Bedroom Makeover

I've been working on a feminine master bedroom makeover and came up with the following fabrics and furnishings.  The only trouble is, I can't decide which lamps would be best to try in the room.  Following are four variations of the room and the only difference in each are the bedside lamps.  Everything else is the same.  Unfortunately, none of the items in the photos are to scale.

Please vote for your favorite in the poll on the side bar or leave a comment and we'll see which lamp is the winner.   

Thanks!

I started with the antiqued brass library lamps, but am concerned that the shades will be too wide--nearly as wide as the top of the bedside tables.  The shape of the shades have a pleasing geometry and the lamp bases don't compete with headboard fabric.  The lamps are also adjustable and 27" is the lowest height, which is plenty for a bedside lamp.

 The gilded iron lamps are more modern than the first lamps, but the finish is aged and has an antique quality.  The size (and the price) are right.  I fall hard for anything gilded.

Here we have the traditional crystal column lamps.  They're pretty, but may be more traditional and chunkier than what I'd like to see.

 I initially passed on these conical shaped crystal lamps, but I'm giving them a second look.  The bottom is faceted, like a diamond, and the gentle curve of the base is feminine, but not fancy.

Pretty

Interior Design by Tara Shaw.  Photos by CocoCozy.

First of all, I apologize for the lack of posts in August and September.  These months were the busiest ever at work.  The long days and long to-do lists left me little time for much else and resulted in a neglected blog.  I would have preferred to be decorating, reading my favorite design blogs and design books, but until I can earn a living doing those things, my day job pays the bills (you know how that is). 

Work is less demanding for now, so I had time to savor the October 2011  issue of Veranda magazine featuring the "The House of Windsor".  The bedroom designed by Tara Shaw intrigued me and I was curious if Ms. Shaw had designed any other rooms at the house. A quick Google search and eureka!  I discovered these photos by CocoCozy of the bathroom designed by Ms. Shaw. I was taken by cool marble, antique mirror and cheerful  pink flowers, along with the crisp architectural details.  It's pretty, simple and inviting and now at the top of my list of designer bathrooms. 

 

A New Blog

Photo by briberrie and available to purchase on etsy

I've been experimenting with a new blog, which includes more than interior design and decorating.  I'm not sure it's necessary to start an additional blog, but you know how it is with blogging--I blog, therefore I am.  My goal was to create a separate site to feature more than interiors and decorating and to focus on  briefer, but more frequent posts.  If you have any additional time in your already busy day (and long blog-reading lists), I'd be grateful if you'd have a look at my new site here and let me know your thoughts (here or there).

Thank you!

A Designer's French Chateau

I hope you don't mind another Charles Spada post, but I thought you'd enjoy these photos of his Normandy, France home as much as I did.  All photos are from the Polish magazine Weranda  (photography by Andreas von Einsiedel/East News). 

The exterior of the chateau, formerly a hunting lodge.

The incredible chandelier is original to the chateau.

 

The walls are a warm, soft gray and the wood floors are laid in a classic herringbone pattern.

Antique framed prints, animal print fabric and touches of damask highlight the main room.

A bold leopard print fabric covers this sofa.  I think one needs a room this large (and a skilled interior designer like Charles Spada) to comfortably pull this off.  

This French baker's table and plates accent a dining room wall.

A larger collection of plates dominates another wall.  On the left, you can see the gray checked drapes at the window.

 

A charming kitchen with brick floor, large hearth and modern stove.

 

A collection of creamware (or is it ironstone?)

Here's a peek of the pretty gray and blue toile fabric of one of the bedrooms.

 

More antique prints and frames.

Plenty of reading material....

And here's a small WC tucked behind a paneled wall in the bedroom. 

Visit the Weranda link above in Google and you can translate the magazine article into English.  Enjoy!

The Old With The New

An old rose on a modern trellis

 I'm sorry to say that I don't remember where or when I found this image (other than it was pre-blog).  The contrast between the old rose, weathered wood, and stainless steel is interesting and appealing, I think.   

My neighborhood garden tour is on Saturday and I'm hoping to take some good photos to share with you. 

In the meantime, Happy Weekend!

Far Out

It's been raining again so we decided to take in the Chihuly glass exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts.  I took these photos as we wandered the exhibit rooms, which were crowded with visitors even as the museum was about to close-- a testament to Chihuly's popularity.

This is one of six huge glass chandeliers on display.  Each arm bends and curls, capturing and reflecting light and shine.  I never realized glass could be so dramatic.  I couldn't help but wonder too, how do they dust this?   

The following photos were taken while looking up.  The ceiling is clear glass and hundreds of Chihuly pieces are set above, creating a sea of rainbow light below.  I've never been in a room before with so many arms and cameras pointing up, all of us shuffling around for the best photo, trying not to bump into each other.  It was a nice atmosphere though--a shared awe about the kaleidoscopic display over our heads.  

The exhibit closes August 7, 2011 -- click the link above for details.  I have to say, this is one of the most joyful art exhibits I've ever experienced.  Have you seen Chihuly's work before?  If so, what do you think of it?