Looks like I’ve succumbed to the Fall decorating bug. Even though I decided to keep things simple this year and use what I already have, I made the mistake of going to HomeGoods the other day. Need I say more? Probably not.
But that’s never stopped me before.
I love console tables. They’re easily one of the most versatile, multi-functional pieces you can own. They’re fabulous in entryways, mudrooms, behind sofas…just about anywhere you might need a narrow piece to showcase some treasures or provide a handy place to throw some keys.
I finally finished painting these shelves. In their previous life, they were placed one on top of the other vertically in sets of two, back to back, and housed our sheets and towels in a narrow closet in our master bath. They were a little too narrow to be as functional as I wanted so I replaced them with wider shelving and decided to repurpose them in a hallway just outside our bedroom and turn them into a console table.
We bought some wooden legs at Home Depot and attached them to the sides, turned them horizontally and arranged them so they weren’t identical for a bit more interest. I started out using some Milk Paint in Lucketts Green but quickly realized that was overkill. These shelves are so poorly made and cheap they weren’t worthy, so I used some paint I had leftover from a previous project and it worked out fine. It turned out to be a pretty good match with the existing rug too.
I was going to call this post ‘a console table two ways’, but then it turned into three ways, then four. I was a little outta control. I tried a few different items and as of this writing still haven’t settled on what I want to end up with. The one thing that I know will stay is the rice paper lamp on the right. It gives off a lovely glow but boy, is it hard to take good pictures of that! Actually, this entire space is one of the most difficult to photograph. To the right is a door that leads to our deck with a glass panel that casts such a glaring light I had to cover it with some fabric to soften it a bit. Oh, the things we bloggers do!
Now on to some styling tips…
1 – Don’t over complicate things
I think styling can sometimes be a little intimidating. There’s a fine line between too simple and too busy. This first example is about as simple as it gets! In looking at it, I think I need one more thing on the bottom left, but I think it shows that not every ‘cubby’ or space needs to be filled. Don’t be afraid to let a space breathe.
2 – Use different textures
Texture is one of the most important elements in a space, and yet it’s one aspect of designing so many people don’t even think about. To give a space life, combine shiny finishes with dull, or try a chippy or rough texture with some bling. Think old shutters with shiny crystal. So pretty, right?
(This ModPodge bowl was lots of fun to do, and was featured on ModPodge Rocks. It’s one of my most viewed posts so click here if you’d like the ‘how-to’.)
3 – Don’t forget scale and proportion
Varying heights create interest, and keeps your eye moving around the space. Have a statement piece like this one, or a lamp to add height and function.
4 – Create a theme
Here’s a big surprise for you (and yes, that was sarcastic). For this table, I went with a nature inspired feel. This is the one thing I got at HomeGoods. It’s long so it takes up a fair amount of space on the table and is super versatile! I can use it on the mantel, the cocktail table, even the antique ironing board by the dining table. Love stuff like that!
5 – Don’t be afraid of neutrals
Now, that’s a tip you don’t hear too often, right? With few exceptions, I decided to use neutrals almost entirely for this table. The rug, painting and the console itself brings more than enough color into the space. Be aware though, if you opt for neutrals, varying textures becomes even more important.
Although I like this piece, I’m leaning more toward the chunkier one in the second picture. What do you think?
I’m also in the market for another console table for the master bedroom, but I’m looking for something a little unique and artsy, but affordable. I should have gone to Brimfield to look for one this week, but…
This will be a first for both of us. The closest either one of us has gotten to camping was sitting around a campfire making smores in our friends’ backyards, so it should be interesting. We spent the better part of today getting ready and gathering together what we need. I’ll have lots to share next week!
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Al says
What an incredible transformation. I love how you turned the shelves and painted them. They look fantastic.
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Wow…I love this!!!…you are certainly the creative one…thanks for all of the tips…the “console table” is just beautiful…and have a great time at the Cape!!!….Safe travels!
