Seeking Console Counsel

One of the Craigslist items I was interested in worked out. I'm now the proud owner of a $25 Parson's-style console table.

Doesn't it resemble one Kelly Wearstler used in this interior? I still need some X benches to go under the table.

I love it and think it's the perfect style to reside behind my sofa. However, I'm not sure about the laminate finish. From far away, it looks nice and has a nice burled wood effect. Close-up, well, it looks like this . . . 

It's got that textured 70's effect. Hmm. Not so sure. Some people think it looks fine as it is. I agree to some extent, but I always thought I wanted a grasscloth covered console table. Once again, that brings up issues. For one thing, my sofa has fabric that resembles grasscloth. Plus, there is already a lot of brown in this room. I need some contrast. 

Then, I had a brainwave. Maybe colored grasscloth?

Not necessarily black, but maybe a saturated blue? I've run across a few online. Some are quite pricey.

Or maybe some faux crocodile?

Or, I could always paint it. Oh, decisions. Any suggestions? Are you digging the current laminate or do you think a makeover is in order?

Sources: Kelly Wearstler, Inc., DOXA Design Group,  Lumpreor, Burke Decor

An Oldie But a Goodie

Does anyone remember this house?

It's a Kelly Wearstler designed abode from the August 2004 House Beautiful. I would so love for my staircase to look like this. This image has stuck with me for years. I tried to find it in my inspiration files, but I ran out of time and patience (my files are not very organized). That's why I love the internet. Inspiration at your fingertips.

Some other images from the same article:

This was classic "Hollywood Regency" Kelly Wearstler before she abandoned the look and evolved into her more - how shall I say - schizophrenic look. 

I know I'm probably just unsophisticated, but there's a lot here I just don't "get." Maybe in six years it will all become clear, and by then she will have moved on to some other great design scheme. Or maybe I'm just a hopeless fan of her old stuff.

Oh, how I long for the old Kelly. How about you?

Sources: KWID