Brass Hardware Components

Originally considered “poor man’s silver,” shimmery accessories made from Mercury Glass are back in vogue.Mercury glass, or silvered glass, was produced in the 1800′s in Europe and eventually made its way to the US. It was produced by blowing a double wall of glass and placing a liquid silvering solution in between the two and then sealing it off. There is no mercury in it due to its toxic nature and expense.  Mercury glass was the first form of “art glass”…admired for its beauty instead of its function. Today, it is mass produced without the double wall of glass using different techniques. And the prices range from a $5 votive and up.

From the original pieces of the antique era to the affordable modern reproductions we are familiar with today, we are captivated by the beautiful inconsistencies that emanate from the surface of each piece. No matter what your occasion or application, the Mystique of Mercury Glass is sure to leave a shining impression on your guests, family and friends.

stylemepretty.com

That perfectly imperfect sparkle and shimmer adds a vintage vibe you will love whether in design your interiors or entertaining friends.

kerriekelly.com

The beautiful silver color of mercury glass complements any palette or décor.

potterybarn.com

Mercury silvered glass was produced originally from around 1840 until at least 1930 in Bohemia, now the Czech Republic, Germany, and was also manufactured in England from 1849-55. Companies in the United States, including the Boston and Sandwich Glass Co., New England Glass Co. and the Boston Silver Glass Company, made silvered glass from about 1852-80.

elledecor.com

sphotos.xx.fbcdn.ne...

Mercury Glass objects are riddled with gorgeous imperfections that interact with light and dazzle the eye with a unique radiance.....

ashbyhouse.com.au

and it CAN be simple and look amazing because of that.

arcadianhome.com

Walls made of Mercury glass mirrored tiles are great for bringing an antique feel to a room.

source unknown

pinterest.com

tumblr.com

decorpad.com

www.acglasscompany.com

grandmas-dreams.tum...

elledecor.com

This wall of antique mirrored mercury-glass panels serves as a backdrop for the seating area as well as for a 1950s still-life painting. The Louis XVI banquette and antique Chinese lacquered table add to the old-world glamour of the space.

ab.pbimgs.com

When working with clients I’m always recommending that they add something sparkly and something old to their spaces. The sparkly reflects light and creates energy and the old makes it look like you’ve been curating your collection instead of buying everything new and looking like a furniture showroom.

iloveswmag.com

google.com

Mirrored furniture is still quite popular. You can choose from highly reflective or the more smoky antique styles that imitate mercury glass.

25.media.tumblr.com

prettypinktulips.co...

The aesthetic of Mercury glass adds a classical elegance to any occasion, and is particularly well suited for Christmas decor.

www.acglasscompany.com

I love these mercury glass screens and their effect on this interior.

decoramore.blogspot...

Don't forget to use mercury glass in you entertaining.

arcadianhome.com

Mercury glass can be combined with floral arrangements and other styles of glassware when creating exclusive looks for centerpieces and tablescapes.

arcadianhome.com

This soft, shimmery tablescape proves that mercury glass look beautiful when used in a more rustic setting.

www.potterybarn.com

There are many reproduction mercury glass accessories to choose from. Candlesticks are especially lovely.

Of course, you crafters out there can even create your own Mercury glass. Check out this link for a tutorial.

http://remodelthishouse.blogspot.com/2010/12/mercury.html  http://deliciouslyorganized.blogspot.com/2009/12/diy-mercury-glass.html

Click here to see the previous post!

http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2013/07/decorate-in-shades-of-red.html

This blog post was published by

Custom draperies are one of those items that can get very costly...especially when you want a cool pattern instead of your typical solid color panels.  So here's a curtain DIY I've done for a couple of past projects.

Olive Leaf Stencils sells some great large-scale stencil patterns that work well for curtain panels.  I usually use the linen Ikea Aina panels that I wrote about here.

I used this Ikat stencil on curtains for my sister's house...

  Sorry for the low light "after" pic...but the curtains looked fabulous!  We just used a standard paint roller with watered down latex house paint.

This geometric stencil coupled with a little coral pink spray paint turned plain white drapery panels into something completely fun...

To keep the paint lines crisp and clean we sprayed the back side of the stencil with a bit of repositionable spray mount glue, just to make it slightly tacky to stick to the fabric.

Very reminiscent of this coral diamond Duralee fabric...

Or the ever-popular La Fiorentina by David Hicks, don't you think?  And with spray paint you have so many colorway options at your fingertips!

