Coffee Table Books: The New Accessory

Many of us have them. They sit on the coffee table, on the bottom of a side table or finally get moved to a bookcase somewhere. But, stacking your favorite large books to provide height, personality and diversity to a space and grouping is a perfect decorating idea. Afterall, these books are essentially art in themselves! Add some flowers for color, a painting or print, and one other stylish item for your perfect vignette.

 {images above at home of Erika Bretchel of Small Shop}

 

Purchased Gilded Mint painting in the home of Jennifer Willis, owner of Virginia Haskins & Company.

Her Etsy shop has loads of great vintage finds for this exact setting, from book ends to brass accents.

Carved marble bookends from Virginia Haskins & Company.

And, I personally have my eye on this gem. 22kt gold with turqouise as the ideal accent piece. I can see this next to a Gilded Mint painting, a vase of pink peonies and a few stacked design books. LOVE!

This is simple and uncluttered. Flowers, check! Artwork/photo, check! Accent piece with shine, check!

Coffee table books stacked, voila! {Via Houzz}

Pretty white and blue living room. Check out stacked books on back console too. Keep it simple

because I believe the biggest decorating mistake people make is adding too much!

I would take just one element off top, but otherwise fab. You can always sub your magazines for books.

Here, they used both. {Via Decorpad}

Quiz, if your closet looks like this, then you are: 1. A Celebrity; 2. Fashion Designer; or 3. Stylist.

All three of my top elements included! Mary Alice Stephenson's closet, so if you

guessed #3 then you are correct.

These aren't coffee table books, but still same concept applies. Erin Featherstone's NYC apartment via Vogue. This was just too pretty not to include!

If you want some tips on stacking your books, this is from Emily Henderson as featured in HGTV Magazine:

Happy Reading & Decorating!

Bar Carts in Vogue

An entertaining must these days is a bar cart or bar trolley. This is no tea cart mind you! Whether you are putting beverages, flowers or gift favors in them, they are mobile and just adorable. You can use as an accent furniture piece in an entryway for books and keys, as a bedside table or to hold lotions and makeup in the bath. Vintage or new, these add a touch of class to your home interior.

Oh so pretty! Pink and orange pop.

Bath accessory. {via Home & Leisure South Africa}

So elegant and rich looking. Just used a serving tray and stand. Painting via etsy.

{via Decorista}

If you checked out my post on Gallery Art, you'll see Anna Wintour was way ahead of us
all (isn't she always working at Vogue?) with her bar cart in sharp silver.

Another gorgeous bar cart with flowers, pretty glasses, color and crystal.

{via Tulle and Trinkets}

Now, here are some favorites for you!

A fabulout 'tea' cart. {via Ebay}

{via Williams Sonoma Home}

Love this turquoise. {via Posh Living}

Another fabulous vintage find in brass. {via Ebay}

Gallery Walls for Art & More

Gallery style groupings are popping up in homes everywhere. No longer just a set of kid or wedding photographs, or child artwork on the fridge, these groupings can have a mix of black and white photographs, paintings or prints. It's your chance to personally express yourself and your style...no longer relegated to just one picture or painting. Laying the artwork out on a floor, bed or table to view your different options before hanging will help. HGTV recommends starting with two to four pieces hung in the center at the same height to establish your anchor or focal point and fill in from there. If you are doing this over a sofa or furniture piece, it's recommended to leave at least 6-8 inches between the piece and your first artwork. Here are some gallery favorites.

Blue walls with gold and black.

Different mirrors can also be grouped to create their own gallery display.

Good variety and pink/orange ikat chairs.

A staircase is a perfect space for a gallery wall.

And finally, a mix of photos, mirrors and lettered art. Great mix on striped walls.

And, let's be honest, even the fashion queen herself gave herself a little gallery wall...centered with

octagon mirror. Anna Wintour of Vogue Magazine.

Kiawah Homes

In the spirit of Memorial Day, beach vacations, the coast, barbeques, sun and vacations, I thought I'd highlight a gorgeous home on Kiawah Island, SC. Just down the road, Kiawah is one of my favorite places to run, ride a bike or lunch overlooking the Ocean Course where the 2012 PGA Championship will be held this summer.

You would think this is something out of the Hamptons until you notice the palm trees and palmettos!

Blue and white living room.

Clean and simple offwhite kitchen.

Check out the architecture!

Yes, this is the bath in that tower.

Seriously, this is your own beach path!



One of my favorite Kiawah home kitchens in white and gray.



Happy Memorial Day!

Chandelier Color

Designers and savy home decorators are starting to use chandeliers as the color statement in the room. No longer just hanging there looking pretty, chandeliers are adding some pop to a room. Pink, turquoise, lavender, you name it.

Pink and gold in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

 

Via Shades of Light...comes in a variety of colors.

 

Now, THIS could not be any more perfect. It's a splurge and named after my mom!

The HEDY chandelier at Vielle & Frances. Horchow also has one similar.

Turquoise is very hot obviously.

Retro Glamour Via Horchow

In a Soho Loft.

Now, I always believe that good design CAN be affordable. When taking a risk with a colored chandelier, it may be best to stick with something $150 or below. This is from Urban Outfitters.

If you just want subtle color and love some femininity, this is perfect at $199 from PB Kids.

Perfect in a stairwell.

Garden Stools

You may think this post is about sitting on a stool in your yard, or something to perch your tushie on while gardening, but think again. Garden stools are very popular in interiors as side tables and extra seating, especially when space is a factor or the need for mobility. I will be purchasing one here soon for my living room, and have come across some great pieces. They run the gamut on style and price, but my final pick is stylish and affordable!

I love the basketweave and simplicity of these. Via Neiman Marcus,

who dedicated a whole section to Garden Seats.

I love the turquoise color.

Wisteria comes in with the most affordable option and a variety of colors. Loving the blue.

I love the use of this stool in the foyer. Notice ikat pillows from last post.

Seating for vanity in bath...so perfect for space.

Can you spot it?

From Ballard Designs and I think my final pick. Great deal at $139.

Living room again...check out the poof over mantle.

Oh my goodness...super creative placement and utility in shower! Crushing on those tiles.

Turquoise tucked under the table.

If you need an extra seat at the table.

Z Gallerie has this Winslow Stool in elm wood. I like the rustic, softer feel to this. Very affordable.

And, finally, sleek silver paired with an abstract painting! Read my post on abstracts for home decor.