Decorative Ingredients for Styling a Console Table

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Shelterness

There are countless ways you can approach styling a console table.  You can keep it simple and classic or you can create an eclectic decorative statement with multiple decorative accessory items. Whatever the approach, there are a few tried and true components that every console table should have.

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LAMPS–a pair of lamps is one of the most popular design ingredients for styling a console table.  Matching lamps provide symmetry as well as ambient lighting within a room and will give a larger console table the visual weight it needs up top.

tip: for a more eclectic look, use a single lamp on one side of the table and a grouping of accessories to balance it on the other side.

via Fun and Frugality

Best of Both Worlds–Fun and Frugality

PERSONAL TOUCHES–console tables give you the perfect platform for displaying personal items in your home.  Assemble a grouping of collectibles, display family photos and decorate with pieces that have meaning to you and your family.

tip:  place accessories in groups of three for a more harmonious feel (i.e.: orchid+books+clock and bird+two bowling pins)

via Apartment Therapy
Apartment Therapy

MIRRORS–in place of traditional artwork, try a mirror or two over the console table.  Mirrors will enhance any natural light coming  into the space and is an ideal wall decor solution in a foyer or hallway.

tip: in most cases, the size of the mirror should allow it to hang within the dimensions of the table, not extend beyond the edge of the table

Via Lonny
Lonny

BASKETS–baskets are one of the best accessories you can use when styling your console table.  Baskets add texture, fill the void under the table and help keep clutter under control.

via Style Me Pretty
Style Me Pretty–Emily Gilbert Photography

OTTOMANS–I love placing ottomans or stools under an open-bottom console table.  Ottomans add visual weight and impact in addition softening the lines of the table.

via Linda Benson Interiors
Linda Benson Interiors

DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES–it’s a given that your console table should have accessories on it but which accessories you choose can make or break the overall design impact of you console.  My top three accessories items for console tables are VASES, FLORALS & FRAMES.  Don’t be shy with your accessory statement and mix and match colors, finishes and styles to give your table that personal touch.

tip:  create a color theme with the furnishings and decorative elements you use to style your table

via DecorPad
Decorpad

BOOKS–you can never go wrong with books when styling a console table.  Use books to fill shelves, elevate decorative objects and add color.

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Domaine Home

ARTWORK–the artwork you hang over a console table can really help define the space and the overall look for the table vignette.  A collection of art can be just as dynamic as a single large piece and decorative objects added into the arrangement can provide added visual interest.

tip:  use uniform spacing between the art pieces so the arrangement reads as a single grouping versus individual elements

Via Pottery Barn2
Pottery Barn

Are you inspired?  I know I am.

I’ve got a beautiful wood console table that I’m considering painting black so I decided to pull together an inspiration board to help me visualize the look.  If you see something you like, you can shop the board below.

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SHOP THIS BOARD:

Crystal Column Lamp–Lamps Plus / Faceted Metal Vase–West Elm / Rosewood Porcelain Ceramic Vase–Ballard Design
Nate Berkus Metal Feather Ball–Target / Rossington Console Table–Wayfair / Silk Orchid–Overstock
Kelsey Umbrella Stand–Wayfair  / Safavieh Heritage Black and Ivory Rug–Wayfair

You don’t have to use all of these elements when styling your table but a combination of 2 or 3 will definitely help you create a table with style. 

Shelly

 

 

Feeling Uneasy With My Artwork

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The other night I was sitting on the couch and looked around at my walls.  I have several gallery wall arrangments that are a mix of art and objects.  As I looked at the walls, I began to feel unsettled with the eclectic mix and the random arrangement.  A desire for a more calm, symmetrical and orderly look washed over me.

My design style is eclectic with classic undertones so I was surprised at the feelings I had when I looked at the walls.  I think the need for order and calm is stemming from my life at the moment where I’m juggling lots of balls, can’t get it all done in a day and longing for a quiet weekend getaway.

What’s a girl to do with this artwork dilemma and feeling of uneasiness?

 Block out a weekend to unwind (unfortunately it can’t happen for a few weeks) and turn to Pinterest for some wall decor inspiration.

