I've accumulated some really cool Buddha statues and busts recently. I've relegated them to the dining room because my hubby hates them. I do like them in the hutch, but it doesn't leave much room for my wine glasses which is fine because it makes it different than what would be expected. Do you like the arrangement, or does anyone have any other arrangement/location ideas?
I think they look really good. The only thing that looks weird to me is that there are crosses on either side of the hutch...like Christianity and Buddhism collided. But I think of weird things like that, so if you don't notice it, I wouldn't worry about it.
Do you have a narrow bookshelf anywhere? Like at the end of a hall or something? They would look really cool scattered along with some neat books. But like I said, they don't look bad at all.
Where is the hutch from? I love it!
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The only thing that looks weird to me is that there are crosses on either side of the hutch...like Christianity and Buddhism collided. But I think of weird things like that, so if you don't notice it, I wouldn't worry about it.
Haha I thought about that too, but my friends and family are always making fun of me for being so detail-oriented.
I do think the collection looks nice there, though.
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Know first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.
-Epictetus
Great arrangement!!- But I have always loved the oriental style. I like the crosses on the perimeter because it gives whats in the center more importance and a focus- some ideas- you could get some jade colored - or similar , muted green containers in an oriental style to put on the floor on both sides of the cabinet. Do you have a cost plus world market? This is a great place to get containers at a relatively low price. Put tall bamboo sticks in them- you may have to move the crosses a little more out. Also I would take off the ivy on the top, center an oblong earthenware container { one that is "footed and heavy- looking" and add magnolia blossoms} You dont have to have someone make this for you. Just make sure the blossoms are of good silk - handwrapped quality- buy some silk foam at a craft store and some adhesive glue to attach the foam to container. Dont make them tall, because your container is low. So you would want them to cluster in the center and some longer ones to reach out further on the sides. With good quality silks you will be able to bend them in a natural way...You could also add some bamboo greenery { not much, you want to keep it clean} to soften the arrangement. Another thing that would look good are framed rice paper with chinese scrolling to add to the shelves, books that are related to your theme, such as: Oriental art, asia , archiology etc... another touch is you could age a map of asia , or similar- roll it and tie it with rafia cord... I could go on and on so Ill stop there. hth!
i think it looks really pretty like that--i agree, it's striking because it's unexpected. i also like having a collection of all similar things grouped together like that.
the one thing that looks out of place is that tall glass vase on the bottom half of the hutch--something about it next to the buddha is taking away from the buddha. that would be easy enough to put somewhere else. on that bottom part, you could also do a low wide bowl maybe in bamboo or red or gold to match the canisters (are they canisters? i can't tell that well from the photo) that are behind the glass. or you could even do a turquoise or robin's egg blue there...
Hey guys! Great suggestions & thanks for the compliments! Here's a couple of things to point out:
1. (lilyann): I can't put anything in the center of the top of the cabinet because the light on the inside's mechanisim is up there and gets hot. But I could probably still do that arrangement to the side. I like asymetrical, anyway!
2. (bumblebee): I forgot to mention that the stuff on the bottom doesn't necessarily go there. In fact, the clock is usually on my mantle, and the candleabra is usually stored. The vase is full of my corks, which used to be w/ an all-crystal grouping before I put the Buddha there. I'll move it, though. Or I may move that Buddha.
3. (halleybird): I don't have any tall shelves. I was originally going to place my collection behind my couch on the sofa table (here's a a picture to refresh your memory), but I'm unsure on whether they'll survive the wrath of my kids! I now have that plant on the sofa table and a lamp to match the other in its place on the side table.
On a side note, I'm not Buddhist (not that there's anything WRONG with that ), but I got the idea for all the Buddha statues from my fave designer, Linda Applewhite. Here's her living room, which I'd LOVE if mine looked like this:
Oh, MissMee, that Linda Applewhite room is gorgeous. I need the ceiling and the mantle. Although the huge pear on the coffee table makes me a little bit uncomfortable. I'm such a weirdo. Anyway, I can totally see why you love her. Your house has the same "flavor".
__________________
Know first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.
-Epictetus
Okay, I moved around a couple of statues. Not a big change, but might be better? I played w/ it for a while. I even put all the Buddahs on the cabinet's top but changed my mind:
Also, my attempt at an artsy/nature-y tablescape:
And the side view of the table, looking out my dining room window. Blech..... snowing:
And my very small pot collection above the door in the family room. Might move it, but I'm trying it out here for now, even though it's not Christmas-y at all: