LOVELY SPACE!

I like this room from interior designer Katie Ridder.  Especially love the orange sofa and the tall windows.  A warm and inviting space...not at all pretentious but nicely designed in a fun eclectic style.  I'd like to hang out here for a awhile.

Happy Thursday!

xo
Coco

P.S. Check out my little style post on leading fashion website The Fashion Spot - go there to find out more on one of my favorite color combinations!  Thanks ST and AY!

P.P.S. Am in NYC...took the red eye last night...running off to Cipriani midtown with Associate Operations Manager KS (who loves the color pink). We are heading to the Fashion Group International's Rising Star Award luncheon. As mentioned before, I've been nominated for an award for the COCOCOZY textiles collection. I'm going to attend the luncheon where we find out who won. I don't think I will win as I don't know anyone who belongs to the organization and the other nominees seem quite talented...but am so excited to attend this even with all of these fantastic fashion types. Oh dear...what will I wear? Another one of my COCOCOZY non-dilemma dilemmas!

P.P.P.S. Then it is off to the Javits Center where KS and I will take a look at the bigger new COCOCOZY booth for the New York International Gift Fair!

P.P.P.P.S. Then a bit of rest...then off to the Young Collector's Night at the Antique's Show at the Armory on the Upper East Side. Full day...and all on 5 hours of sleep on the plane. Wish me luck!

P.P.P.P.P.S.  So happy to be in NYC...surrounded by friends and family.  Right now am at best of friend AM's house this morning -she lives in Soho with her hubby JE and their kids.  Been playing with AM's cute kiddies before everyone leaves for the day.  Fashion savvy friend A.Ro. might come with us to the luncheon at Cipriani.  Did I mention my dear sis DS is in town too...she's here for business but is staying a bit to help out with the gift fair set up?  Also, my friends FF and FM are flying in from New Orleans to hang out for a bit in NY with me. I feel very lucky.

P.P.P.P.P.P.S. Hope you have a fantastic day!

SEE THIS HOUSE: MY STATE OF THE UNION - A $7.5 MILLION WASHINGTON D.C. HOME WITH ITS OWN OVAL OFFICE!

So I missed the State of the Union last night. I was picking up COCOCOZY catalogs, doing a conference call on p.r., and getting my nails done. I know...I should have taken the time out to engage and learn what is going on in our country! Oy va voy. Am in a COCOCOZY textiles bubble...running hither and thither trying to get things done before I head off to the New York International Gift Fair to show my textiles collection this weekend. I hope I didn't miss anything big...any big announcements. I wonder if anyone would tell me if I did. I guess I could actually read a newspaper and find out...but that would require me either getting a newspaper or taking the time to head over to a news website and actually read something worthwhile...hmmmm...nope...no time. Someone fill me in if I missed something big please...thank you.

Anyhooo...have been up since 5a (kind of a regular thing these days) and missing the state of the union got me to thinking not about the political landscape in our country but about my days in D.C. (I lived in D.C. during graduate school)...so that got me to thinking what it would be like to live in D.C. and then I started pondering D.C. real estate and I came upon this historic home in Washington, D.C. - our nation's capital.  Now notice, I still have not pondered anything serious yet...nothing to do with economics, politics, the general welfare of our nation, education etc...oh dear...am worried...have I forgotten how to be a critical thinker, have I lost all sense of current events, have I become a one trick design pony?  Don't answer...please...rhetorical question.

Anyhoooooo once again...  So onto this historic Washington D.C. estate.   This home is for sale for almost $7.5 million dollars and is listed by Sotheby's International Realty. 6 bedrooms, 7 baths in 9,710 square feet, this home was built in 1929 by a philanthropist as a wedding gift for his daughter.  The exterior is stone with some Tudor accents and the interior as been completely renovated with all modern amenities.  Clearly this home is staged for selling.