As I was looking through Pinterest, I came across these images where artwork was hung in a grid fashion providing organized and calm feel.  I like the look of art hung in a grid but am not 100% sure whether this is the look that I want.  Regardless, these images are inspiring me to make some changes to my wall decor.

My thoughts….

I love the tight grouping and a single frame choice but don’t know if I can commit to one style of art.

Tight Art Grouping

via Tobi Fairley

The impact of a grid arrangement is great so that’s a plus in my book.

Artwork Grid
via Apartment Therapy  

If the color of each artwork piece is similar that can be the thread that ties it all together.

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via Emily A. Clark

I love the look of this eclectic mix of art but don’t think it’s exactly my style.

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via Martha Stewart 

This arrangement is nice because it is still symmetrical but has a bit more personality than artwork all in the same size.

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via Houzz 

Grid layouts definitely work with black and white art but not my style.

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via Home Bunch 

I love seeing non-traditional elements framed as a collection.  Definitely something I’d do.

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via  BHG 

Fall is a great time of year to hang framed botanical art and the look is fresh and modern.  Gets my vote.

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via BHG 

This image might be the solution…symmetry but frames hung both horizontally and vertically which adds a bit of an eclectic feel.

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via BHG

Decision, decisions!

So tell me, is the gallery wall look still appealing to you or do you love the symmetrical art arrangements?  I’d love to know what you think.

Shelly

5 Decorative Items To Buy at Walmart!

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I think a lot of people shop Walmart just for kitchen and beauty staples and have never recognized that they also carry some great decorative pieces too.   If you take a look around the store you’ll not only notice stylish containers and dinnerware but there are some nice accent furniture and storage pieces as well.

Whenever I’m at Walmart I browse the aisles looking for what’s new and thought today would be a great day to share FIVE decor pieces I think are worth buying at Walmart.

Happy Shopping!

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The Heritage Jar has been one of my favorite jars for several years now.  When I first spotted it at Walmart I think the price was $10 and even though the price has increased a bit to $16.29 it’s still a good value.  The glass is thick and at a one gallon size the jar is one of the most functional and stylish way to store dry goods in the kitchen.

Walmart Gallon Heritage Jar

Heritage Jar in Kitchen

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Deal alert:  I just spotted a 2 gallon version of the Heritage Jar at Target for $13.99 which is an even better deal

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I love finding a good deal on lampshades and Walmart has a classic drum shades at a great price.  This Better Homes and Garden Black Drum Shade is only $12.97 but has the look and details and higher priced shade.  You can’t go wrong with this!

BHG Black Drum Shade

Black Lampshade

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And if you want even more style in your lampshade, I absolutely love this Black and White Cow Lampshade for only $25.00

Black and White Cow Drum shade

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If you’re looking for an inexpensive storage ottoman, Walmart has a nice selection to choose from.  This Kent Storage Ottoman is a great piece that pack a lot of style for just $168.17.

Kent Storage Ottoman Bench-solo

Kent Storage Ottoman Bench

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And another super chic storage ottoman is the Liverpool Linen Storage Ottoman–$240.18

Liverpool Linen Storage Ottoman

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Finding a nice looking bookcase can be challenging.  This BHG Crossmill Bookcase is a great piece and I love the weathered finish and the $199.88 price tag.  It also comes in a version with lower cabinet doors for $109.00

BHG Crossmill Bookcase

Crossmill Bookcase--kitchen

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Crossmill Bookcase with Doors

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When it comes to organizing, baskets and bins are an essential design element and I especially love bins that have some character and charm to them.  Walmart sells lots of different basket and bin styles but at the top of my list is this Galvanized Bin.  There are two sizes available ($7.47 and $12.44) which means you have a size to fit all your decorating and organizing needs.

Walmart-Galvanized Bin

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If you have a favorite decor piece from Walmart, leave me a comment and let me know what it is!

Shelly

 

It’s Hot Chocolate Season–SIX recipes to try!

IT’S HOT CHOCOLATE SEASON!

