by Alison Johnston of Johnston Home Interior Design
Would you go to a fabulous cocktail party with no jewelry? NO! You would look unfinished. We feel the same way about coffee tables. A blank table is not only sad, it is unwelcoming. There’s actually a simple formula to create a polished look. It involves a couple of books, a tray, a vase or plant, a small bowl, and a piece of whimsy. With this simple collection you can give a hint to your personality (are those travel books?) or a hint to the best use of the room (Dominos for game night!).
Since the combination is so simple, I’m going to focus on different color palettes. This is straight-up decorating. Let’s get styling!
Scroll down for this issue’s Hot Tip: Faux Plants–no longer a faux pas!
Overall Styling Tips:
- Group everything inside a large tray. That will keep everything neat and corralled (and easy to move).
- If you have a larger table you can separate the elements into groups. Remember to add height by stacking some books. The top book will really bring the style!
Let’s Start with Rich Jewel Tones:
If you have a neutral living room, why not pick up a few jewel tones from a pillow and create this tablescape?
Start with this amazing vase.
Add a couple of floral books like Home in Bloom by Ariella Chezar and Dahlias by Naomi Slade
And a fun snail to sit on this marble tray.
A dark and moody tray will ground it all.
Gold and Green:
This is my new favorite color combo. It’s rich but fresh.
Start with a grey shagreen tray and then instead of a plant, let’s go with this whimsical cloche. Plus a beautiful book. And one more book!
Place a white marble chain on top of the books.
A lovely candle and a small bowl and you’re set!
Blue and White:
OK I know there are a few of you who can’t help yourselves when it comes to blue and white. And I don’t blame you! I’m currently doing almost a whole house in blue and the client is so happy!
Start with a scallop wicker tray.
Add a stack of blue books with a piece of white coral on top
Then a cheerful blue pot for a plant and maybe a little dog sculpture!
Neutral Textures:
Let’s start with a fun sculptural game!
We’ll add a metal tray for some contrast and my all time favorite home book. Howard Backen passed away this year and his legacy in the Napa Valley is unrivaled.
A textural pot with a few branches will complete this setting. Don’t be afraid to put in something tall. It will really catch your eye when you walk by.
If you have room, this textured horse would be fun. I did mention the need for whimsy, right?
Bright and Colorful:
For a cheerful display, let’s start with a couple of vibrant Assouline travel books. Pick your favorite travel spots and mix it up!
Let’s stack a ruffled marble bowl on top of the books.
If you use several stacks of books, then we don’t need a tray for this one. Let’s use a bowl for some fruit instead!
Finish it off with a vibrant checkerboard/backgammon game and a small candle.
And I can’t resist another dog, but let’s make it pop art!
Hot Tip:
We are fine with fake plants! A few years ago, I might have winced. But the recent developments in silk have made for some realistic plants. I tend to kill real plants. If you struggle as well, these branches, this bowl of orchids, or this potted bursera plant may work for you.!
