Styling the Table Between Two Sofas: How To Style a Coffee Table

Attention grabbing titles stump me at times.  The backspace on this keyboard should start up its own CrossFit class because this baby gets in an impressive and exhaustive daily workout erasing first drafts, not so PG-13 wording and the like.

Title considerations for this post ranged from Not Another Boring How To Style a Coffee Table Post, Putting Stuff on the Coffee Table and Why It Matters and the winner, Styling The Table Between Two Sofas.

Anyway you title it, how to style a coffee table is a hot topic of decorating interest.

coffee-table-books

I like to incorporate individual style and objects that capture the soul of the life lived within your home.

The only hard-and-fast rule I follow in regards to how to style a coffee table is no sight obstruction.

I don’t know about you, but I hate to sit down to gab, read or watch television only to get right back up to move a decorative accent out of my sight line.

High, medium and low is a working concept with considerations to factor in.

When I’m styling a coffee table I sit down on sofa, chair, etc…  and choose the primary sight line.

X marks the center spot- the prime location for a medium or low height object placement.

The “outer” areas balance the method with graduated heights to continue the flow, theme and visual engagement.

how to style a coffee table

The rule of you effectively applies to decorating and should be beautifully evident throughout your home.

Styling a coffee table with a sense of individual style is easy.

A treasured keepsake, great read, conversation piece, a decorative box to house remotes (a necessary evil), framed picture of something, somewhere or someone that when you look at it a smile instantly touches your heart- the essentials!

Here’s the background on the pieces presently calling the top of my coffee table home.

shell

The shells were found on the beach in Corpus Christi, Texas by my mother when she was eight years old.

shell-Texas

My great-grandparents owned tourist courts in the beach area, and on one of the many trips to Corpus my mother picked up these shells.

Treasures of time and travel for sure.

rose-bowl

The rose bowl was an anniversary gift from Dave the Builder.

A  fellow antiques dealer brought it into the shop, and my heart skipped a beat.

Dave surprised me with it, I bawled like a baby, and up this keepsake went.

Fast forward to moving day when Miss Grace Kelly (me) dropped it, shattering it into several pieces.

The water works began, but I sucked it up and let it go.

No use crying over chipped and cracked porcelain- the thought behind the gift was still in one piece.

I picked up the pieces as best I could, placed them in a box, and set it out in the garage.

tall

Dave saw the box when he came in and asked me what had happened.

I filled him in, letting him know I had made peace with the pieces.

Dave wouldn’t hear of it.

He grabbed the glue and went to work.

When he finished gluing the pieces back in place he offered up a rather profound explanation.

He told me to look at it in a new light.

Things that are perfect one minute may not be so perfect the next.  That doesn’t mean you throw it away- you dig in with determination and fix it.

The cracked and glued back together rose bowl is even more beautiful to me now.

Valorie-Hart

Louisiana is known for unique characters, creatures, homes, food and culture.

House Proud: Unique Home Design, Louisiana by Valorie Hart and Edwin Edwards Governor of Louisiana by Leo Honeycutt are both interesting reads and wonderful conversation pieces.

Two birds, one stone.

The dried bouquet in the image below is a memento from my nephew’s wedding.

bouquet

What do you consider essential decorative elements in the pursuit of how to style a coffee table?

Love your style!

Historic Homes And The Beauty Of Their Architectural Elements

Architectural integrity through architectural elements is the indelible mark of historic homes and landmarks.

Longwood-Natchez-Mississippi

Longwood

It is usually the only tangible proof of bygone golden eras ruled by classic styles.

Cornstalk Fence Hotel

Cornstalk Fence Hotel – Flickr

Restoration efforts and day to day upkeep of historic homes can be financially mind boggling.

Another consideration is the sheer expense of replicating these styles in today’s market which can create financial hurdles too difficult to clear.

Aging and changing neighborhoods coupled with a natural progression away from this style of living  places most of  these homes in the private sector on an endangered species list.

Longwood-Columns-Natchez

Longwood

Craftsmanship, detail to details, and artisan skills used to envision, shape, form, and build these homes fascinates me.

Albert-B-S-Home

Over the years we have had the opportunity to tour, consult on, and donate antique pieces to several state and privately owned historic homes.

As much as I love antiques, I will walk right by a period piece without so much as a glance to get to the heart of the historic matter.

Architectural elements  grab and hold my attention.

architectural elements

Locally we have a block of homes known as Mansion Row.

Anchoring the far left corner of the block stands the Thompson-Hargis Mansion.

Built in 1907, this Greek Revival home with characteristic Ionic columns, porte-cochère, triangle pediment, and transom entry was once a jewel in the crown of our city history.

Exterior and grounds showed the weathered look of sun and time- nothing paint and repair could not fix as the property was structurally sound and the architectural integrity intact.

