3 Simple Steps for Styling a Chic Coffee Table

Hi friends! 

Call me crazy, but I LOVE styling coffee tables! I know it's not everyone's idea of fun,

 but I have a super simple (I promise!) step-by-step formula that just may change your

mind. The good news is it will work for round, square or rectangle coffee tables, and I'll bet

 you already have everything you need to create a stylish vignette. Three of my long time

 favorite bloggers Cindy @ Rough Luxe, MaryAnn @ Classic Casual Home and

 Annie @ Most Lovely Things host a monthly Project Design Series, this month I'm excited

 to join them along with

 Kris @ Driven by Decor, Sherry @ Design Indulgence, Kim @ Northern California Style 

 to share our 'Coffee Table Styling Tips' with you.

I have been a fan of all these talented, beautiful ladies for years and know we're in for some

serious style!

It happens that I joined them for a Coffee Table Styling series a few years ago,

you can check it out here for more inspiration. 

My 3 Simple Steps are at the end ~

but I've shared some extra tips with each vignette below.  

I love including large statement pieces or oversize vases of greenery casually

 spilling over. This is seeded eucalyptus from the grocery store, an inexpensive

option ($6) that gives a lot of bang for the buck.  

A black, white and gold color scheme coordinates with ANYTHING!

These hammered metal glasses are large and heavy, a recent find at Homegoods for

$13 - they add a little dose of fun.  

Be sure to include varied textures -  clear glass, brass, hammered metal, 

textured vase. 

Use a patterned vase to add interest, and books that pull out a color in your

pillows or other furnishings to coordinate, just don't go overboard being too matchy. 

A small (4"x4") clear square vase (Hobby Lobby) is perfect for a more greenery

 but doesn't look too busy or overdone. That's a leftover from a Valentine bouquet and 

some boxwood clippings from my yard. Btw, we have snow on the ground but the bottom

side of my boxwood are green.    

A lucite tray is ideal when you have a lot going on (pillows & gallery wall) and need

something simple. I lined it with a piece of leopard wrapping paper because you can 

never go wrong with leopard print! 

Vary the height of items you use, and if a large statement piece is ornate keep the

other accessories to a minimum.

Everything looks good in a white vase! 

If you look back I have a variety of them in different shapes and sizes.

 Vary the texture of greenery - the small glass vase holds hosta leaves from our yard. 

Bright colored books from the thrift store add a fun pop of color.   

For a rectangular table I follow the same 3 Simple Steps but add an extra pile of books.

Souvenirs you pick up traveling are always a great addition and conversation piece.  

3 Simple Steps to a Stylish Coffee Table

Create 3 Sections on your table

Section #1

A tray or larger books placed beneath two vases of flowers or greenery

(one tall vase and one smaller - vary up your greenery)  

Section #2

A couple of low books

(a great place to inject pattern and color)
a magnifying glass always looks great on a pile of books

Section #3

An interesting object

(a box to hold remotes, something quirky or whimsical, 

something sentimental, a pretty bowl, an antique, anything you love)

Thanks so much for stopping by today, I hope you're inspired to knock out

some styling! 

** NEW INSTAGRAM **

Unfortunately, my Instagram account was hacked last November and 

yesterday I started over with a new one. :(  I'd love you to follow me there.

INSTAGRAM -  @pam_simpledetails

Don't miss my blogging pals posts!  

Cindy @ Rough Luxe

 MaryAnn @ Classic Casual Home

 Annie @ Most Lovely Things 

 Kris @ Driven by Decor 

Sherry @ Design Indulgence 

Kim @ Northern California Style 

living room refresh

Who knew a couple innocent little Craigslist purchases would create such a
staggering domino effect! I've been arranging and re-arranging furniture for the past
 two months, hauling it downstairs and back up and have come to the realization that
clearly we need a bigger house! :)
 I thought I'd share a few of the changes to our living room so far.

