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StyleBlueprint Memphis is thrilled to have designer extraordinaire Amy Howard as our guest blogger today!
I truly believe that fabulous jewelry can make an outfit. The same can be said about a room or vignette. The right accessories with the perfect mix of textures and compositions and strategic placement can truly transform your room.
In this particular friend’s entry, we wanted to create a warm and inviting side entrance to this home. I painted the walls a medium value taupe to create a backdrop for the lightly colored, painted console. The gilt details on the apron of the console compliment the antique iron lamps. The light coupled with a candle can set the mood for the home as your guests enter.
From ordinary...
To extraordinary....
Love how the gold trim makes the black pop
The first accessories I placed were the large iron lamps which visually anchor the console. I chose black shades to coordinate with the two benches under the console. I love using benches under pieces to create a visual stair-step effect. It also gives additional seating when guests come over. Placing a mirror above this console allows for the guests to see themselves and opens the otherwise closed-in space of this side entrance. As you know, a mirror can add the illusion of a larger space.
This living room needed a side table that was as special as the space itself. The delicate balance of antique grey, French unbound books tied with twine and the elegant Regency-style silver urn are divine together. A dash of European flair!
This ornate side table fills the space perfectly
Unbound books, up close
This stunning mirror creates the perfect backdrop.
For your tabletop, I really encourage you to mix antique boxes, porcelain, flowers, mercury glass or other intriguing pieces that speak to you. Found objects from antique fairs can have a new life when rescued from obscurity and mixed into a setting such as this. Remember, this is your opportunity to personalize your home while having fun displaying your treasured collectibles.
Step out of the box when displaying fresh flowers.
Mercury Glass can dress up any space.
Attention to detail
Antique books are always great for stacking, and I love the color and patina that they give. German books or other non-English books with great bindings are usually inexpensive. You achieve the look without the extra expense – and you can brush up up on a foreign language! I love collecting things, such as laurel wreaths, and adding them for interest. They add a nice pop of color as well as an interesting shape.
Laurel wreaths
Books always help create depth and flow to whatever space you are working with.
Other fascinating pieces include typography, vintage maps and etchings. This particular document is from the 18th century, and the script and fonts are so visually interesting. A simple gilded frame on a stand complements this vignette with wonderful texture. I do want to encourage you to always go for quality and not quantity. Make your home an expression of your personal taste and travels.
So unique
Vintage typography
Last but not least, fresh flowers are always a great finishing touch in your accessorizing. I prefer monochromatic colors and mixing of the same color of different flowere. Kevin with Le Fleur is a master of this technique.
An all-white floral color scheme
Thanks, Amy! To see Amy’s previous post that featured ‘how to make an entry way a design statement,’ click here.
To find out more about Amy Howard Collection, click here.
The fabulous photography was done by Allison Rodgers Photography. To see more of her amazing work click here.
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