I would take it and make it my own...lots of decorating to do definitely. Decor style is too generic but it is staged for sale. Even though not great design as shown, I could work with the bones of this place. Plus, if someone offered it to me, who am I to turn down a $7.5 million dollar home? Rhetorical question again.

My favorite part is the painted stone walls throughout and the fact that it has its own oval office! Take a look in today's SEE THIS HOUSE!

The foyer features sleek dark wood floors. (above)

The step down living room boasts a wonderful classic carved stone fireplace mantel that contrasts nicely with the modern finishes in the space. (above and below)

I like the textured hide rug. (above)

A Wolf stove and appliances compliment the stainless steel farmhouse sink in this home's surprisingly normal size kitchen. (above)

A bright cute breakfast room with a white Parsons table, upholstered chairs and those fabulous painted stone walls. (above)

Not the White House, but this home has a modern take on an oval office! (above)

What do you think of this Washington, D.C. home?  Love it or leave it?  Would you pay $7.5 million for it?  Do tell.

Hope you all are doing well!

Happy Wednesday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  The COCOCOZY catalog looks fantastic by the way...will reveal it a little later.  Thank you again for your help in picking the cover!

P.P.S.  Running like a chicken with no head today...AGAIN.  It has become my new normal!

P.P.P.S. Am bringing 5 pairs of boots to NYC + lots of other shoes...is that too much? Another question that I know the answer to...

P.P.P.P.S. Need to learn to pack light. Is there a class for this?

P.P.P.P.P.S. Reminder...Special Edition Valentine's Day candles are still available!

Special Edition COCOCOZY Candle for Valentine's Day -  $44 (above)

P.P.P.P.P.P.S. Have a great day!  Really.  Make the best of the day and have a good one! :-)

WICKER WATCH!

So awhile back, I went to that fundraiser at uber interior designer Michael Smith's house...it was fundraiser with the First Lady Michele Obama as the guest of honor. I took pictures of the event and posted those.  It was fun seeing the first lady in person and it was almost equally as fun to see inside a top designers gorgeous home (just the public areas of course).  While standing in the living room I noticed the gorgeous dining room in Michael's house...a formidable dining area with very important furniture and art but what was really cool was that he surrounded the dining table with wicker chairs...yes wicker.

Well I don't have pictures of that dining room to share with you but I've been seeing a lot of wicker being used indoors. I've always thought of wicker as outdoor or porch type furniture material...but these days wicker has made it's way comfortably and decidedly inside the home too.  I like it when it is blended in with its indoor environment...lends a relaxed look to otherwise formal spaces.  Interesting trend...

Take a look!

A covered enclosed sun porch in t.v. star Ellen Degeneres' home boast a rustic dining table surrounded by wicker arm chairs. (above)

What do you think of using wicker inside...in a dining room or living room or regular living space?  Do you like or do you hate?  Love or loathe?  Which of these rooms do you think works the best with a little wicker?
Happy Monday!

xo
Coco

P.S. It is official, I need to hire someone else to help us with COCOCOZY textiles collection.  This week as we prepare to go to New York International Gift Fair it is becoming clear that the COCOCOZY team has to grow.   Need a freelance part time or maybe even full time design assistant to join the team.  Know anyone here in Los Angeles?  Help...!!!!!!!!!!  If you do, email me at cococozy@cococozy.com.

P.P.S.  Had a great conversation with JL this morning.  Still some things to work out but will possibly have an exciting announcement soon hopefully!

P.P.P.S.  It is raining in Los Angeles.  Rain?  Los Angeles?  This is startling? Shocking?  How will we all cope?  Okay...I'll be quiet...I know you on the east coast are dealing with snow...but rain is a BIG deal here in Los Angeles...it is.  It is. :-)

P.P.P.P.S.  Looking for a nice Valentine's Gift for the sweethearts in your life...remember...you can order a Special Edition COCOCOZY candle we've made with a little love in mind!

