Layers make creating pretty displays a snap

I was rushing through my living room the other day when I saw something so horrible I froze in my tracks. There, crouching in the middle of one of my carefully constructed displays, was one of the ugliest fossils I'd ever laid eyes on. I knew Dan the Decorator -- my husband -- had struck again.

About three times a year, Dan likes to tease me by sneaking the latest acquisition to one of his many strange collections into our interior design. In the earliest days of our marriage, I'd let out a blood-curdling scream when I spotted the macabre interloper and immediately yank it from public view.

I've come a long way since then. Now I let Dan's treasure sit on display for a few weeks, without making a single disparaging remark. Then, I silently move it to his private office, where he -- and only he -- can enjoy it for perpetuity.

In my book, displaying Dan's offbeat collectibles is a mistake. But the biggest mistake I see people make when creating displays in their bookcases, china hutches or anyplace else is to throw up their hands in frustration and give up.

A surprising number of folks tell me they aren't sure how to create a dramatic display, so they feel overwhelmed or intimidated when they try. If this describes you, take heart. Styling knock-out displays is simple when you know the tricks of the trade.

The key to creating a beautiful display is to weave together several layers of intriguing objects of different sizes, shapes and substances. Your display could revolve around a central theme or color. For instance, the shelves in my kitchen pantry are filled with displays of dishes. Or, you may opt for eclectic displays that bring in a wide array of favorite pieces, like I have in my living room bookcases.

When building your displays, always start from the back and work forward. Your first layer will serve as the backdrop for the tableau, so you'll need something large, tall or wide here. I love to use pieces of framed artwork, mirrors, trays and platters propped on their sides at the back of my displays. A large piece of pottery, an urn or a big pitcher also works well.

The middle layer of your still life should feature the medium-sized treasures you're just dying to show off. Go on a scavenger hunt in your home, looking for items you'd love for guests to see, like the photo of your grandparents' homestead, the vase you found on vacation or the majolica cream pitcher you snagged at an estate sale.

Start putting different combinations of pieces in front of your backdrop layer until you come up with an overall look that's an intriguing mix of heights, textures and colors.

The front layer of your display is all about the small stuff. This is where you'll spotlight the miniature pieces that are too diminutive to stand alone, like small picture frames, a sea shell, a set of china boxes or playful figurines.

One mistake people often make when building displays is to put these tiny treasures all by themselves. I've found that a small object usually gets lost on its own. That's why I frequently cluster together several little pieces and put them on a tray, perch them on a cake plate or place them atop a stack of antique books.

Inventive risers such as books, cake plates, boxes and baskets are a must-have in every display. They not only elevate small objects so they can be seen, they also add tons of texture, contrast and another eye-appealing layer.

Once you've tweaked your display until it's perfect, don't leave it like that forever. Keep your tableaux intriguing by changing them up a few times a year. Rotate your favorite pieces in and out of displays so you'll never grow tired of them. Add in new finds you can't wait to show off. And tuck in seasonal décor to keep your home interior fresh.

Mary Carol Garrity owns three home furnishings stores in Atchison, Kan., and wrote several books on home decorating. Write to Mary Carol at nellhills@mail.lvnworth.com. Her column is syndicated by Scripps Howard News Service.