In my apartment, the coffee table is the focal point of my living room. It was love at first sight when I moved to L.A. and came across the perfect square piece at Grace Home Furnishings right off of Sunset Boulevard. Below are the basics to get this look.
Books. These are what hold everything together to become the centerpiece of the room. Collect them throughout the years, interchanging them as often as your color schemes fluctuate. I like stacking them in piles so the bottom edges line up, with the bindings facing different directions. This way, no matter which way you look at the table, you can see what books are on view. No pile should have the same amount of books, but kept at a relative height. The bargain section at high-end photography book shops usually has some vintage gems.
Objects of Desire. Find a fantastic antique shop nearby. Wertz Brothers here in Santa Monica is a gold mine. A great way to bring in your favorite color that may be too much for anything larger in the room (hot pink anyone?) is by placing candies, buttons, marbles or anything small enough to fit in little dishes to top off the stacks. Plantation in Venice, CA is also good for inspiration and accessories.
Candles. For me, there is no scent more addicting than Diptyque's Tubereuse.
Trays. Placing items on trays lends them importance. Here is where you can place a candle, a vintage hotel ashtray, or any other antique finds. Depending on the type of table you have, a bright lacquer color is always fun. Try Jonathan Adler's or John Derian's classic decoupage trays.
*images via lonny, the wsj, the neo-traditionalist
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