London loves obelisks!

We were in London, and wandered down Kings Road to visit antiques and decorative objects shops we like. It seemed that obelisks were everywhere!

These fabulous Russian 20th century obelisks were in Guenevere Antiques. They are fluorspar veneer with gilt bronze decoration.

I love the cute paws at the base of the obelisk, and the decoration on the plinth. Very smart looking.

This console display at Guinevere includes a pair of Italian Grand Tour alabaster obelisks. These are 19th century. They have wonderful patina, and the sign of wear one would expect in a well loved antique. These are classics that work anywhere. 

Up the Kings Road at the corner of Lots Road is a group of dealers in a building called the Furniture Cave. There were these whimsical shell decorated obelisks that look a lot like the ones made in to lamps in the previous blog entry. They were flanked by a pair of smaller marble obelisks that were quite the contrast in their simplicity. 

At Guinevere they also had this pair of Italian Grand Tour marmo rosso obelisks, circa 1850. Quite classic, and chic anywhere!

A dealer in the Furniture Cave had a pair of specimen marble obelisks. The marble decoration was on one side of each, with the rest being black. These are 20th century, and had a nice slender presence.














Clearly London loves obelisks!

Obelisks as lamps

Obelisks make great lamps. It's a classic shape, and subtle details can make all the difference.

Canadian House and Home - Designer: Betsy Burnham

This hallway setting designed by California based designer Betsy Burnham includes these fabulous shell encrusted obelisk lamps. These are more decorated than most obelisks, but what fun!

 Homes and Gardens, UK

This wonderful console display includes two elegant black obelisk lamps. The shape is simple and modern, and looks fabulous with the other classic decorative objects. I love the red lamp shades to finish them off.

 Designer: Phoebe Howard

The designer, Phoebe Howard, put together a wonderfully balanced console display anchored by a pair of white obelisk lamps.

Just like you might convert a porcelain vase in to a lamp, think about turning a pair of obelisks in to some fabulous lamps that are classic and elegant.

Obelisks 'at work'

Where we work should be welcoming and have as much consideration as to decoration as the rest of the house. If you work from home some or part of the time, your work space should be beautiful!

Canadian House and Home

This bedroom has a wonderful French Empire secretaire topped by a fabulous Chinoiserie decorated obelisk. I could easily see setting up my lap top on this desk, surrounded by beautiful objects, and getting some work done!

 Designer: Timothy Corrigan

In this classically designed office, the designer, Timothy Corrigan, placed a single obelisk on the desk. It doesn't take up much room, but it adds a smart decorative element.

Here is my own loft office space with one of my obelisks on the desk. I love this simple chic obelisk, and it gives me pleasure when I sit down to work.

Adding an obelisk is an easy way to decorate, and if you are looking for a change with the season, take one away and replace ir with a different one for a fresh new look!

For chic console display, add an obelisk!

Obelisks are the perfect pieces to add to as table vignette. It might be an entryway, or a table against the wall in a living or dining room. Add a pair of obelisks, and a few other mementos, and perhaps a lamp, and you've created a wonderful work of art!

 Elle Decor - Designer: Aline Chastel

In this contemporary Paris living room, the owner, Aline Chastel, used a vintage oak chest as the base for her tableau. She added a mixed set of obelisks, a large rock (!), and a pitcher with a large leaf against a great mirror to make a great focal point for the room. It just take a little creative courage to put that all together, and have it look so great. 

 Designer: Robert Couturier

This is a great way to fill in a blank corner in a room. The unused space is turned in to something with lots of interest. Robert Couturier used a big mirror and a decorative mirrored obelisk on a simple console table to make a big statement in an otherwise empty space.

Canadian House & Home - Designer: Luce Gayrard

The rock crystal obelisks on this lovely gilt console table are paired with lamps to make up the vignette. The mirror behind reflect the look back into the room, and adds depth. Add something low in between, and you have created a great look.

 Designer: Robert Couturier

For more ideas using rock crystal obelisks, this tableau design by Robert Couturier uses four! There are two tall obelisks, and two shorter ones below. I love the asymmetry of this grouping of objects on an ornate console table. There is a lot of contrast between the black bulky bust, and then the translucent obelisks. The balance is created by the pictures on the wall behind. Masterful!

 Designer: Alexa Hampton

Alexa Hampton inherited her father's excellent taste! This lovely, comfortable living room looks back to a console table filling an alcove. The table is topped with a pair of obelisks placed on the left side, balancing flowers on the right.

Obelisks are a natural for a console table. Think of balancing the display with a pair obelisks on  either side of the table, or place them on one side and balance them with another decorative element on the other. I like this latter option because it's a bit less traditional.

Obelisks in the bedroom

Since obelisks add instant chic, why not include them in the bedroom.

Both photos Designer Timothy Corrigan

In these very different bedrooms designer Timothy Corrigan included obelisks in the decorating scheme. In the top photo, the pair of monochrome obelisks add a refined decoration to the mantle in the French style bedroom. 

In the bottom photo, a mixed set of obelisks grace the coffee table in this very comfortable looking bedroom.

Adding an obelisk or two is just an easy way to finish the decorating details that make a room!

Obelisks in the entryway

Creating an inviting entryway sets the tone for those entering your home. An entry need not be large, just well thought out. Obelisks set on a table are a great way to add a statement of chic as soon as someone opens your door.

Veranda - Designer: Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald wrote in Veranda magazine about creating a color-minded tablescape. In her example here, the color is green. This calls for three malachite obelisks to make the scene!

 Designer: Timothy Corrigan

This entryway has a wonderful round center table which makes a great place to create this diverse and whimsical display. The central piece is the bust wearing the hat, flanked by various decorative objects, including a single obelisk.

 Veranda - Designer: Charlotte Moss

In this small New York pied a terre, the designer Charlotte Moss created a wonderful little entry with fabulous wall paper, a simple metal and marble console table, and two funky obelisks. Add flowers and a simple mirror, and you have a great way to greet your guests.

Adding an obelisk or two is a simple way to create a decorative scheme in your entryway, and send a message that your guests are entering a wonderful home!

Big obelisks for a big statement!

Obelisks come in many sizes and materials. Some obelisks are four feet and more.  These may not be for everyone, but they make a real statement in your design if you have the courage to make it!

 Designer: Timothy Corrigan

The tapestry in this dining room is flanked by two massive obelisks. They add a stately touch of architecture, and set off the tapestry in grand style.

Elle Decor - Designer: Michael S. Smith

The designer Michael S. Smith included this fabulous obelisk by Renzo Mongiardino (circa 1950 - 1960) made of specimen marbles. It's decorative, and adds architecture to the room as well. 

 Designer: Timothy Corrigan

The classic designer, Timothy Corrigan, uses a big obelisk to add even more interest to this living room. It draws your eye to the far corner, and adds interest in an otherwise empty space.

 Architectural Digest - Designer: Timothy Corrigan

In this bedroom, if you look beyond the bed towards  the open door you will see a tall obelisk, probably 4 - 5 feet tall. It's a terrific addition and serves as a piece of sculpture. 

If you are looking for a focal point in a room, or just some added architectural interest, a big obelisk may just do the trick.