Remember when these vintage chairs popped up on Craigslist, and I couldn't resist them?
 I always knew a pair of chairs would fit perfectly in our bay window, and they did, but it
was the beginning of a domino effect I didn't see coming! The sofa had always been there
 and the only other option for it was against the wall - I wasn't sure what I'd think, but I'm
 loving the new look after placing the mirror from the dining room above it and creating
 an eclectic gallery wall.  

I love how the bay windows are more visible without the sofa obstructing the view, and
 the comfy down cushioned chairs tuck into the space and create the best reading nook.
 

As much as I loved the bold floral pattern I was a little skeptical if it would mix with
 what I had. You guys know I don't stray far from my neutral base so I can change things
 up on a whim. Well, it all came together and the only new items I bought were the citron
 ikat pillow and the artwork on the bottom right.
Remember the day I showed you how to shop Goodwill, both were finds from that
 outing, the coral chevron ikat pillow was a steal from there last year that inspired
  my family room spiff up.

(sorry about some of these bad pics, my weather app didn't forecast clouds till later)

I dug out this DIY Rope Vase I made a couple years ago for my Cinco de Mayo party
  centerpiece. I love the texture and the casual vibe keeps some of the traditional pieces
 from looking too stuffy.  

 

The other irresistible find that added to the chaos was this HUGE ornate mirror,
 originally finished in a dark stain giving it a heavy appearance. I lightened it up
 with two coats of Gold Rub 'n Buff, applying with a toothbrush so it still had some
 variation in color vs a solid painted look. See below.
My  DIY framed batik gallery wall that was here is piled in the dining room in the process
 of being re-hung, the good news is it gives the room a fun unexpected jolt of color, looks
 great with the chairs, and ties everything together without being matchy!  
 

You can see the finish on the mirror here, I'm still tweaking it, I think it needs a few
more brighter highlights throughout.
 The shelf and greenery hide our thermostat. :) It worked before, but now looks a bit off,
the thought of an ugly thermostat right there in the middle of the wall gives me hives!

Progress should be picking up over here after the One Room Challenge is over in
 just two short weeks! I'm thinking of having a sale and parting with a few
Craigslist treasures ~ you'll be the first to know!

coffee table reveal and styling tips

I was thrilled when Cindy @ Rough Luxe and Mary Ann @ classic.casual.home
 invited me to participate in their Project Design Series - Styling a Coffee Table.
I also knew there was no way of avoiding it - I would have to out myself!
Here it goes, my coffee table confession: I'm a serious collector/hoarder of Craigslist
coffee tables. The only thing I love more is coffee itself! If you know of a support group
let me know!

In the meantime, say hello to my venti White Mocha with whip...

The key to keeping neutrals interesting is lots of varied textures!
Wood, concrete, glass, greenery, flowers, pottery, shiny, matte, smooth, rough.

Pretty doesn't have to be pricey! Everything on this table came from Goodwill,
the books $1 each on half off day, the wood bowl, the vases I bought a few years ago
 and spray painted.

Wheat grass is quick, easy and inexpensive to grow, the great texture and freshness
 can't be beat. Here are my instructions, if you've never tried it you'll be hooked!
I brought my DIY concrete spheres and old glass float in from the garden for some
rustic texture.

Next came my grande Cinnamon Dolce Latte...

Black and white stripes and leopard patterns easily mix with a multitude of colors
 and combinations. I'm sure you've seen that leopard tray over and over in my vignettes,
 it was a simple Ikea DIY a few years ago. A pretty box to hide the remotes is a must!    

I love my foo dog I found thrifting not long ago, he gives the table the perfect
bit of quirk.  The greenery in the clear square vase is the fern filler that came with
the roses (I used the same on the first coffee table, too).  

And lastly, get a shot of my tall Espresso no foam...
 

My favorite greenery is anything from our yard, but this time of year I'm out
 of luck and used this is faux greenery and floral stem from Hobby Lobby.
Situate the interesting bloom in a smaller vase in front of the larger one to show
it off nicely.

