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Thursday, January 22, 2009

I NEED YOUR HELP, IF YOU PLEASE...

DURING the days of
RATE MY SPACE on HGTV,
I was told that the SCALE of this grouping is all wrong.
I don't know one single thing about SCALE and now, every time I look at this setting, I think....
"Oh, my....the SCALE is off !" ..."What am I going to do about the SCALE ?"


I don't know how to fix it......


COULD you help me?

What would look good here? Twin lamps instead of the large, fat one ?
Move FATHER CHRISTMAS to another location?

I surely will appreciate any ideas you might have for me to be able to look at this loved buffet and think...
"AHHHH, the SCALE is finally RIGHT !
*
Many thanks and much love, bj
*
*
OOOOO, and .....

I made PEANUT BRITTLE last night...take a piece before you go !!

HUGS !

56 comments:

SmilingSally said...

Change out the lamp to a taller one or replace Father Christmas with a shorter figurine. Um, would you PLEASE mail me some of that peanut brittle? NOW?

Stacey said...

I don't really understand scale but I know how I like things to be. I like to have things graduate in size. So like Sal said I would make it a taller lamp or put books under that one. I put books under things all the time.

That would be why I never have the nerve to put something on RMS. You were probably loving your table before that comment.

Candy said...

Smilingsal suggested taller lamp. You could make this one taller by placing something under like several books or such. Maybe move the little plate over by the statue.
Thanks for the eye candy!
Candy

Candy said...

Great minds think alike! What a hoot!!!Stacey and I posted at almost the same time.
Candy

Janene said...

Good Morning BJ~I think the reason it doesn't feel right to you is because you have an even number of item on the top...Try grouping in groups of three...Odd numbers are best!
I love peanut brittle! And I am drooling just looking at that!

Kathleen Grace said...

I don't have any idea about scale when it comes to vignettes. I am always in awe of how your home looks. The only thing I can see is that Father Christmas seems wrong, but if you like him there who cares what RMS says? You have a great eye for display and color, trust yourself:>)

squawmama said...

OH BJ... Peanut Brittle my favorite... How did you know... LOL I have no idea what scaling is... All I do know is it looks good to me. The book idea sounds good too... Have fun with your rearranging... Love ya

(((HUGS)))
Donna

Tardevil said...

I think you need a taller, skinnier lamp to improve the "scale"! :O)

Anonymous said...

I don't know a whole lot about decorating or scale, but I saw somewhere once that odd number groupings are better...say take one item away and see how that looks...

Thanks for the peanut brittle I love the stuff!♥

Dena said...

Hi BJ,

Because the figurine is tall and skinny, I think it's the lamp that is throwing the scale off. I would go for something taller and thinner or stack some books under the lamp on an angle and maybe swap the figurine for a vase with some flowers. I'm no pro on scale, but that's what seems right to me :) Thanks for the brittle, it is a breakfast food too right? LOL!

Hugs,
Dena

Terri Steffes said...

I like the lamp, but I would remove the taller statue and replace it with something taller than the other items but shorter than the lamp.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the sweets!

To me everything looks fine but then I read somewhere that there should be 3 things on one side and one big thing on the other side (like your lamp) ;)

Sending hugs and smiles, Suzy

Neabear said...

You already have quite a few suggestions. Odd numbers is one I was going to suggest. Also think of a triangle. Have your items grouped so it makes a triangle. So try making the lamp taller, then the figurine then one of the other items. See how that looks. Be sure you post a picture after you have fiddled with it. We all want to see how the new look turned out.

The Raggedy Girl said...

I just move stuff around untiI am happy but have no idea how to "fix" things. I would swap Father Christmas and the plate and have the things go from tall to small but that is just me. Good Luck.
Roberta Anne

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I love your lamp with the harleguin shade...I would just remove the Father Christmas and adjust the remaining items on the table.....
xo
Penny

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

What a cute way to display your Peanut Brittle! And me I'm not good at the scale thing! So I am looking forward in seeing the after picture so I could learn a thing or two.
Have a wonderful day,
Ginger

Helen said...

Hello dear BJ! A taller lamp - maybe. But I need to see how tall your mirror is too. Peanut brittle. My mouth is watering while drinking my morning coffee! Thank you too for the insightful messages the last few days.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

BJ, I'm with Penny. I think that might solve the dilemna. I also think that odd numbers of items work best. Switch them around and post several alternatives, and then let us choose. LOL! Yes, I know it's dangerous with so many heads, but you have a willing audience. :-)

XO,

Sheila

niartist said...

OOooo, I wish I could actually take some of that brittle! It's my favorite!!!! I think that your table setting is fine. But if you're looking for a change, use books to prop up that lamp about 7-8", and move Father Christmas over next to the lamp. Then move the small plate just a little in front of Father Christmas, and the bar set to the far right. See how that works out.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM BJ...Girl I try and stay away from any scales..I don't know a thing about them...I just do what I like..and girl RMS can ruin your home ha ha!! did that for a year..tossed out everything and lost my Happy place big time..brought back in all my stuff and am Happy again..I think it looks wonderful girl..hope you have a great day..hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Oh I am back forgot my candy YUMMY!!

