I had an empty space in the landing at the foot of the stairs and I could totally imagine a console table arrangement working very well there. I saw this photo (above) by Corynne Pless on Houzz, which served as my inspiration and got the whole thing started.
My wall is opposite the stairs and not as wide as the one featured above, so I wouldn’t have room for the chair, but that’s the whole thing about inspirational photos — they are just to inspire you, you don’t want to copy them exactly.
What inspired me in this photo was:
1. The table was a functional, yet still decorative piece for what might otherwise be an unused space.
2. Extra storage is provided from the drawers and decorative baskets tucked underneath the table. (And who can’t use more storage space?)
So here’s how I went from inspiration to actualization:
I purchased the console table first because everything else had to relate to it. I searched for it for months. There were a lot of maybes but something was always off — either not the right size, color, style or price. Then just before Christmas, I walked into my local HomeGoods and there was “the one.” The next thing I knew, we were riding home together (the table and I that is). When you shop for bargains you have to be patient, but it always pays off in the end.
I put the table in place right away — it was really handy for holding the appetizers for our Christmas party — but it was not yet all it would be.
I headed back to HomeGoods with the table’s lower measurements in hand and shopped for baskets.
Yes, I was looking for decorative items, but they really needed to be functional storage pieces, too. I love these three baskets I found (one in the organizing and storage area, one in the bathroom department and one in the garden section).
The inspiration photo featured a lamp, which would have been a wonderful addition to brighten up this corner, but unfortunately we don’t have an electrical outlet anywhere nearby. Instead, I looked for something else with a little height. There were many options to choose from at HomeGoods like lanterns, vases and sculptures.
What caught my eye were these two topiaries. I loved how the wood pots echoed the lighter wicker of the middle basket. From there, I just went right on down a botanical path that led to the discovery of this wonderful framed print and the blue ceramic bird.
Once I got home I added a stack of my favorite gardening books, a silver bird cage and a cute rabbit figurine.
It’s such a great look for spring. (Yes, it is spring here on the West Coast.) Of course I’ve had so much fun decorating the table top that I’m sure I’ll do it again and again.
It doesn’t look anything like the inspirational photo, but I love what that photo inspired, don’t you?
Who knows, maybe my table will inspire you to do something new in your home. Leave me a comment if it does!