The art of the obelisk in English design

Spring is finally here, even if the weather in the Northeast of the US does not quite match. I have been struck by the obelisks in English homes in recent decorating publications. As obelisk lovers, these are fun to see, and get the creative ideas flowing!

In the Hampshire, England home of Jemma Kidd and Arthur Wellesley, a pair of smart obelisks grace the desk in the library. Elle Decor April 2014

In the London home of designer Bridie Hall the mantel is anchored by a pair of simple white marble obelisks. House & Garden, UK

In the Suffolk, England home of Trevor Pickett, a pair of etched mirrored obelisks sit on the mantel serving to not just add decoration, but to further frame the painting. I love the whole cozy sitting room! House & Garden, UK

This dressing room looks better with an obelisk! London home of artist and designer, Bridie Hall. House & Garden, UK

So easy to get English style - add some obelisks!

Mirrored obelisks

Mirrored obelisks come in many sizes, and the mirrored surface is usually (if not always) etched with a decorative pattern. I think of mirrored obelisks as just a little bit feminine. That said, as I started the search for photos for this blog entry, I have to say that my opinion may be changing just a bit. Like most things, it probably depends on the context.

Via Pinterest

These colossal obelisks 'guard' an entry, and are quite stately. They are flanked in a very balanced scheme by chairs, and console tables topped with mirrors. The long hallway wall is thus filled up with an elegant decorative scheme, that is not too heavy in decorative appearance. The mirror give the obelisks a lighter presence.

Home of Trevor Pickett - House & Garden UK

This cozy house in Suffolk, England has many of the decorative elements I would expect in an English country house. The mantel top is anchored by a pair of 'sturdy' looking mirrored obelisks that have smoky glass as opposed to etching. They are not in the least 'girly', and work well in the cozy room. 

Designer: Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald knows how to create chic designs that are often quite opulent. This etched, mirrored obelisk on a dressing table, paired with a mirrored box, creates quite a feminine tableau. It has an appealing lightness of touch, and is beautifully decorative. 

From Chinoiserie Chic Blog

This pair of etched mirrored obelisks are quite similar to the one's above in Mary McDonald's scheme. They do have one additional design element with a platform for the obelisks. This pictures also looks like it might be a dressing table, and therefore sends a feminine message. 

Mirrored obelisks by their very nature have a lightness in the decorative scheme. They also usually have quite pretty etching that adds interest and keeps them from being too stark. They can be quite feminine when added to a dressing table. But a colossal pair can serve as a sentry to an entryway, and a smoked glass pair of study shaped design, can be quite suited to a masculine room.

Obelisk accents

Decorative accents draw your eye to spaces adding depth to a room. They also complement the decorative scheme, whether it's a color scheme, or a style scheme. Obelisks are part of this plan, and can enhance the overall decorative plan by adding color, and always more style!

 

Via Pinterest - Miles Redd - House Beautiful

Miles Redd creates such sophisticated spaces. I love everything about this room, from the grass cloth wall covering to the mix of pattern and color. Somehow this end table looks even better with a malachite obelisk contrasting with the blue upholstered sofa, and blue patterned chair. 

Elle Decor - Decorators Kelli Wilde and Laurent Champeau

This entryway is sleek and modern. The stark white walls serve as a backdrop for the black and browns of the door, painting and console table. The black and white striped modern obelisks add to the look on the console, and pop under the hanging work of art. Your eye is drawn around the room, and the scheme sends a message of sophistication.

 

Via Splendid Sass - David Hicks

David Hicks created classic and often quirky decorative schemes. They have lasted decades after they were done, and decorators still emulate his style. This tableau mixes objects of size, style and origin. The contemporary mask on the back right is balanced by a tall granite obelisk on the left. Smaller objects sit between the two. Designs like this are best built over time as you acquire objects that mean something to you. You will never go wrong with an obelisk!

All I want for.... is an obelisk!

Christmas is quickly approaching, and I can't think of a more inspired gift (even for yourself!) than an obelisk or two! Here are just a few ways that an obelisk can work in a home.

Via Pinterest - David Hicks

David Hicks often used obelisks in his decorating. Here is a brilliant tableau created with a pair of modern blue obelisks on a mantel, surrounded by a display of wall mounted decorative discs. The obelisks become part of the artful display, and the color enhances the whole creation!

 

Via Pinterest - Interiors Magazine 2012

Rock crystal obelisks are highly sought after by decorators. Here are two of different sizes forming a display on a beautiful console table. The whole look makes a fabulous entry to a home! 

Via Pinterest

I love obelisks on a coffee table. They add such a wonderful decorative element. We often don't spend enough time thinking about our coffee tables as a place to create a display. In this picture, the table is modern and graced with a sleek black pair of obelisks, which look great against the white sofa. 

So, no matter how many obelisks your gift recipient has, another one or two can find a place in their home - mantel, coffee table, console, book shelf, kitchen counter.... Let me think of all the ways!

Fall Newsletter - Obelisks in Classic & Modern Decor

I have a keen eye for spotting obelisks in magazines and on Pinterest! I am struck by the range of interior styles in which you find obelisks. They might be crowded on a console table with lots of classical objects, or sitting in a spare contemporary setting.

Modern
 

 Jean-Louis Denoit

 Lorenzo Castillo   

 

                                                                          Domino
                                                                      

Classical

 From the New York Times

 Timothy Corrigan

via Belgian Pearls

 

From Only Obelisks here are a few obelisks to inspire!

These would fit well in a contemporary design:

 

Slate & Onyx - 15 3/4" tall

Tavertine with black & white marble - 19"tall

                   





Black marble - 9 1/2" tall       
                                                                                                                       
For the classical collector and decorator, here are just a few:

Antique Grand Tour marble & malachite - 23 1/2" tall

Specimen marble on brass plinths - 31 1/2" tall

Antique black & white marble - 17 1/4"tall













Please visit http://www.onlyobelisks.com for our full current offering of obelisks!

Collecting obelisks

For lovers of obelisks, collecting can be a passion bordering on obsession! There are so many styles, and they can look great together.

From the New York Times

All sizes and styles, and a few classical objects thrown in for good measure.

 Jean-Louis Denoit

Sleek and modern grouping in a chic Parisian apartment!

Via Belgian Pearls blog

This tableau is fabulous - the obelisks grouped around classical heads and urns on a beautiful console table!

The possibilities are endless!!

Mixing up your obelisk collection!

We often think of obelisks in pairs, but there is something to be said for a collection made of different sizes, materials, and styles for real interest. They are fun to collect as well, and by liberating yourself from pairs, you can be imaginative in creating your groupings.

Designer Robert Couturier

This classic tableau includes a grouping of crystal obelisks in different shapes and sizes. One way to build a grouping of mixed objects is to collect them in all the same material as Couturier did here with the rock crystal.

Designer Timothy Corrigan - Architectural Digest

Timothy Corrigan often uses obelisks in his designs. He must have such fun collecting them. In the top photo he fills a console table with all kinds of obelisks and sets them dramatically against a large mirror so you couldn't possibly miss them when in the room. Of course, the tallest one is a  black and white stripe demanding attention!

The next two photos illustrate another grouping of marble obelisks of different colors and sizes. They are set on a circular table in the center of the room with other classical objects making a wonderful visual anchor for the room.

Designer Oliver M. Furth

This collection of obelisks starts with a pair made of warm wood, and adds another tall wood obelisk along with two made of stone. They have varying proportions and plinths, and seem to work together like they were made for each other.

You can't go wrong just buying what you love, and they will somehow all work together to create a chic decorative focal point in the room.