High/low Great Lamps
One of my favorite recent projects has been helping my young adult daughter with her very first apartment.
I am loving these Chris-Spitz look-alikes from Overstock:
Can you tell which, above, is the
Christopher Spitzmiller Aurora Double Gourd Marbleized Lamp
$2,665.00 (EACH!!!)
and which is from Overstock.com ($144.99 per pair)?
XO
Ellen
My Top Ten Tips for Styling a Fireplace Mantel
Tip #1: Use real art, not a mirror, over the fireplace. This will provide depth and character.
Source: houseofturquoise.com via Minna on Pinterest
Tip #2: If you have a collection, pair it with complementary real art for a statement that is yours alone:
Source: eleanorcummings.com via Emily Cayne on Pinterest
Tip #4 Select art with a color palette that looks good with the rest of the room. This is a good place for a pop of color (that you should repeat three more times in the room.)
Tip #5 No dinky accessories. (These are nicely proportioned.)
Source: houzz.com via Natalie on Pinterest
Tip #6 Handcrafted vases, antique vases, bronzes, antique tapestry hangings, are all good possibilities. Take a look around your house for others. Look for pieces with presence to accessorize.
Source: vacationist.com via Cathy on Pinterest
Tip #7 This is your main focal point in the room. Make it count.
Source: saffroniabaldwin.com via Ann on Pinterest
Tip #7 Use sconces.
Source: Uploaded by user via Sandy on Pinterest
Tip #8 No framed family photographs. Find other accessories for a more current overall look.
Tip #9 Remember that you must balance the large dark hole of the firebox. Think deep and rich, not dainty, for the over mantel décor.
Source: housebeautiful.com via Harper on Pinterest
(#9 Balance the dark hole of the firebox)
Tip #10 Use a portrait light (not shown).
For easy reference, here are my top ten tips for styling a beautiful fireplace and mantel area:
(1) Use real art, not a mirror.
(2) Bigger is better, but don’t exceed the width of the mantel.
(3) This is your main focal point in the room. Make it count.
(4) No dinky accessories.
(5) No framed family photographs.
(6) Handcrafted vases, antique vases, bronzes, antique tapestry hangings, are all good possibilities. Take a look around your house for others. Look for pieces with presence to accessorize. If you have a collection, this may be a good place to incorporate it with a complementary piece of art overhead.
(7) Remember that you must balance the large dark hole of the firebox. Think deep and rich, not dainty, for the over mantel décor.
(8) Select art with a color palette that looks good with the rest of the room.
(9) Use a portrait light over an oil painting.
(10) Add a pair of sconces.
Adding Accessories
Accessories are like jewelry for your home. Accessories make your home yours, they reflect your style and design aesthetic. I am always on the lookout for that unique element of style, the one that will be just perfect. The casual nautical vibe of this one-of-a-kind stained glass, below, is perfect for a beach home.
Stained glass bluefish in a beach home window Image ©Color Calling
In addition to the beautiful color pop in this kitchen, the stained glass art blocks an uninspiring view of the back parking area, and affords privacy, while still allowing light to stream in.
Image ©Color Calling
A good designer or even a friend with a great eye can tell you where to accessorize and where to edit. You want your accessories to have maximum impact with minimum clutter. It is all about creating visual appeal. A good designer can help you vary colors, shapes, heights, and textures to achieve just that.
Color Calling 