HOT CHOCOLATE

via Well Plated

It’s October and in my book that’s the official start of hot chocolate season.  Since I’m one of those rare birds that don’t drink coffee, hot chocolate is my fall and winter beverage of choice (I’ve even been known to drink a steaming cup in hotter months too because hot chocolate is that good)!

To celebrate hot chocolate season I’ve got SIX SUMPTUOUS HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPES that will have craving one of my favorite drinks!

White Hot Chocolate

     White Hot Chocolate

via Gimme Some Over

S’more Hot Chocolate

S'mores Hot Chocolate

via Minimalist Baker

Pink Velvet Hot Chocolate

Pink Velvet Hot Chocolate

via Sugar & Soul

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

via Baking With Blondie

Confetti Cake Batter White Chocolate Hot Chocolate

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via Craving of a Lunatic

Black Cherry Bourbon Hot Chocolate

Black Cherry Bourbon Hot Chocolate

via Sugar & Soul

 

Enjoy and stay safe if you’re in the path of  hurricane Joaquin!

Shelly

Design Chat: Foyers–Vol. 3

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I’m back with another installment of Design Chat.  This time I’m answering a question from Katie regarding her foyer.

“Shelly, I am struggling with how to decorate my foyer.  The space is rather small and once inside the door, the dining room opens up on the right and there is a wall on the left which is about 8 feet long.  I’ve tried different furniture pieces and nothing seems right or is balanced against the dining room opening and  furniture.  Can you give me some tips and ideas on how to decorate a foyer.”  –Katie

I asked Katie a couple of questions to get a better understanding of her space and the image above represents the general layout of Katie’s foyer.

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The Design Tips:

Foyers come in all shapes and sizes and can be challenging find the right combination of furniture, wall decor, accessories and lighting to fit the space.  Although challenging, there are a few design guidelines I can share to help Katie and anyone else decorating their foyer:

♦  Foyers often serve as a decorative spaces while at the same time needing to have some functional aspects (drop zone for keys, mail etc.) to the design so keep that in mind when selecting furniture, accessories and lighting.

♦  Select furniture that fits the scale of the space.  Since there is a long wall that you want to place furniture on, select a piece that fills at least 50 to 75% of the wall space.  Small scale furniture on a long wall will look wimpy.

♦  Lighting is always a great addition to any foyer space even if it will be used just for ambient light.  Wall sconces are a nice alternative to tabletop lamps and don’t forget to put your lighting on a dimmer to control the light intensity within the space.

♦  Rugs will help ground your foyer and create a landing spot for guest as they enter and exit your home.

♦  Mirrors are a smart wall decor choice especially if your foyer doesn’t get a lot of natural light.  Mirrors will magnify any light coming into the foyer giving it a brighter appearance.

♦  If the foyer is a main entrance and exit point for the home and there is room for seating, a chair or two flanking a console table or cabinet is a nice addition. Chairs ccreate an additional layer of design, color and pattern.

♦  If the overall foyer space lacks architectural details (chair rail, wainscoting) consider wallpaper, a paint treatment or decorative molding to add interest to the wall and serve as a backdrop to your furniture and decor.

The Inspiration: 

Furniture with artistic details like this cabinet will add a lot of drama to a foyer.  And notice the accessories–although they are not symmetrical, the groupings on each side of the cabinet balance each other.

Foyer Table

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Open console tables keep a small foyer from feeling over-crowded and the space under the table is ideal for a bench or ottomans which can also be used for additional seating in other parts of the home.  The size of the artwork is proportionate to the size of the table and the lamps are in scale with the overall arrangement.

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Baskets under a console table provide the perfect spot to drop gloves, shoes or even a handbag.  And the texture it provides is an added bonus.

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Another alternative to a table or cabinet in the foyer is a bench.  A bench creates a cozy feel and can function as a spot to place bags upon entering the house.

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The Solution:  

So for Katie, here’s the recommendation for her foyer:

♦  fill the narrow wall space near the door with a grouping of three art pieces

♦  create a furniture and decor vignette on the long wall

♦  add an area rug for color, pattern and softness

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image source unknown

If you are challenged with decorating your foyer, I hope these tips help.

