Classic Decorating Is All About Tablescapes

(David Hicks tablescape)

David Hicks, British superstar interior designer, coined the phrase “tablescapes” back in the 1960s. Tablescapes are creatively composed accessories set on a table, each piece specially chosen until the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Hicks has long since died, but his design flair and attention to detail still inspires designers of today. The attention to detail led Hicks to compose miniature design scenes on tables so meticulous that his tablescapes became mirrors of his overall design concept. The classic tablescape shown in the photo above alludes to the Greek classical décor behind the table. The simple but elegant ceramics and earthenware – a staple of Greek interiors – is a beautiful way to complement the surrounding room. 

When arranging a tablescape, the guidelines that designers pay attention to are

• the focal point, 
• the various heights, 
• scale, 
• the number of items on the table, 
• how the accessories harmonize with the other items, and 
• the overall color scheme.  

With his classical tablescape, Hicks employs an overall neutral color scheme to complement the classical theme – varying shades of cream and beige and touches of muted sage green and malachite to prevent it from being boring. Hicks also paid attention to the heights of the items, mixing up accessories of low, medium, and tall heights to provide interest on varying eye levels. The scale is limited to small and medium sized items so that they don't overwhelm the background artwork on the walls. Finally, the bouquet of flowers provides the focal point for the whole tablescape as well as softening the hardness of the surrounding vases and bowls.

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