Do not forget about cleaning the furniture

If you have hardwood floors this makes for a difficult problem too. Cleaning under them is just as hard. The added problem is that in moving the furniture it is easy to slide. But this creates a problem and the furniture can scratch the flooring or damage the floors finish.

The best way around this is to go to a local store and purchase 1 to 2 inch felt pads that adhere on one side to the bottom of the furniture. This makes the furniture very easy to move around without damaging the floor or the floors finish. Also the furniture is not damaged either. Just remember to lighten all furniture before moving to clean under it.

When pulling out drawers be very careful not to drop them on your feet or you may end up with broken toes or damaged floors or drawers. Most beds can be taken apart for easy moving around and then reassembled after the cleaning is done.

Do not forget about cleaning the furniture itself also. This is very important in your furniture's care and will make it last longer and retain it's beauty longer. If you invest in good quality furniture, it is important to use a good quality furniture polish as well.

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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 Nbaynadamas; El Mueble; Vogue

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SMALL SPOT ON SPACE - THREE TIPS TO DECORATING A TINY APARTMENT!!

I like this little tiny small apartment.  830 square feet to be exact.  It feels light, bright and airy.  No frills really as far as decor...but it hits the nail on the head on making a small space feel as large as possible.

Some tips...

1. Less is more - A little furniture goes a long way in small space.   In a living room, a sofa, a side chair, storage armoire, a coffee table and a credenza for the t.v. - that's it.  In the bedroom, a desk, two chairs and a bed...done.  Functional and it looks good too because there is not a lot of furniture piled on top of furniture. I might suggest adding one extra comfortable chair in the living room as the space should be comfy and inviting for guests!

Light wood floors, neutral light gray walls, and white furnishings help keep this space feeling clean and organized. (above and below)

2. Peek-a-boo - I think drapery and curtains are a must in most spaces...but if for some reason your view allows privacy and a curtain-less window can provide the maximum light...then I say go for a bare windows look!  Eliminates visual clutter and no drapery to obstruct light.  More light means a more cheerful space.  I know...this is considered a no no no to the interior design world.  A window without shades or drapes?  Who would ever suggest that?  Uh...me.

A floating nightstand and wall mounted reading lights means allows more room for a large bed. (above)

3.  Go big or go home in one room - Most people are afraid of wallpaper...I am.  I think though in a small house or apartment it is imperative to have a little fun in one room with wall coverings or wallpaper.  This Swedish inspired geometric print works in this kitchen I think...adds some texture and pattern to an otherwise simple space.  Definitely conversation starter around the eat-in kitchen dining table.  Yes?

What do you think of this small apartment? What do you think of these tips...any you just absolutely object to with every fiber in your body...LOL!? Please do tell.  Anything you might add or subtract to make this space work?

Happy Monday!

xo
Coco

P.S. Had a fabulous family brunch at Shutters yesterday right ....then sis DS and I took a nice little walk along the beach...crisp and clear...a perfect California fall afternoon...see below.

Santa Monica beach on a sunny Southern California Sunday afternoon! (above)

P.P.S.  Forgot to mention the fun dinner I went to last week (see below). A girls dinner it was called. Well considering I was the only girl there who is not married...it was a regular dinner for me and a girls dinner for everyone else. Hmmmmm...need a cute boyfriend so I can attend a girls dinner and call it a girls dinner!  Anyhoooooo...after attending a live recording of the X Factor over on the CBS lot - this is my favorite show in the entire world (although last night, while working on my laptop, I was watching something called Ice Road Truckers Dangerous Roads for no reason and was riveted...these truckers driving on treacherous roads in Bolivia and every minute their trucks are about to tumble off of cliff...totally not my thing and on History Channel (oy) but I was glued to the t.v. nonetheless...), I headed over to a dinner with friends Alison Blumenfeld of Blumenfeld Interiors and Kristi Bender partner at Wendy Schwartz Design and new friend AK (I only use initials because I don't know if AK would want me to use her full name). anyhooo...AK was carrying the most to-die for quilted Chanel bag...must have this purse...AK says she got it years ago...uh oh...just talking about the purse is making me anxious...I need that purse...it is too cute...ahhhhhh....I NEED that purse...inhale...exhale...breathe...think big picture...calm...okay.

AK's Chanel purse...love this (I think Kristi B is doing the Vanna White honors here...nice nail polish!)! (above)

P.P.P.S. Just talked to best of guy friend BN...he just told me that all of my friends were at a party this weekend but no one invited me along...hmmmm...nice...:-(...he said when he was talking to all of our mutual friends he thought "This might have been a fun party for Coco..."...well at least he thought of me...trying to look on the bright side of things here and not get huffy at all of the friends who didn't invite me along or think of me.  Props to you BN for at least having a passing thought about me...hmmm....need higher standards perhaps if this is what I am giving props for!  LOL!

P.P.P.P.S.  Need to shower...will be late to work...have very nice boss though so maybe he'll overlook me being a few minutes behind.  :-)  Maybe...?  I hope.


Photo: Stadshem

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AN design tips, small apartment, small house, tips