Poppy says
Doreen, a brilliant transformation from ‘blah’ to ‘hurrah’!! Of course this didn’t JUST happen, it took some elbow grease, ambiance analysis, and sharp, decision making! Cases in point: a) your painting, b) seemingly effortless styling, c) picking a less expensive paint for an inexpensive item! The best styling for me, is when a vignette makes me feel light in spirit, but is sufficiently grounded in all the elements you mention. Great tips and beautiful results!
Happy camping at the Cape!
xx
Poppy
Denise says
Amazing as usual! Have a wonderful time RVing at the Cape!!! Great time of year to go there. xxDenise
Alycia Nichols says
Good morning! Oooooooohhhhhh…..pretty!!! What a terrific idea to turn those shelves over on their sides! I am positive I’d never have thought of it in a gazillion years! It’s no secret that I’m not exactly the “handy” type, but I sure wish I could be. LOOK at this shelving you’ve created!!! It’s fabulous! I love the color and the convenience, but the genius of it is what gets me!!
As a bonafide Gemini, I’m happy with neutrals or brights just so long as they look good. No way your brilliant, talented mind could come up with anything BUT terrific!!! Color me jealous-but-excited! 🙂
Cecilia says
Doreen, I love it! I would never of thought to turn those on their sides! Love the color too. Hm, I think I like the chunkier look too but they all look good.
PS
I went into Home Goods too on Friday…let’s just say the store is dangerous. 😉
Hugs
Cecilia
Angela says
I love these consoles on their side! Look how clever!! You’re ahead of me in the fall decorating department…..going to try to accomplish some of that today! Have a marvelous time on your adventure to the Cape!!! Can’t wait to hear all about it!!~~Ang
Penny says
Doreen, I love your fall look! I need to get going. Have a wonderful week at the Cape.
Cynthia says
Great job Doreen, I like the chunkier one too. HG is danger zone, LOL. Have a great time at the Cape
Cindy
Jane says
Thanks for the great tips…I am ready to clear my two tables off and do something “fallish”. Maybe a trip to Homegoods is in order!
I can’t wait to hear about your trip…I’ve always wanted to go to the Cape. It must be close to you.
Jane xx
Sue says
Well would you look at that! I not only like how you turned them on the sides, but the color is great too. While I like the chunkier one visually, I like the one with the flowers better. At any rate, it all looks terrific. No fair you are off to the cape, but sincerely, have a nice time.
Patti says
Love the fall look, the soft colors really pop! The shelving idea is just genius!
Hugs,
Patti
Amy @ StowandTellU says
No breathing here, I surely would have thought I needed to fill each opening, but now I see how cluttered it would probably make it look. You have a beautiful mix of textures going on. I love that you can continue to interchange items as the seasons or your mood dictates, and I honestly never really knew the meaning of console table before. But I surely do, now. Thanks for the tips, Doreen!!
Vicky Hunt says
Love, love, love this transformation! Looks awesome! I too like to use a variety of items, textures, etc, when styling my shelves. Have a lovely week.
Blessings, Vicky
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
I like it!
AND I am looking forward to some adventures in camping / or mis-adventures 🙂 I think that you’ll probably have both and keep it real as you usually do ! 🙂 Safe travels and no major troubles!! / just fun anecdotes! 🙂
Manuela@A Cultivated Nest says
Can’t wait to hear about your RV experience! It’s something my husband keeps suggesting but I honestly don’t even like staying in hotels that don’t have room service so I’m not sure about the RV thing 🙂
Very creative way to use those shelves!
Doreen says
Thanks Manuela! I just published the post about our RV experience so check it out.
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Great styling tips, Doreen! I think I’m getting the bug too. I think I’m going to start decorating for fall too. 😉
Tammy says
Looks great Doreen!!!
andi says
Love your shelves…and I LOVE Homegoods! I don’t have one where I live, so when I see one, I usually grab the steering wheel and make Philly take me. We have TJ Maxx here, but HG seems better to me. :/
-andi
Doreen says
HomeGoods is definitely better than TJ. They’re basically the same company, but HomeGoods gets first dibs. Having said that, HG’s isn’t nearly as good as it used to be. Now everything is from China 🙁
Julie says
Hi Doreen, thanks so much for the visit today. I love the shelves you painted and look so pretty decorated! Take care and have a nice week.
Julie