Speaking of color options, have you ever used these Design Masters spray paints?  I guess they're intended for painting silk flowers, but the array of colors they offer is far greater than your standard hardware store spray paints.  I've only tried them out on fabric, but they worked great for us!

Look how excited this girl from my random Google image search is about her paint choices!  (I wanted to show you all the subtle shades they offer.)

One client needed giant curtains to hang on the enormous windows of her downtown loft space, so we created these large-scale chevron panels using these huge (and economical) canvas painter's drop cloths.

Again, watered-down latex paint applied with a roller.  I'm not gonna lie to you though....taping off that zig zag pattern was super labor intensive...the stencil route is far easier!  We just needed a very large scale pattern in order to work with the scale of her lofty loft.

We managed to fill the long weekend with so much good stuff that it felt both very full AND very relaxing...not always an easy balance to achieve!   We felt like escaping the city on the 4th so we drove up to the little mountain town of Idyllwild, CA on Thursday morning and stayed 2 nights just enjoying the mountain air and pine trees.  We stayed at the Rainbow Inn B&B, brought our mountain bikes and B's bike trailer, took in an old-fashioned big band concert in the park on the 4th, and discovered Cafe Aroma for superbly fresh "foodie" food and live jazz.  It is THE spot to dine in Idyllwild, if you're ever there.

Rainbow Inn, Idyllwild

Cafe Aroma, Idyllwild

And after all that we weren't even close to finished with the weekend festivities.  We returned to LA on Saturday for the lovely wedding of friends that took place at a really incredible and unexpected venue in an old part of LA (more on that soon.)  Then on to a cousin's birthday party, which was special in part because she lives in NYC and flew back just to celebrate her birthday weekend with family and friends in LA.  We wrapped it all up yesterday with a quintessential summer day lazing around the pool in "the Valley."

I find red interiors exciting, especially in classically designed rooms. I like to see an aged interior brought to life by the infusion of an aggressive color like red. Think about what red lipstick does for you when a touch of excitement is needed. 

Red is the warmest of all colors: It’s associated with heat, passion, and lust. Red is a masculine color and now you know why. That is why red is associated with Valentine's day. It also symbolizes action, confidence, courage, life, survival, intensity and vitality.  Like I said "a masculine color". Using red in the home can increase your enthusiasm, interest and energy. It can also subconsciously create confidence and help you get over fear and anxiety. All these things are traits men seem to like. So ladies I have given you every reason to decorate with red. I am only  kidding.....I just think it is a wonderful color to decorate with whether your home is brand new or historic.

Below are some images of aged beauties and lovely ingenues that all seem to benefit from a touch of rouge.

Enjoy the this video of Royal Palace of Aranjuez, a residence of the King of Spain and music from the talented David Garrett!

tweedlandthegentlemansclub.blogspot.com

There are many shades of red to choose from. If true red is too strong for you a softer, deeper shade would be a better selection.

Wonderfully deep red bedroom by John Rosselli

flickr.com

I love this eclectic room with it's background of red walls.

4.bp.blogspot.com

Gorgeous red room.  What a ceiling!!!

theenchantedhome.bl..

pinterest.com

Don't forget wallpaper! It has made a comeback and can work miracles in your interiors.

pinterest.com You can't go wrong with  red striped wallpaper!

markmontano.typepad.com

Ann Getty

Deep, rich, almost burgundy shade of red is mixed here with a lighter warm tone.

google.com

robbreport.com

The walls of this gorgeous interior are painted in red that has an orange touch to it.

en.paperblog.com

BoazManor

architecturaldigest.com

I like the way this room combines several shades of my personal favorite red.

varrell.com

I like the tri-colored painted walls in this Chinese inspired red room.

pinterest.com

Red and white buffalo plaid give this room an elegant country feel.

Mario Buatta

architecturaldigest.com While some people like a room saturated with red.....

www.lisafarmerdesigns.com others, like my client here, prefer red introduced in splashes throughout the room.

www.lisafarmerdesigns.com

trouver.files.wordpress.com

theessenceofthegood...

Red is always a good choice for a rustic interior.

bostondesignguide.c...

vintagefarmhouseme....

pinterest.com

Gorgeous red wallpaper and the right mix of patterns!

Mark Hampton This foyer is painted a beautiful shade of red. The walls look like they have been glazed or lacquered ,it is hard to tell.

www.homedit.com

And of course we can't leave out red and black, a perennial  favorite.

sandramorganinterio...

