While one interesting lamp can make a statement, two lamps placed symmetrically can have a dramatic aesthetic affect. It’s a great look that draws attention to a beautiful console table or perks up a plain one. Below are some pictures of fabulous pairs of table lamps.
Photo: Ciao Interiors
Photo: House Beautiful
Photo: Southern Living
When considering new window treatments in your home, there are 3 key areas that you need to look at: privacy, light control, and style.
1. Privacy can be essential for those of us that live in close proximity to other homes. You will want your bedrooms and bathrooms completely blocked off from your neighbors and those passing by. If you live on a busy street, you’ll also want privacy in your lower level rooms that are on the front of the house. This can be accomplished by layering roller shades or wood blinds behind your drapery, or by installing drapery panels designed to close.
2. Because fabric fades with light exposure, light control is best achieved with non-fabric window coverings. Wood or metal blinds can be tilted to block out light, and natural fiber shades, such as bamboo, will create a pretty, filtered light look. If you are set on blocking light without using blinds or shades, then you can use a blackout lining in your drapery or have your windows tinted to block out UV rays.
3. The most fun part of choosing a window treatment is figuring out the style that you would like to use. Below are examples of some of the many options out there:
Natural, woven shades with drapery panels create an elegant look.
Roman Shades pop in a fun fabric that coordinates with the monochromatic green palette of the room.
Bright, contrasting ties on a simple shade create a lively look for a child’s bedroom.
Wooden blinds are functional for light control and privacy in a window filled family room.
This article on Flattering Lighting has great tips on how to make sure the lighting sets the intended mood and creates ambiance.
This mirrored lamp will reflect light around the room at eye level.
Some of the tips include:
1. Avoid harsh shadows and use soft light whenever possible Harsh lighting and areas of high contrast are not friendly to faces.
2. Use the lowest wattage bulb possible, ideally with a blush tint. The pale pink color is flattering for all skin tones.
3. Avoid bright white shades. Opt for opaque shades that will cast a softer glow or dark shades that will filter and cut down light.
4. Aim for several points of light around the room at eye level. Above or below will create awkward and unflattering shadows.
Candlelight is the most flattering; this lamp creates the illusion of candlelight.
With kids back in school and fall activities starting up, this is a great time to take a look at your mudroom. Is it working for you? Is it efficient and organized? Does it help you get out the door in the morning or is it holding you back?
Photo: RemodelingCenter.com
When organized properly and used effectively, a mudroom can be a great place to organize all those things that would otherwise end up on the kitchen table or the living room floor. However, you have to be careful that it does not turn in to a messy catch all room.
Do not overcrowd your mudroom with furniture. A bench, a simple armoire, and a small table are all you need to outfit an extremely functional mudroom. Built in cabinets, drawers, lockers, hooks, and shelves are lifesavers. Each member of the family can have an assigned area where their stuff is kept. This prevents mix ups over binders, baseball gloves, and lunch bags. Labeled shelves can also hold important paperwork that cannot be forgotten on the way out the door. Hooks will keep coats, bags, umbrellas, and other accessories off the floor. Make sure some hooks are low enough for children to reach.
Photo: PointClickHome.com
Flooring should be hard and durable. Slate or ceramic tile can withstand the daily wear and tear that a mudroom sees. Lighting should be accessible the minute you walk in the door so that you are not fumbling to put things away while reaching for a light. A sink is a wonderful addition and can be used for clean up after gardening or sports so that you avoid tracking dirt into the house. Also, if it is possible to add windows, go for it. The more natural light the better. A mudroom should be a place where you feel happy entering and leaving.
The most important thing to remember when setting up your mudroom is make it work for you. If your household is centered around sports, then big bins will be more functional than wooden shelves. If you have curious children and pets, then open storage may not be the way to go. If your needs are less utilitarian, then don’t be afraid to create a mudroom that is decorated for style like the room below. Consider your household and make your mudroom work for your family and home.
Photo: Southern Living
A dining room does not need hard backed wooden chairs to evoke a strong, masculine feeling. These rooms below, by Ciao Interiors, all show a rustic look using upholstered dining chairs. All three rooms feature nailheads which are a great detail to add weight and strength to a chair. The leather with nailhead is a great look in a dining room that is going for a masculine look, as are the muted, deep paisley prints in the second two images. The interesting shapes and unique inset (on the first image) make the chairs statement pieces in the room.
It’s not always easy to know which rug will be right for your space. We often find a rug that we love at the store, then get it home to find it is too small, large, or awkward in our home. However, there are tips and tricks that you can follow to ensure that your rug will be proportionate and attractive in your room.
Photo: House Beautiful
1. You should try to cover as much floor space as possible in areas that are high traffic, such as entryways and family rooms. This helps protect your floor from wear and tear and avoids having a place where one foot is one the rug and the other is not.
2. If you are using a rug for more decorative purposes and still would like to show off your floors beneath, pick a size that will let between 18″ and 24″ of floor show on each side.
3. Sizing the rug so that it sits slightly under your furniture will keep it in place even better than a rug pad. This also helps avoid the illusion of a “floating rug” which can look awkward.
4. Rugs help absorb sound. In a room where this is an issue, try to cover as much floor space as possible. Generally, between 8″and 12″ of floor on each side is the minimum. This is especially helpful if you live in an apartment or condo where you have neighbors below.
5. There are different rules for different pieces of furniture. Rugs should extend 24″ from the sides of a Dining Room table, enough room for chairs to push out without going off the rug. From the sides of a bed, a rug should extend 18″
Photo: House Beautiful
6. In smaller rooms, such as bathrooms or kitchens, rug placement can get even trickier. You will usually be dealing with smaller “scatter” rugs which are placed throughout the room. These often range between 2″ x 3″ to 4″ x 6.” The best placement is in the most high traffic areas: in front of the sink, the tub, etc.
7. If you are still unsure about what size rug will work best in your space, use masking tape to mark off several different sizes. This will help you to visualize what will actually look best in the room. You won’t be surprised when you get your rug into the space and will be able to avoid a trip back to the store to exchange.
Follow these tips and you will find a rug that is both functional and beautiful in your space.
A window seat is a great addition to any room. It provides a place to sit, talk, read, or daydream. It can make use of a spot in a room that would otherwise be unused space, and can multitask wonderfully if a storage unit is added beneath the seat. Below are some examples of window seats used in various settings. There is a window seat to lounge on in a bedroom, a relaxing window seat with an ocean view, a cozy place to curl up in a rustic cottage, and a sunny spot to sit in a multi-purpose breakfast area.
Photo: Ciao Interiors
Photo: Coastal Living
Photo: House Beautiful
Photo: Martha Stewart Living
