I have to admit I am a bit nervous about his post. I can style a client's table with my eyes closed but with mine I sometimes overthink it! I find there are certain rules I have laid down for myself when styling a table. I first take into consideration whether it's an ottoman used as a table or simply a classic cocktail table. Since I have both in my home I have decided to style them accordingly.
I LOVE books! I always add books and bigger the better. The more interesting and artful even better!
For the ottoman, I also love a tray so that one may place a cup of tea or "cocktail" down with now fear of spilling. Plant life or flowers are always a great touch especially at this time of year because we are longing to see greenery. I like fun items that have personality or sentimental meaning. For me, it's this small platter with a great quote from Oscar Wilde. I also get a chuckle every time I see my little monkey candle holder. Any piece that can add personality or can be a conversation piece is always a great idea to have somewhere on a cocktail table.
Where ottomans are concerned I always leave enough space around the edge for one to put their feet up as well.
My next table is a Moroccan tray table from the 1970's on a ebony bamboo legged stand. Is 38 inch round and it has personality already on its own. Since I like the table to speak a bit for itself I have made the setting more subdued. I find if you have a collection of pottery or interesting glass this is the time to pull it out. I always follow the odd rule when adding pieces so I like a collection of up to 7 pieces max, again leaving space for drinks or snacks around the table. Again I have added books and I have taken into consideration the color scheme in the room so watery blue and rust is fitting.
A style like this can be simple with no flowers or greenery but since I need all the flower power I can get I have shown it both ways.
P.S. This room is under a facelift too, can't wait to share it in March when the Oushak rug comes and the room is altogether!
I hope you got a sense of my "simple style" now I am heading over to see what great table style can be found on Project Design!
You don't have to be nervous - these are all perfection! The colors in both are so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYou are too kind, it may be a bit boring compared to others for sure!
DeleteLOVE! You nailed it that green ottoman is heavenly...with the leopard in the background and leather chair..tres chic. We share a love of the same things for coffee tables, books, a little blue and white, etc...have a lovely weekend!
ReplyDeleteThe green ottoman and brass table are both really great classic pieces! Love that leather wing chair too!
ReplyDeleteThank you Rene I loved your table ideas somuch too!
DeletePretty options--and I love the blue and white, of course :)
ReplyDeleteYes one can never go wrong with a little blue and white!1 thanks!!
DeleteYou have the most beautiful furniture pieces and I love both of your styled coffee tables. I think I may have to get that "Dogs" coffee table book - looks so cute!
ReplyDeleteYou should get that book you will absolutely love the images!!
DeleteGreat inspiration, Karolyn! Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteLove them both! My fave is all that lovely blue & white on your Moroccan tray table. The tulips tie in the chairs perfectly! Well done:)
ReplyDeleteCharlotte
Simplylovedesign.blogspot.com
Thanks so much Charlotte I agree that tulips tied is all in!
DeleteKarolyn I love your Moroccan Tray table because it is so unique and styled beautifully. Your ottoman (which I also have in my study) is great because as you say you want enough room around the edges so sometimes my books get stacked higher in the center!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
The Centre Cannot Hold
thank you so much Karena you are so sweet!!
DeleteYou are crazy, you pro!! Such beautiful inspiration, Karolyn, and your table and ottoman are both fabulous classic pieces!
ReplyDeleteI loved your table styling it was awesome!
DeleteYou are crazy girl! You did a great job...both are styled beautifully!
ReplyDeleteThank you I love words of encouragement from talented people like you!!
DeleteThese are both gorgeous! Thanks for the great ideas. LOVE your brass tray table!
ReplyDeleteThanks you Jennifer that is an OLD table but I goody so I think its a keeper!
DeleteLove both your tables.
ReplyDeleteStyling them can be both easy and hard at the same time but you brought it with an edited eye and the perfect amount of restraint! It didn't hurt that both your tables were pretty great on their own!
Nice to meet you by the way:)
Thank you for your kind comments I appreciate it!!
DeleteLove the blue and white items. Both tables are beautiful and make a statement about you and your family. That "Dog" book is fab. I want one!
ReplyDeleteThat Dog book is so great i never get sick of leafing through it's pages!
DeleteThese vignettes are so beautiful! I love the way you use color, Karolyn!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much I know this world of monochromatic I am never too sure how my color sense will be received! xo K
DeleteMy favorites are 3 and 7! You have such a beautiful home, with the perfect colors.
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday, Karolyn.
Teresa
xoxo
Karolyn, Love this series and there is so much inspiration here. I like what you've done ~ gorgeous tables. The books are a must and of course the blue and white;) Happy Friday!
ReplyDeleteThat green ottoman number needs to be published! It is so sleek and cozy and....Love all of the blue on the brass with the perfect color of tulips....YUM!! Wow...you were intimidated...are you kidding?!! You can come style my coffee table anytime. I am soooo glad you joined us.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this!!! Both make me happy…you are so lucky to have both spots in your home. Beautiful job. We have some of the same books and the leopard pillow. But YOURS all look more stylish! Thanks for playing with us!
ReplyDeleteYou have done a beautiful job with this project Karolyn! I love your combinations of beautiful books, sentimental items and always a tray. You are so stylish that I just knew you would create perfection. Fun post!
ReplyDeletexx, Heather
You have done a beautiful job with this project Karolyn! I love your combinations of beautiful books, sentimental items and always a tray. You are so stylish that I just knew you would create perfection. Fun post!
ReplyDeletexx, Heather
Thanks so much Heather!!
DeleteBoth look perfect, Karolyn - lots of my favorite things - books, blooms and blue and white. I always, always leave room for feet on our family room coffee table. A must! XOXO
ReplyDeleteOh Karolyn, I love your cultural mix here, no need to get worried here, it's a home that breathes a rich flavor of well mix pieces. I have to mention a big part of why the setting for your books and collections is due to the base foundation of your area rug, it warms up the space richly and brings your eye up to the finishing touches. Quite beautiful a space to sit and take in all that it inspires.
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Dore
You are so kind thank you . I love to hear your opinions because you style so well!!
DeleteAll so interesting
ReplyDeleteI love the green ottoman and the styles you shared.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kim !
DeleteUM.....forget about the styling can we talk about those awesome coffee tables? Wowza. OK....whew....but the styling is perfect of course!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are too nice Sherry thank you so much!
DeleteI love this challenge, need to foof up some of my horizontal surfaces so this is giving me inspiration. I really like your "seven" and "odd" guidelines, I find those work for me as well.
ReplyDeleteYes I love that rule, thanks so much!
DeleteI love books, too!
ReplyDeleteYour styling is beautiful! Love the books!
ReplyDeleteShelley
Books are such a great go too!!
DeleteWonderful styling! You can't go wrong with blue and white, books and Oscar Wilde! Hope you had a wonderful weekend, Karolyn!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI loveOscar Wilde too! xo K
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job Karolyn and I'm in love with that green ottoman. So much rich color in your room, all the books and the Oscar Wilde quote makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Leslie!!
DeleteThey both look fantastic! I have an antique brass tray table as well and always struggle with covering it up and just recently decided to "go for it" and it actually makes the table look better! I love yours with the blue and white and the flower pop!! Beautifully done!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear that someone else has a vinatge brass table I go tit years ago and cannot seem to part with it!!
DeleteI wanted to purchase a dining table online and that's why I visited so many online stores. Vigshome.com ended my search by providing the best quality dining table. The quality of their dining table is so high and the price is so affordable. The design of my dining table is so unique and the aesthetic looks are very beautiful. Oval dining table
ReplyDelete