While design magazines and blogs make it seem effortless to throw a few things together on a shelf and make it look stylish, in real life, it’s not quite as easy. If you want to learn how to create a magazine-worthy vignette, these simple tips will show you the way.

1. Start with a blank slate. No matter what type of finished product you have in mind, it’s always best to start with a blank surface so that you can really visualize where things will go.
2. Gather complementary colors. Before placing the items in your vignette, make sure that they all look good together. They don’t have to match exactly, but they should look purposeful together.
3. Start with the largest item. Place your largest item first, whether it’s a lamp or a vase of flowers.
4. Think of layers. Place items at varying heights and depths, such as a couple of large frames against the wall and smaller candles at the front. You can also stack books horizontally to offset the vertical items.
5. Play with spacing. Move objects a few times, then step back and admire your work to find the right spacing.
6. Consider texture. Finally, create texture in your vignette. Incorporate lush plants, flowers, feathers or even a woven basket as a finishing touch.

Creating a Well-Styled Table Vignette [Jenna Burger]
8 Tips for Making Beautiful Vignettes [HGTV]
Rule of Three and Odd Numbers [Cecilia Walker Design]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr manu flickr2010

Just like its name suggests, Not Jus’ Donuts is a bakery that offers a whole lot more than your hole-in-the-middle breakfast treat. Whether you’re looking for a customized birthday cake for an upcoming party or a box of sweet treats to bring with you to the office, you’ll find every type of dessert at this friendly local bakery.

Stop in for breakfast and you’ll find sweet and savory creations like the decadent doughnut breakfast sandwich, or try something more traditional, like an egg croissant sandwich. Not Jus’ Donuts also offers its famous doughnuts by the dozen if you prefer something sweet in the morning. Order a customized cake for your next special occasion in the shape of a super hero, a glamorous handbag, or even a sports team's logo. You can also pick up a homemade pie to bring with you as a favor to your next get-together.

Not Jus’ Donuts
2020 Dowling St
Houston, TX 77003
(713) 951-9211
www.notjusdonuts.net
www.yelp.com/biz/not-jus-donuts-bakery-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr tommy.chheng

Whether you just moved into your rental at Residences at Gramercy, or you simply haven’t gotten around to decorating yet, it helps to have a bit of a plan in place before you begin decorating. Here are a few basic interior decorating rules that all renters should memorize to create a beautiful and inspiring space!

1. Make changes slowly. Instead of heading out to a big box store and purchasing all of your furniture in one day, start with the bare essentials and work slowly from there. That way, you can be sure that you’ll end up with high quality investment pieces that will last for years to come.
2. Incorporate different shapes. While most furniture features squared edges, such as sofas and tables, it’s important to incorporate circular and rounded pieces to balance things out. Try adding a circular dining table in an eat-in kitchen or a round rug in the living room.
3. Add accent colors to neutrals. Instead of overdoing it with one color, furnish your room in soft neutrals and add pops of color throughout.
4. Work with the architecture. If your home has a unique feature, such as a bay window or non-functioning fireplace, appreciate it for its charm. Play up this feature instead of fighting against it to add personality to your space.

Interior Design 101: 5 Rookie Mistakes You'll Never Make Again [Apartment Therapy]
The 7 Rules of Interior Design [Zillow]
The 3 Principles of Interior Design [HGTV]
6 Basic Interior Design Rules [Suite.io]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Rhian vK