Coffee Table Sophistication & Inspiration

...It has been 5 months....

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... in the new house.  So you know I'm itching for some change.  Easy fix: rearrange.   One of my favorite pastimes.  With so many other things changing, for the best!, in my life, why not do a little changing in the house?

Starting with my coffee table

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Source: Decor Pad

 Decorating a coffee table can be tough.  Where do I even start? Is this too cluttered?  Eek. that doesn't look right.  Look for inspiration or other tables that are eye catching and go from there!  I've posted some style to steal throughout this post! 

Suggestion: Pinterest. 

For me, I believe it only takes 5 key pieces for a chic, elegant, & fun look and feel!

1. The right table

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For you.  There are endless types of coffee tables for every personality and style.  I have had everything from a family antique trunk to a homemade "farmhouseish" style table.  Get creative.  If you don't want a "table" pretty much anything with a flat top that you can put legs on can be converted to your own masterpiece! 

2. Tray/Coasters

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It's sophisticated.  And protects your table from unwanted water marks! An opportunity for more decorative patterns & color.  Tip: If you have circular table, use a rectangle/square tray and vice versa.  Differences of shapes creates a nice balance for the eye.

3. Coffee Table Books

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I know I know, you're already styling with them (and hopefully reading!).  Try this trick: consider displaying them out in a neat grid as a "base" and stacking the rest of your pieces on top.

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They can be expensive, but thank you Ollies & Amazon.  When I look for books, I start with their spine.  Always looking for fun fonts, colors, and designs.  Next, I go with content.  My library of books has anything from dogs to design and everything in between.   When searching, look for different sizes (perfect for stacking!)

4. Statement Objects & Personal Pieces

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the power trifecta: books,trays & flowers

I once read that personal pieces aren't just for the bedside table & that's so true.   What great conversation starters!  And that's what you're doing when you have company over.  It adds flair to the table that is unique to you.

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5. Fresh Flowers/Plants

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A pop of color does wonders to a room.  Everyday is a fresh start & living plants help create that freshness in the room and in a mindset.  Maybe it's old-fashion, but fresh air, sunshine, & fresh flowers are hard to beat!  I make a trip every week to get my fresh flowers for the house.  The feeling is welcoming and calming when walking into any room.

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I can't wait to see what extra flair ends up on my coffee table.  My taste is farmhouse chic, so there will be a lot of mix & match from some of my inspiration pieces!  Have fun with different items, but remember, there is beauty in simplicity. 

... happy rearranging... 

xo

-W

porch & palette

Engagement Fun: Kerry & Jason

Kerry & Jason

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A couple of weeks ago I hosted my first party in the new house.  Thank you Kerry & Jason for getting engaged!  Just wanted to share a few from the fantastic night.   BEST wishes to you both and whatever the future might hold. Muah! 

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... she's taking his last name... 

Cheers!

xo

-W

Americas Sweetheart

It is an amazing feeling waking up happy with  your life.

 

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Everything about it.  Q1 of 2015 I made a promise to focus on myself.  Where I wanted to go, in love, in my profession, with friendships & my faith.   So I did.  I started to live life for me and incredible things started to happen.  Not all at once, but I learned to be patient and trust in God's plan.

 



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A close family friend gave me a CD with Elle King's Americas Sweetheart (below, take a listen!) on it.  Never heard it before.  But it quickly became a favorite, a theme song.   This was my pump up song going into the office! Thank you Mrs. Zenns!

 

Too often we spend our days trying to make everyone else happy, trying to be "America's Sweetheart".  Stop.    Take it from me, when you do, life becomes a beautiful thing!  I can finally say that I have 100% focused on myself & lucky me, all my stars are starting to fall in line.

 

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Elle King: Americas Sweetheart

 

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Just recently I decided that I was going to pursue another career path.  Terrifying.  Is leaving what I've known for the past 5 years the right thing to do?  After much contemplating, I did it.  And today I got the news.   It is both terrifying & amazing and I can't wait to start this new chapter in my career with a phenomenal company!

(So, if there is a lack of posting, please forgive!)

 

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Often in the past I thought "am I good enough to have that job" or "am I good enough for this relationship" and I actually believed it.  I'm not America's sweetheart, but I'm me.  So many times I have questioned God's plan for me and it is starting to all make sense.  I'm done not believing in myself anymore.  Trust in God's plan, love yourself first, live life & everything else will fall perfectly into place.

 

...take a leap of faith...

xo

-W

 

Keep up with my new adventures: porch & palette

Flair & Individuality

... good morning...

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I've been waiting on you Friday.

Recently I've been looking at the pieces in my house and realizing that I don't necessarily have one "style" or look.  I like combinations of all designs to create my own.  Yes I took interior design classes in college thinking I wanted to be the next big thing (quickly changed that thought after one bad art class, not my proudest moment) but realized that interior design can be my hobby and I can have a day job too.

So I graduated with a communication degree...

Anyhow,  during those classes I always thought "who made these people the gurus of all things interior design"?  Why can't everyone create a space using their own flair and individuality without going by "the rule book"?  

You can & I did.

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Create your own rules.  You like it, use it.  Design is an open book to whoever has an open mind.  My mother having her interior design degree has given me her two cents (and I thank you Mother) on decorating my house.  Some I use, some I don't.

Floor Flair (say that five times in a row)

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Beauty from: Kate Marker Interiors

What a glamours floor.  Hello beautiful.  Lately I've been drawn towards Turkish rugs, or that look thereof.  Something about the vibrant colors mixed with a hint of age brings a floor to life.  I'm still on the hunt for the perfect Turkish rug.  Or a runner, I'm digging this one from Kate Market Interiors.

Newest family addition.

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I was looking for another accent chair for my bedroom (since my one and only went to the office).  My sweet grandmother said that I could use the rocking chair that was in the bedroom I always stayed in.  #1.  Not really looking for a rocker, but ok. #2.  Why can't I ever remember a rocking chair in that bedroom?

#3.  Oh wow!  Was not expecting this priceless family antique.  The bones and structure of this rocking chair are amazing.  This one is coming in quickly as my second favorite.  

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Mix old with new.  
The chair & dresser were handed down to me & I added new art, simple! 

Your bathroom.

While procrastinating on cleaning my house for an upcoming engagement party this weekend, I floated across an article on bathrooms.  Having small baths in my recent rentals, these spaces have been a little neglected & will become my new project.  Note to self: find items that normally you wouldn't think would go in a bathroom.

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Top 5 Bathroom Trends

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One of my favorite quotes I've crossed has been one from Donna Karan, Personal style comes from within.  It's when the woman, her individuality and spirit, comes through.  

... my ending thoughts on all areas of your life...

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... thank you Author Egypt...

See you later work week 

& 

Go Panthers!!!

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-xo

W

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