My Three Tips: To A Well Styled Coffee Table

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Tip #1: Have A Conversation Piece 

A great 1960s vase or 18th century sculpture is the perfect centerpiece for any coffee table. Head over to your favorite vintage shop or local home accessories store and select a centerpiece for your coffee table, that has some meaning to you. Be sure the centerpiece fits into the overall design of your space. When guests ask about the centerpiece you'll have the perfect story!   

Tip #2: Add Flowers    

Flowers are the perfect way to add some life to your space. Cherry Blossoms are my favorite, and you'll always spot some in my home. Select a bouquet of flowers for your coffee table that you love. You want to be sure the flowers are fresh and are in the right vase. Four flowers in a large vase looks quite silly, so be sure the vase doesn't eat the flowers!

Tip #3: Be Wary of Clutter & Scale  

Having too much clutter on your coffee table is a big no-no. Selecting two to three pieces is the perfect amount of accessories for your coffee table. You want to be sure that you don't have all tall pieces or all short pieces on your coffee table. For example, if you buy a large centerpiece be sure to buy a smaller vase for your flowers. By keeping the scale of your accessories balanced your coffee table will have the right amount of style. 

(ABOVE) I love this coffee table styled by Kelly Wearstler. The beautiful diamond jewelry against the leopard print table, creates the perfect conversation. Using jewelry as a coffee table accessory is a great way to add some unexpected glamour. Buy a tray and place a few of your favorite pieces for a little shine and sparkle. (BELOW 1) I choose this Living Room because, of the beautiful Cherry Blossoms and right scaling. Because the flowers are larger, the smaller accessories create the right balance. I also like the simple legs of the table, they work beautifully with the traditional mantle. (BELOW 2) Buying a few coffee tables or one with multiple surfaces like the one below, is a great choice. Having a few coffee tables is a practical idea as its easier to move a smaller table, then a larger one. Be sure to place your larger accessories on the middle tables and smaller accessories on the outer tables, for the perfect balance. (BELOW 3) Buying a fun coffee table is always a great choice. I love this checkered coffee table. Checkered coffee tables can work in many different types of spaces. What do you love about these spaces? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

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Accent With Flowers

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With the holiday season amongst us, chances are, buying flowers will be on your shopping list. Adding flowers to a space is a brilliant way to bring the outside in. In addition, flowers add temporary color to any room! (ABOVE) This setup is absolutely beautiful, but without the flowers it would not have the same impact. Here, the flowers break up the monochromatic table setup. (BELOW) The entry vestibule to Kelly Wearstler's LA office features a beautiful center flower arrangement on a fantastic table. Here, Kelly Wearstler used cherry blossoms. This table features many beautiful objects on it, such as a head and foot. If Kelly had used smaller flowers, likes the ones above, then the proportion of the flowers and the objects would be off. Placing cherry blossoms on a table, is a great way to add height. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

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Why You Should Accessorize

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Accessorize! It’s the most important element when finishing a space. Lamps, textiles, rugs, pillows, flowers, and books are all crucial in pulling together any space. Keep your accessorizing powerful. Adding a large statue on a coffee table or vintage vase on a dining room table are all forms of accessorizing. Don’t add fake flowers! Fake flowers in a space are my biggest pet peeve. They smell after a while, collect much dust, and make a space feel cheep. Fresh flowers are always best. These minor elements in a space will give your room a designer feel. Even though I am a strong believer of breaking design rules and taking risks I also believe that you can go overboard when accessorizing.   Whether it is a painting or candle holder accessories should serve a meaning and purpose. Whether your adding accessories to add color or alter the proportion of a space each piece should be seen as an individual item, yet work as a group of pieces. Add enough accessories to make your home feel like you. Don’t follow rules, just do. 

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1.  Partridge 12" Pillow by Crate & Barrel, Love the use of art on a pillow. 

