“Decorating Layers” can make a home warm and interesting. But how do you do it without looking cluttered? Let me introduce you to my talented sister, Christie. She seems to have a knack for putting things together that I would never have thought of, and all without looking like a chaotic mess. And, she has 5 china cabinets to fill. I love to take my time and wander through her home discovering little surprises around each corner. This is what I see……
China Cabinet #1
My favorite of Christie’s five china cabinets is located in her office.
On the top, she has three vintage chemistry flasks flanked by two glass domes, one containing a white painted tumbleweed and the other a sea coral and shell. She has added depth with containers of seashells, milkweed fluff (who would have thought?), and green glass rocks. The yellow butterfly perched on the sandstone adds the final touch.
On the other end of the cabinet are two art deco-style lamps and an antique globe. One lamp sits atop a book which adds visual interest.
Inside the cabinet, she has interesting arrangements of books, glass paperweights, framed pictures, wicker, crystal, and cast iron critters.
China Cabinet #2
A second china cabinet is located in the dining room. It is a lighted corner unit with a mirror back and glass shelves. Christie has filled it with loads of clear crystal. Not adding any color allows her to have more pieces without being overwhelming. It absolutely sparkles when the lights are low.
China Cabinet #3
A third china hutch was originally brown but was painted a warm green and filled with lots of nature-themed items. I am partial to the frog holding the vase with a sprig of white-painted tumbleweed.
China Cabinet #4
This white cabinet located in the kitchen is Christie’s fourth china hutch. It is filled with lots of green and white and a touch of yellow.
The mirrored back reflects a variety of interesting features. For example, who would have thought to decorate with green ribbon candy?
The European tea tins add a worldly flair.
Balancing all the green and white with brown pinecones in a bowl on the bottom shelf adds more depth to the predominantly bi-colored palette. A favorite animal, the hedgehog, is a fun addition.
China Cabinet #5
The fifth and final china cabinet is in the master bedroom. Every shelf holds a captivating arrangement of crystal, pictures, trays, plates, and pottery.
My China Cabinet #1
I have always loved Italian cremone bolts and was pleased they were featured on this one. It reminds me of the beautiful French doors in 19th century Savannah homes.
I had lots of fun filling my cabinet with crystal, silver, and small touches of color. Each end is glass, giving a view of all the layers.
Many of the pieces, including the gold barware and pitcher, were from my mother, Elaine. She has exquisite taste and a beautiful collection of crystal which she has generously shared.
My China Cabinet #2
In our “Up North” cabin, we had a log furniture china cabinet that I had great fun decorating.
Blue is the predominant theme but with a variation. For example, the sushi plate behind the staggered wine glasses is more of a teal versus a navy blue.
In the section below are the sugar/creamer set and coffee cup. Chunks of wood allow them to be seen when the doors are closed. A dessert plate in front of a clear blue dinner plate leans against the back giving dimension.
The upper right side displays the Noritake sailboat stoneware. In front is the clear blue sugar/creamer set. I did not put one higher than the other as I wanted to see the sailboat behind. To the side is the salt and pepper shaker on a small board to add a little height.
The clear blue angled picture add interest as it is not vertical. Pictures in a china hutch surrounded by stoneware are an unexpected surprise. This one is of my daughter, Kate. The gravy boat may look off centered, but when the door is closed it works. Once again, chunks of wood set the pieces at the right height for viewing through the glass.
More of Christie's Decorating Layers
Apart from china cabinets, Christie has added layers to a beverage cart, converted to a sofa table, and to an iron rolling cart.
My favorite feature is this pyramid of wicker picnic baskets, a very unique design idea. Christie has paired the “basket tower” with a yellow vintage lamp, mono-chrome art piece, and a family picture on a yellow book. Her seasonal Easter decor fits the color theme perfectly.
In her kitchen, Christie has added small whimsical knick-knacks in her open corner shelves. I like the one with bees.
As featured in a previous post, Sticks Everywhere!, Christie has several layered groupings on top of her kitchen cabinets and on the kitchen counters. Many have her favorite decorating object, painted tumbleweeds.
Lastly, I said my sister masterfully adds layers to her home decor without looking cluttered. However, she has a side to her refrigerator consisting of a mass of family photos. It is the side that is hard to see when viewing the kitchen. I like how the cluster of overlapped candids adds a homey touch in a private corner without compromising the overall look of the room.
Layering in home design is very much a matter of taste. I think Christie’s layering is well done, unique, and interesting. But, I realize that lots of layers do not work in all homes, including my own.
What Decorating Layers did you like in this post? Any new ideas? Do you have a layering story you would like to share?
Leave a commit below. I love to hear your thoughts.
Meanwhile, have fun creating layers in your home!
Oh my goodness,. Do I really have FOUR china cabnets? Many of my interesting one-of-a-kind objects come from good will. Christie
No, you have five china cabinets! 😄
After seeing your unique treasures I am am headed to my local good will stores.
When I married Russ in 1975 many of our wedding gifts came from your mom’s store. I still have some crystal pieces that I use, including the tall pitcher seen in one of the photos. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. And great ideas for arranging, layering, beloved items. Well done!
I love that crystal pitcher too!