Photos: Lauren Rubenstein; Architectural Digest; Milk Magazine; Lynn Morgan Design

WEEKEND PHOTO - STOOP IT UP!

Now this is a front stoop. Love it...I like the rusty metal planters on either side, the stone stairs, the black front door, the lighting, and the white washed brick exterior is my dream...I like it all. I need to step up my stoop.  It was part of a project completed by design maven Joe Lucas of interiors firm Lucas Studios Inc. and owner of Harbinger, the prestigious Los Angeles based home furnishings showroom. Joe's client is an L.A. Kings Hockey player.

What do you think? Do you like this front stoop? What's on your stoop? I like writing the word stoop...so I'm going to continue with more stoop questions. Do you even have a stoop? Would you like me to stop with the stoop?

Happy Saturday!

xo
Coco

P.S. Just finished submitting some wonderful designers for Traditional Home's and TRADHome's list of New Trad designers. Fingers crossed that one of my submissions gets picked for the list!

P.P.S. Last Saturday before the big New York International Gift Fair. So much running around to do.

P.P.P.S.  Thank you all so much for helping me decide the cover for the COCOCOZY Catalog!  Your input was invaluable!  It has only been a year since I started this textiles collection...each time I introduce something new I get really nervous and jittery.  You helped me feel better.  After I come up with a design and pick the colors and make it into a pillow, I spend a lot of time asking people "is this ugly?" or saying "I don't know whether I like it." or "that is not going to be part of the collection".  Then I just have to make decisions and hope that they turn out okay.  Still have so many nerves as I try my hand at designing fabrics.  So thank you for you feedback.  So appreciate it.



Photo: House Beautiful

REVEAL: COCOCOZY 2012 CATALOG COVER THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!

Okay...here it is. Drumroll please...

The front cover and the back cover of the COCOCOZY 2012 Catalog featuring all of our pillows, throws, drapery, new tabletop, candles and more! (just a note...there is not a black border around the edge...this is just the way I had to crop the PDF file...)

Thank you so much for weighing in and deciding for me.  I counted up all of your comments from yesterday's post and this cover image won hands down.  I actually had a totally different image selected for the catalog...a light blue arrangement on the sofa...but after reading your comments, I changed it early this morning and fab graphics designer EF was standing by to make the switch!

I also had a different back cover image but after friend SN commented how she liked the simplicity of the photo with just two pillows and friend RK said the same and so did many of you readers...I decided to change that too!  I know how to take good suggestions...not stuck in the thinking that I know it all.  Thank goodness I have all of you!

So here we are!  Tah dah.

For those of you who did not like this photo and preferred others, no worries, those others will appear in a mid season edition and some are inside the catalog itself.

THANK YOU DEAR READERS!  You are so helpful and nice.  I owe you one.

xo
Coco

SNEAK PEEK - COCOCOZY 2012 (AND NEED YOUR HELP DECIDING ON CATALOG COVER)!

Catalog Cover Option 1 - Assortment of navy pillows and throw on sofa with green hydrangea flower arrangement. (above)

So remember I mentioned that fab operations manager KS (who loves the color pink) and fab photographer Hugh Hamilton and I were up until the wee hours doing a photo shoot on Tuesday night (just two days ago...I thought the shoot would take 3 hours...we were there until 1:30a and I didn't get home until after 2am)?  Well...we were shooting the new cover for the COCOCOZY 2012 catalog...!  We're introducing the new catalog and new collection on January 29th at our booth at the New York International Gift Fair!
Well here is a sneak peek of what's to come from the COCOCOZY collection!  Some new designs that I cooked up and a whole collection on a new natural linen base fabric.  We have a few new throws too, some table top, lacquer boxes, hand towels and maybe a bit more!

Oh and I need a bit of help figuring out the cover of the catalog.  Fab graphics designer EF is working down to the wire to finish it all up in time for the big launch at the New York International Gift Fair a week from Sunday.