Red and black dining room with a patterned rug and gold accents

Robert Couturier

elledecor.com

As you can see, yellow is a great accent for a black and red room. It is just the touch you need to lighten things up in such a dramatic interior.

pictureofelegance.b...

Anyway you slice it, red brings elegance into the mix.

2.bp.blogspot.com I like the more muted shades of red. You don't have to go all out primary !!

www.lisafarmerdesigns.com

Another room with just touches of red in the window treatments, rug, and ottoman.

source unknown I hope I have inspired you to give red a try!!

Click here to see the previous post!

http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2013/07/decorating-with-grisaille-for-soft.html

This blog post was published by

The elaborately decorated wall holds a special place in my heart. Whether the treatment is a mural, trompe l'oeil painting, faux limestone....you name it I love it. This post is dedicated to a style of wall decor called Grisaille (pronounced "griz eye"). Grisaille is a term for painting executed entirely in monochrome or near-monochrome, usually in shades of grey. This decoration was used especially by 15th-century Flemish painters and in the late 18th century to imitate classical sculpture in wall and ceiling decoration. Today there are muralists who will paint en grisaille or there are wallpaper murals available in this lovely art form as well.

The images below are for inspiration if you are considering something new for your interiors.   

Grisaille is a great option for both traditional and contemporary interiors and is especially lovely in classical settings. I love it..........and hope you do too!

Please enjoy the music while you visit.

25.media.tumblr.com

Grisaille paintings resemble the drawings normally in monochrome, that artists from the Renaissance era were trained to produce.

rachelhazelton.blogspot.com

cuttingedgestencils...

Sometimes more of a sepia color is used in grisaille.

Murals are painted en grisaille directly onto the walls. This could  be grisaille wallpaper....it's hard to tell in the pictures.

Stunning!!!

Main Salone at Villa Ca'Toga Calistoga, CA

darrellsees.com

A beautiful folding screen en grisaille.

pinterest.com

chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com

Grisaille offers a fabulous way to put images on walls and ceilings without being over the top or disharmonious. Love the Greek Key!

jeffherrphoto.com

Suzanne Rheinstein

jenningsandgates.bl...

elledecor.com

Many time rooms are entirely adorned in grisaille.

David Hicks

www.arteriorsfaux.com/blog

This is an example of how grisaille work can be very subtle if your desire is for a hint only. 

dianeburn.com It creates a lovely aged background to build your room around.

Robert Jackson, Decorative Painter

willowdecor.blogspot.com

thetwodogblog.blogspot.com

Again, sometimes it is hard to tell from the images if the wall treatment is actual painting or a paper mural in the grisaille style. Either way it is a beautiful effect.

thedecorista.com

elementsofstyleblog...

Because of the limited contrast, a grisaille backdrop can highlight the rest of the room.

belgianpearls.blogs...

Main Salone at Villa Ca'Toga Calistoga, CA.  Grisaille is used to represent statues and other architectural elements.

a-l-ancien-regime.tumblr.com

What an entrance to this bathroom!

google.com

houzz.com

blog.mcgrawdesign.com

www.timdolby.co.uk

This treatment is ideally suited for surmounting doors or passageways, or for fitting within wall or door panels.

wanelo.com

There are other ways to bring the beauty of grisaille into your interiors. These are gorgeous pillows.

fleaingfrance.com

This image and the two following show how a room can greatly benefit from a grisaille panel.

aflippenlife.blogspot.com

huffharrington.com

myinnerlandscape.tu...

Heart be still...I love this piece.

pinterest.com

Grisaille folding screens are also popular.

Please visit my website at www.lisafarmerdesigns.com

Click here to see the previous post!

http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2013/07/lavish-interiorswilliam-eubanks-style.html

This blog post was published by

It's time for another check-in with the factory floor...here are some of the custom pieces that we've recently designed and manufactured for our customers. This clean lined, modern sectional with a custom chrome base...

This swanky daybed...I love the shape... 

A sand colored velvet tufted nailhead number...

A beautiful sculptural linen chair...

A nice and simple ivory linen headboard...

A lovely square-armed linen chesterfield sectional....

This linen settee with the subtlest button detail at the corners...

A little loveseat done up in Sunbrella linen...

 See the chalk lines where a very unique geometric nailhead design is going on this daybed?...

A custom curved chesterfield in a rich brown velvet called "Godiva"...

A very pretty champagne velvet sofa with piping detail on the arms...

