Simple Details: design how-to

Showing posts with label design how-to. Show all posts

Thursday, February 21, 2019

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

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

A Simple Rule for Mixing Table & Chair Styles

Hi friends, it just happens I'm helping four clients with kitchen nook spaces,

and thought I'd pass along my simple rule for mixing table and chair styles to create

my favorite eclectic look. I love the collected look juxtaposition gives a room. It's

an easy formula to keep from having that matchy look designers steer clear of.

It works for a multitude of styles, and is all about contrast.

Jayme Armour Interiors

#1 ~ Contrasting Style

Choose furniture styles that contrast

French with modern, traditional with coastal, modern with rustic,

industrial with vintage, formal with casual, ornate with clean lines

#2 ~ Contrasting Shape

Choose a table shape that contrasts with the chair shape

Round table with Square high back chairs

Rectangular table with Curved high back chairs

Rectangular table with Detailed chair backs

Round table with Geometric bamboo pattern

#3 ~ Contrasting Color & Texture

Choose colors, finishes and textures that contrast

Add contrasting color in upholstery or paint,

smooth finish with textured rattan or metal,

distressed finish with lacquered

Super simple ~ start with either your table or chairs and follow the contrast rules.

Here are a few favorite rooms to give you an idea how it works no matter your style.

Victoria Hagan

Jan Jones LLC

Summer Thornton Design

My Domaine - Nina Dobrev - Consort Design

Maison Decor Mag

Summer Thornton Design

I could happily live with any of these styles, do you have a fav?

Monday, November 14, 2016

My Favorites ~ One Room Challenge Linking Participants' Rooms

Oh my goodness, there was so much inspiration in the One Room Challenge

Linking Participants' Room Reveals - over 200!!!

Today I'm sharing a collection of my favs. Of course, it was almost impossible to

narrow it down, there are so many amazing transformations!

You can see links to all the reveals at Calling It Home.

If you haven't had a chance to see the 20 featured designers' rooms,

it's a must ~ truly remarkable makeovers.

Office @ Ashley Bell Interiors

Maddie G Designs

Pencil Shavings Studio

Dining Room @ Bigger Than the Three of Us

Formal Living Room @ Restyle It Wright

Dining Room @ Life is a Party

Foyer @ Prairie Girl Home

Sitting Room @ CC and Mike

Kitchen @ Design Dazzle

Garage @ blue i style

Master Bedroom @ The Grit and Polish

Kitchen @ Decor Happy

Laundry Room @ Bre Purposed

Office @ Kelleynan

Family Room @ Making It In the Mountains

Coffee Bar @ Erin Spain

Dining Room @ Boho Style File

Congrats to all who participated, I know it's a huge amount of work, but

so rewarding in the end to have a beautifully finished room!

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

On My Shopping List ~ After Analyzing This Reveal

I love to analyze decorated rooms, and pour over the details to define what draws

me in. I especially love to focus on which items speak to me that would be nice additions

to my home or suggestions for clients. I'm always looking for pieces that give a lot of bang for

the buck, and can easily move from room to room, or that elusive one-of-a-kind treasure

that just might pop up on Craigslist. :)

You may have seen this amazing reveal that I found myself dissecting today.

White Textured Vase

I counted 8 white vases/vessels in these two rooms, I particularly like the ones with texture.

Keep in mind - it's simple to spray paint a vase

if you're thrifting and see something you like that's an off color.

Pedestal Dish

The gold detail on that pedestal dish takes it up a notch (I recognize this one from Anthro).

Again, super simple to paint a base on any bowl to recreate this look.

Work Lamp

So unique and functional ~ the idea of a work lamp on the kitchen counter.

I did a post about this gem from IKEA that they used.

Organic Wood Furniture

I'd typically disregard this piece as 'not my style' but it's the perfect addition to

achieve an eclectic look, and the warm wood is so good against crisp white walls.

I tend to be easily distracted when I'm out and about shopping or thrifting, :)

I like to keep a list of items I'm looking for on my phone.

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

I Spy a Craigslist Buy (9)

Last weekend a sweet reader bought my dining chairs I was selling, and she

mentioned how much she liked the 'I Spy a Craigslist Buy' series I'd done

in the past. Looking back the last one was in January, I guess overdue is an
understatement ~ so let's catch up!

These listings are currently available on Denver's Craigslist,
(Click the link below the heading)
and I've paired them with inspiration pics to give you an idea how the pieces can be used.
(Ugh, you guys I'm so sorry for the different fonts, I copy it from Craigslist and it appears as if
I've got it right and then goes wonky on me. #sorrynottechnical)

Rattan dressers - $10 (Centennial/littleton)

https://denver.craigslist.org/fuo/5808238395.html

These would make a great pair of nightstands, painted and hardware cleaned and shined.

RoomforTuesday.com

Study Table with Chair - $35
https://denver.craigslist.org/fuo/5809523207.html

This looks like it's been freshly painted! I think the gold hardware in the
pic below stands out and looks richer than the brushed nickel.

Charish

Sanity Fair

Antique side table - $45 (Stapleton)

https://denver.craigslist.org/atq/5820698384.html

These classic side tables are great for an entry, nightstand, end table, and easily
mix with any style. I love the lion's head ring pull. A a quick coat of
Rub 'n Buff would bring back the brass color. In the pic below pairing it with
the modern style white gourd lamp keeps it from looking overly formal.