1. Select a Theme

You want variety to keep it interesting while still creating a coordinated look.   

The best way to do that if your style is eclectic is with color. 

But if you like one style, that will largely all by itself hold it together. BUT the trick to avoiding that cookie cutter look is to use an interesting (but coordinated) variety of colors, finishes, textures, and patterns. 

Because I went more eclectic here I chose color to pull together the mix of styles: 

• The console sets the stage for a rich warm and cool neutral palette with its solid mahogany beam and rustic iron legs.   
• The patterned area rug was the perfect way to set the whole palette AND a visual trick to pull all the colors together.
• Based on that I choose everything else from the smallest accessory (amber glass vases) to the biggest (black iron wall hanging and the charcoal and brass lamp).

2. Select a Focal Point

Start by looking for the wall decoration 

Besides the console, what is on the wall will be the most visible element so make it a statement piece.  Which will draw the eye into the space while balancing out the whole look.

I choose this graphic-looking metal wall decoration because

• It’s a strong piece that will get attention quickly in even a pass-through space.
• Its ornateness softened and complemented the simplicity of the big beautiful chunk of solid Mahogany of the console and its industrial-looking legs. 
• I also liked how it related back to the finish on the console legs.
• The size was right since it’s not longer than the console which would have made it look too top-heavy. 

3. Ground The Bottom

If you are styling an open console (i.e. with legs like a table) add some substantial pieces underneath that are large enough to set on the floor. 

They will balance out the decorations so the console doesn’t look top-heavy and the bottom unfinished.

It can be pieces like a bushy plant, baskets, stools, poufs, large jardinieres, or any piece that goes with your theme.

I choose this braided jute pouf because

• The organic woven texture complemented the console’s smooth wood and metal finishes. 
• I liked the warmth the natural colors added.
• The height was right since it fits well under the console (without too large a gap) so they relate to each other as a vignette.

4. Add The Main Accessories 

I always start with the larger accessories and work my way down to the smaller ones. It just makes the process easier.

Look for the lamp first, it will always catch the eye, especially when turned on. It should be the biggest accessory other than if you add a large vase with tall foliage/floral stems.  (I typically keep those arrangements simple or airy.)

Here’s why I chose these accessories

• The modern lamp with blocky lines reflected the console’s geometric style.
• A pair of amber glass vases added their rich warm color that fits our palette plus the variety of a shiny finish and curvy shape, again to accent the console.
• A matte black vase reflected the other dark matte finishes.
• A copper planter was chosen for its color and satin finish. That also allowed a beautiful green plant to be added to the vignette. (I especially love any vibrant greens with a charcoal and amber palette.) 
• Overall I’m always thinking too about layering and varying the height and size of pieces. (There’s always a look of small, medium, and large, and low, mid, and high).

5. Styling The Details

Once the main elements are curated, now the detailed styling begins, to finish it off

• It can be stacking books to elevate and highlight a smaller accessory. (I only use hardbacks with covers removed.) 
• Layering artwork or mirrors, (a large one hung and others or all are overlapped and leaned). 
• Small but meaningful framed black & white photos you need to almost pick up to see. (Arranged to be seen from the main viewing angle.)
• Fresh branches or sprigs from your yard (or even potted lanai plants) added to the vase(s). Or drop in some realistic looking faux.

Placement Tricks

Inches and angles count in getting a balanced, cohesive, and interesting style so here are some of the things I look at

• Place large accessories on opposite sides of the vignette, i.e. a lamp and a large vase or piece of décor
• Or offset a large accessory with a grouping of medium to smaller accessories opposite it. 
• Or place a pair of large accessories, one on each end of the console
• Or place a large floor accessory in the middle or opposite end of the large accessory on top of the console.