I have several designers whose work I especially admire, but there are two favorites. Diane Burn was featured on 3/20/13 and now a post is dedicated to William Eubanks.

When you hear the name William R. Eubanks, thoughts automatically turn to sumptuous silk and damask fabrics, period antiques of Great Britain and the European continent, rich jewel-tone colors, Flemish tapestries, Old Master paintings, fine porcelains, and Aubusson and Oushak carpets. Eubank's name is synonymous with refined, classic interior design.  From the firm he opened in Memphis, Tennessee in 1976, his interior design and antique business has grown to New York and Palm Beach, where he has an elegant showroom at 400 Hibiscus Avenue.

If you are familiar with his work then you know how fabulous he is. If this is your first time to see his interiors, you are in for a visual treat!

media.cmgdigital.com

Please visit my website at www.lisafarmerdesigns.com

Click here to see the previous post!

http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2013/06/decorate-with-matelasse.html

It's officially Summer, and I've got a happy little progress shot of a client's office to share with you... 

peacockalley.com

Matelassé (mat-le-SAY) is French for “quilted” or “cushioned,” and in usage with fabric, refers to quilted textiles. It is meant to mimic the style of hand-stitched Marseilles type quilts made in France The looms give the appearance of hand quilting. The fabric is a plush textile that appears to be padded, but actually has no padding within the fabric.The treads used for the quilting are done in the same color as the fabric so that the pattern is what you see rather than the stitches. 

 Today the term is most often used to describe double woven fabrics, often damask or jacquard, that are slightly quilted and that feature raised or puckered motifs on their surface. These mid to heavy weight fabrics are ideal for bedding ensemble because of their warmth, and are often stone washed for extra softness.

Matelassé fabrics are generally made from 100% cotton, but can also be found in cotton/polyester blends and chenille as well. Designs range from simple, graphic squares, or intricate floral motifs. 

  Matelassé is especially popular because it offers such a  classic, understated pattern. I find it very elegant and refined while at the same time comfortable and charming. It's worth your consideration  for a bedroom redo.

houzz.com

Add a bit of French or Old World European flair as you begin adding matelasse to your home.

google.com

The quilted style of matelasse makes it a great choice for a home with a “country” inspired design. This could be European country style but it could also have an American country decor feeling.

comfortercompany.com

houzz.com

lady-gray-dreams.tumblr.com

Beautiful toile matelasse!

pinterest.com

A bed featuring toile coverings and matelasse shams.

home-decorating-co.com

houzz.com

29.media.tumblr.com

What is more French than a matelesse tablecloth?

linenplace.com

Mix some pretty sheets with a matelasse comforter.

theoldpaintedcottag...

Stunning!!  This is my favorite way to use matelasse. I like to mix fabrics and patterns and it's tone on tone makes it work so well with other textures and prints.

home-decorating-co.com

I think matelasse provides an elegant touch to any bedroom.

bellahomefashions.c...

Pair matelasse with shabby chic floral patterns for a soft, romantic bedroom.

google.com

Matelasse looks very simple and elegant, AND  is very comfortable. Manufacturers claim that its casual design improves with every wash.

bellahomefashions.com

houzz.com

cotedetexas.blogspot.com

Look at this beautiful matelasse covered headboard.

linensource.mshoppe..

Matelasse even looks delightful in this coastal cottage style bedroom.

houzz.com

Add matelasse bedding to modern bedrooms, toss it over modern sofas and use it to add some old-fashioned style to the windows of a modern home or apartment. All of these options bring an appreciation of an older style into a chic space.

definingelegance.com

It has such a warm and cozy yet elegant effect on a room.

houzz.com

While I think all colors of matelasse are exquisite, I have to admit I am partial to white or cream.

 rutherfordsdesign.com

linensource.mshoppe..

countryliving.com

A white matelasse bedspread makes an elegant stand-in for a table cloth. Color comes from green napkins—draped at the edge of the table rather than sitting primly next to each plate.

home-decorating-co.com

peacockalley.com

Another great way to use matelasse.....slipcovers!

blackforestdecor.com

Lovely design on brown matlasse. It looks like quilting but there is no padding.

source unknown

Matelasse coverlets in gorgeous colors!

fortheloveofahouse....

4.bp.blogspot.com

traditionalhome.com

Floral and gingham with a  matelasse coverlet.

