The console is back. Like a beloved movie franchise, it’s had sequels, and this is the final reveal of our big console build. After many posts documenting the process, this is the official finale — and my favorite part, because it’s all about styling and little finishing touches. I’m sure it will evolve over time, but here’s how it looks today:
The lamps were a splurge for us — they were slightly above my imaginary $50-per-lamp cap at $59 each — but I couldn’t walk away when I spotted them at Marshall’s. I texted a photo to a friend and she called me a magpie: if it’s shiny, I need it. They were marked down from $125 each, which made the indulgence easier to justify.
We also picked up a black lacquered box with a capiz top at HomeGoods on clearance for $15 (marked down from $36). It’s perfect for stashing the sofa clutter that accumulates — magazines, books, notebooks, pens, remotes, and even a brush and lotion — while adding a polished, modern contrast to the rustic console.
Most of the other pieces came from what we already owned. I layered a few of my favorite hardcover books that are nice to flip through, stacked a coaster on top for my nightly cup of tea, and placed a small white capiz box that hides lip gloss, vitamins, and nail clippers — the little essentials I like to keep near the sofa.
I also found a thrifted quatrefoil tray for $3 that’s ideal for tossing jewelry as soon as I settle on my favorite spot on the sectional (the chaise, in case you were wondering).
Inside the console’s hidden baskets, we keep practical items organized. The left basket holds board games — this is the room where we typically play — and the right basket contains a less-used remote (for the DVD player) and a stack of library books for Clara, kept together so we don’t scramble when they’re due.
We’ve also added a bit of playful decor: a ceramic rhino from ZGallerie lives on the console for now. He may be relocated to built-ins in the dining room as Clara becomes more curious and mobile.
That little rhino’s rump cracks me up every time.
On the bookshelf sides of the console we used three $5 baskets from HomeGoods: one stores Clara’s board books on the lower shelf, while the top shelf holds some of our books and a cardboard rhino. The two baskets on the far side contain blocks and smaller toys, keeping the space tidy and kid-friendly.
What sits on and inside the console will evolve. As Clara gets more mobile, small decorative items like the ceramic rhino may need to move. We might also clear more space on the top for everyday use — a big bowl for snacks or additional coasters for drinks — depending on how the room settles. Over the next year or two we plan to add breezy curtains for softness and a larger, more balanced media cabinet to complete the look.
We even made a quirky video where we playfully stroke the console to show the middle compartment open and close. It’s silly, slow-motion, and we still laugh about it. The video captures the fun side of styling and enjoying a piece you built.
At night the room takes on a cozy, glowing feel now that we removed the odd ceiling fans and the off-center corner pendant. The console table lamps and a desk lamp provide warm, layered light that makes the space feel inviting.
This photo doesn’t fully capture how cozy it feels in person, but it’s a glimpse of the direction we’re headed. With the right curtains and a proportionate media cabinet, this work-in-progress room will come together even more beautifully.
Psst — if you want to revisit the whole console-building journey, check the earlier posts in the series for step-by-step photos and updates.