Saturday, February 27, 2010

fun with styling

some of you said add a small lamp...

so i did..


some of you said put the booze on top....

so i did...



preferences???

***please note that i live in the hood and mr. bar and his children baileys and bombay are in full view from the porch. just sayin'.

UPDATE****
we all agree the lamp is too small. no need to tell me....again.

66 comments:

Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife said...

I like the second one!!

Lovely Little Nest said...

hmm option #1 is more "hey, I'm a cute piece of furniture but I'm ALSO a bar", and option #2 says "HAVE A DRINK!"...I like option #2 :)

Janet said...

I actually like Option 1, maybe because I think lemons are beautiful. Anyway, the vases are pretty too, as is the lamp, and it keeps Mr. Bar safe. :)

A Perfect Gray said...

OK, Ima go against the grain here and say I like the previous post shots better. Or with just the lamp added. It's different, you know? It's a change from all the bar stuff like we always see. A touch of you - with the pottery pieces.

Plus, do you believe we are here with you on a Saturday? Cause real life's not near as much fun. . .

Anonymous said...

By the way, great job on the piece. I vote #2 but try to work a bowl of the colorful fruit next to it.

"Sippin' on gin and juice dogg... laid back..."

Anonymous said...

Styling in the hood! 2

tina said...

Lol @ a perfect gray and the Saturday?real comment...SO TRUE!

Okay, I like the last shot, however, I would like to see what it looks like with the things on the bottom switched. All the talls are on one side making it a bit lopsided (or maybe its just my overactive OCD) and since your playing around anyways, what does it look like with the fruit on the books and the vases on their own? And again....Don't forget the FULL frontal shot please. Thank you!!

Oh, one more thing-does the lamp need to be a bit taller? (don't shoot me!)

micah said...

numero uno

sawslow said...

I like both styles, one for a party, one for everyday, as long as the booze within reach, always!

Shannon said...

I like option 1...but with 2 books and 3 vases...3 vases and 1 book seems like a lot of vases to me, just sayin'

Anna White said...

Hmmmm...initial reaction is to say that I like option 2..mainly because that what the aim of this project was no? to produce your own bar table as you admired so many other for quite a while..and the colours of the bottles really bring out the hanging print.

But...practicality steps in and if you are truly worried about la hood...then go with option 1..you will feel more comfortable with it and its still looks a million bucks.

Options 1 says...Im a bit of a piss pot

Option 2 says...I am a closet piss pot...

which is what I am...lol

Hamptontoes said...

At first I liked option #2, but then I read that you can see bottles through the window. I'd go with option #1, but move the lamp to the left, put the lemons close to it and them have the books on the right hand side. The little lamp in the middle is cutting the look in half (so moving it a touch might help) Great little console & nice tray for the spirits!

Pretty Widow said...

I totally prefer the booze on the top. it is a BAR CART afterall.

Maison Luxe said...

option #1 for every day, option #2 during cocktail hour.

looks great!!

kelie

mike said...

OK. Thought I needed to chime in for any that might get their decision skewed by the "in the hood" and "in full view" statements as if we're camping in the Serengeti and one says should I eat these freeze dried rations or grill a steak on an open flame with Lions nearby? While we DO officially live "in the hood" geographically compared to many neighborhoods in Atlanta (for those of you that don't know Atlanta). Atlanta itself is in the hood - and for the record, I'm not saying that's always a bad thing. They don't call places like Atlanta and New Orleans 'the dirty south' b/c we've got lots of dust. We've got our own southern flavor that comes from mixtures of cultures in a geographical swirl.
So back to the letting the booze on top in view being something to consider, please note this - We are on a hill, on a stoop, set back in a yard, 40 feet away from a sidewalk, in a neighborhood that is a gay enclave, on the same street as as the top prep academy in the state. You'd have a greater likelihood of some creep being tempted to get at your goods on the upper West side than one taking the change at straying from his path to take a chance at being the trophy of the overzealous pd that is paid by the Academy.
ALL I'M SAYING IS please judge based upon decorating of views 1 or 2.

alison giese Interiors said...

No to the lamp - too tiny - but it does look better to the left versus in the center.
I like the booze tray on bottom - just my opinion.
LOVE the citrus - perf w/ the turqWAZ pottery.
My two cents - and that's definitely all they're worth.

LindsB said...

I like the last one best, but with a little larger lamp. Thats just me, but I think it looks great all together- I want one of my own now and will not stop till I get one :)

Matt said...

I hear the blue Sapphire bottle telling the lamp to scoot its short ass over so it can be on prominent display, and easily accessible to soothe nerves frazzled from hood-related festivities (btw i gre up in chattanooga, so i am somewhat familiar wit da a-t-l). plus, the sight of booze says "we can be stylish and sophisticated, or we can get our drink on" to visitors. "methinks the blue bottle also matches the blue thing on the wall behind it" says my metro-sexual gland. the tray also needs a bottle of bourbon...