Click here to see the previous post!

http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2013/06/decorating-with-pink-and-orange.html

This blog post was published by

This pair of little lovelies were looking a bit unloved down at my local junk shop, and I just didn't have the heart to leave them.  Sitting there all alone there.  

Well actually first they looked like this.  Until I got my DIY-lovin' little hands on them.  

I'm like a PETA sort at the animal shelter...except my obsession is furniture and objets d'art.  Just kidding.  I'm a big ol' animal lover.  But I do find it easier and more socially acceptable to continually adopt furniture and small inanimate treasures than I do to be constantly bringing home new pets.

Do read the online interior design mag Lonny?  If not, you probably should.  I find so much inspiration in their photo spreads!   I count on them for great room shots, but also really wonderful detailed close-ups of well-styled vignettes.  Here's some eye candy for you today....Lonny images that I love...

I can't resist showing you just a snippet of a living room I designed that's far from finished but has the major foundational pieces installed. 

On the right side of the photo above is this custom media cabinet that turned out SO beautiful.

And that leather tufted daybed?  Another custom design that I couldn't be happier with.  Recognize anything from the original inspiration photo below?

NATE BERKUS

Remember the long campaign dresser I found while out thrifting, that I yearned to lacquer in a soft grey tone and use in a client's pretty bedroom?  Well it happened. Then... And now...

I felt a little naughty painting over such high quality mahogany wood, but I think the new incarnation truly shows this dresser off to it's best advantage.  The soft grey really sets off all that fabulous brass campaign hardware so nicely!  Much more than the original wood tone did....it needed more contrast and now it works. The lacquering was professionally done in a shop with a spray booth, which is really the only way to get such a perfect finish, in case you're wondering.  Although I do hear that Rustoleum oil-based enamel paints provide an extremely glossy, glassy finish for a hand brushed application.  I have yet to experiment with this paint....do they even sell it in the state of CA?  We have some pretty stringent VOC regulations here.  

I'm going to look for it the next time I'm in Home Depot.  The colors of this line are limited and it's not custom tintable, but for basic white, black, and some primaries, it's definitely worth investigating.  Because look at the mirror finish Jenny from Little Green Notebook (my favorite blog, if you hadn't noticed from all my references to it) achieved with this side table!

LITTLE GREEN NOTEBOOK

I remember being told to“NEVER WEAR ORANGE AND PINK TOGETHER BECAUSE IT CLASHES". I always thought it was a pretty combination. Also I never could understand how white became taboo after the first Monday in September either. Boy am I glad those days are gone. You see this combo on the runways all the time now.

Most people don't think to use these two colors because they are so close on the color wheel. I threw out the color wheel a LONG time ago. If you must rely on a color wheel to tell you what looks good together, I question your eye as an interior designer. Now that being said, if you like bright interior color schemes, this color combination will complement each other and make your room amazing and beautiful.Two equally hot, vibrant colors working beautifully together to energize an interior scheme. In my opinion they don’t overpower, but create excitement. 

My favorite look is using these colors against a white or cream background. But it can be equally lovely if you decide to go bold by using them in large amounts. There are many shades of each to choose from so you can go as bright or subtle as you wish. If you don't like bright orange, try tangerine, peach, or mango. Hot pink too much for you? Try a soft salmon, muted raspberry or French rose. There are shades of this combo out there I believe you can live with!

I have always loved this combination and wear it often. I have used it outdoors on numerous occasions while landscaping my patio during the summer. Pink and orange flowers are fabulous for gardens and landscaping .I have gathered some images that I believe will convince you of the beauty of these two colors when combined the right way. Enjoy!!!

google.com

http://tassels.tumblr.com

google.com

brabournefarm.blogs...

This color combination can work in an old world interior. Just make sure the shades of pink and orange are muted.

google.com

pinterest.com

The pink and orange combination is a growing trend in decorating and a good choice if you want a bold, fun and youthful room.

aliceiswonderful.tumblr.com

Orange is a combination of red and yellow, and pink is a shade of red. Therefore, the colors work together in harmony, making it an attractive color scheme for a room.

lamaisondesign.tumb...

withlovefromkat.com

Adding pink and orange to a room with lots of white and plenty of greenery creates a tropical island feeling.

decoholic.org

A more dramatic room with deep orange walls, pink and orange fabrics and tropical accents creates an exotic, Eastern-vibe in the room.

trishyrose.tumblr.com

confettistyle.wordpress.com

designmanifest.blogspot.com

For the colors to work together in true harmony, you want to choose shades of pink and orange that have similar undertones. Shades of pink with cool blue or purple undertones will not coordinate well with orange, which is created from warm red and yellow. Instead choose a shade of pink that has a warm red undertone to keep the combination harmonious.

tumblr.com

pic2fly.com

schoener-wohnen.de

Pretty sherbet shades of this combination!

interiorstyledesign.tumblr.com

pinterest.com

Incorporate neutrals, accent shades and wood or metal to give the eye a place to rest among the riot of color.

jongenandmeisje.tumblr.com

This image show how well violet works as an complimentary color with these shades of pink and orange.

traditionalhome.com

livebreathedecor.com

boiseriec.blogspot....

