Great design doesn’t happen by accident—it comes from knowing a few simple principles that make any arrangement feel intentional. Two of the most powerful are unity and variety.
- Unity creates connection by repeating colors, materials, or shapes, so everything feels cohesive.
- Variety adds interest by mixing heights, textures, and forms, creating a look with depth and movement.
When these two elements work together, you get groupings that are polished yet lively—pulled together but never predictable. Whether you’re styling a dining table, console, or side chest, unity and variety are the foundation of designs that feel curated and professional.
And because no arrangement is complete without balance, we’ll also touch on another common question: should you match for symmetry, or mix for variety? Spoiler: the answer is both.
Unity and Variety at Work
Think of Unity as the glue that holds your pieces together. For example, repeating gold tones across a grouping—like a gold cathedral mirror, a twig vase, and gold-trimmed vessels—instantly creates harmony.
Then comes Variety to keep it fresh. Although the vases share a similar color palette, they differ slightly in size and shape. Add in varying textures—smooth glass beside lush greenery—and suddenly the whole scene feels dynamic, not static.
Console Styling with Natural Green Accents
A console is the perfect place to see unity and variety at work. In this example, unity is achieved through the repetition of gold finishes—seen in the lamps, candlesticks, and the vase—as well as the white tones echoed in both the orchids and the backdrop art.
Variety keeps the arrangement lively. Notice the differences in height between the tall lamps and lower florals, the mix of materials (glass, metal, and ceramic), and the soft organic feel of orchids set against sleek, modern lines. The layered textures and levels prevent the look from feeling static, while still staying cohesive.
For effortless elegance, faux orchids deliver timeless beauty with zero maintenance. Shop our faux florals here.
The Power of a Dark Anchor
If you want a display to feel bold and sophisticated, introduce a dark anchor. In this kitchen setting, the black candlesticks create substantial visual weight and immediately ground the arrangement.
- Unity: The repetition of black in the candlesticks echoes the black accents in the light fixtures above, tying the whole scene together.
- Variety: Different candlestick heights and shapes keep the eye moving, while the contrast between matte black and glossy gold adds depth.
The white orchids in a gold vase soften the look, balancing the strong dark elements with something fresh and organic. This proves that variety isn’t just about shape—it’s also about the interplay between light and dark, natural and polished.
✨ Pro tip: If your kitchen or dining space features bold fixtures, echo those tones in your tabletop styling for a cohesive, designer look.
Symmetry: Match or Mix?
When it comes to styling, the answer is both—use symmetry to ground the look, then add variety to keep it interesting.
In this vignette, symmetry shows up in the pair of lamps on either side of the console, balanced by twin lanterns that echo the same height and shape. This creates structure and stability.
Variety is introduced through the different vase shapes, textures of greenery, and the sculptural art piece in the center. The floral arrangement on the round dining table adds another layer of contrast—its soft, organic shape plays beautifully against the clean lines of the furniture.
Notice how the abstract artwork above ties the whole palette together, pulling in earthy reds, browns, and greens that repeat across the grouping. That’s unity at work, while the mix of shapes and textures keeps it dynamic.
✨ Pro tip: let your art or backdrop guide your color scheme, then repeat those hues in your accents for a polished finish.
Small-Scale Styling
These principles don’t just apply to consoles and dining tables—they shine on smaller surfaces like bar carts and accent tables, too.
In this styled cart, unity is created through the repetition of black accents (candlesticks, striped vase, sculptural décor) and warm wood tones that carry through each shelf. The greenery in the vase and the preserved orb tie everything together with a natural element.
Variety comes from mixing shapes and textures—rounded glassware beside angular bottles, smooth ceramics against metallic finishes, and decorative orbs paired with soft florals. Different heights across the shelves keep the eye moving and prevent the look from feeling static.
The result? A layered, curated feel that’s both functional and beautiful. Small spaces can still pack a big design punch when unity and variety work together.
Bring It Home
When styling any space, think of Unity as the thread that connects everything and variety as the spark that keeps it interesting. Add in greenery to soften the look, and let your artwork or backdrop set the color palette.
For more inspiration—and plenty of green accents to complete your arrangements—stop by The Mint Julep on Ridge Road in Rockwall, or browse our online shop anytime!