Debra said...

I love #2, no# says I like to drink, but I don't really want the neighbors to know. I say put those bottles on top and have a party!!!

benson said...

the lamp has to be to the left or the right--not in the center. Is this your "entry" table as well? If that's the case, then I'd go with the booze on the bottom. that way you can still throw keys, paper, mail, etc...on the table if you need to.
Our "booze bar" is actually in our walk in pantry--a nice little shelf and booze accessible when you need it (I actually think our housekeepers take a nip now and then...but I would too if I cleaned someone else's toilet)When the church ladies come over it doesn't slap them in the face but still easy to get to for us.

The Countess of Nassau County said...

I prefer the 2nd shot, but honestly I think you need a taller lamp.

Great job on the re-finish.

LFM said...

I like number 2 way better but NOT in the front window- you'd need to move it to your sitting room (where you mix drinks for guests sitting there). If number one, then don't put the lamp in the middle... looks weird. Really impressed with your make-over on this piece of furniture! also love love love the wooden bowl!

Margaret said...

drinks on the top is trying too hard....life is not a photo shoot and unless you are ABOUT to serve drinks then keep them down low....when it's cocktail hour then switch it up top. way cooler and more subtle to have a nice table/cart that happens to have your drinks spread hanging out for later, instead of a forced look that is more about styling than actual use. i'd probably add a few more books, top them with the tray of lemons, move the lamp to the opposite side of the table and cluster a few vases next to it. bossy bossy!!!!

Jean said...

Booze on top, no tray. Glasses at the bottom. Oranges and lemons on top. Lamp is fine. Take away the vases and the books and put a wine rack under there. A nice bowl for your booze toys (openers, jiggers, etc) top or bottom.

In other words, decor wise, go full tilt with making it a bar. PS Can people really see in there? Seems like the bar is too low relative to the window.

Looks great, and the scene in the LR too. Love it.

Anonymous said...

Option 2 looks awesome, but number 1 would be better if the lamp was off to the side.

MaryBeth said...

I like the lamp offcentered and the liquor below. But the pice itself is amazing. You are still a rock star! MB

MadCarlotta said...

I like both, actually, but I think the lamp is too small.

visualbenz said...

First loose the tiny lamp, a nice subtle taller lamp to left or right NOT center would be more appealing. BOOZE on top is best but understand that fear of the hood. I would like to see a smaller group of fruit up with their bottled friend. Don't like vases under either.

adrianne said...

i guess i'll reiterate what some others have said and my opinion is - loose the book and vases (as pretty as that arrangement is) add a bit larger/taller lamp on left side and keep the bowl w/ lemons where it is in #1. tray lives below until party time then moves up top. jiggers/cutting board in drawer. : ) there.

Anonymous said...

NUMBA TWO. I must say I'm impressed with your skills, lady.

MFAMB said...

thanks everyone for your helpful comments. and for your sweet ones too! the styling will change frequently i'm sure.

the lamp was just something i had lying around, i don't intend on keeping it there. in fact i am not sure i even want a lamp there.

Raina Cox said...

I like how well the piece tucks into the space.

Which had nothing to do with the question you asked.

Char said...

Lovin' the bar cart. What a find! Personally I like the booze and tray on top to show case their beauty. :p The books, vases and lemons on the bottom are a bit too much clutter for my taste (I wouldn't want to dust them).

What if you ditch the lamp, books and vases; put some kind of sleek (?!) baskets underneath (or something that is more substantial and visually easier to look at); and leave the booze on top along with the lemons?

Rebecca said...

Is there any reason why a lamp or lamps can't go on the bottom shelf to light the booze? I see a handy outlet there...

boops said...

i like either option. i love the booze tray, very nice grouping.
i think the lamp should be taller, and maybe make it more interesting by having a statement piece lamp, like that crazy koi lamp from west elm a few years ago, or something similar. this could take the place of the pottery, which i would remove and make the stack of books taller.
also, in lieu of the lemons in a shallow tray, why not store them in a cool ice bucket or pitcher, or other container that is a functional bar element. this also can work in place of the 3 vases.
i have to admit, i have a case of bar cart envy. what are you storing in the drawers?

Anonymous said...

Where did you get the drawer hardware??

jennifer said...

hmmm I think I fave the original. un-fussy, which i dig :)

I like to cook with Noilly Pratt, yum!, paella anyone??

Kate said...

I can't believe no one asked: where did you put the little vagina tooth pick holder?

www.painteveryday.blogspot.com

###### said...

nice job...even in the hood?

Megan said...

I like with the bar materials on the bottom - kind of unexpected there, and love the flow and look of both levels - with the lamp in the middle on top.

www.chasingdavies.blogspot.com

CarolAnne - camdesign said...

option #1 for every day, option #2 during cocktail hour.
job for the next week... shop for a tall skinny fab lamp with a shade to die for...

hello gorgeous said...

