Need help? Call Us Now : +1 (888) 123-5678

Day 2: Decorating to Take Your Breath Away

It’s day two of 31 Days of Tabletop Decorating! The focal point of this vignette is the Tarkay painting hanging above the sideboard in our living room.

Tarkay Painting

Itzchak Tarkay passed away in 2012 after a successful career as an Israeli artist.  As a young boy he spent a year in a concentration camp with his family, and yet his paintings all seem happy and cheerful. What an inspiration! We fell in love with his work the minute we saw it, but once we learned the history of his life, it was even more endearing.

Tarkay with Lamps

I added gold contemporary lamps that I purchased from Overstock about a year ago. I fell in love with the shape, the pull chains and white shades.

Votive

In my own home, I am a pretty eclectic decorator. If I had to choose one style, I’d say I’m transitional because I love modern, traditional, french and farmhouse. I’ve tried to incorporate all of that into my home in a cohesive way. This farmhouse votive holder is an example.

Lamp, Votive and Greenery

I always accessorize in odd numbers, so this vignette needed one more thing. A little greenery livened things up.

Use favorite books for decorating

On the left side, I chose a few of my all-time favorite books and stacked them as if they’d been randomly added.

Jubilee by Karen Tunks

One of my very favorites was written by my good friend, Karyn Tunks.

The Universe of Peter Max

The top book is autographed by Peter Max, himself and I placed it on top to add color to the tabletop. However, as I stepped back and looked at the overall vignette, the books just didn’t seem aesthetically pleasing.

Add an accessory to stacks of books.

So, I added my gold baubles that I’ve had for years. But it still wasn’t speaking to me! So…

Shorter stack of books works beneath painting.

I removed my very favorite book of all time. Sad. But, it was just too thick. I’m much happier with the size of the grouping and I’ll just have to place “Little Women” somewhere else. See if you agree with the change.

Carefully size a stack of books.

From this…

Tarkay with eclectic accessories.

to this.

I love art history. I love decorating. I always try to add something with meaning to every vignette so when we walk into a room, we relive some wonderful experience. Here there’s a book that was a gift from a friend when we lived in Mississippi, one autographed by an artist we love, one written by a dear friend and the painting purchased on our Alaskan cruise. Isn’t that what decorating is all about? Bringing together memories that take your breath for a second. This vignette may not take anyone’s breath but mine, but that’s ok!  It takes mine.

Linking with these utterly fabulous parties:

Celebrate Your Story |Mommy Moments | Rustic and Refined | Coastal Charm

Cooking and Crafting with J&J | The Scoop |  Inspire Me Tuesday | Tasty Tuesdays

Inspire Me Monday |  Tickle My Tastebuds | Wow Us Wednesday | Christian Bloggers Community

Full Plate Thursday | Work it Wednesday | Creative Spark |  Home Matters, Idea Box

Poofing the Pillows |  Sweet Inspiration | DIY Sunday Showcase | Get Your DIY On

Share it One More Time | The Pin Junkie | Anything Blue

Leave a Comment