Coffee Table Styling

When it comes to styling a coffee table there are a few tried and true guidelines you can follow that will lead you down the path to a stylish and chic result. A few of these rules of thumb include, but are not limited to, adding the following:

1.  Something with height. Incorporate something tall, like a hurricane vase with a candle or candlesticks. This adds interest to your table, and can also be a great source of ambient lighting at night.

2.  Something interesting. Include a unique or sculptural object to your coffee and end tables. It serves as a great conversation starter when you’re entertaining guests and shows off your personality.

3.  Something fresh. Add a vase of fresh flowers or a pot of moss to your table. It will help bring the room to life, and it’s also a great way to incorporate color into the space.

4.  Something stacked. Stack three or four large books on subjects that interest you, and then top them off with a picture frame or something decorative.

Here are a few examples of exquisitely styled coffee tables using the elements above:

Design Ideas : Home Office

I’m in the process of re-decorating my home office, and I’m having the hardest time settling on a design concept. Do I want something dramatic and formal? Sleek and minimalist? Or will I be most inspired in a space that’s colorful and creative? Whenever I’m in need of a good strong push in the right direction, I head straight for Pinterest where I’m sure to find an abundance of design inspiration. Here are a few ideas that caught my eye! 

I love the color of the hardwood floors, and how the stark white walls allow the art work to take center stage. This space is clean, un-cluttered, and focused. I also love the pops of kelly green in the chair and desk top.

Again, I like the white walls and simplistic approach here. This space feels fresh and inspired.

I absolutely love this desk – especially for small spaces because of the way the glass sides keep the room feeling open. The rich wood feels dramatic and makes the space feel a tad more professional and formal.

You can’t get more girly than this. I love the built-ins with pops of color in them and the large inspiration board is a must for me!

Organized and free of clutter, yet personalized. I always love black and white with a few small hints of color thrown in.

No matter what style of office you’re in, fresh flowers are always a good idea!

Now Trending: Color-Blocking

Color-blocking has been a popular trend in fashion for a few seasons now; and the bold look translates well in interiors as well. Combining two or more contrasting colors together may sound like a tough task to pull off, but when done correctly the finished product is simply beautiful. Here are a few inspiration rooms I stumbled upon!

Kelly Wearstler Design

While I’m not entirely sure I could live in a Kelly Wearstler designed home – I certainly have respect for her fierce style and could easily spend hours admiring her glamorous creations. In the latest issue of Architectural Digest, her most recent project (a family home in Bel-Air) was featured. The finished product is stunning, and shows off her fearless use of bold colors and textures.

Zara Home

I’m always on the lookout for stylish-but-affordable home accessories to add to my ever evolving spaces, and was thrilled to discover that Zara Home is now available in the US (as of October 9th). The line offers everything from throw pillows, glassware, and scented candles to decorative furniture. I love that luxurious one-of-a-kind pieces don’t have to cost an arm and a leg..  thank you, Zara!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now Trending: Animal Prints

Animal Prints are a great way to add interest in a space, and when incorporated into a more traditional/conservative setting, a little goes a long way. If you’re not crazy about the idea of using animal prints in your home but are still interested in participating in the trend – just start small. Try adding a throw pillow or a small area rug to a room. Even a few animal-themed accessories can liven things up and give a hint of the unexpected.

Now Trending: Hand Craft

Think Anthropologie. Knits, embroidery, vintage, and anything with a touch of whimsy.

Note: The cable knit duvet in the first picture was hand knitted using wool from Australian Country Spinners (via Deb McLean of Busy Being Fabulous). But if you don’t know how to knit one up yourself, here are a few alternatives:

Pottery Barn Cable Knit Blanket – $60

Martha Stewart Collection Cable Knit Throw (Available at Macy’s) – $60 – $120

Lee Wilder Cable Knit Duvet (Available on Amazon.com) – $450

Collections Etc Cable Knit Throw (Available on Amazon.com) – $40

So long, Chevron

Dear Chevron,

I don’t know where to start. When we first met I thought you were fun, exciting, and I couldn’t get enough of your fresh-chic style. But lately, things have been different.. Maybe we’ve been just seeing too much of each other, but I’ve grown tired of our design affair. You’ve become too predictable and I need to move on to the next trend. I’m sorry.. it’s not you, it’s me. But before we go our separate ways; a look back at the good times:

La Vie En Rose

I typically shy away from incorporating pink into my spaces or outfits for fear it will come off as too young or too girly. I really do love the color though.. so I decided to go looking on pinterest for inspiration on how to use the hue in more sophisticated ways, and was delighted with some of my discoveries. I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the combination of pinks and neutrals – I think this lovely pairing makes a space (or an outfit) look and feel so romantic.