Vignette-a-Phobic

If there is one thing that I struggle with, it is the art of arranging seemingly random pieces on a table so that they look purposeful but not staged.  I struggle because I tend to not purchase those kinds of accessories.  If you can hang it on a wall - I am all over it.  Even a dining room tablescape is no big deal, you have a "dining set" to start with as a base.  But to pick items for a console or bedside table - I simply panic in the store.  I can't commit to things because "I'm just not sure where I will put that."  My fear of being junky and cluttered or deciding I won't like it when I get home causes me to admire but then ultimately walk away.  People - it is true, I am a vignette-a-phobic.  I have one in my house and I am so freaking proud of it.  But that is as far as I have gotten.

So as a task for myself, I wanted to spend some time purposefully studying some rooms I love to try to see if I can pinpoint ideas and things I like and move forward from there.  The goal: purposeful accents I love without being cluttered.  Let's see if we can come up with some ideas!

Ok - so this one is fairly simple.  We have a lamp, some flowers, a small knicknack and a book.  I like how the items all have different heights. 

traditional bedroom design by los angeles interior designer Diane Bennett Bedford

First, can I just say that I love this room.  The moulding and the the mirror above the fireplace are perfect with those big windows and classic lines of the furniture.  But there are several vingette's here.  The lamp, picture frame, plant combo is a good one.  Then you also have the smaller details on the mantle and a few choice items on the coffee table.  

traditional living room design by new york architect Gleicher Design Group

Ok, so here is a vignette that uses metallic or crystal accents.  Hmm, I did just see a julep cup like that at Goodwill the other weekend.  Perhaps that will have to go on my hunting list.

bedroom design

Love this room, but let's focus on the vignettes.  Note the theme on each table.  Flowers, picture frame, and some chotsky.  With a larger item underneath on the base.  Simple and yet effective.

traditional living room design by san francisco general contractor Harrell Remodeling

Ok - lets try not to get distracted by the fantastic colors and pillows here.  We are focused on the tablescapes.  Here - I am digging those two piles of books with the small shell/rock on top.  Easy and beautiful.  Now we can all collectively swoon over those mirrors back there.  (Sigh!)

eclectic living room design by los angeles interior designer Fluegge Interior Design, Inc.

Very simple yet touching accents here.  They look both personal and hand picked.  I think I might have tried to add one more level of height in, but otherwise I like it. 

home design

Ok I really like this one.  Two groups of three (jars and books) and then a single starfish accent.  Hmm, I know I like jars - perhaps I will start a jar collection.     

traditional dining room design by san francisco interior designer Kerrie L. Kelly

Ack!  So this final shot was a little overwhelming for me at first, but I really like it.  I think I would lose like three or four items and it would be perfect.  Love the leaning picture as part of the set.    

eclectic living room design by los angeles interior designer Fluegge Interior Design, Inc.

So what about you?  Do you have commitment phobia when it comes to buying things for vignettes and accents?  Or do you have the opposite problem and have so many you don't know where to put them?  Do you have tips on how to keep things looking overly cluttered?  I wanna know!