An Inspired Hutch Vignette

If you are visiting from Show and Tell Friday, welcome!

In our last house, this hutch sat on the wall in between our kitchen/dining area and our living room. I had plates displayed on it. But in our new house, it is in our living room on the entry wall by our front door. The plates felt out of place in the new spot, so I set out to fill the shelves with other accessories instead.

I went "shopping" in our house, hoping to use all items that we already had. I am really happy with how the first shelf came together.

We received this beautiful Chinese tea set as a wedding gift from dear friends of my husband's parents. I love it and have been wanting to display it, but had a hard time finding the right place for it in our Austin home. I started with the tea set as the inspiration for this shelf, adding a few books under it for height. We received the wooden carved Asian fan as a favor at a friend's wedding and I liked the texture and contrast it added propped up behind the tea set.

This print was painted by Truman's grandfather, who was an artist and art teacher in Hong Kong. I love being able to decorate with items that hold memories or significance. It's a great way to personalize your home and to enjoy keepsakes.

I remembered seeing this idea on the Shabby Nest, using an old paperback book. It is an easy project that adds a lot of texture and character. You simply fold each page in half, tucking the end into the center of the book. As you fold, it fills out, creating a cylinder. I thought the colors and feel fit in well to finish off the shelf.

I am still working on the second shelf. I find I have to live with it for a few days, arranging and re-arranging, until I find a look I am happy with. What are your hints for creating displays on a shelf or table?