Lifestyle

Round, Rectangular, or Ragged: Interior Architect Aly Hammoud and Choosing the Perfect Coffee Table

Published

3 years ago

March 30, 2023

Saying “yes” to the right coffee table never gets any easier. An essential element of any well-thought-out living room, the choice often comes down to finding the right balance between form and function. Regardless of the designer’s direction with their space, choosing the right coffee table is a critical step toward achieving a cohesive and visually appealing interior design.

Designers must consider several factors when choosing a coffee table. First, the table size should be proportional to the size of the living room. A small coffee table in a large room will look out of place, and a large table in a small room will overwhelm the space. The table’s height is just as important. The ideal height typically falls between 16 and 18 inches, the same as most sofas. A coffee table that is too high or too low will prove uncomfortable for everyday use.

Designers must also consider shape, style, color, material, and space awareness. The table should complement the architecture of the room.

For example, round coffee tables are ideal for square rooms because they create contrast. It’s also important to consider the shape of the furniture, specifically the edges. A round coffee table would be an ideal fit for a living room where the sofa’s edges are also rounded.

The contrast in shapes, however, must be paired with coherence in materials. For example, if the furniture is made from mahogany wood, the table should reflect similar materials and hues. Different materials can be incorporated if the furniture contains metallic elements while considering the room’s overall coherence.

Space awareness is also essential to consider when choosing your coffee table. For instance, rectangular tables fit better in longer and narrower rooms because they don’t take up as much space as round or ragged tables. Suppose your room is spacious and wide enough. In that case, especially if it were an open studio, you can easily fit in round or ragged coffee tables, which are typically more challenging to style and arrange in certain spaces.

Most of the time, the table should match the space’s overall aesthetic. However, mixing elements and styles can help achieve a more dynamic finished product. Consider incorporating a mid-century coffee table in a room with more contemporary pieces or vice versa.

Ragged tables, however, are more sophisticated art pieces. Such tables don’t have a conventional shape, size, color, or edges. They can also have different and unique color patterns that must be mixed and matched professionally with your room’s overall aesthetic.

Of course, you can pick any type of coffee table that suits your needs and preferences in style and aesthetic. You need to make sure, however, that it is the ideal fit for the chosen room, furniture, style, and design. One way to do that is by choosing the right person for the job.

Coffee tables are an essential part of interior architecture. Not only do they function as practical surfaces for drinks and snacks, but they also contribute to the space’s general mood. Interior architects like Aly Hammoud understand coffee tables as powerful tools for tying a room together. They can create a focal point or complement other furniture pieces in the space.

Whether professional or amateur, the right designer should choose the coffee table carefully to ensure it fits seamlessly into the room’s overall design.

Check out Aly Hammoud’s Instagram account for more information.

Lifestyle

Houseplant Styling Mistakes to Avoid in Home Décor

Published

1 day ago

November 16, 2025

Michelle Langton

Bringing greenery indoors can instantly elevate a space — adding warmth, texture, and a sense of calm. However, styling houseplants successfully requires more than simply popping a fern in a corner and hoping for the best. From mismatched plant selections to poor placement and neglecting scale, even the most well-intentioned plant lovers can make styling missteps. Before you dive into your next indoor plant arrangement, it’s worth understanding the most common mistakes to avoid.

Whether you’re new to indoor greenery or a seasoned plant parent, brands like Hello Botanical make it easy to find the perfect plants and gifts that complement your interior style — but knowing how to display them properly will make all the difference.

Overcrowding Your Space with Too Many Plants
While it’s tempting to fill every available surface with greenery, too many plants can make your space feel cluttered and overwhelming. Each plant deserves breathing room to grow and be appreciated. Instead of bunching them together, try grouping a few in varying heights or textures for balance. A single large plant in a corner can make a stronger design statement than ten small ones scattered everywhere.

Ignoring Light Conditions
Aesthetics shouldn’t be your only consideration when placing plants. Many indoor plant styling mistakes stem from ignoring light needs. Some species, like fiddle leaf figs and succulents, crave bright indirect light, while others, such as snake plants or peace lilies, thrive in low-light corners. Assess the natural light in each room before choosing plants, and remember that not every green beauty will thrive on your coffee table or bathroom shelf.

Choosing the Wrong Pot or Planter
A pot isn’t just a decorative accessory — it affects your plant’s health and your home’s design balance. A mismatched or undersized pot can look awkward, while one without drainage can cause root rot. Select planters that complement your home’s aesthetic and suit each plant’s needs. Neutral ceramics, woven baskets, or textured terracotta pots can enhance the overall décor while allowing your greenery to shine.

Neglecting Scale and Proportion
One of the easiest ways to make a room look unbalanced is by ignoring scale. A tiny plant on a large table can feel lost, while an oversized monstera can overwhelm a small living room. Consider the proportions of your furniture and space before selecting plants. Taller plants like palms or rubber trees add height and drama, while trailing species such as pothos or string of pearls can soften shelves and hanging corners beautifully.

Forgetting to Mix Textures and Colours
Just as you’d layer textures and tones in your furnishings, apply the same principle to your plant styling. Combining different leaf shapes, shades of green, and plant structures creates visual interest. Pair glossy leaves with matte ones, upright plants with cascading varieties, and bold tropicals with delicate ferns. A well-curated mix feels intentional rather than chaotic.

Over-Decorating Around Your Plants
Plants are statement-makers in their own right. Surrounding them with too many decorative objects — candles, vases, or trinkets — can detract from their natural beauty. Let the greenery breathe and become a focal point. A simple setup often feels more elegant and modern than a crowded display.

Forgetting Functionality in Key Spaces
While plants bring undeniable style, practicality matters too. Avoid placing trailing vines where they’ll get tangled in workspace cords or near entryways where they can be knocked over. Similarly, keep moisture-loving plants away from electronics and ensure any planters with drainage are placed on trays to protect your floors and furniture.

Ignoring Consistency Across Your Home
Houseplants look their best when they contribute to a cohesive theme. Instead of choosing random species for each room, think about your home’s overall design. Are you going for a minimalist, Scandinavian aesthetic or something more lush and tropical? Repeating a few plant types or pot styles throughout creates unity and flow.

Overlooking Plant Care as Part of the Design
No matter how beautifully you style your plants, unhealthy or neglected greenery can spoil the look. Regular pruning, wiping leaves, and rotating pots to ensure even growth are key parts of maintaining your interior aesthetic. Healthy, thriving plants add vibrancy and life that no artificial décor can replicate.

Forgetting That Less Can Be More
Finally, remember that plants should enhance your décor, not dominate it. A few strategically placed, well-cared-for plants can transform a home far more effectively than a jungle of mismatched greenery. Focus on quality over quantity, and choose each plant intentionally to fit your style, lighting, and lifestyle.

When styled thoughtfully, houseplants can turn a space into a peaceful, inviting sanctuary

Avoiding these common mistakes helps you highlight their beauty while keeping your interiors cohesive and clutter-free. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or curating a lush indoor garden, start small, observe what works, and grow your collection with care.