Tips From A Designer: Coffee Table Styling

February 11th, 2014

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We’re continuing the “designer secrets” series this month with Kristin Jackson, from The Hunted Interior.  If you’re not already aware of Kristen’s amazing design talent, well then brace yourselves for today’s full on awesomeness!  Her design styling skills are legit!  I am continually amazed by each new project. 

Hunted Interior - Spotted Drapery - Reduced DIY Spotted Curtains

HuntedInterior-BrassBedNightstandSheep_zps63ca6c43

This bedroom she just designed for her daughter might be my favorite bedroom of all time!  Her little girl is quite the lucky lady.  

But today, we’re the lucky ones as the style-master herself is here to offer us some tips on how to style our coffee tables like a pro.  Here’s Kristin! ~Carmel

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The anatomy of a well styled (& livable) coffee table lies in three simple steps.

coffee table styling tips

1.  Start with a flat surface

… either a tray or a stack of large coffee table books.  This will be your foundation for your decorative items.

2.  Add something fresh

… a simple vase full of flowers, a grouping of succulents, or even a preserved boxwood orb would do the trick.  Fresh flowers can be a luxury, but picking up a small bunch of hydrangeas or roses at the grocery store is all you will need.  It’s even better if you can clip them from your garden in the Spring and Summer months!  It’s amazing the life these little beauties bring into a room.

3. Layer on a decorative object

… For our cocktail ottoman above I used some beautiful gold rimmed agate coasters which are both gorgeous and functional. Love a multi-functional decor item.

coffee table styling

I love using this method because it is nearly foolproof.  You can always add to it to make it feel a bit more layered, but the basic three steps always work.  I also recommend using a tray if you have small children in your home.  This way you can have the tray set, ready to go, on a higher surface (a kitchen table, media console).  Then you simply pick it up and move it to the coffee table when you are entertaining.

coffee table styling
 
Candles are also a welcome and functional addition to the coffee table mix.  My favorite addition to a candle are classic wooden matches grouped in a little vessel.  This time I used a vintage silver cup.  I cut off a bit of the striker from the match box and taped it to the bottom of the candle.  That way when it’s time to light the candle I simply pull out a match and strike it along the bottom.  No more searching for a match!  While beautiful and decorative, I do believe that coffee table decor should be functional.
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Oh. my. goodness. I just love this little 3 step styling trick!  Thanks so much for sharing your amazing design expertise today Kristin.  I have no doubt Chic readers will be spending a little time today restyling their coffee tables.  😉  I know I will!  

I hope you’re all enjoying this series as much as I am.  If you missed last month’s installment be sure to check it out now.  Sherry Hart shared some great tips on how to mix fabric patterns like a design pro.  

photos by Kristin Jackson of The Hunted Interior

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