I have of course already canvased all of my friends...with FF, JLF, KB and SN weighing in so far...each of them liked something different.  Help! Need your help readers!

Which of these photos do you like best for a possible cover shot?  Do tell?

Catalog Cover Option 2 - Chair shot with new natural linen pillow and tulips. (above)

Catalog Cover Option 3 - Close up of two new styles in the Classic Linen pillow group. (above)

Catalog Cover Option 4 - Sofa with gray and sea green pillows and roses. (above)

All of these were shot at my wonderful sis DS's house using her furniture (the tables a classic Paul McCobb side tables btw).  DS went and got a hotel room for the night of our photo shoot because she knew we'd be there all night and we were!

KS and I have turned into stylists...Hugh had to get us to stop laughing though as pillows kept tumbling everywhere and we were tripping over piles of inserts...but between the laughing, lots of snacks, lots of moving furniture and placing and re-placing stuff...we got it all done...woo hoo...yippeee...uh huh uh huh...woot woot...yahoooooo!

There is still so much more to do so I probably should stop with all of the premature celebrating!

Please let me know which of these you like best for a possible COCOCOZY catalog cover.  If you don't like any...we have so many more to chose from too.  Would so appreciate your help.

Happy Thursday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  Thanks ST for the advice on posting. :-)

P.P.S.  Here's a shot of Hugh snapping photos at sis DS's house.  I took this with his extra camera...he says I need lessons on focusing!

P.P.P.S.  Need to take photography lessons...LOL!

THIS OR THAT: BENCHED - READING PLACES FOR KIDS!

In designer Cynthia Rowley's home, a dining table doubles as an enchanting kid's reading space complete with scenic upholstered bench and wallpaper featuring a glimmering forest. (above)

I love these three spaces. Nice comfy bench seating for play time or for a look at a good book- perfect way for a young boy or girl to relax and read. Kids need some stylish lounge time too!

A built in twin bed doubles as a window daybed in boy's room. (above)

Oh what a perfect playroom and place to read (above)

Which of these little bench reading nooks do you prefer? I like the first one for some reason...it comes from designer Cynthia Rowley's home...a table with banquet style seating where the kids can read, draw and relax. Do you have one you like the best?

Happy Wednesday!

xo
Coco

P.S. Was up until 2:30a this morning. We did a photo shoot last night at sis DS's house. It was me, operations manager KS (who loves the color pink) and fab photog Hugh Hamilton! Last minute shoot before we head to market next week. Needless to say...I am a tad tired...just a wee bit...got run to work!

P.P.S. Need stylish things to wear in NY next week. A couple of parties have just popped onto the calender.

P.P.P.S. I think I hear trash people...must run outside in my comical morning outfit of sweats, UGGs and a hoodie and a scarf and go pull out trash cans. This is when a husband would truly come in handy! Anyone have an extra hubby they want to lend?

Photos: The Glow; Kristen Panitch Interiors

MY COCOCOZY VALENTINE - A GIFT IDEA!

Special Edition COCOCOZY Candle for Valentine's Day -  $44 (above)

With February 14th approaching fast, we came up with a little sweet smelling treat in honor of Valentine's Day!  A special edition COCOCOZY Flower soy wax candle in red makes for the perfect gift for your sweetheart on a day dedicated to love!

Make sure to order before February 6th to make it in time.  If you order after that, we can still get it to you via expedited shipping for a little extra charge.

A COCOCOZY cute way to show someone how much you care!

xo
Coco

SHOP WATCH: HOME SWEET HOME - THE SPARKLE IN ATLANTA AT CMA!

All photos in this post by Coco of COCOCOZY

Disclaimer...am writing this post on 3 hours of sleep...you may just want to look at the pictures.