Twice as Nice said...

I see you have a lot of suggestions. I think Father Christmas needs to be replaced with something else. I have a hard time with this too. I just keep arranging with different things until I like it. Have fun with it and don't fret!!

Thanks so much for stopping by and praying for Linda. She means the world to us both. You are so sweet!! You should be receiving your package any day. We sent it Tuesday.

xo...The twins

Sue said...

BJ what I have always read is use odd numbers, so you have 4 items on the table, remove one item or group 2 things on one side and 3 things on the other side. Did I word that right?? Do the lamp and an item, then the figurine with 2 items, it'll look balanced! Can't wait to see how you fix this dilemma! have a good time doing your tweeking! xo

Ginger said...

I am the worlds worst decorator, so I would never try to tell you what to do, but I am the worlds best candy eater...send some peanut brittle on over. lol.

imjacobsmom said...

I wish just going to suggest what Artie said..... raise the lamp, move Fr. Christmas over, etc. Thanks for the brittle, Mmmmm! ~ Robyn

Bo said...

A big huh? from me...what's so wrong with the scale...except my own weight...anyway...I like the idea of odd numbers of objects..1, 3, 5, 7 & so on...but if I'm happy with my stuff & things...that is the perfect scale for me...like little Gloria said...RMS ruined her house for her until she brought it back...hey, girlfriend...at our ages, do we really care? Hugs, ♥ Bo

Sit A Spell said...

Scale...too heavy on one side...the "fat lamp"...do you love it? Keep it...move other items into the space until YOU like the way it looks. It needs to mkae YOU smile : )

...you're my mamas age

Salmagundi said...

Change it only if it really bothers you. If you want to play with it, try Artie's suggestion. His stuff always looks wonderful. I think your house always looks wonderful, too. Look how great that picture of the peanut brittle is!!! Sally

nikkicrumpet said...

I think adding a couple of books under the lamp is a good start. The other thing to keep in mind is that vignettes like this need to be done in odd numbers...so having 4 things in a grouping throws off the balance. Maybe try moving the small plate over by father Christmas...scoot the glasses over by the lamp...then find one more small item to put with father Christmas and the little plate. Not sure if it will work but it's worth a try.

Anonymous said...

Jean, you know I'm no decorator like you, but pay attention to what Gloria said. If you like it that's what is important. However, if you really want to change it I like "niartist's" idea of putting the books under the lamp, putting Father Christmas by the lamp with the little plate and move the bar set over. Frankly, me dear, I see nothing whatsoever wrong with anything in your house! You forget RMS or whatever that is and do what you like. It always look perfect.
Love you!
Martha

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

I'm no help...as I go with what I like..and not worry about everyone else...

but can I still have apiece of peanut brittle?

Ruthie said...

I have no idea about "scale" of things. I would just move things around till it looked good to me.
After you find the correct arrangement, please post it so we can all learn. :)
Thanks for the candy. Yum!

Grandma Faith said...

Dear BJ, thanks so much for stopping by my blog for a visit. I have been missing my blog friends. The birthday tea party was beautiful. I like "the Grand Queens!" Love, Faith

Tootsie said...

okay...you have lots of suggestions...and mine is in there somewhere...so I will just sit and eat some of this wonderful peanut brittle....yum....mmmmmm
can I get a pop to go with it? thanks.

~♥~ Monica S said...

mmm.. that candy looked really good!! :-) and thanks for sharing!

I thought it looked good on your buffet... move things around until you feel comfortable!.. it doesn't have to stay that way forever...

Monica

Rattlebridge Farm said...

Well, I don't see anything wrong with your scale. I frequently pair objects with the same visual weight, as you've done here, so you and I will be in trouble together. :-)

I love the black plate with the lamp. When you are playing with tablescapes one day, shop your house and see what happens if you keep the lamp and plate and add more items with black.

Anonymous said...

Well, I wouldn't begin to offer any ideas,cause by this time of night I am brain dead. But,I sure did enjoy reading all the comments about scale. When I went to foral arrangement class, the instructor always had us to start the arrangement with a focal point of 3of whatever. Didn't get my certifcate though, couldn't make a bow. Still can't.LOL

Love Ya,
Chris

ksarra said...

BJ, I fell in love with your decorating on rms, and I don't think you should second guess yourself. Just when we try to follow the "scale" rules, there will be an article about breaking the rules to make a room more interesting. I say, keep on doing what you're doing!!! Have a great day friend, and thanks for sharing the sugar cane stories. Pawpaw would plant a row of it in his garden for us to chew on. Oh, what happy days those were.

Anonymous said...

I'm late!!! Did I miss out on the brittle??

I think elevating the lamp, placing the plate forward from the lamp and sliding the bar set over to where the figurine is and remove the figurine. I just play around with stuff till I get an arrangement that pleases my eye. Besides it's fun! I agree with what Gollum said...shop the house...you know how I love to shop the house!
Looking forward to more photos.

