Creating a Centerpiece Using Unity and Variety

Creating a Centerpiece Using Unity and Variety

When creating a centerpiece, you have far greater options than a single vase of flowers. As we noted last time, flowers can always play a starring role in your centerpiece. But if you use additional elements (and why not?), you might like some guidance about how to bring everything together. A simple rule when building any centerpiece is to consider both UNITY and VARIETY.  


First, unity is what ties the elements of your centerpiece together.


Unity through COLOR


Something to strive for in any grouping is cohesion, something that pulls the elements of your vignette together so that they read as a unit. 

 

You can use color as the defining feature of your grouping. Color is a magic tool,  whether matching colors, such as blues

 

or employing the power of mixing colors.


A tip: let the color wheel guide you: the colors that sit beside each other on the wheel are analogous, as in the artful mix (below) of cool tones–purple, blues, greens–that look so lovely together. On the other hand, complementary colors face each other on the color wheel, and set each other off beautifully (purple and yellow, or blue and orange, for example).


Unity through MATERIALS


Another way to make your centerpiece hold together is through the materials you choose. Maybe your centerpiece features wood tones?

 

Or you’ve created a grouping with objects that sparkle, like glass or metals?


 

 

Unity through THEME


You’ll always have a winning combo if you start with a theme. You may have in mind a vintage or rustic vibe; you’ll choose elements that, though they may not be the same color or materials, all share a distressed or aged appearance.

 

Maybe “modern and sleek” is the theme you’re going for, in which case you’ll want streamlined shapes and maybe bold colors for your table.


Old world theme? Pick out those curvaceous floral and gilded pieces to group together on your table.

 

You can easily see that color, material and theme are ways to unify the elements in your centerpiece. There is also a less formal way to group centerpiece items. Simply gather the items you want to feature…


on a board (wood? marble?)


 


or on a tray (mirrored? metal?)  whether one level or tiered!


  


The final thing to remember when creating a centerpiece is VARIETY.


Whatever you pick to create your centerpiece, build visual interest by varying the height of your elements.


Also vary the texture of the materials that you bring together. You’ll want texture, such as plant life, juxtaposed against smooth surfaces, such as glass or ceramic. Consider natural materials, like wood, alongside manufactured materials, like metal. 


 Last of all, vary the shape of the elements you group together.


Utilizing both unity and variety will help you create swoon-worthy centerpieces you, your family and your guests will enjoy.


Need inspiration? Visit our Ridge Road showroom in Rockwall for decorating guidance from our friendly associates or browse and chat about our online collections 24/7 at mintjulepdecor.com.
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