Love it either way. When's cocktail hour?

I do like it with a lamp.

anita said...

are you still reading these comments?
my 2 cents...
unless you're boozin' it up old school (cocktails every day at 5 before dinner), i like the liquor bottles on the bottom shelf.
styling aside, you did a FANTASTIC job bringing the cart to life -- the paint and the new pulls!!
and it fits perfectly in that spot.
can't wait to see mr. secretary get jenny-fied.
xo

court. said...

I'm gonna chime in and agree w/ supermike on this one. I say get a huge basket/tray (almost the length of hte bottom shelf and stock it heavily w/ booze and glasses. When you're ready to party, put it on top.

I say this because a lavish bar display (I say go big or go home in terms of bar-stocking) may attract unwanted attn thru an open window.

Also, you did a great job on the vingette in pic#1. You lose that if you put that stuff on the bottom shelf.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful. I like the bottom shelf display perhaps more than the top and I like it also.

A trick for lamps is using small pretty boxes to sit them on for a little lift. I rotate artwork around every so often and the shade and light need to be shifted for individual pieces.

Alana said...

I think the lamp is just right, actually. And I think my favorite is how you had it from the start... booze on bottom with no lamp. But all these ways look great! I freaked when I saw the finished product of the bar cart. It is so pretty and looked brand new. I couldn't even believe it! Great job!

Anonymous said...

I like number one the best - the fruit (lemons, limes, clementines)adds a nice pop to the room. A pair of lamps with black parchment shades would look great!

Anonymous said...

You did such a great job on that cart, I LOVE IT, especially the hardware! Booze above or booze below, I think they both work. My one thing that I want is for you to have some more beautiful booze bottles. I love the bombay saphire, and would love to see some more beautiful bottles. Also, a snazzy ice bucket would rock that scene! Wonderful job, Jenny!!! Le jealous!

Fargerike Dagny said...

based on looks alone (I don't care if it's practical or not), option 2 is more visually pleasing for me. Who knew booze could look that good? You're making me wish I liked alcohol!

Anonymous said...

There is a "hood" in Atlanta?

Fargerike Dagny said...

Ok, one more thing: I want some foo dogs in the mix! I know they're everywhere, but I still love them. If you don't like those, some kind of statue in the same color.

Pam said...

Ok..#2 it is. We all know the lamp is too short. How about bringing the books up and putting them under the lamp to add height & add a couple of lemons for color next to the awesome tray. What is that on the right of the tray? an ashtray, terrarium, a yankee candle? I give..anyway he goes underneath too.
Perfect.
P.S. I love your style. Funny and to the point. Keep up the good posts

FROM THE RIGHT BANK said...

I like the idea of the liquor on top but given its location (entry, right?) and being in view of the porch, I would go with #1. The bar itself turned out DIVINE. It's. so. good.

Tiina said...

very good looking! booze on top i say

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I gotta go with the booze. Could be because I really dig booze. Who knows? Wahahahahhaha

Anonymous said...

Number 2--the booze setup works best because the color of the Sapphire gin relates to the color of the poster and the tall bottle overlaps the poster. If you want another setup, I recommend lowering the poster or having at least one item tall enough to bridge the gap between the tabletop and the picture. Basic design 101--we sometimes forget.

Anonymous said...

booze on bottom and of course, bigger lamp! beautiful!

Rachel said...

I think most people seem to like option #2 because of the arrangement with the lamp being to one side of the bar cart. If you didn't want to put the alcohol on top, maybe try putting a lamp on one side of the cart and the pottery on the other, with the lemons in the middle??

Either option is nice - the liquor is cool on the tray, but the pottery and lemons are pretty! I just like the lamp position in #2 better. :-)

leFiligree said...

i was busy on saturday...
visually the tray with the booze looks best on top, no matter what message it sends. i get the citrus, and maybe the lamp, but the vases and books--they are not speaking to me at all. is this a bar cart or a library cart--you gotta decide.

if the booze goes on the bottom, then you need a rough wooden or metal box/humidor to set the lamp on, to give it presence. the books can go under the box. the citrus...?

and a whole other piece of furniture for the vases. in another room.

cheri said...

While I like the 2nd one best, you have to go with what works in your house and your hood. My dog's kennel is under my bar table :(

Kara said...

Booze on top. Easier to get to. I would think that would be a good thing. ;)

G said...

having a lovely bar cart WITH booz in my dream
that is all.

KELLI said...

I think your first instinct, the original setup, was the best. You got taste girl, go on wich yo bad self.

Unknown said...

oh love the transformation! you've got some stylish readers. the bar looks AWESOME.

Unknown said...

leave the booze on the bottom until you have company:) Then bust it to the top... I love the elegance and simplicty of the decor and lamp!

corine said...

Tres beau, all of it.