Well in my opinion, I personally mix the pieces I like and are attracted to right away and put them together… and it’s one of my favorite things to do.  I do find some people have a hard time putting items together but really it’s your home and you can layer pieces the way you want.  There are a few simple rules that I do take into consideration such as group items in three when possible, but it depends on the item.  Also experiment, who says you have to stick with what you  have.  I’ll put a display or vignette together, step back, change things around and so on.  Sometimes when it just doesn’t feel right, leave it for a day or two, come back to it and try again.  Search the web or Pinterest for inspiration too.  Get an idea of what appeals to you.  Another tip is to take a photo, you never know, you might like what you see.

It’s a good time to shop right now too!  One of my favorite online flash-sale sites One Kings Lane is showcasing a large selection of beautiful objects that will appeal to everyone called Master the Mix.  I’m actually quite impressed with the selection too.  That’s one of my particular likings towards One Kings Lane as they have such a wide range of products to choose from.

Here is a wonderful depiction of mixing.  How was it done you ask?  Well simple:

• Books are a staple in any vignette.  As you can see flat on the table are three books on their side.  Then between a lovely pair of book ends are more books.
  • Tip: I tend to pair up books of the same color to keep it consistent.
• Objects are then sprinkled around the books, you have a vase, a candle, a miniature figurine and so on.

As you can also see, there all the different items are in different heights, sizes etc.  This gives your space fluidity.

The surfaces in your home are blank canvases for you to decorate with as little or as much as you please. Here’s how to master the mix:

• Play with Scale: Pair larger objects with smaller ones to bring new depth and dimension to a flat surface like a coffee table or bookshelf.
• Embrace Color: Pick a color scheme and go with it. Some combinations we love are pastels and metallics, high-contrast brights and neutrals, and classics like blue and white.
• Get a Feel for Things: Variations in texture bring visual interest to a room. Outfit your space with ceramics, glassware, or antique books for plenty of tactile charm.

Where Art Thou?

One of my favorite subjects these days is art.  I’m obsessed with art, especially abstract art and black and white photography.  Within mixing your objects around the house, it’s also a good idea to back it up with art behind a sidebar, end table, dressing table etc.

• When displaying art, experiment with groupings and frame styles. After all, as Diana Vreeland famously said, “The eye has to travel.”
• Try Symmetry: Hang works of the same width vertically. This works particularly well for identical pieces, or pieces of the same color. The eye moves up, giving a room the illusion of height.
• Start a Group: Pick one focal piece and create a cluster of other works around it. This is a chic look for art with unifying traits–green tones, for example–but also gives focus to a more disparate mix.

Here are my personal art picks that I love and would buy for my own home.

What is One Kings Lane?

One Kings Lane is an online marketplace for the home that brings members exceptional value on a spectacular collection of top-brand, vintage and designer items. One Kings Lane was the first in the home industry to introduce Flash Sales (in 2009), Tastemaker Tag Sales (in 2010) and Movie Set Sales and Estate Sales (in 2011) – all of which bring unique, exceptional items that are hand-selected and deliver tremendous value for their customers.

One Kings Lane was founded by long-time apparel industry executive, Susan Feldman and seasoned digital media executive Alison Pincus, and launched in March 2009.  The idea of One Kings Lane came about because of a void that Susan and Alison recognized that needed to be filled: there was no single exciting, curated destination online where consumers could shop, find their favorite home and lifestyle brands, discover new ones and get inspired.

How Does One Kings Lane Work?

Sales on One Kings Lane launch at 8am PT/11 am ET and typically last 72 hours. Quantities are limited – shop early so you won’t miss out! Each day, you will find a mix of:

• Daily Sales – Top-brand and beautifully merchandised assortments from top home decor and lifestyle brands. Shop categories that range from furniture and lighting to rugs, art, accessories, tabletop, bed and bath, travel, kids, pets, stationery, gifts, and much more.
• Tastemaker Tag Sales – These popular events bring members one-of-a-kind furniture, accessories, antiques and more, personally hand-picked by today’s leading design visionaries from their own collections—at well below estimated value.
• Vintage and Market Finds – The industry’s first curated marketplace brings One Kings Lane members an even broader selection of unique collectables and timeless pieces from the country’s top designers and antiques dealers. Vintage & Market Finds also allows members to shop by nine categories including: Art, Books, Decorative Accessories, Floor Coverings, Furniture, Lighting, Tabletop, Textiles and Wall Decor. New products are added daily and are sold on Vintage & Market Finds for five days, or until sold out.

Thanks to the kind folks at One Kings Lane for sponsoring this post.