ArchivesJanuary, 2012

I recently painted my bedroom on impulse– a lovely shade of cream with the tiniest hint of green in it called Farrow and Ball Clunch, whereas it used to be a grey-green-lichen color called Ver De Terre with a lot of depth. I felt the need to lighten the mood, called up the painter and went for it.

Problem was, my HUGE ceramic bedside lamps (which I love) are a cream crackle glaze topped with gigantic cream linen shades. So, now there is a lack of contrast between the lamps and the wall, which I need to solve. Easy.

I changed out the lamp shades to new enormous textural burlap ones that make all the difference. In general, I find my clients are skittish about deep, dark lampshades, which, depending on the room scene can be dramatic or even cozy, but always wonderful. How do you know if a dark shade will work for your space?

1. If you need to create contrast
2. If you have a moody room that requires drama
3. If you have a metallic gold or old crusty lamp that looks too stark with a light shade
4. If you want to funk up an otherwise simple lamp
5. If you like them, in the wise words of Mr. Tim Gunn, “Make it work!”

I agree with most of you on the subject of the Colleen and Company Raj Lantern. Very pretty but as they say here in Boston, “wicked expensive”. There are many ways to create the look for less, as in anything we do… but if you want an exact replica, you may not find one.

Just as is life, you sometimes have to make compromises, and these options lend the same feel, at a lower price point. The same feel is what you are after, and it doesn’t have to be just like that one to lend an exotic or vintage-preppy or chinoiserie flare to your ceiling. Sometimes, it’s all about color. painting a tole fixture is no big whoop. Other times it’s all about the lines.

Do you want it more Morrocan, Indian, Chinese or Classic-Tent Style? Look at the lines of the one you prefer and label them. Then go on your search. These finds took approximately ten minutes for me to dig up. Some involve getting crafty, and some don’t. But if you want that look and want it cheaper, you can pick your battle! Go on your own hunt; sometimes that’s the most fun part….

Not sure about color-customization, and this is far from super cheap, but it is less than the Raj: (Click for sources)

This source is trade only but I can tell you from experience they are very well-priced. I think custom colors are an option as well:

More Chinoiserie, but I adore it and would paint it turquoise in a heartbeat:

Open your minds, this would create the same “look”, not an exact replica:

Buy this, re-paint it and have it wired at a lamp shop:

Not inexpensive, but this one comes with pedigree:

Most of you have seen a tole chandelier or sconce, but you may not know what it is. Tole can also be used to make lamps or lamp shades. What the heck is it, you may ask?

tole: /tōl/ Noun- Painted, enameled, or lacquered tin plate used to make decorative domestic objects

Old Tole lamps can be fun. I recently suggested some tole tea caddy lamps to a client that are new but look like vintage. I like to make sure when choosing a tole lamp, it is somehow modernized with a crisp oversized non-pleated shade, and preferably left old and crusty. But be careful: going to far into the painted versions of tole lamps, or lamps with tole shades, can send you directly into Grandma territory.

Vintage or new tole chandys are a favorite in my repertoire. Certainly we all love a pagoda or bamboo one– they lend themselves well over a table, in a bedroom, bathroom or any room where you want to inject a bit of fun. These are very versatile light options; they can be Farmhouse-ey, Italian, Chonoiserie or super New England-ly; there are so many iterations of tole fixtures. And, for the most part, they are affordable… if you search.

I think the key with Tole is not to take it too seriously. Look for pieces that are playful and whimsical, not the ones that look like they belong in old uncle Mort’s library.

1. Tea Caddy and Bouilette Lamp 2. Raj Lantern 3. Sconces 4. French Tole 5. Tent Lantern 6. Flower Tole 7. Blue 8. Bronze

Does thirteen constitute a teenager? Last time I checked, not really– not yet. Zits, maybe braces, never-been-kissed (let’s hope!), awkward, still a girl but on the verge. Do you have fond memories of those years? I think I told you that I lieu of a Bat Mitzvah Party, my precarious daughter decided that she would rather have a room re-do.

After she announced this, (and left the room) Doug and I slapped each other the biggest high five in history, and we breathed huge sigh of relief. Plus, I must admit I was stoked…

The process, for Anna and I has gone from Romantic Hollywood regency with pastel colors (I was secretly bored and disappointed…), to preppy-edgy to the now, modern-come-miami-come-edgy color explosion you see below. Has it been all cupcakes and roses? Well, uh, not exactly, she is MY daughter and she knows what she likes. But, we have finally arrived at a rough plan:

The stripe fabric will be her headboard, or if she has her way, a whole bed with side rails and a footboard, but we agree on a plain wing-style upholstered one such as this:

The larger Ikat printed fabric will be her drapes. The yellow floral will go on two black inlaid bone chairs shown here, and flank a mirrored chest like this one across from her bed.

She will have this as a vanity and a small upholstered stool in the smaller pink, purple and white ikat-ish fabric

The rest will be pillows, and some have not been identified. Her light fixture is a vintage gilded min-chandy with crystals, but I will save that for the “after” pics! We aren’t sure yet, but the walls will be papered in a white grounded black and white large scale wallpaper like this one:

And her rug, perhaps a huge shaggy mess that looks like this…

Who ever thought a thirteen year old would want such a wildly sophisticated room? I was ready for pale pink florals and pale grey walls, when she threw this color concept at me like a ton of bricks. Luckily, I was up for the challenge. She hasn’t seen all of this yet, but at this point, I have executive decision making power… will she approve?