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Monday, July 8, 2013

VIGNETTING OUTSIDE MY COMFORT ZONE

I don’t know if you have noticed it, but I love symmetry.  When I put together a little vignette, it is always symmetrical, and usually each end of the vignette has matching objects.  I’m not just talking about similar objects.  I’m talking about the same object doubled.  It may be because it’s more pleasing to me, but it’s probably because it’s easier for me.

Bargain Hunting with Laurie

When I removed my patriotic décor from our mantel, I made an effort to move away from an absolutely symmetrical arrangement.

Bargain Hunting with Laurie

My gardening boy, who was formerly in the center of the mantel, moved to one end of the mantel, and my demijohns (formerly one on each end of the mantel) both moved to the opposite end of the mantel.

Bargain Hunting with Laurie

When I decided I could live with that, I moved to the buffet behind our sofa.  On one end, I placed a pitcher with faux flowers.

Bargain Hunting with Laurie

On the other end, I placed a cake stand, which holds a wire basket of faux flowers.  Can you tell, I haven’t ventured from symmetry in the middle of the vignettes?  Just on each end.  Maybe I’ll work my way toward the middle until I don’t require any symmetry!

Bargain Hunting with Laurie

Bargain Hunting with Laurie

I’m willing to bet that these two faux topiaries have never been side-by-side since they’ve lived in our home.  I tend to use them like bookends – on each end of the fireplace or the dining table.  I’ve placed them together on one side of the table in my entryway, and I’m kind of liking the look.

Bargain Hunting with Laurie

It was nice of you to stop in to see my asymmetrical vignettes.  I’m feeling so brave!  It doesn’t take much to make me feel like an adventurer.

I’m linking to Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life, The Scoop at Confessions of a Plate Addict, Homework Wednesday at Worthing Court, Simple and Sweet Fridays at Rooted in Thyme, and Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage.

 

18 comments:

Dewena said...

I'm a big fan of symmetry too but I like how you shook things up! I love the candle in the teacup in the lantern too. And the two topiaries together. I bet you had fun doing this, Laurie!

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

I like symmetry too but I can never find two of anything vintage when thrifting so I have to go asymmetrical. I love the table with the topiaries side by side.

Ginger said...

I think it all turned out just great. I had to go back and see where the candle and teacup were after reading Dewena's comment. I am so NOT observant. lol.

Mimi said...

You are so funny! I love the two topiaries together, too. And the lanterns are great- you always make everything look special!

xo
Mimi

Sarah said...

Laurie, I like it. I tend to do things with symmetry as well, especially on our mantel. This looks great.

Botanic Bleu said...

Laurie,
I especially like the last photo with your Eiffel Tower theme and the topiaries.

You may enjoy a Vignette Design Series I just finished and have shared a couple of the series at some linky parties.

I think your asymmetrical arrangements are 'looking good.'

Judith

Unknown said...

You've created some lovely vignettes! I like the way you are keeping some of the items symetrical. Great job!!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I always love your fabulous vignettes and these are all so beautiful. I love the use of the silver trays on the table and those two faux topiaries are wonderful. I need to make some of those. Thanks so much for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

However you do it isn't matter Laurie, because it always looks fabulous!
And yes, I truly mean it!
Hugs,
Cindy

Debbie said...

True confession: I have the hardest time with symmetry. I actually like it and tend to gravitate toward it no matter what I do. Then, I try to play around with the asymmetrical look and don't do a very good job of it. I am practicing, but nothing has been publishable yet. (And believe me, I have been practicing for a while. Sigh.)

I pinned this for my self help-ness.

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Laurie,
Gorgeous! Everything you pulled together for your vignettes are beautiful. I like the uneven number of decorating and always have. On occasion I do an even steven look but over all I love groupings in odd numbers. That is the key, 3-5-7 items are more pleasing to the eye when decorating away from symmetry. You have done this in yours and it looks stunning.
Have a great week my friend.
Hugs, Celesitna Marie

Suzy said...

Well...you'd never know that you struggle with asymmetry, Laurie! You did a great job with your vignettes. I love the way you still kept a bit of symmetry within each vignette. That would be really hard for me to pull off.

Patty Rumaker said...

Although I love symmetry, I do believe that asymmetry provides more interest. You look like you have gotten the hang of it just perfectly.
Thanks, Patty at Home and Lifestyle Design

hong kong property said...

there are times that i prefer assymetry but most of the time, i like things to be symmetrical. :)

Anonymous said...

And they are beautiful vignettes, Laurie!!

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

These vignettes are fantastic! Would love for you to share at Simple & Sweet Fridays. New Follower.

Jody

Kathy said...

Your vignettes are gorgeous - and I might dare to say you've discovered a different kind of visual symmetry - a sense of balance with texture, color and size - I too love symmetry - balancing white space and objects - it is a lot of fun moving things around isn't it. I hope you have a blessed weekend,
kathy

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

I LOVE the bottom one with the dark turquoise wall, the Paris print, with the topiary. SO gorgeous!

Visited from Rooting in Thyme