Crystal clear obelisks - minimalist and chic!

I love obelisks, and so started a business selling them (Only Obelisks). A friend asked me early on 'Do I need an obelisk?' I had to stop for a minute because I suppose the answer depends on how you define 'need'. It certainly isn't a requirement for living, and it is a luxury to have decorative objects. So what is the answer? You only need a decorative obelisk if you want to enhance your decoration, and add beauty to your space!

Designer: Mary McDonald via Pinterest

The designer, Mary McDonald added a clear crystal obelisk to this writing desk turning a work space in to a place of enjoyment! It's quite a tall obelisk for the space, but the fact that it's clear diminishes it's overall impact.

Via Splendid Sass

Glass obelisks and a glass orb - chic!

Via Pinterest

This group of 4 crystal obelisks add shape and beauty, but take up little visual space. I love mixing sizes and styles as they have done here, while they keep with the theme of material.

Via Pinterest

Another example of a crystal obelisk grouping, with the contrasting addition of simple black marble obelisks. Minimalist and chic!

Show your stripes - graphic marble obelisks!

Specimen marble obelisks come in all kinds of combinations, but it's the striped ones that I love for their graphic, modern look.

Designer: Timothy Corrigan

I like this whole grouping of obelisks, but it's great center piece is the tall black and white striped obelisk. It grabs your attention. There is also a pair achoring either end in a pale brown and white stripe. 

 Designer: Jaime Parlade

In this Madrid apartment, the designer Jaime Parlade masterfully echos the striped column in the painting with a striped obelisk on the coffee table. 

 Designer: Charlotte Moss

To decorate this bookcase, Charlotte Moss included a pair of multicolored striped obelisks. I love they way they almost pick up the colors in the book bindings on the shelves below. 

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.

In my own home, a tall multicolored striped marble obelisk works perfectly with a shorter  black and white striped marble obelisk.

Jean-Louis Deniot loves obelisks!

When I opened the January issue of Architectural Digest I fell in love with the Paris apartment designed by the decorator, Jean-Louis Deniot. As I looked in to more of his projects, I found that he often uses obelisks in his decor!

From Architectural Digest

Simple black marble obelisks on this mantel set off the classical statue in this Paris apartment. 

Deniot uses a variety of sizes and shapes, and sty;es ranging from classic to modern. A signature seems to be the classically designed black marble in a pair, but he also uses groupings of differnt marbles and sizes for added interest.

Big and bold obelisks

We mostly think of obelisks sitting on mantels, tables, and desks, but for those wanting to make a real statement with their obelisks, there are some colossal ones!

From Pinterest

Try these huge stone obelisks for a statement! I actually think it would all look better with a mirror or painting above the fireplace as well. That way the obelisks serve as a 'frame' that would highlight the art.

J. Randall Powers uses these mirrored obelisks on either side of the sofa as a bold statement.

The designer Michael S. Smith has this wonderful specimen marble obelisk in his own home. What a great way to decorate a corner.

This fabulous lapis obelisk with pietra dura flora and fauna decoration on the plinth, stands guard at the entrance of my den.

In this dining room, the designer, Timothy Corrigan, uses this pair of colossal obelisks to add drama to the rich decor of this room.

Obelisks for the holidays!

Obelisks make wonderful gifts. If you have a special friend who loves design, an obelisk or two will fit in to their design scheme - somewhere!

The top photo is from Canadian House and Home - just add a chinoiserie painted obelisk on top of a desk!. The middle photo is a design by Robert Couturier, and the bottom photo is a Timothy Corrigan design. Both classic collections of obelisks on console tables. For Corrigan, the more the merrier!

At Only Obelisks we have obelisks in a range of prices and styles from vintage to antique that make very stylish gifts!

The marble veining makes these stand out. Simple and chic. I always love black and brown. These are vintage (16 1/2 inches tall), and priced at $675 for the pair. 

What could be more chic than black and white! These are a very smart pair of early 20th century black marble obelisks (17 1/4 inches tall) with white marble segments and white marble shield on one side of each plinth. The black marble has interesting and subtle depth to the marble veining. Sourced in Surrey, England. These are priced at $1,100 for the pair.

We recently added this French pair of rouge marble 19th century obelisks (16 2/4 inches tall). I love their proportions, and the fossil like veining in the marble. These are priced at $1,800 for the pair.

 

The designer Mary McDonald knows that just adding a few obelisks on a table finishes the decor in the best possible way! Imagine the surprise when your gift of obelisks is opened! Unique and fabulous. 

Stylish David Hicks

David Hicks' 60's style is on the return. His use of patterns, colors, and obelisks (!) has proven to be timeless. He knew that obelisks are modern and classic at the same time.

 Designer: David Hicks

This grey, white and black design scheme is so very smart. It works as well today as the day it was designed. The pair of black marble obelisks provide just the right amount of decoration in a pared down look, letting the pattern in the wall paper and the rug make the statement.

Designer: David Hicks via The Peak of Chic blog

Here is another wonderful mix of colors: brown, red, black and white. The use of geometrics keep it restrained, and the addition of classical decorations to the glass and steel console table is the perfect complement. I love the mix of obelisk sizes and materials. 

We can take many lessons from David Hicks' style. Be bold, but always refined!

Jaime Parlade decorates with obelisks!

I ran across a spread in the World of Interiors of the home of a well known Spanish decorator, Jaime Parlade. I always have radar for obelisks in decor, but also love the way he ties his obelisk in to the rest of his art.

From Architectural Digest

I love the layers of color, objects and art. This Adalusian living room feels welcoming and comfortable. 

From World of Interiors

These photos show another view of the room, and more detail. In the bottom photo note the specimen marble obelisk on the coffee table, and how it echos the art on the wall behind it. Masterful!