The Tamesis
break it with purpose
Once you’ve established your base layer, you can start “messing it up a little,” as Hyman puts it, adding those imperfect touches to make the arrangement feel lively and effortless. AD100 designer Brigette Romanek shares: “Intentional layering and a hint of asymmetry” Fashion. “Play with height, texture, and scale to bring depth and character, but don’t overthink perfection—a little imbalance can make a space feel more inviting. Offset a striking vase with a small stack of books or an unexpected decorative item to keep the arrangement dynamic and personal,” she adds. This can be done by adding sculptural items (such as a tall hand-thrown vase or marble balls) or quirky flea market finds.
In fact, the mantel is the perfect perch for smaller decorative pieces or meaningful knick-knacks. “I don’t like clutter in the kitchen, so the mantel will have a few trinkets and objects I’ve collected over the years—it kind of tells a story,” shares British designer and MG&Co. founder Matilda Goad. AD100 designer Heidi Caillier agrees: “I love designing little treasures that I buy when I travel. They are great conversation topics.”
Conquest also emphasizes thinking about material story first when adding objects. “What really brings it to life is the material dialogue; the unexpected pairings you can’t plan for,” she said. “Raw castings coexist with polished objects, textured matte glazes with reflective glass. Rough and refined, ancient and modern. These frictions are where the eye rests.”
