Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Stylish Displays




What to do with that dead space underneath a table you ask? Why, put something there! Of course one should be selective about what they display under a table. Size is important- an object that is on the small side would look dwarfed by the heft of the table. And visual interest is critical too. A classic design trick is to place a small bench or two under the table, which is a great space saving solution too. Or, you could use large ceramic pieces like Markham Roberts and Barclay Fryery have done. Whatever you choose to use, avoid clutter! Restraint is key, something which all of these designers have heeded.


An elegant composition by Kelly Wearstler


The double bench trick a la Ruthie Sommers


A leather and chrome bench under the table, by David Hicks


Blue and white porcelain is always a stylish choice (Markham Roberts-designer)


Barclay Fryery adds a dash of humor underneath this table


White ceramic jars and Manuel Canovas' Ming linen- what a fantastic combination! (Suzanne Coleman Bancroft- designer)

At top: The master Albert Hadley uses an orb for some style in this vignette.

23 comments:

  1. Love the two Albert Hadley pictures. And Ruthie Sommers has such a great style. Very interesting post. It is great how you picked up on and compiled pictures. Thanks

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  2. Patricia- I knew you'd like the Hadley photo! And Ruthie Sommers does have great style!

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  3. All great images. The Wearstler and Sommers vignettes have been my absolute favorites for a long time!

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  4. Courtney- I agree. Those two photos are such classics that I couldn't not use them!

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  5. Anonymous11:08 AM

    How cool to see a yellow Buddha!

    -pt

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  6. PT- I like that Buddha too!

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  7. You always come up with the best topics! I love the Markham-Roberts display, especially how they added the black urns to extend the eye up and out and yet down, to tie in the floor. Gorgeous.

    Joni

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  8. Great post! I do this alot too. That little Buddha holding up the table made me smile!

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  9. Just gorgeous! I love them all...but esp. the Ruthie Summers one :)

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  10. to be redundant, great post. hard to pick a favorata. i love the buddha (who doesn't love a buddha) and i love the orb. and i really love ruthie's dress with the boots. that girl's got it goin' on.

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  11. More to add on this post. It is so good: I love the way that David Hicks uses simple white painted bamboo shades in this elegant room and Ruthie Sommers -the vintage prints in chartreuse mixed with turquoise & pink ottoman. Brillant. It all works. I used to frequent her shop frequently when I was in LA and she always amazed me with the way she used colors, shapes & patterns. She is also a great person. Loves what she does, works very hard, and always has time to chat.

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  12. Patricia- I would love to get out to LA to visit Ruthie's shop. I'll just die and go to heaven!

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  13. Great post, I was thinking about using the double bench trick under a long console table we have in our dining room. How timely!

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  14. like them all, of course, but in the minority as the white ceramic jars with the Canovas is my fave.

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  15. Anonymous12:16 AM

    It just goes to show that what you put under that table has all to do with Balance! Love those white pots under the trad. blue and white ones - very witty.

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  16. Some beautiful arrangements here! I love arranging beautiful things and collections of things!
    XO
    Anna

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  17. Lady- Very true. Balance is important!

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  18. KC- I do like those white ceramic jars. And of course the wallcovering!

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  19. Suzy- That is timely! Can't wait to hear what you decide to do.

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  20. Well, the Albert Hadley at the top is really the best, And the David Hicks "I don't care the smaller table/bech doesn't fit" attitude is great. the others leave me a bit bored. Doesn't anyone have a great fern under a console?

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  21. Mister- You know, I haven't seen the fern trick done in a while. Maybe you're on to something.

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  22. Mister- You know, I haven't seen the fern trick done in a while. Maybe you're on to something.

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  23. Anonymous9:22 PM

    Beautiful post, J!

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