Console table styling

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styling moments

“I like to think of it as a photography vignette brought to life – where the objects captured within the confines of the lens are all we see, they steal the eye for a brief moment and fill us with joy.”

If you’re anything like me, then you probably have more than one console table (or sideboard, or buffet) scattered throughout your home.

Not only do they provide great added storage, but they are also one of the best places in the home to create a styling ‘moment’, or a vignette as those of us in the design world lovingly like to call it.

You might be wondering – “Rae, WTH is a vignette?” – and believe me, you’re not alone. I only came across this term a few years ago, and as a long-time photographer my mind went straight to the meaning of the word in this field.

Not too unlike the meaning in photography, the term vignette in design refers to a small ornamental collection of objects within a designated space.

I like to think of it as a photography vignette brought to life – where the objects captured within the confines of the lens are all we see, they steal the eye for a brief moment and fill us with joy.

Creating console vignettes

The best way to style your console, sideboard or buffet is by creating vignettes – thoughtfully grouping objects together to create visual interest.

When styling vignettes – much like in photography – I like to stick to the rule of thirds (this also extends to the rule of odd numbers). By placing objects in groups of 3 or 5, the arrangement will appear more balanced and natural, and less staged.

This also creates a ‘visual triangle’, which helps add depth and naturally draw the eye from bottom to top. On our console here, you can see I’ve created 3 separate groups of objects, each with 3 objects within them (okay, and one with 4 – but who doesn’t like to break the rules hehe).

My final tip for console styling, is add foliage! Whether it’s fresh flowers from the markets or just some funky foliage from your garden, it’s an incredible way to soften things up and add more depth to your ‘moment’.

This console in the corner of our dining room still remains my favourite corner of our home – whenever I walk into the space my eyes are immediately drawn to it, and it captures the light so beautifully throughout the day.

summary

So, if you’re looking for ways to jazz up a corner of your home, I highly recommend investing in styling a console or sideboard!

It’s an easy and economical way to give your home a curated feel, and can be done with items you already have lying around. Just stick to the rule of thirds and odd numbers and you’ll have a hot console moment of your own in no time!

For more information on my Interior Design & Styling services, you can get in touch with me here.

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