If you have a design challenge, leave a question/comment and I’ll answer your challenge in a future edition of Design Chat.

Shelly

Product + Inspiration: Typography Letters

Decorating with typography letters can be a lot of fun.  As this craft turned decorative piece has gained popularity, you started seeing lots of designer incorporating letters into chic wall decor statements.  Now typography letters are being used in many different applications not only because they add a personal touch to decor but also because they are one of most budget-friendly accessory items you can buy.

Here’s a round-up of some of my favorite typography letters and inspiring images on how they can be used to decorate.

The Product…

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Bronze Magnet Letter / Gold Resin Letter / Galvanized Metal LetterPaper Mache Letter / Studded Burlap Letter / Monogram Letter / Chalk Letter

The Inspiration…

A monogram hanging on a front door is such a classic way to welcome guest.  I love the look of this berry covered letter, especially for the holidays.

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Finding good wall decor for a kitchen can sometimes be a challenge.  You can use letters to make a custom wall piece that’s perfect for your home.

tip:  words perfect for a kitchen:  Yum, Savor, Gather, Diner

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If you’re looking for something different to dress your door during the holidays, consider using letters to create a holiday sentiment.  Cover the letters with green felt, moss or even a coat of spray paint to coordinate it with your holiday decor.

tip:  holiday words to consider:  Noel, HoHoHo, Merry

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You can easily update a traditional wreath with a typography letter.

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Use letters to create a bold welcoming statement in your foyer.  Such a fun and unexpected touch.

design tip:  when hung vertically, the letters/word can make low ceiling feel taller
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One of my favorite spaces for typography letters is in a nursery or kids room.  I love the look of this collection using different fonts of the same initial.  It’s artist and whimsical at the same time.

design tip:  use different size letters and letters in different finishes to create this eclectic feel

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The tops of bookcase or shelves is a great spot for an oversized letter.  Leaning or hanging on the wall, the letter adds depth and dimension to any vignette.

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Typography letters are a natural for bookshelves and add visual movement within the overall arrangement.

design tip: have fun with the font style and color so that the letters make a statement amongst all the books

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Typography letters come in lots of different sizes and lots of different materials so even the smaller letters can be used in a fun way like this cake topper.

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I’m a fan of typography letters…how about U?

Shelly

Photographer Portfolio–Alyssa Rosenheck {+ a few photography tips}

One of the best ways to learn about photography styling is to study the portfolio of professional photographers.  Recently I came across the photography work of Alyssa Rosenheck and it stopped me in the tracks.  Alyssa is a Nashville based Interior & Lifestyle Photographer that captures the beauty and intimate details of interiors, lifestyle and brands.  Her work has been featured in Rue Magazine, Elle Decor and Better Home and Garden amongst other well-known publications.

Check out some of my favorite images from here portfolio and view her full portfolio here.

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Alyssa Rosenheck--Interior Photographer

After spending a good amount of time looking through her work and studying every detail of the photos,  I came away with a few things that I know will help me become a better photographer.  I wanted to share them with you in case you want to up your photography game too!

♦  Perspective is everything.  Not all shots need to be or should be shot straight on.  Slight angles and downward shots can give furniture and accessories a grand feel.

♦  Lighting is everything.  Lighting is one of the things I am challenged with most and I’ve learned (and am still learning) just how critical natural lighting is.  If you have lots of shots you want to take, it might be best to save them all up for a sunny day when you can get the most out for the light streaming into your home.  (note to self–after spending endless hours shooting products on a rainy/cloudy day)

♦  Blurry is beautiful.  Sometimes I find myself fighting with trying to get a super crisp exposure for the entire frame of my photo.  While that might be necessary for some photos, detail shots with blurry backgrounds are just so beautiful and captivating.

♦ Filling the frame.  I struggle a lot with this when I’m shopping small accessory items and find that I have a lot of white/open space at the top of my frame.  The angle in which you shoot a photo and the props you use can help you fill the frame and get that lifestyle impact your want.

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If you have any photography tips, I’d love to hear them so leave me a comment.

Shelly

all image via Alyssa Rosenheck, all photography tips are mine

 

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