Now that I’m back from vacation, my big summer project of finishing up my loft continues! I’ve been slowly adding pieces, the latest of which is the perfect coffee table and a few new accessories from HD Buttercup. All of which is a great excuse to give you a peek at how things are progressing, and do a little styling!

how to style your coffee table // coco+kelley

I’m sure you recognize my old sofa which is still right at home in the new loft, but I’ve taken off the back cushions and replaced them with layers of pillows, and covered the bench seat with a bit of unfinished fabric, which I love. It gives it a more casual feel.

how to style your coffee table // coco+kelley

This is how the new coffee table usually looks on a typical day. Stacks of mags, sometimes my little succulent garden (it also lives on the dining table) and room for snacks, drinks, whatever. So, I thought I’d step things up a notch and show you how I’d style it for a shoot like this and lend a few tips in the process!

how to style your coffee table // coco+kelley

Not a ton of changes but a cleaner, prettier look for sure! I started with a few things here – a color palette, a mix of textures, and always a natural element or two. I love the contrast of the modern faceted vase (also from H.D. Buttercup) with the natural texture of the tray…

style items in threes! // coco+kelley

The florals felt very garden to me, and I like that the style is a little wild. It suits the room. And just as the room is casual and eclectic, so is the coffee table. We’ve got a little midcentury, a little traditional and a little modern…

how to style your coffee table // coco+kelley

You can see how the colors in the table really pull from the pillows in the sofa too!

The tray lends structure and a textural layer to the groupings – always three elements together in each space. It’s a great general ‘rule’ to keep in mind when styling. Oh, and did I mention my favorite part?

how to style your coffee table // coco+kelley

All my table linens tuck into the drawer nicely! The bottom shelf I use for extra throws and magazines, of which I have entirely too many sitting around.

how to style your coffee table // coco+kelley

I’m a big fan of having a floating stool or small table in a space for people to set drinks, food or even feet on. This industrial stool again adds a new style element but is also pretty practical. Of course I also use it all over the house for reaching things too.

how to style your coffee table // coco+kelley

All together, they set a perfect – but casual – scene. Styling, in my opinion, should always look a little more on the livable side than the staged side, don’t you think? Showing off your home in its best light is no different than getting yourself all dolled up for a big event – it takes a little more thought and time, but what a difference it makes!

credit :: photography by meghan klein // styling by cassandra lavalle for coco+kelley // post sponsored by hd buttercup

pssst – do you have styling questions for your home? send them our way or leave a comment below! we’ll be taking on more styling challenges soon! 

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