Decorating Vignettes

This photo features probably the only new piece of furniture I've bought in my life (and even then it was on sale): a wrought iron table with curvy legs, picked up at Bill's Garden Centre on Pape Ave. in Toronto a few years back near the end of the gardening season when the wrought iron pieces were on sale.

If you're rejigging your decor or just want to add a pop of newness to your pad, try starting by creating a little vignette - it makes the task of redecorating less daunting and is, in my opinion, a therapeutic exercise in itself. Here an old wood desk organizer that an ex gave me fits perfectly on the table top. I've stuffed it with old childhood books I can't part with and other bits and bobs. On top, a pretty pitcher in "Indian Tree" by Lord Nelson Ware, given to me by my best friend before she moved south, is a lovely focal point, as is the original painting I picked up in a framing shop for 10 bucks. The crappy seascape picture I found at Value Village for $1.99; it's too ickky to give any prominence to in my space but I loved the idea of hanging it near the floor in the nook of the table - the blues from the two pieces create a line that cuts through the table. Every time I look at this creation I think I'm looking at an old-fashioned writing desk; the look has an old-world appeal to me.

So put on some music, grab a glass of vino and play around in your space. Once you've created one vignette you can string a whole bunch together and voila: you have a whole new look!