The perfect obelisks for 'masculine' decor!

Of course I believe that obelisks fit in to any decorating scheme! But some obelisks seem to work their best in a smart decor of chic neutrals with patterns limited to stripes and blocks of color. I have called this 'masculine' largely because it seems the opposite of feminine decor which might be associated with more pattern.

The decor of the 1817 Claverack, NY house of Bruce Shostak and Craig Fitt is a master of understated chic. The living room has such a wonderful grey paint for the walls, and fabric accents are limited to solids and subtle stripes. The library (top photo) has an original mantel piece which is topped by 2 pairs of sleek black marble obelisks of different sizes. They serve as the accent to the Federal mirror. Both photos from Architectural Digest.

I love the style of the Spanish decorator, Lorenzo Castillo. The first two photos are from his own home. The room has a soft grey for the walls, and a simple color scheme of mostly white with black, and a touch of blue. The obelisks on the mantel have two types of marble, both in neutral tones. They make a statement, but don't shout. The third photo is from one of his projects. The modern black obelisk stands among other classic objects in a grey color scheme. The tableau is wonderfully graphic, and a chic mix of modern and antique.

Mary McDonald is one of my favorite decorators. In the top photo above, she has kept the color palate very simple with grey walls and blue velvet curtains. The furniture lets the painted wood make the statement against the white upholstered chairs. The green malachite obelisks and the green ceramic jars pop with their contrasting color. The whole decor is chic and deceptively simple.

The photo on the bottom is a masculine treasure trove of hunting trophies jumping off the black painted walls. The green malachite obelisks on the mantel also pop, and the modern rock crystal obelisk standing next to a saw bill from a shark. This is the work of the decorators Creel and Gow.

Regardless of whether 'masculine' is the right description, a simple color scheme with a minimum of pattern welcomes sleek and simple obelisks as well!

Obelisks in modern decor - Jeffers Design Group

Jeffers Design Group designs clean modern interiors. Obelisks draw the eye, and add a classic but modern decorative element.

I love the attention to decorative detail in their work. The obelisks might be in balanced pairs, or a single obelisk part of a collective scheme.

Obelisks in the Garden

 My focus is generally on decorative obelisks for interiors, but with Spring on it's way, I can see signs of life in the garden. Garden obelisks are classic decoration, and here are some inspiring photos to bring obelisks to your outdoor rooms! (For a related post see my blog Bringing the garden inside - rustic decor).  

All photos from Pinterest

Obelisks in the garden range from solid stone or concrete to wooden constructions perfect for climbing vines. The last one built for storage is both decorative and practical - and so chic! 

You can find vintage stone obelisks for sale occasionally, which add real character to even the smallest garden or patio.

Obelisks on bookshelves

Bookshelves are the perfect place to display art and objects. I particularly like mixing books and objects for the best effect. Obelisks are natural for this!

Via Pinterest

I love the warmth of this display - books all around and forming a frame to two pairs of obelisks along with a small cabinet.

A bookshelf in my home

We put books on the bottom shelves, leaving the top shelves for a mixture of Asian and European antiques, along with a pair of black marble and pink onyx obelisks.

Lonny Magazine via Pinterest

In this clean, black and white display the black framed prints, along with the simple modern black marble obelisk stand out against the white clad books and magazine and white flowers. Very shibui!

 Designer: Timothy Corrigan

The designer Timothy Corrigan puts it all together here! He fills a built in bookshelf with books, hangs a wonderful oil portrait on it, and frames it all with a pair of obelisks. Fabulous!

Robert Couturier loves obelisks!

Robert Couturier is one of those classic and fabulously chic interior designers. My eye often stops when looking through magazines or Pinterest on a wonderful room, and it turns out to be Couturier. He often uses obelisks too, and I have a natural radar for spotting them!

 Couturier uses all types of obelisks to great effect. Love them all!

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.