Lately I've been simplifying lots of things in my life, but mostly around the house. Get rid of the clutter, keep the things you love. I have a BA in making things difficult, so when I finally realized that my stripped down coffee table was actually working a lot better for me, I knew I had to share. A few key things make your table functional and allows an opportunity to show your personality.
For function:
Start with a tray or a large platter. Choose one with character - something with a bit of history. The tray will house your remotes and coasters. Then add a smaller bowl or saucer that can become the temporary home for things like keys, coins, and pens. Choose a bowl with color.
For style:
Stack up some books, between 3-6, on a topic you love. This allows you to show off who you are and gives guests something to flip through. Lastly, add a plant or a vase of fresh flowers. As much as I love a bouquet of blooms, I don't always have them on hand. So a small planter of succulents is perfect for my black thumb.
coffee table / tray / bowl / coasters / plant