in a polished, professional-looking display. Now, go forth and...vingette! And be sure to share your Verve Vibe pics with me online. I can't wait to see what you create!