Three Simple Steps to a Stylish Coffee Table

Create 3 Sections on your table

Section #1

A tray or larger books placed beneath two vases of flowers or greenery

(one tall vase and one smaller - mix up your greenery)
add one other object to create a grouping of three items    

Section #2

A couple low books

(a great place to inject pattern)
a magnifying glass always looks great on a pile of books

Section #3

An interesting object

(a box to hold remotes, something quirky or whimsical, 

something sentimental, a pretty bowl, an antique, anything you love)

I can't wait to see what these talented friends have to share,
guaranteed inspiration galore!

Carla Aston Designed

classic•casual•home

Cottage and Vine

Emily A. Clark 

La Dolfina

My Notting Hill

Rough Luxe Lifestyle

Savvy Southern Style

T & G Interiors

The Enchanted Home

The Relished Roost

And a huge thank you to Cindy and Mary Ann for such a great idea!

   

   

project design - coffee table styling

I'm still enjoying the long weekend, but wanted to pop in quickly to let
you know about a fun series I'm so excited to be participating in this week!
I'll be joining Cindy @ Rough Luxe and Mary Ann @ Classic Casual Home

for their Project Design Series. They've asked several bloggers to share their coffee
 table styling tips and reveal of our coffee tables this Friday. 

I came across so much gorgeous inspiration while researching I had to share
some of my favorites... 

  

 centsationalgirl.com

theeverygirl.com  Yana Puaca's Chicago Home

theglitterguide.com

 waitingonmartha.com

 apartmenttherapy.com

entermyattic.blogspot.com

blogg.skonohem.com

Be sure to stop back on Friday for the coffee table reveals, there's sure
to be an abundance of inspiration with these talented ladies:

Carla Aston Designed

classic•casual•home

Cottage and Vine

Emily A. Clark 

La Dolfina

My Notting Hill

Rough Luxe Lifestyle

Savvy Southern Style

T & G Interiors

The Enchanted Home

The Relished Roost

another craigslist bamboo table

I was beginning to wonder what was going on with our awesome Craigslist,

a slew of big armwahs (aka armoires) and over sized reclining sectionals popped

 up every time I checked in. 

Persistence finally paid off last week when I scored another table with a bamboo base!

 And, if that wasn't enough to make up for the lull, the sweet seller threw in another

 fabulous table because she was moving and wanted it gone!

Yes, I snagged a table with a similar style a few months ago and didn't need this at all,
what can I say, it was a steal at $50 and I caved! 

I love the collected look of a traditional piece paired with my more modern sofa, and the

 curved top against the straight lines. It's a large side table size (30" diameter) vs a lower

 coffee table, but I'm all over it unexpectedly pulled up to the front of the sofa. 

This solid wood Thomasville table is in great condition, except for few scratches you

can see on the base that will be an easy fix. Big and functional with a shelf inside,

 and that burl like finish...love! I think I've even got a spot for it. 

And, free :)

Have you scored anything you couldn't pass up lately? :)

  

elements of style book giveaway

It's your lucky day! Remember the fun girl's room I just revealed, well, my sweet
client gave me a thank you present ~ Erin Gates' newly released book,
 Elements of Style,
but I'd already received my own copy I'd ordered. Of course, the gift was special and
 I wanted to keep it. It took me about two seconds to decide what to do with my copy.
You guys are truly the BEST,
thank you so much for reading and the encouragement you send my way every day!

I thought I'd style my coffee table with Erin's book, but got carried away, and for
 fun I shopped my house and found elements she used in the vignette on the cover of
 her book.

I haven't had a chance to read much of the book yet, but so far Erin is an absolute
 delight, incredibly talented and inspiring!

Here a few posts from the past where I chatted about her...

Erin's black cabinet on the front of her book showed up on our Craigslist,
I went to see it, and passed. :(

My favorite knock-off Frye boots were a recommendation from Erin.

DIYs in the photo above...

Craigslist Hutch in Annie Sloan French Linen here
DIY Leopard Tray from $2.99 Ikea Tray here
Coffee Table Transformation here
Greek Key Chair Reupholster a $10 Garage Sale Find here
(forgive the last two, the posts were my second month blogging) :)


And finally, the giveaway... 
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck and thank you, friends!