2. Brass Foot by Kelly Wearstler , It is so versatile and can be accessorized in any space. 

3. Edie Lamp by Jonathan Adler, Adds a little flavor and unexpected style to any space. 

4. Bourgie Table Lamp by DWR, Is both traditional, yet modern. 

5. Open Stool/ Table by Room & Board, Has many functions. 

17th Century Swiss Chateau

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Located in Switzerland, and originally built in the 17th century, this Swiss chateau has much character, and historical details. With roughly 9,000 square feet of living space and plenty of outdoor space, this home is ideal for a family. In 1996 the home was fully renovated and is listed as an Eco-friendly built home. (ABOVE) The home's backyard features beautifully manicured hedges and flowers. I love the ivy that is growing on the stone facade. Off the left side of the home is a small elevated patio, perfect for entertaining and soaking in the the views. (BELOW 1) Directly off the back of the home is a ground level patio. I am a huge fan of the gardens around the patio. It's not overly landscaped and has a great variation of flowers and greens. (BELOW 2) As you walk around the grounds you'll be pleasantly surprised to see a trellis. Under the trellis are small seating areas, perfect to rest under the green. The seating areas are private, yet one can still soak in the views and admire the well kept lawn. (BELOW 3) From the upper floors of the home one can admire the hills and mountains of Autigny, Switzerland. It's so nice to see so much undeveloped land. (BELOW 4) This close up view of the home's back, really shows the overscaled  roof. For me, the roof makes the home as gorgeous as it is. The roof is the heart of the home. The wood beans really soften the white stone facade and add much Swiss character. The home has both a mixture of Mediterranean style and country style. What do you think of the home? 

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Greenwich Farm Estate

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This historic 1926 farm estate located in Greenwich, Connecticut designed by Charles Bowman is set on over 75 acres of land. The Elizibethan-inspired Tudor boats over 15,000 sq ft of interior space. (ABOVE) At the end of a long, formal driveway you are greeted by a gorgeous home! I love the mix of wood, brick, and stone as the home's exterior materials. The landscaping is also perfection. Tailored hedges and flowers gives the home's exterior grounds much life. (BELOW 1) The chimney is the focal point of the roof. What a bold construction element! (BELOW 2) The flowers soften the rigid stone facade. (BELOW 3) The hedge maze is a classic landscape design element for home's in this style. The palm tree in the center of the maze however, is a surprise! (BELOW 4) The clean cut grass and deep green leaves are wonderful. I would love to be sitting on the lawn, soaking in the views, right about now! (BELOW 5) The tennis court features a small cottage to store equipment and such. What a great structure! (BELOW 6) I love this outdoor chess table, very sculptural! Just the perfect amount of surprise for the home's exterior grounds. What do you think of this Greenwich farm estate?

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Castle Design: Hluboká nad Vltavou Castle

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Hluboká nad Vltavou is a town located in the Czech Republic and home to the Hluboká nad Vltavou Windsor style castle. (ABOVE) As you make your way towards the castle its grandeur grabs you. I love the long walkway as it causes you to admire its beauty slowly as you approach its front archway. (BELOW 1) The side of the castle has impressive balconies. The flowers and ivy are a great touch. The windows are remarkable, I would love to own this place! (BELOW 2) The castle's center courtyard has so many brilliant architectural elements. The stone carved murals on the center face of the castle is exquisite. So many details! (BELOW 3) A view of the castle from its right side. The pink flowers against the white castle looks beautiful. The castle is a popular place for weddings, I'm not surprised! What do you think?

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Featured Post: Connecticut Classic

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Yesterday I had the honor of being featured on LDV with this post. Here it is in case you missed it...

I'm so excited to share with you some of my favorite traditional styled homes and elegant looks... Greenwich, Connecticut has some of the most magnificent homes in the world. I love homes in Greenwich, Connecticut because, each home has its own unique style and look. Home I: This wonderful Normandy style estate in Greenwich, Connecticut is surrounded by colorful grounds and greenery making it perfect for a spring getaway. Applying Ivy onto the front facade is a great way to soften brick or stone. In addition, Ivy gives a home an old-glamorous feel. A great way to give the entrance of your home some sprucing up for the spring is by adding flowers. I always love yellow flowers in front of my home as they are very inviting. What do you love about this estate?

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Home II: This wonderful estate is set on eleven acres of well landscaped grounds. The estate looks as if it is set in the European Country side. What fascinates me about this home is the large windows. I love home's with much natural light. The home is very stately and speaks volumes on its own, therefore, I like how simple the landscaping is. What do you love about this estate?

