How to Decorate a Coffee Table with Annette Joseph (video)

Try these Three Coffee Table Tricks

 

We asked Atlanta photo stylist and producer, Annette Joseph, to help us tackle a decorating dilemma we all struggle with from time to time: the artful arrangement.

One-on-one interview with Annette

Using the Morgan Coffee Table, Annette styled several different vignettes to show how you can create visual interest with well-placed objects. Below, we talk to Annette about her tips and tricks to styling the perfect arrangement.

Ballard Designs: We love the three coffee table looks you styled for us. What’s the secret?

Annette Joseph: The key to a great coffee table is the composition. When in doubt, use large objects in a grid pattern and then add smaller objects to fill in the voids. And, remember, it’s always better to go with less objects on a coffee table than more. Keep it simple!

Ballard Designs: Can you talk us through each look?

Annette Joseph:

European Old-World – Timeless

This is the most traditional of the settings. I like the idea of using interesting, antique-like objects, such as a magnifying glass, a wooden box, an Asian-inspired bowl. Use what you already have around the house: a stack of old books, a pair of candle sticks and a soft rose bouquet. Add some shine with silver or mercury glass objects, like the tea lights.

Country Chic – Serene

White is such a clean color and I use it here to pull the look together. I chose white objects—a white pitcher with soft white flowers, interesting branches, a scented candle in a great container and books that match the color scheme. I love using trays to gather objects.

Contemporary Transitional – Beautiful

I went for textural objects with a modern look: that great collection of modern trays, the curvy vases, a wooden bowl and, of course, fresh flowers. I threw in bright color, in this case orange, with the flowers and fruit.

Have other thoughts on how to decorate a coffee table? Leave us a note in the comments below.