Tag Archives: lampshades

Home Decor: go big or go home

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While many people prefer a serene bedroom that is a respite from the outer world, others like BIG statement pieces in the bedroom.  Take, for example, this oversized upholstered headboard by Victoria Webster 2009 Home Tour.  It literally dwarfs those tiny bedside lights.  But the large scale, unusual shape and interesting pattern certainly make for an eye popping focal point. 

 

This large headboard reaches all the way to the ceiling (by Stephen Karlisch for d home magazine)  Tall, buffet style lamps are necessary to keep the proportion correct in the room. 

Well known designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard used an oversized tapestry hung on the wall as a headboard in this bedroom.  For balance, large pillows and HUGE lampshades were incorporated into the design.

You can recreate these looks by using your favorite fabric pattern and making your own upholstered headboard or by hanging a treasured blanket or throw purchased on your travels, on the wall behind your bed.  But if you do decide to go BIG be sure to keep scale and proportion in mind.

On the 8th day of Christmas….eight yards of wonderful trim.

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Skipping six and seven (birds again) and on to the 8th day of Christmas where I received eight long yards of wonderful trim.  I think trim detail on pillows, draperies, furniture and lamps shades is the one thing that turns an OK room into a WOW room.  Here are some simple ways to use trim in your home.

  • Most upholstered furniture pieces have a cording or welting around the cushions and frame of the item.  Use a contrasting color or fabric welting to highlight the shape or details of an unusual chair or simply to turn an ordinary couch into something custom.

  • The sleek shape of this couch is highlighted by contrast piping. sofa available at undertheroof.stores.yahoo.net
    High Quality Photo

  • In my humble opinion trim should always be added to throw pillows.  This can be in the form of braid, fringe, cording or tassels but nothing looks more unfinished than a pillow without trim.
  • Add fringe or trim to the leading edge of your drapery panels for a custom designer look.  Even off the rack window treatments can be upgraded with a bit of trim added to the hemline.
  • Turn an ordinary lampshade into something unique by gluing some brush trim to the lower edge.  (be careful that the trim does not come in contact with the bulb)
  • Update an old bedskirt by sewing some trim around the lower edge.
  • Easiest of all, sew some tassels to the corners of pillows or chair cushions to add that final detail.

My true love knows how much I love trims of all types.  His generosity of eight yards allows me to start trimming everything in the house.

Home Decor Fabric: Canvas

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Canvas is a thick and durable cotton fabric that has many uses when it comes to decorating.

  1. Many of you have lovely outdoor living areas that can benefit from curtains to protect you from the wind, light rain or just for appearance.  Canvas can withstand the elements and still be attractive.  Place the curtains around a cabana, patio; even a front porch. 
  2. If you are really creative, paint a canvas floor cloth for your kitchen, laundry room or sunroom.  Be sure to add a rug pad underneath to keep the rug in place.
  3. Awnings and window coverings for boats and rv’s are often made of canvas.  Choose a color that coordinates with your interior for a pulled together look.
  4. Canvas slipcovers create the quintessential beach look and are so simple to care for.  What could be easier than throwing your couch into the washer?  No more worries about muddy dog feet or sticky suntan lotion ruining your upholstery.
  5. Small items like tote bags, book covers, aprons, even lampshades can be made from canvas and customized with paint or embellishments.

Online fabric store offers both natural and organic canvas in colors and patterns to suit any decor.

Shedding some light on lampshades

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Lamps are a necessity in every room and the shade you choose is usually the crowning touch.  With so many different sizes and styles available it can be difficult to choose the correct shade.  As with many things in decorating, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to picking a lampshade but there are some guidelines that may make the job a bit easier.

  • For the proper shade height, measure your lamp from the base to the top of the “neck” (where the bulb is screwed in).  Multiply this by .75 for a measurement that will be the right proportion for your lamp.  Using this formula, a 20″ lamp will require a 15″ shade.
  • For the correct width or diameter, measure the base of your lamp and multiply by 2.  For example, an 8″ base would require a 16″ diameter shade.   
  • The height and width can vary by an inch or two. The only “rule” to follow is to make sure the shade covers the switch area.
  • There are many shapes available—Pagoda, drum, round, square.  A good rule of thumb is to choose a shape that mimics the shape of your lamp i.e. round with round, narrow with tall etc.  However, being creative is always a good idea.  A square shade on a round base adds interest; a tall shade on a squatty lamp is unique. 
  • Depending on the purpose of the lamp you will want to choose a shade that allows the proper amount of light to shine through.  For reading, choose an opaque shade that directs light straight up and down.  For overall lighting, choose a translucent shade that allows light to show through and cast an all over glow.

Details matter when it comes to decorating your lamps and lampshades.  Add a finial to the top of the shade for a bit of personality and interest.  Tie a fluffy tassel to the switch for a sophisticated look.  Glue fringe or beading to the bottom of the shade.  For a custom look, cover your lampshade with a coordinating fabric used in your decor.  You can create your own pattern by tracing the shade or purchase a lampshade with a peel and stick template.

With custom shades, your lamps will become a unique and shining accessory in your home.

Five easy, low cost interior decorating projects.

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I hate to be the bearer of bad news but tax time is just about a month away.  With April 15th looming it may be difficult to find some extra cash for home improvement projects.  But there are several decorating projects that cost very little money and can make a real difference in your home.

  1. Freshen up your window treatments.  Sewing a fabric trim to the sides, top and/or hem of your existing drapery panels will give your windows a brand new look.  Even something as simple as sewing buttons to tab top draperies adds a designer touch for almost no money.
  2. Replace your chair cushions.  Dining room and breakfast room chairs often have wooden seats that make it easy to tie on a cushion. Some chairs have a plywood insert that can be unscrewed, reupholstered and screwed back on.  It is very easy to add fabric to these types of chairs for a brand new look.
  3. New lampshades can immediately brighten up a room.  We often do not realize how worn and dirty our lampshades are until we replace them.  Choose a black shade for a sophisticated look or add fabric and trim for a custom shade.  Don’t forget to add a finial at the top for a bit of personality.
  4. Reframe your artwork.  New frames and mats will make your existing paintings, posters and photographs look brand new.
  5. Refinish wood furniture.  If your coffee and end tables have seen better days or just don’t work in your room anymore, consider staining or painting them for an updated look.  Paint works well in a country, shabby chic, or casual room.  Staining light wood furniture a darker color will make your old pieces look like new.  If they are just too worn, adding a piece of granite, limestone or marble cut to fit is an easy and affordable fix.  You can often find small remnant pieces at a stoneyard.

Paint, a new chair rail, tassels on doorknobs, new throw rugs, fun accent pillows and inexpensive knick knacks are other inexpensive decorating projects to consider.