March 3, 2016

Magnificent Embroidery

em·broi·der·y   [em-broi-duh-ree, -dree]  noun

The art of working raised and ornamental designs in threads of silk, cotton, gold, silver, or other material, upon any woven fabric, leather, paper, etc. with a needle.

The other day, I was looking through the fabric shelves in our library.  I stumbled across a magnificent floral embroidery.  The thought occurred to me that it looked exactly like pretty bedroom pillows.

February 25, 2016

In Search of Vintage Pieces – Remember this?

I was recently in a home with some “Vintage” pieces and it made me think of how far design has come over the years. The styles and designs of lights and furniture have changed. A hanging light was just that. It served a purpose – to add light over a chair for reading.  Chairs around a dining table were utilitarian and didn’t always look too stylish. Now hanging lights, or pendant lights, are everywhere – in kitchens over islands and sinks, in bathrooms, or just about anywhere. Dining chairs are more comfortable and have a sense of style of their own.

This light (including all the extra chain) hangs over a cozy chair and reminds me of some new styles that are “vintage” in their own way. As I surfed the internet, I came across these lights which must have been inspired by pieces in the past.

And do you remember sitting at the kitchen table in these chairs, covered in a wipeable vinyl that always sticks to your legs? Once again I searched for Vintage inspired chairs and came up with some pretty good examples.

Finally I couldn’t resist the floor lamp that has a built in table and magazine rack, quite a functional piece. It took some time but I found one floor lamp that certainly has some inspiration from the past. Steering away from the “table” part, I found other wonderful floor lamps that would be great in any home.

Enjoy having pieces that are a blast from the past in your home!

February 18, 2016

TV’s are a Fact of Life

In today’s world, we have learned to design around flat screen tvs. Here are several ways to incorporate them into your home.

Frame your TV with cabinets

Hang over an antique chest

Hide it behind a painting! This painting lifts up to expose the tv.

Over the mantel

Inside a bookcase