Okay...a couple things to start off. It is 7:45am EST. Am actually on the plane (a Delta flight...in coach...grrrr...) from Atlanta to Los Angeles writing this post...hoping my computer doesn't run out of battery. The guy next to me is snoring and I've been up since 4am Atlanta time trying to get a flight out. Anyhooo...am on the plane now and headed home from the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market where I was showing the COCOCOZY textiles collection once again to buyers, designers and the like...I left so I could get home to Los Angeles to begin set up for a big COCOCOZY photo shoot we are doing tomorrow night (after I work all day at my day job) at my sis DS's house (I've kicked her out and warned her that her house will be a war zone for several hours...she just said "okay"...gotta love a big sister...if you don't have one...go get one...I'm talking about a big sister...fyi...).

Wait...I started off saying a couple of things...I've already forgotten what the couple things are or were or are. Oh it is Martin Luther King Day...happy to have the day off and happy to take some time to think about all of the wonderful things Dr. King did for this country. He was an amazing man. Happy MLK day! Was that one of the couple things?

Oh the other couple of things...I was going to stay in Atlanta all day today because I didn't have time yesterday or the day before or the day before to run over to the tchotchke ridden "cash and carry" section of the trade show to get this sparkling cheap necklace key chain I love for $6. I decided I would have to do without the key chain necklace so I could make it home this morning to get everything done that I need to get done. I know...none of this is making sense...I am deliriously tired (had margaritas last night with all of the showroom sales reps...had a blast talking to my new friend Mary Claire from Mississippi and laughing with Nicole W.).

Computer battery is on the verge of running out...what is the point of these computer batteries anyway? Why do they run out so quickly. Arrrrghhhhhh. Have 39 minutes to finish this post according to the battery meter...but I know that means I have just 10 minutes. Yikes.

Back to a couple of things...let's see...hmmmmm...mind wandering now...watching people sleep in funny ways on the plane...one big burly guy across the aisle from me is almost curled up into a ball. I need sleep.

This is ridiculous...I apologize. You can officially delete COCOCOZY from your reading list after this post. Let me snap out of it. Wake up. Okay. Focus...I've got it.

So, I've had the most fantastic time over the last few days hanging out at the Christian Mosso Associates Showroom (CMA) in Atlanta where I have a small selection of the COCOCOZY textiles collection on display. Showroom owners Christian and Laura Mosso and showroom manager Nicole Wicking make CMA feel like a home away from home. I know going to market can be tiring but CMA is just such a warm and wonderful showroom amidst all of the other very serious other showrooms. Everyone and I mean everyone at CMA is bubbly and happy.  The environment is filled with all of the wonderful textiles, furniture and gift collections.  Everything is so pleasant to look at.  At CMA, they serve lunch (super yummy comfort food), lots of snacks and every day at about 2:30p that start serving wine to customers, showroom vendors, sales reps or anyone who stops by.  A great place to hang out and most definitely a great place to spend part of the day shopping I think.

I love CMA.  I am so thrilled that they picked up the COCOCOZY collection...it is my home away from home in Atlanta. :-)

Here's a little abbreviated tour of the showroom and a glimpse of some of the collections.

The center room at Christian Mosso Associates houses Dash & Albert rugs. (above)

My tiny little COCOCOZY corner is jam packed with a small selection of all COCOCOZY pillows, throws, drapery and more. They added a daybed into my nook this show. This is where I stand during the show and greet store buyers, designers and even some fantastic COCOCOZY readers! (above)

Corsican, a metal works furniture company, makes all of the beds featured on the CMA showroom floor.  I like this canopy bed.  My friend JK is looking for something like this.  JK if you are reading this Corsican has the bed you are looking for. (above)

California based Pom Pom Interiors' romantic bed and chunky throws are just dreamy. Bed is from Corsican.(above and below)

Another California based company, Coyuchi, shows bedding in a wonderful pumpkin color with more of an almost Southwestern feel. (above and below)

Love the embroidered cane pattern border on this wonderful Monde Maison bedding! (above and below)

A little chintz and some earthy mesh make for a wonderful bed in the Pine Cone Hill section of the showroom. (above and below)

Sales Rep. Kendra H., showroom manager Nicole W. and  showroom owner Laura  Mosso  take a moment to catch up  during the busy day. (above)

A COCOCOZY Loop boudoir pillow matches the bedding from the Downtown Company. (above and below)

So which of these vignettes do you like the most?  I of course love my little COCOCOZY area...but I also love all things Pom Pom interiors as well!

