Styling “How-To’s” & Tips

How To Style A Console Table in 5 Easy Steps

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Photography via Rustic White

 

Filed Under > Living

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If you’ve been to my house, which you probably have not, you’d know I have a loft space that is in dire need of some decor (design board here).  Well the first step in that process was a small, but very important step.  The top of my stairs.  This tiny space was just begging for a console table, a grand piece of art and a little bit of styling.  And while these pictures make this area look very pristine it’s actually quite functional.  And functionality is something I believe every space should have.  For example, that quirky hand stool can actually be sat on, but normally houses my purse or anything I don’t want to forget when leaving in the morning.

Another act of functionality, the snake box and malachite bowls which double as beautiful accents plus places to stash my stuff.  I’m notorious for having jewelry and trinkets in every feasible place and in every single room so shouldn’t they at least be beautiful?  

Next for adding height to the console table, because you never want everything on one plane, I utilized coffee table books which I collect and use whenever I can.  Plus that pop of red was a necessity.  Last year I saw Kathryn Ireland speak at Americas Mart and she said that no room is complete without red as it always warms up the space.  Being someone who doesn’t use red liberally (or really ever) I was hesitant when I started integrating red into my rooms, but dang it if she wasn’t right.  Even a dash of red, as in this case with the Art book, automatically adds that small touch of warmth where this space could have felt a tad cold.

And while the show stopping Mary McDonald table lamp needs no explanation, it actually serves the purpose of light and isn’t just a beautiful accent.  You see my loft is very dark, there’s no windows so no natural light.  Which is quite different than what you naturally think of when you think loft.  But it is what it is.  So when decorating I knew I needed to have a lamp that actually gave off some light and I promise you she gives off some serious shine.  

Finally the orchid.  Fresh flowers are a personal must for me, but lets just hope I don’t kill it.  I’ve never had an orchid so if you have any tips I’m all ears.  Happy Monday Loves!  truly, MKR

 

CB2 console table  ||  Mary McDonald lamp c/o Euro Style Lighting  ||  painting  ||  Hillary Thomas Designs malachite bowls  ||  Books, Art of the 20th Century, Miles Redd The Big Book of Chic, Tim Walker Story Teller  ||  J.Crew flats  ||  Hand stool, gold planter, (also available in silver), snake box all new arrivals to Waiting On Martha 

How To Style Your Coffee Table

A fool-proof formula for a beautiful coffee table
Filed Under > Ideas & Inspiration

Coffee Table StylingCoffee Table StylingCoffee Table StylingCoffee Table StylingCoffee Table StylingCoffee Table Styling

Restoration Hardware trunk  ||  Ivory Bone dominos  ||  Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry Cookbook  ||  Dogs  ||  Ginger Jar pitcher used as a vase (vintage, similar here)  ||  Dana Gibson planter  ||  Faux python tray  ||  Japanese calligraphy brushes (found, similar here)  ||  Lizard magnifying glass (also available in alligator)  ||  A Passion for Blue and White  ||  Allegra Hicks An Eye for Design  ||  Coral and pearl catchall (sold out, similar choices HERE)  ||  Studio Ten 25 agate box c/o

When styling a coffee table I’ve found there’s a formula that tends to always work no matter the size or shape of your table.  It’s really quite simple…Books + Flowers + Trays + Depth.  

Books.  I adore books.  You’ll find them stacked all around my house, on really any surface that allows.  Not only do they reveal something a tad personal about the owner, but they add depth (part of my tried and true formula).  Plus they make the perfect landing for something smaller such as a decorative magnifying glass, a vase of flowers, a candle, a catchall, really anything.

Flowers and depth.  I’ll keep these two simple.  Flowers add life to any space.  While I know fresh flowers on a weekly basis can be expensive might I suggest a small plant instead?  For our house we have a little Jade plant that adds the perfect touch of green plus it’s beyond easy to take care of.  As for depth, every space I design always has to have depth, or rather different height levels.  You can easily achieve this look by stacking books as discussed above.

Trays.  Trays are the perfect way to corral items so they don’t look messy.  On my table a faux python tray houses my collection of Japanese calligraphy brushes which also adds pops of color (a necessity to any table).  Another way to utilize a tray would be a collection of numerous small items that may get lost placed alone on a table.  Items such as candles, matches, coasters, or any other small and decorative trinkets.

Lastly, and most importantly, remember this space  like every space in your home should be personal.  Think of it as a collection of items displayed in a beautiful way.  A collection and reflection of you.  So what’s on your coffee table?  truly, MKR

Photography, Jamie Hopper Photography

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