Arranging 101

The handy dandy, step-by-step visual guide.

I corralled some curios to demonstrate how to choose objects that work together and how to array them in gorgeous groupings. After you read my tips, do the same at home! It can be daunting to figure out where to begin when faced with a pile of favorite objects and lots of empty tabletops.

But fear not: a certain logic underlies decorating. Making pottery taught me how to accessorize and arrange anything. For homes, I just apply those same principles to a larger scale.

Artful design is all in the balance

For arranging, this means juxtaposing silhouettes and colors – highlight differences between pieces or draw out their similarities.

Start by establishing framing

Items in a room or on a surface should be composed as you would paint a canvas, with scale, sequencing, and balance conceived from one specific vantage point. Consoles, bookshelves and artworks are generally viewed from a frontal perspective, while furnishings – such as dining room tables and coffee tables – are viewed in the round and should be accessorized accordingly.

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1 of 7 Photo: Joshua McHugh

For foolproof arrangements, start with SYMMETRY.

A pair of blue glass lamps anchors either end of the white dresser to establish the tone. Although the lamps are different sizes, symmetry comes through the repeated color.
I balanced the different lamp height by pairing the taller one with a shorter cluster of objects – and vice versa.
Hang plates in unusual locations to fill up white wall space and round compositions.

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2 of 7 Photo: Joshua McHugh

I used coasters as supports to give vases and tchotchkes a little more height
Use unexpected items in unexpected ways!

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3 of 7 Photo: Joshua McHugh

Symmetry is the easiest and most logical way to accessorize, while ASYMMETRY is more challenging – but also more fun!

Here, I grouped numerous items into series of little moments: one book is propped up vertically, like a painting; a stack of plates anchors a bud vase; another vase gets a lift from a Lucite box; etc.

4 of 7 Photo: Joshua McHugh

Choose objects of different heights and shapes and space them unevenly to bestow a deliberately ad hoc quality.

5 of 7 Photo: Joshua McHugh

Mix SYMMETRY and ASYMMETRY

One half of the tableau is arranged symmetrically, the other half is asymmetrical. Look at the overall composition, but break it down into constituent parts.

6 of 7 Photo: Joshua McHugh

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Arranging 101

diy decorating: tools, tips and know-how