Visual Displays

Good retailers know how to merchandise to make a statement and to create excitement in their store.  Many boutiques and department stores and even big box stores do that with their displays.   We can learn a lot about displaying items in our home, by presenting them in ways very similar.  Stores often use color, or texture or similar items to group objects together.  I think of this as a story.  Let me explain.

For example, some stores will group items together only by color.  This would be an illustration of a color story, or telling a story through color.  This creates a great impact.   We can do the same thing in our homes.  Instead of mixing a couple of colors, one dominant and a couple of accent colors, try using just one color for impact.  For instance, a camel colored sofa with different shades of plain red pillows, red accessories, red in the rug, and red in the lamps.  This could be inspired from an example of a red display found in a store.  However if this is too bold for you, just an accessory display could be created in your home using only red objects (or whatever colors works in your home).  The more you use one color, one theme or one item, the more impactful this will be. 

Using similar textures over and over can be impactful too.  For example grouping all stamped metal items together or items that are different but made of the similar materials, such as stone or pottery.  Several shiny metal antlers placed in a grouping make a statement by the materials they are made out of, as well as the repetition of the objects.   Candles grouped together work well also.  The same size and color of candles can be placed together on candleholders of different sizes.  This also works with varying sizes of candles in the same color.  Both ways are impactful. 

Another great way to make a statement is by using the same item over and over.  For example, usually wall sconces are sold in pair, try using 3 pairs and see what a great impact they make.  By repeating the same item several times, the pieces become like art work or sculpture.  So often for the sake of saving money, only one article might be displayed and then the object becomes “lost” on the wall.  By adding several pieces, the display becomes larger and grander.   

With the weather being so cold, it can be fun to take items in your home and rework them.  Perhaps you have several metal candlesticks throughout the house, try grouping them together and seeing how the different heights work together.  You might need to turn add some objects underneath to add height.  If you are at a loss, look through magazines and catalogues for ideas, or notice the displays at stores. 

Enjoy “playing” and update your home with new display ideas, and most of all stay warm.