A Jumping around bit

Since we were talking about lamps yesterday, let's talk a bit on lamp shades.  A classic detail that works in nearly all settings is the drum shade-straight sided, tall or short, small or large.  they usually come in cream or white paper, sometimes with contrasting trim.  You can add your own contrasting trim to an already existing shade to add a new touch.  Use a fabric glue to glue it on.  You will also find them in silk, but they are more expensive.  Dark shades are more opaque ( don't let the light through ).  If you want to create mood, you may want to use an opaque shade.

I love more feminine shades, that have graceful curves.

Pleated shades are easy to find.  shade seem to be in all the major stores as: Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, home Depot, Lowe's and many others.  I like to buy plain shades at resale shops and mess with them.  I will look for some pictures on what you can do with lampshades and have that in a future article.

Sconces should be lit in a diffused way, either by glass or paper shades.  Bare candelabra bulbs give a harshness to a room.  Ballard designs have a multitude of small shades for that purpose, as do may other stores.

 A lamp store in your area is a great way to start.  Take your lamp there and let the experts help you.  A lamp with an improper shade is like a person improperly dressed.

In kitchens or bathrooms, I like a combination of recessed lighting and ceiling mounted fixtures.  Crystal chandeliers are showing up in bathrooms to add a bit of elegance.  I love pendant lights over kitchen counters if it is possible.  They add charm.

I also want ceiling fans in my kitchen and baths if it is possible.

I love the hunt for lamps in resale shops.  Many need a little fixing, and really a new shade, add a little trim or flowers, or whatever I feel like and wella! a grand new lamp.

Here is an interesting article I found yesterday in a House Beautiful magazine I was reading.

 

We talked about this sometime ago.  Here it is.  this is great if your walls are not in good shape.  In 1994, we purchased a house with paneled walls.  The walls were in terrible shape so we used the paintable wallpaper.  It looked fantastic.  I was so surprised to see this article in a March, 2013, House Beautiful.  It adds design and texture and can even be painted a different color later on.

 

 

This is a great example of light, color and hues.  This is why I love to use good paintings in a room.

This painting is one I did and is for sale.

 

 

Title: Dancing Iris

Size: Framed- 32" w. x 40" ht.

Price: $600.00

 



 

 

 This is a great example of color hues, complimentary colors, lights and darks.   This is a great color combination   Blue, purple, white, yellow, orange, and shade of green.  Always look to a garden, vase of flowers, even just a bouquet of flowers for ideas.

 

Tomorrow, more on jumping around!!!!