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YOUR Advertising Feature When you walk into a room, what is it that makes it feel like home to you? The furniture pieces are familiar, there is the lingering scent of a spicy candle, a photo- graph that smiles back at you. Memories make it special and mark the space as yours. Why not take the next step and cre- ate a vignette in an unused corner or on a bookshelf that showcases a selection of items that might not otherwise be on dis- play? There are really no rules, but a few tips will help you get started. Work loosely around a theme. A vignette tells a story. Go on a search looking for items that you have stashed away, or piec- es you have picked up just because they speak to you. Choose a spot and begin to assemble. On a shelf work from the back to the front. Items can be close together or overlapping, but you want to be able to see everything. Vary the heights and posi- tions rather than one straight line. Keep to one or two colour groups (unless the object of the vignette is colour change). In his charming book, Inspired by Nature: Creating a Personal and Natural Interior, photographer Hans Blomquist is inspired by the many vignettes he comes across on his travels. Blomquist naturally sees through a camera lens, capturing still life scenes that appear by happenstance as well as those that are designed. He notes that "on a simple wall shelf, a collection of small green glass bottles sits very well with vintage paintbrushes and books, creating a display that is uncomplicated but eye-catching." Blomquist revels in na- ture's artwork and is drawn to interiors that abound in the innate imperfection of natural materials as he loves nature him- self. The vignettes throughout the book glorify this theme, where dried branches, old linen fabrics, bits of metalwork and baskets, driftwood and old wood furniture mingle happily and produce a calm mood that is fascinating to explore. An equally compelling display is cap- tured by interior designer Janna Allbritton. The focal point here is not just the fire- place. The entire wall has been assem- bled to show her take on Farmhouse Chic. Allbritton creates depth by layers that grad- uate from back to front. Country-themed artwork, greenery, vases, and candles are artistically displayed, some in unexpected ways. One picture overlapping another is not the norm, a book held open by a small potted plant is quirky. These surprises pull you in, you want to explore. A vignette is a pleasing focal point that adds character to a room. The theme should make a connection to the rest of your interior décor, while highlighting per- sonal items that catch your eye. These displays can and usually do vary through- out the year. Seasonal changes and new finds will spark your imagination and shift your focus. Play with your rooms, move the furniture, switch out artwork, add a paint colour or strip of wallpaper to a wall in the hall. Keep it fresh and you will always love coming home. Written by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email decorating questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. DEBBIE TRAVIS House to Home How to create an inspiring vignette in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, M ar ch 25 ,2 02 1 | 22 How to Sell Your Oakville House Without An Agent And Save the Commission Oakville - If you've tried to sell your home yourself, you know that the minute you put the "For Sale by Owner" sign, the phone will start to ring off the hook. Unfortunately, most calls aren't from prospective buyers, but rather from every real estate agent in town who will start to hound you for your listing. Like other "For Sale by Owners", you'll be subjected to a hundred sales pitches from agents who will tell you how great they are and how you can't possibly sell your home by yourself. After all, without the proper information, selling a home isn't easy. Perhaps you've dreamed to put your home on the market for several months but just not sure how to get qualified buyers. You may think that the process can be a very frustrating and many homeowners just give up their dreams of selling their homes themselves. But don't give up until you've read a new report entitled "Sell Your Own Home" which has been prepared especially for homesellers like you. You'll find that selling your home by yourself is entirely possible once you understand the process. Inside this report, you'll find 10 inside tips to selling your home by yourself which will help you sell for the best price in the shortest amount of time. Its a hot market right now and you might want to give it a shot yourself. So why not find out some of the keys Realtors® use to market homes. To order a FREE Special Report, visit: http://bit.ly4//FSBO and save or to hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-888-343-6354 and enter 1017. You can call any time, 24 hours a days 7 days a week. Or text FSBO to 555000 Get your free special report NOW to learn how you really can sell your home yourself. This report is courtesy of James Stanley, Realtor, RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp., - Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2021