Thompson-Hargis Mansion

Removal of the furnishings was conducted years ago, windows and doors boarded, and the grand dame beautifully sat idling until this past Sunday evening when she fell victim to a senseless demise.

historical home

Neighbors who recall the elegance of what was and admirers of what could have been mourn the total loss of of property, history, and hope.

Thompson-Hargis

It’s a sad turn of events and an even sadder realization that original, historic, and one of a kind architectural elements were destroyed.

historical mansion

Dollars do not factor into the equation, there is no replacement value for the architectural integrity of this 105 year old home.

RIP Thompson-Hargis Mansion.

Darleen-signature-love

 

 

 

images:  Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation, We Saw That

Super Copper Tastic Excellent à la Decorocious! Copper Home Decor Accessories

Super Copper Tastic Excellent à la Decorocious!

That’s one way to sum up the beauty of the copper home decor accessories.

The patina, richness and versatility of copper lends a distinctive presence and truly unique color palette choice to interior design accents and home decor accessories.

Williams Sonoma Professional Copper Sauté Pan

Williams Sonoma Professional Copper Sauté Pan

Copper is not only a timeless trend choice, but a gorgeous heavy metal of ever current never outdated mass appeal.

copper-pots-molds-on-shelf

Flickr

A bold neutrality (isn’t that a design oxymoron?) accurately describes the pop of color copper kitchen accessories.

farmhouse-kitchen-copper-faucet

HouzzPine cone skinny napkin rings, set of four

Pine Cone Skinny Napkin Rings, Set of 4

Currently Coveting Copper!

farmhouse-kitchen-copper-pendants

Atelier Werner Fraters Décoration

Rustic-industrial-dome-pendant-light,-single-vintage-copper-chandelier

Rustic Industrial Dome Pendant 

A stroke of antique treasure hunting afforded me the perfect opportunity to own a large double handled solid copper serving bowl.

As soon as I unpack it (gotta find it first) from storage it will again grace the kitchen gallery wall.

copperrangehoods

My Rustica

When it came down to countertop selections for our kitchen remodel I knew the direction I was going in, but how much of my choice to incorporate into the scheme was the question I struggled with.  

Dave the Builder and I drove to Home Depot and soon the question was answered.

We selected copper half round rope metal molding wall tile trim to enhance the tile back splash.  

kitchen-materials

From the kitchen to the front exterior of the house, copper accessories make their presence known.

hammered-copper-table-lamp

 

When we moved into our home I accessorized the exterior with copper and copper inspired treated items.

Fifteen years later the copper mailbox, copper address plaque and copper weathervane look as new today as they did when purchased.

browns-tans-benzara-wall-mount-mailbox

Spacious Brown Copper Metal Wall Mounted Mailbox

copper-house-numbers

Copper Floating House Number

Pure Copper Horse Weathervane

Pure Copper Horse Weathervane

I was so tempted to go with copper gutters!

decorative exterior copper gutter

Austin Gutter King

Copper items left to nature’s patina process only get better with age.

copper gutters

Houzz

A copper boiling pot makes a perfect decorative accessory.

The point of new, vintage or antique copper is copper style, copper patina and the Super Copper Tastic Excellent à la Decorocious decorative effect.

The wide range of availability and price points of copper interior and exterior decor items is in our favor.

old copper maskFlickr

The wide range of availability and price points of copper interior and exterior decor items is in our favor.

Copper remains an elegant and traditional choice of color and material to enhance any space and complement any taste.

Darleen-signature-love

Navy Blue: Timeless, Traditional, Always on Trend

Navy blue is a classic color that is timeless, traditional and always on trend.

Don’t you love the word trending?

News.

Fashion.

Design.

It all trends.

Social media even loves the word trending.

Isn’t tweety the twitter bird blue?

Wait, wrong blue.

#navyblue

The original classic blue.

navy blue decor accentsTraditional Home

Popular and current styles or the who, what, or where currently in vogue dictates trending.

Navy blue is a true traditional classic color choice.

Its flavor of the month popularity may vary at times, but the unmistakable appeal and classic shades of navy blue never go out of style.

navy lacquer wallsluxe.

Classic touches cast a modern light on the traditional scale of the space, and a chic spotlight on the navy and white Moroccan trellis pattern wallpaper.

red-bamboo-pagoda-mirror-navy-blue-moroccan-trellis-wallpaper House & Home

The flow of blue creates design marvels from the deep blue sea.

under the sea dinner wareFrom the Deep Dinner Plate

Antique pond yachts in triplicate showcase both the rich color and grain of the traditional wood paneling and the classic touch of center point navy. 

navy-studyTraditional Home

Go bold or go home!

This kitchen island in blue takes drama in a modern and new trad direction befitting the space.

blue kitchen islandluxe.

Navy blue carries the space as the predominant decor influence.

When paired with white home decor accessories and furnishings the perfect effect is achieved. It is all the visual explanation needed as to why this color pairing remains a classic choice.

transitional-living-room-in-navy-blue

SEED Design

This spin on the popular nautical theme is elegant at first sight and practical in pairs.