The showroom carries so many other textile lines including Serena & Lily, Designer's Guild, Fino Lino, Pillow Talk, A Soft Idea and so much more.  Also,  they carry fantastic furniture collections, dinnerware, lighting (great chandeliers) and in their gift section which is on a different floor they carry my design crush Jonathan Adler's candles.  For buying purposes, the showroom is for store buyers and designers (to the trade) but if you ever get a chance to go into America's Mart...you should stop by...tell them Coco sent you!

UPDATE:  With less than an hour left to go in the flight, my computer battery did indeed die.  So now, hours later, still no sleep, I am home...hence the late post.  I have gained my wits about me though.  Read what I wrote earlier and see how incoherent it really is...am leaving it as is...a cautionary tale of sorts...don't write and fly tired!

Happy Monday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  Must give a shout out to all of my friends at CMA...so here goes... hi to Mary B., Mary C. (February and ornaments), Gary, Barry, Janet, Allie, Amanda, Treffery, Beverly (hope you start reading blogs), Nikki, Valerie, Souzan from Downtown, Andrew from PCH (thanks), Michelle from PCH (car ride was hilarious), Kristina (nice meeting you), Hilde from Pom Pom (thanks for the Southern dinner with fried food and all), Sam from Pom Pom (see you in NYC), Jackie from Pom Pom (thanks for the reading suggestions), Kendra, my friend Nicole (thank you for getting me back to the W Hotel) and of course Laura and Christian Mosso!  Did I forget someone?  I'm sure I did...but I'll add in as I remember!

P.P.S.  Home for a bit here in my little cottage in the Hollywood Hills...then I head off to New York at the end of the month for the big gigantic New York International Gift Fair...we're building a bigger booth than we had last year...last year's COCOCOZY booth worked but this one is just a tad bigger.  Come see me there if you are attending that show.

P.P.P.S. I hope COCOCOZY reader Ruth reads this post.  She always emails me about my typos and I so appreciate it.  My mother emails me too about the typos.  Go ahead mom, please let me know how many this time.  At one point, I had so many typos in my posts my mother said she gave up.  Please please mom, I need you.  This post was written while I was exhausted.  I welcome all of the input...typos, grammar, syntax...anything!

All photos in this post by Coco of COCOCOZY

WEEKEND PHOTO: WHY A PEACOCK ON A MANTEL ACTUALLY WORKS!

I don't see anything wrong in this space.  Not a thing.  I even like the peacock on the fireplace mantel.  I have never thought I would want a peacock on a mantel...but huh who knew...a white peacock at that...!?!?  Love the art - a black and white flower print by artist Donald Baechler I think.  Let's see, what else do I like...the color palette of greys, off whites and black, the dark grey tight back sofa, the cute little crescent moon shaped small side table, the valance covering the top of the drapery, oh and did I mention that white peacock? LOL!

What do you think of this room?  Like or dislike?  Am I overdoing it by saying there is nothing wrong with the space?  Is it perfect or are there flaws?  Please weigh in.

Happy Saturday!

P.S.  Am in Atlanta again today!  Woohooo...am running late.  Am headed over to the Christian Mosso Associates Showroom where I show the COCOCOZY textiles collection year around.  I am here for the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market.  Buyers are liking the new COCOCOZY offerings and we just sold to another major home furnishings retailer...so it is quite exciting!

