How to Style Vignettes & Little Moments

Design doesn’t have to mean a full room renovation. Sometimes, the most powerful touches happen in the smallest places—a quiet entry table, a styled corner, the shelf you pass a dozen times a day. We call these “vignettes” or “little moments”—and they’re one of our favorite ways to layer personality into a home. Vignettes are your chance to tell a story in three or four objects. They can feel seasonal, sentimental, bold, or serene. And the best part? They’re easy to swap out whenever you need a change. Let’s talk about how to create beautiful, balanced moments in your home this summer.

1. Choose Your Canvas

Start by identifying a spot that needs a little love. Think small:

• Entryway consoles

• Nightstands

• Coffee tables

• Kitchen counter corners

• Bathroom vanities

• Built-in shelves

We always say: if it’s a surface, it’s an opportunity.

2. Anchor It

Every vignette needs a visual anchor—something with enough weight or structure to ground the grouping. This could be:

• A tray or shallow bowl

• A stack of books

• A decorative box

• A framed photo or small piece of art

This keeps the moment from looking like random clutter and gives it an intentional base.

3. Layer with Texture and Height

Varying the materials and heights within your vignette is the secret to a designer look. Try to include:

• Something tall (a vase, candlesticks, sculpture)

• Something mid-height (a jar, bowl, small stack of books)

• Something low or laid flat (a bead strand, a framed photo, a crystal or natural object)

Mixing finishes—like ceramic, wood, glass, or brass—adds dimension and interest.

4. Add Something Personal

This is where the magic happens. The best vignettes always feel connected to you. Include:

• A small heirloom

• A piece picked up on vacation

• A photo of your kids, your travels, or your dog

• A favorite scent or candle you actually light

These little details are what turn your house into a home.

5. Bring in Life

Every vignette needs one organic element. A pop of nature breathes life into a styled space:

• Fresh flowers

• A small potted plant

• Clipped greenery from your yard

• A bowl of lemons or figs in the kitchen

Even a single leaf in a bud vase can shift the feel from “staged” to “alive.”

Summer Styling Ideas

Want to make your little moments feel seasonally fresh? Try:

• Swapping in woven trays or rattan boxes

• Using coral, driftwood, or coastal art

• Incorporating shells, beach glass, or sea-inspired colors

• Displaying summer books or magazines in a stack

• Lighting a candle with notes of citrus, salt, or coconut

Vignettes are design’s version of poetry—small but powerful. They allow you to express yourself, add seasonal texture, and create visual rest stops throughout your home.

So look around. What little moments are waiting to be styled?

Next in our "Summer Living by Design" series: How to Freshen Up Your Kitchen—easy swaps and styling tips to make your kitchen feel brand new without a full remodel!