Merzbau Design Collective

Stainless and white frame this vintage blue stove in a rustic gorgeous fashion.

6-lessons-in-living-and-entertaining-by-the-beach-blue-and-brown-and-wood-kitchen-575ef423f4da36ab6ef3c151-w1000_h1000Domino

The crisp white ceiling and molding emphasizes the navy blue walls painted in Benjamin Moore Admiral Blue 2065-10.

The look is thoroughly modern magnificent, and navy blue is the star of the color show.  Glam at work.

Fun House Furnishing & Design

Navy blue stands the test of time for a very good reason~every fashion, decor, and decorative accessory it graces is in line to become a classic.

navy blue couch curated interiorCurated Interior

Navy blue wins the color triple crown for timeless, traditional, and trending beauty.

Mixing China Patterns

Mixing china patterns is a great way to showcase vintage and eclectic items while keeping the accent on unique style.

guide-to-antique-china-patterns

The Collector’s Guide to Antique Floral China Patterns

Tea or coffee time is usually an on the go event where the most stylish aspect is the blend or bean.

vintage-mixing-china-patterns

Tea Time Magazine

When time affords  the opportunity, I bring down from the cupboard the company worthy collection of antique and vintage sugar bowls, creamers, flatware, and demitasse sets.

mixed china patterns tea cups saucers

Photo by Debby Hudson

No rhyme and strictly for the look of it reason sets the table for what coffee and tea time are meant to be, a relaxing break from the routine.

Call it the Donny & Marie effect-I’m a little bit this, and I’m a little bit that.

Very Fine Older Silver Plate Etched Floral Designs Coffee Pot Teapot

Very Fine Older Silver Plate Etched Floral Designs Coffee Pot Teapot

blue-white-mismatched-china-patterns

Shabby chic boutiques, resale sites and stores, grandmother’s china cabinet, online stores and antique shops are collection creating central.

vintage-mismatched-tea-cups

Sunny Cottage Joy

Your initial “this is so out of place” impression will be overruled by the pop of color principal.

Vintage Mismatched Pink White Transferware Dinner Plates Set of 4

Vintage Mismatched Pink White Transferware Dinner Plates Set of 4

Visually shaking things up promotes the fun factor, and fun should be an integral part of  design and decor choices.

Darleen-signature-love

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home Decor Memories Under The Big Top Of The Piccadilly Circus

I hail from the land of Steel Magnolias, Divine Secrets of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood, grand interiors and impeccable tastes.

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then I have flattered with the best of them.

In my attempts to recreate the glory of fine, whimsical and vintage interiors, I have found I like home decor memories and keepsakes weaved throughout my decor.

It’s a nice way to incorporate the wonder times of my childhood, friendships, travels, and family.

Steel Magnolias

I’m neither a Southern Belle nor Hollywood’s interpretation of one.  What I am is an appreciator of tasteful objects that take me to a place in my life timeline as I pass by, place around and prize them.

divine-secrets-of-the-ya-ya-sisterhood

My mother, a true Southern Belle with a nth degree black belt in retail, is of the firm belief shopping and lunch go together like Visa and MasterCard.

My brother and I were not particularly thrilled to see this idea of a circus come to town.

The brand of circus I speak of was the weekly ritual of lunching and marathon shopping at “the Village.”

The Village was the largest shopping center in town and the epicenter of early nineteen seventies shopping.

venetian-carnival-mole-by-scalamandreCarnival by Scalamandre

When I can’t sleep there is no sheep counting for my inner insomniac.  I think back and place the shops in their rightful storefronts circa nineteen seventy something.

Works every time!

Fast forward to today’s Village where all that is left of yesterday’s retail offerings is one national chain grocery store and a family favorite, Piccadilly Cafeteria.

I believe I have spent a collective decade of my life at the Piccadilly.  When you are the only kid on the culinary block it just works out that way.

With frequent visits came a strange familiarity with the surroundings.  My parents viewed after dinner visiting with fellow diners, local friends and dignitaries as the final course of the meal.

As my childhood patience was tested, I would stare at the chandeliers, grandfather clock, draperies and paintings in the dining area for what seemed hours.

cattle oil painting

I always loved the gold gilt framed oil painting of cows that graced the wall of the dining room with its larger than life presence.

Some years later the exterior of the cafeteria was remodeled, and the addition of eight large decorative pineapples found a new home atop the cafeteria’s exterior pillars.

Word spread fast throughout the community of the Piccadilly renovation and liquidation sale of interior and exterior decorative goods.

 My checkbook, my brother and my memories headed to the Village faster than you could say dilly plate.

Piccadilly-restaurant

The beautiful oil painting proudly hangs over the master sitting room fireplace in my brother’s home, and the “Piccadilly Pineapple” graces our kitchen dining area.

The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality, and goodness knows the Piccadilly served up enough of it over the years to my family.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages…

A memorable memento from where we’ve been, what we’ve seen, and who we are celebrates us and brings it all home.