Obelisks in contemporary designs

Obelisks are classic, but modern at the same time. They are sleek by design, and choosing one or a pair that fits a contemporary room will present lots of options.

Elle Decor - Designer: Todd Klein

The designer Todd Klein creates wonderful contemporary rooms. They combine elements that are modern with classic touches. On a modern coffee table he includes a pair of simply designed obelisks along with an ovoid form on a pedestal. 

Elle Decor - Designer: Emma Pilkington

In the Hampton's summer home of Chris Cuomo (son of former NY governor Mario Cuomo) the designer Emma Pilkington creates a casual and comfortable sunroom. On the antique Italian coffee table she adds simple decorations including a covered bowl, a vase and flowers, and a pair of sleek obelisks!

Photo via Fauxology blog

The source of this photo does not give a credit, but don't you love the bold use of paint on the walls, and the skull and crossbones on the upholstered chair. This living room is lots of fun and welcoming too! There are lots of wonderful design elements and layers in this room, and a pair of rock crystal obelisks on the coffee table!

Contemporary design doesn't mean lacking in decorative elements. Layers of decoration add character and warmth. Obelisks work perfectly!

Inspired by David Hicks style

David Hicks was an icon of 1960's and 1970's decorating. His style continues to influence today.

 Designer: David Hicks

The graphic carpet and the dark lacquered walls make a dramatic space, and are signatures of David Hicks style. He often used obelisks as decorative elements, and here are two of sleek modern design on the mantel. They anchor the bold modern painting in the center.

Designer: David Hicks

Here is another graphic carpet and colorful modern paintings. Of course, there are a pair of obelisks in the foreground on the table as well as on the mantel.

Designer: Greg Jagmin

The Chicago designer Greg Jagmin used a David Hicks Hexagon wallpaper to give this room a the mid-century aesthetic. He tops a Saarinen table with a pair of crystal obelisks to complete the look. 

 Designer Muriel Brandolini

This room designed by Muriel Brandolini looks very inspired by David Hicks' aesthetic - the dark lacquered walls, and the wonderful graphic carpet are stand outs! She, f course, puts her own distictive stamp on the design, but I think David Hicks would approve.

Obelisk Inspirations

Obelisks bring a classic look anywhere they are added.

curry15 via Flikr

This house in London has a classic vibe with the obelisks and sphinxes flanking the entryway. 

Designer: David Hicks via Savoir Faire blog

The designer David Hicks uses graphic fabrics and carpets with modern furniture, but includes a console table full of classic decorative objects - three obelisks of different sizes and marble urns. He creates a modern look with classic roots.

Designer: Suzanne Kasler

Suzanne Kasler creates a welcoming entryway with layers of casual and decorative objects. The obelisk included on the console may be a bit difficult to see, but I added a circle since it's a clear crystal.

Obelisks come in all shapes, sizes and materials, and mixing them up can be lots of fun!

Decorators who seem to love obelisks: Miles Redd

As I look for ideas for this blog and my Auction Decorating blog, I am often attracted to the decorating of Miles Redd. It's luxurious, a little unexpected, and uses color in wonderful ways. He also uses obelisks in unexpected ways. 

In this photo, Miles Redd uses an extra large obelisk on one side of the mantel. It's a bold move! Much bigger than most you see on a mantel. Set against an orange wall, it really pops.

Via Veranda Magazine

Here he uses a pair of large cream obelisks flanking the off-white tableau of objects on this console table against the back drop of a fabulous green painted wall. Beautiful blue upholstered chairs flank the console adding another dash of color. Great contrast!

Scale and color are such important components of any decorating scheme. Think of an out sized obelisk where you might have thought of a smaller one, for a bit of the unexpected.

Obelisks are everywhere!

Obelisks are everywhere! You can't go wrong placing a pair on a mantel, on a shelf, or on a table. If you want to mix up your decorating look a bit, move them around!

 High Gloss Magazine - Designer: Elizabeth Dinkel

The designer of this LA home, Elizabeth Dinkel, placed a pair of obelisks on the kitchen counter for a simple decorative element with lots of style. 

Designer: Alexa Hampton via All the Best blog

Alexa inherited her father, Mark Hampton's, great taste. Here she creates a quirky design on the mantel, combining a classic pair of obelisks on one side, and a some interesting objects on the other. Balanced design, but not really!

Designer: Mario Buatta

Mario Buatta knows that obelisks look great anywhere! In this comfortable library, he places a pair on the coffee table, adding decorative interest.

Obelisks are everywhere and anywhere!

More obelisks on mantels

Designer: Alexa Hampton

It need not take much to finish decorating the fireplace mantel other than adding a pair of obelisks. Alexa Hampton uses a very chic pair of light colored marble with black bands at the top and bottom of the plinth. The columns balance well with the round sun burst mirrors flanking a modern painting. They provide a further frame to the art work without distracting from it.

 Designer: Richard Keith Langham via Splendid Sass blog

In this cozy library cum dining room the designer Richard Keith Langham created a balanced design on the mantel using one of a pair of striped marble obelisks on either end. He next used some decorative round marble globes, and then groups three ceramics in the center. A lovely classic design.

 Designer: Steven Gambrel

In this Hampton's home, the designer, Steven Gambrel, includes an obelisk on the mantel adding chic framing to the round mirror. The combination of the round with the linear is always a good choice.

Even if you don't have a mantel, a pair of obelisks will add a 'frame' to a piece of art when placed on either side, enhancing it in the process. 

Obelisks work anywhere!

Adding an obelisk in any room adds interest.

Elle Decor - Designer: Susan Forristal

In this comfortable family room designed by Susan Forristal, she adds a single obelisk to the window sill which serves to draw the eye through the room, and add an element of style. 

Architectural Digest - Designer: Mario Buatta

Mario Buatta knows classic style! He adds the most classic of all obelisks to the fireplace mantel - rock crystal. Just one of the many wonderful finishing touches.  

 Designer: Michael S. Smith via Splendid Sass blog

Michael S. Smith can be counted on for luxury. This Manhattan apartment has wonderful plastered walls and French antiques. The obelisks on this table are almost over the top! They are highly decorated, and work well next to a modern statue to create a wonderful tableau. 

Elle Decor - Designer: Celerie Kemble

The latest issue of Elle Decor includes a feature on an apartment in Manhattan designed by Celerie Kemble. She places a pair of obelisks to one side of this mantel creating a chic asymmetrical design. Also, what a fabulous mirror!


Think of the many ways you can use an obelisk! Use them to draw the eye to a corner of the room, or to create a chic tableau on a table or mantel. Obelisks work anywhere!