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Home III: This 1930s Georgian colonial is set on over eight acres of land. Whenever I think of estates in the Northeast I always think of home's that look like this, classic, with beautiful detailing. The estate has a very warm and inviting look, despite being so large. To achieve this, the landscape architect applied much greenery both on and around the home. This estate also features a wonderful pool and tennis court, I wish I knew the owners so I could invite myself over! What do you love about this estate?

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Home IV: This home is another example of Georgian architecture. The home was built in 1927, by the acclaimed Twachtman brothers. The estate features many impeccably landscaped gardens in the English park style. I can just picture myself laying on the grass, reading a book here. It feels like such a magical place. What do you love about this estate?

(1) Halston Heritage Pleated Fly Away Dress, (2) Diane von Furstenberg Kimeena Dress, (3) Juliet & Company Mirage Necklace, (4) Elizabeth and James Wooster Sunglasses, (5) WGACA Vintage Vintage Chanel CC Clutch, (6) Alejandro Ingelmo Grace Platform Pumps

The Fashion: For the above looks I was inspired by classic pieces with a modern edge. Whenever I think of classic pieces with a modern edge I always go Halston Heritage. The Halston dress features a wonderful stripe pattern. It's the perfect dress for an evening on the town. The Alejandro pumps are very elegant, but do not go overboard. The color works great with both dresses, the Juliet & Company necklace, Elizabeth and James sunglasses and vintage Chanel clutch. Which piece is your favorite?

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Home V & VI: Home five has wonderful views of the water. I can just image how beautiful the property must look during the fall. Home six was designed for the heiress of Hibernia Bank in 1930 by noted architect, David Adler. Unlike the home's above, this home was built in California. The pool deck is my favorite part of this home. It's wonderfully landscaped and has sweeping views. Which estate do you want to live in? 

(1) Thread Eleanor Halter Gown with Grosgrain Belt, (2) Dallin Chase Sal Beaded Striped Dress, (3) Juliet & Company New Pearl Wrap Necklace, (4) Balenciaga Twisted Temple Sunglasses, (5) Diane von Furstenberg Tonda Metallic Clutch, (6) Loeffler Randall Tamsin Stamped Lizard Pumps

The Fashion: For the above looks I was inspired by purely classic elegance. The Thread Eleanor gown is absolutely amazing and captures the whole feel of classic elegance. It's the perfect dress for a formal event at any one of the above homes. The second dress has the most wonderful beading. It's simple and can be dressed up or down. Pair the dresses with a Diane von Furstenberg clutch to add a little flare. Which piece is your favorite?  

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The Ideal Spring Estate

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This wonderful Normandy style estate in Greenwich, Connecticut is surrounded by colorful grounds and greenery making it perfect for a spring getaway. (ABOVE) A great way to give the entrance of your home some sprucing up for the spring is by adding flowers. I always love yellow flowers in front of my home as they are very inviting. (BELOW 1) Applying Ivy onto the front facade is a great way to soften brick or stone. In addition, Ivy gives a home an old-glamorous feel. (BELOW 2) I love how the stairs are not attached to a concrete landing, but rather to grass. The grass and shrubbery soften the stone stairs. (BELOW 3) To the left of the photograph is a long bed of plantings. The bed of plantings serves as a divider between the pool and lawn. (BELOW 4) I love the blue flower's at the home's rear because, they pop against the Ivy. (BELOW 5 & 6) Around the pool focus on keeping the landscaping clean and simple. Small planting's are ideal as they do not shield the sun, keeping the pool warmer during the spring months. The cottage next to the pool is absolutely adorable. What a cute add on to the property! What part of the estate are you inspired by?

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The inside of a home such as the one featured above, should be light and airy. The outside has so much greenery that I envision the inside to be far less imposing. The dark armoire, coffee table, and side tables pop against the white walls and furnishings. And the blue pottery and leopard pillows give the space a splash of color and surprise. On of my favorite pieces in this space is the delicate glass light fixture. I love eclectic interiors that are heavily influenced by the 60s and 70s however, I would not mind resting my eyes in this space and enjoy the spring energy outside my windows. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.