Late Summer Coffee Table Styling
The kiddos have headed back to Clemson for the new school year so we are empty nesters once again. It's always tough at first……it's so quiet. This is the start of our 3rd year so I know what to expect. The great thing is that they are sharing an apartment and only a short 20 minute drive away. Ashlyn has already been home twice and classes just started last Wednesday. I like to think that it's because she can't live without me when in reality….she want to see her baby, Bentley (her dog).
This month's Pinterest Challenge is hosted by my blogging friend, Cindy. You can see all of her amazing decorating talents at County Road 407!
This challenge came at a perfect time. I work best under pressure. My first project with the kids leaving was to paint the entire wall of French doors in the family room. I had taped all the panes a couple of weeks ago so knew that I now had to finish the job with upcoming fall tours. I literally finished painting and getting the room back in order to fluff the room for late summer just in time for this post. Nothing like a deadline to put a fire under me.
It's brightening up the room so much with the fresh white that I started really rearranging our accessories. It really has me ready for fall!
If you are visiting from Carol over at Bluesky at Home, welcome!!! I am always inspired by Carol's creations.
Let's get started!
If you are new to the Pinterest Challenge, here are the details!
- each month Cindy selects a photo for inspiration online that we will recreate
- the owner of the photo has graciously given us permission to give our spin on the project
- you will receive numerous ideas that you can replicate in your home to keep things fresh
Yvonne is absolutely the sweetest! You can find this gorgeous example of styling and so many fabulous ideas for home and life over at Stone Gable Blog. Her photo is this month's inspiration.
The elements that I chose to recreate:
- flowers
- sphere
- books
- tray
- fabric
This is so very different from the coffee table look that I typically decorate. I usually have a tray or basket in the upper right hand corner. This time I centered it on the table. My basket tray is smaller than the one Yvonne used so I extended the sphere element outside the basket.
These faux hydrangeas are pretty for fall…..really any season.
I had this beautiful kitchen towel with the colors in the couch pillows that gives added texture and pattern to the basket tray. I use this basket tray all the time. It was an easy DIY paint technique that totally changed the look of this basket.
I just had to pull my little Shaffordshire dogs from the secretary. They are a favorite accessory of mine plus the colors say fall!
Books are absolutely one of my favorite things to decorate with in our home.
Decorating with Books
- add height
- add color
- add pattern
- add interest to a vignette
I really like balance….can you tell! I have either side of the basket anchored with books.
The colors are perfect for fall. I'm on the hunt for a mustard colored throw!
I like to leave plenty of room on the table to place drinks, snacks, dinner plates and to work! Yes, this room is lovingly used quite often.
It's so cozy at night with the addition of a few items to start ushering in the fall season. I can't wait to add pumpkins soon!
Be sure to visit Katie from Walls of Wonderland for more fabulous coffee table inspiration!
Barbara Chapman says
Hi Christy! Love your living room and how you’ve styled it and your coffee table for fall. I like symmetry, too, and the books on both sides of the tray look great! It’s tough when the kids go off to school, even if they are close. My son has since graduated and is now married to his college sweetheart, but I still miss them! Just mailed a birthday box to both of them today (they have b-days two weeks apart) and wish they lived closer.
Back to your pretty coffee table… Those faux hydrangeas look really nice and photograph well! I have two white Staffordshire dogs s/p I picked up in England for just a few pounds. Would love some large ones but they were expensive then (2005)!
Enjoy your coffee table’s lovely vignette throughout this fall season,
Hugs,
Barb š
Lora Bloomquist says
I can’t believe you painted all those squares in your french doors, Christy! Yipes, what a job! The taping alone would take forever! Fun to enter a whole new season with them looking fresh, I’m sure. Great idea to extend the elements outward, rather than limiting yourself to the tray, especially since your sphere is big! I’d work in that beautiful room, too;)
Crissy says
Your whole living room is beautiful, Christy! My boys also started school this week, so I can relate to the house being quiet. I can also relate to working well under a pressure! You did a lovely job with your coffee table styling. I love the basket you used and the coffee table books. I’m now on the hunt for some similar books!
It’s been fun participating in the challenge with you!
Julie Briones says
Christy, your table looks lovely, and I love the addition of the tealight and holder on the stack of books (that wooden holder is lovely!). Love the way you put your twist on this Pinterest Challenge! Pinned!
cindy says
Love how this turned out! Subtle, pretty and perfectly fall. Thank you so much for joining in. I know you were quite the busy woman! Pinned
Terrie says
Christy, Your coffee table is so pretty the way you styled it. The pieces you used are so cute. Love everything you placed on your table. Love the basket tray.
katie says
What a gorgeous space! I love all your coffee table decorating books & a mustard throw is going to look great with this pretty fall display.
Christy says
Thanks so very much. I just love the fall season!
Paula says
Your coffee table vignette is so pretty, Christy! I love you Shaffordshire dogs and after seeing them, I think that I need a pair of these in my life. Seeing your coffee table books makes me realize that I don’t have many of those and they are something that I know I would enjoy. I’m looking forward to seeing your newly painted french doors. I know that you were happy when that project was complete.
Amber Ferguson says
Okay, just box everything up on the coffee table and ship it to Kentucky, I promise I will find the perfect spots for all your treasures!!!!
As usual I adore your styling with classic and elegant accessories with a touch of vintage. The dogs are the best! I found some vintage Staffordshire dogs at a shop the other day and they have been barking at me in my dreams to come back and adopt them…
In addition to vintage everything, I collect decorating books. You have a fabulous assortment on your table. I agree, they make great decor and while you are relaxing you can just grab one for inspiration.
Everything looks so cozy, I can’t wait to see more for fall! I love it all!
Carol says
Christy, what a lovely table. I love the contrast of your white-washed round basket and the wood of your coffee table. The shapes are a good contrast too. Love the gold globe too.
Benita says
Christy, this is so pretty! I love the vintage books and your Shaffordshire dogs! They definitely have perfect fall color! Hugs!