Twice as Nice said...

Wow, it didn't take long to get to you. We just mailed it Tues. Now don't you worry about running out to get stamps. Fran and I are in NO hurry what so ever. You rest and worry about that next week or the week after. We are just happy you liked it. Now rest and get better :o)

Twice as Nice said...

Oh cancel that last blog! Fran must of told you we SENT the sign and I thought you meant you received the sign. I think I messed up. Anyways DON'T be in any hurry for we are not.

ksarra said...

Hi BJ, back again. I forgot to get a piece of that peanut brittle! YUM.... I know that you decorate with your heart, which is a big part of why we love your rooms so. And I am soooo with you on the off white wall thing. My walls have been the same color for 20 years, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. I was tempted when really dark colors were popular, but I know it would have seemed as if my walls were closing in on me. My Grandma spoke Cajun french so well, it was amazing to see her speak with such animation when someone who also spoke French came over. You would probably say I have an accent! "Talk" soon, friend.

Anonymous said...

I'd say to keep the lamp, bring the plate out in the front so it has more of a presence. Move the bar glasses over to the right and get rid of the tall Santa. Or, put him along the back in the middle. Just a thought. You will figure something out - your house always looks pretty anyway.

Twice as Nice said...

Stay in bed and forget about sending the check tomorrow. Doctors orders!! I just wanted to let you know it was on its way. Now if you're a good girl and do as you're told there might even be a little something in the package for you! LOL

xo The twins

Twice as Nice said...

LOL-now you really must think we're nuts. I just posted something then took a look around and saw where Fern wrote you about 1/2 hour ago. Try hangin' with us sometime...we even finish each others sentences. I usually check to see if she has written to someone first so we don't have a repeat...So much for your headache going away. LOL

Deanna said...

Hi darlin' BJ...hmmmm...I think the lamp is off. Try the grouping of three like Janene said. Maybe a tall floral arrangement instead of the lamp.

May I please have the whole jar of the brittle? You must make some for me when I get back home to Lubbock in June! I'll be droolin' until then.....:P

Hugs,
Deanna :)

Miss Janice said...

Smilingsal took the words right out of my mouth!

Anonymous said...

I'll take two pieces of the yummy peanut brittle.

I would raise the mirror because I think there needs to be more space between the bottom of the mirror and the table to give a larger canvas area for your grouping.

I would put the Santa right next to the lamp and the smaller plate in front of the two. Then I would put your glassware a little off center on the other side. That would give you a grouping of 3 and a grouping of 1. But then, what do I know?

Cottage Rose said...

Hey BJ; I love the lamp too, In my opinion only, remove the father Christmas and use a med size vase in like colors as the lamp and small plate, move the plate by the vase with something else maybe a candle holder or something like that. I agree with the group of three, the glass set does not show up too well either. maybe use a green plant in a pot with the same color's as the rest, you could even set the sm. plate on some books with a lace doily on top or cover the books with fabric to match, or just use black books. but what ever you choose to do make sure it is what you like, that is what counts. I love the Father Christmas, but the colors don't really go. remember this is just my opinion...

Hugs;
Alaura

Anonymous said...

Hi BJ, I fell asleep all evening and now I am AWAKE. I hate that.

Your scale problem is the height of the lamp and father Christmas. They are too much the same size. The Lamp should be taller. I don't know much about scale either but my opinion was about the balance. I love the look anyway but try a small change and see if you like it better.

Hugs...Jeanne

PS. I did understand why you didn't want comments on Tuesday. I have seen blogs where a bad comment blows up into a disagreeable mess. Anything political is open for bad comments. I agreed with you. Smile.

Anonymous said...

Hi sweet BJness! I don't understand about scale either, I just like what I like! :) I'm no help at all!
Thanks for the visit and I will have a piece of that peanut brittle! Yummy!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Becky said...

I think it looks great! But what do I know about scales....other than mine say HEAVY! LOL!!!

Now give me some candy and nobody gets hurt!

Denise said...

Yummy! That peanut brittle looks good enough to eat!!

Have a great day!

santamaker said...

Hi B.J.
Okay, here's what you do....put a large piece of peanut brittle by the Father Christmas and that will make him "weigh" more, so now your scale will be balanced...

Bonnie said...

Don't let TV dictate you. If you like it, leave it. I think it looks just fine. Of course I'm not a decorator, nor do I claim to be. You've had many good suggestions from others. Maybe you'll find a display you like. But I like it just fine.

kari and kijsa said...

We love your grouping...sweet and wonderful just like you! Just a few suggestions in regard to scale:

(1) Put a few books under the lamp to give it some height.

(2) Move the figurine over next to the lamp and add a third item slightly shorter than the figurine (creating a design triangle).

(3) Then on the opposite side stack some boxes (or books or something stackable) and then place the dish (or something smaller on top)!

Hope this helps!

Have a blessed and wonderful Sunday!

smiles, kari & kijsa