P.P.S. I ran into so many great people yesterday and met some wonderful others for the first time...including a wonderful COCOCOZY reader and now new friend named Kari O. from Tennessee who stopped by my area in the showroom to say hi!  Kari was so sweet, she is a designer and a lover of interior design blogs...she says her husband is constantly getting after her for reading blogs and calls it her "design porn"!  She was so nice.  Made my day!  Oh also met the very impressive Wendy Estes, one of the owners of the popular online furniture boutique Layla Grace and their new online store Zinc Door.  Wendy and I talked "shop" for a good 1/2 hour.  It was so interesting to chat with someone who has done so well.  Then I had a fun dinner with the whole Pom Pom Interiors team who sell their ever so successful bedding and linens line at my same showroom - the group included Pom Pom owner Hilde Leighat, her nice son Sam and adorable Jackie - we went to some Atlanta brewery that serves EVERYTHING deep fried including deep friend cheesecake!  Gotta love the South!  :-)

P.P.P.S.  Am super duper late to the show room today...gotta run!  I'll try to take some photos of all of the amazing products and furniture on sale throughout the show.  Here I come!

P.P.P.P.S.  The New York Gift show is in about two weeks and I all of sudden I decided yesterday that I need to add a day bed to our booth in New York because the new COCOCOZY pillows look so awesome on the day bed here in Atlanta.  Hmmm....what to do?  Must find daybed...hee hee...oh yet another thing to add to the to do list...just a little old day bed...


Photo: Joe Schmelzer

WAYS TO MAKE THE PERFECT COFFEE TABLE VIGNETTE!

A well designed vignette by Tilton Fenwick features a textured coffee table with nail head trim, Chinoiserie accents in the form of lanterns and blue and white urn holding gorgeous hydrangea and a wonderful Lucite tray. (above)

I love a gorgeous coffee table decorated with interesting items.  I think a lot of people overlook their coffee tables.  They put a bowl on the table, some fake fruit and call it a day.  I would argue that a coffee table is just as important as any part of the room as far as decorating...it is right in the center of a living space.  It is  another place to add a little personality, visual interest and warmth to a home.

So here are some tips on sprucing up your coffee table decor:

1. Add flowers or plants - Keep a fresh bouquet of flowers (can be cut from your garden ) or a neat little plant on your table. I have an orchid on my coffee table. Brings something living into your living room and can wonderful burst of color.

2. Reading is good - Sounds cliche but coffee table books are a wonderful thing.  They are a great conversation piece, they add color and if you are a guest in some one's home they do provide for great browsing.  Also, it is a way to add your point of view into a space.

3. Create highs and lows - Remember not everything on the coffee table should be the same height.  Tall candle sticks, low trays, medium height plants, small decorative items.  Add texture by adding pieces that differ in scale, height and size.

4.  Let there be light - A great candle, a lantern or, candle sticks provide great mood light on a coffee table and they can be very decorative as well.

5. Pop of color - Afraid of color like me, use your coffee table as the place to try out bolder color and or interesting curiosities that may be too overwhelming throughout a space but that will work in small doses.

6. A little history tells a big story - Make sure to add in an item that is truly personal and tells a bit about your life or your family.  I have a silver dish that my mother has given me on my coffee table...makes my space feel like home!

I took this photos last year at a show house!  A large dark tray turns an ottoman into a kind of mysterious coffee table vignette with flowers, scented oils and candles designed by Windsor Smith. (above)

A modern country take with an iron and reclaimed wood coffee table, lotus flower votive candle holders, necessary books and a lovely floral arrangement in green and white. (above)

A NYC apartment's living room boasts a cool coffee table from Cassina that comes in sections.  This table allows for decorating on top of the table and below...a collection of books is on display under the clear top along with pink peonies, silver leaf shaped trays on top of the table. (above and below)

Do you have any tricks you've used to decorate your coffee table? Which of these table scenes do you like the best?

Happy Thursday!

xo
Coco

Photos: Tilton Fenwick; Coco of COCOCOZY; El Mueble; Vogue