I adore the softer side of this combination.

pinterest.com The softer combination of pink and orange used on this bed reflects my personal taste when using these colors together.

thefrenchtangerine.... I love this combination in doses scattered throughout so it doesn't become too overpowering.

google.com

This color combination is wonderful when used outdoors. It is bright and full of energy AND green is the perfect background.

ladylimoges.tumblr.com

google.com

www.tumblr.com

Black compliments the pink/orange combination and adds lots of drama.

camillestyles.com

allaboutvignettes.blogspot.com

Another great way to use this combination is lots of white with just pops of pink and orange.

jongenandmeisje.tumblr.com

knottinghillinterio...

Using multiple sunset-inspired shades of pink and orange creates a romantic feeling. 

seekersbazaar.blogspot.com

aliceiswonderful.tumblr.com

labellevie.tumblr.com

If you like this combo but can't take too much of it just do something small like cover a chair or hang a painting.

labellevie.tumblr.com

materialgirlsblog.com

bhg.com

Bright pink and orange polka dots, stripes and patterns create a fun and youthful room.

www.tumblr.com

 Jim Thompson

madelineweinrib.com

White furniture is perfect against this wonderful pink and orange floral wall.

google.com

While this may be a bit too much for me, it's bright and cheerful if you are looking for those qualities in your interiors.

www.tumblr.com

wildflowerlinens.co...

agiftwrappedlife.bl...

You have to admit, orange and pink is a lovely color scheme.  While white makes it pop, I like the more muted look of aged, soft creams and tans.

google.com

This is a wonderful combination for entertaining or weddings! Visit my website at www.lisafarmerdesigns.com

Click here to see the previous post!

http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2013/06/home-librariescreate-one-for-yourself.html

This blog post was published by

Whenever I begin a new design project I find myself constantly mulling it over, whether I'm actually "at work" or not (but what does that even mean for a self-employed interior designer!?  The lines are so blurred in this profession it's crazy!)  Anyhow I tend to think about a new project all of the time, turning various options over and over in my mind's eye, I've even been known to dream about it when I sleep, and in the process of steeping myself in all of this mental and creative energy, the design begins to gradually take form.  I don't know if that's how it works for everyone, but that's how it works for me.  I usually have a general design direction I know I'm headed in, but then I have to let the details emerge and take shape, and all the while I'm perusing Pinterest, flipping through my library of design books and shelter magazines, and just generally soaking up design inspiration from all directions.  Because even if I've seen an image a dozen times before, it was never through the lense of the new project, which changes everything.    I've just begun this whole process for my newest project: decorating a beautiful and spacious 1930s garden court apartment in the toney old LA neighborhood of Los Feliz.  It's so spacious and elegantly proportioned for a 1-bedroom apartment!  Truly, they don't build them like they used to.  High ceilings, moulding, wide archways, a formal dining room and foyer.  I'll try to post some "before" photos soon, but for the moment I thought I'd share where I'm headed with it.   We're calling the project "Parisian Chic" and it needs to combine some fabulous old world Euro opulence with plenty of fresh and modern elements to honor both the apartment which is decidedly old and grand,  and the gal moving in, who is decidedly not.  I'm thinking the base will be a quiet palette of ivories, soft greys, and barely there blush rose.  Shot through with black (we're painting all the doors glossy black), some crusty gold goodness, and touches of more intense color like fuchsia and kelly green (I love green and pink together.) "Parisian Chic" Apartment Inspiration...

via Pinterest

Ruthie Sommers/Veranda

Lonny

Suzanne Kasler

Lonny

Lonny

Vogue

You see where I'm headed with this?  These are the design decisions that have been made so far: A tufted sofa in ivory linen... Some vintage crystal chandeliers... All doors painted glossy black... The softest pink on the dining room walls... Silvery grey walls in the living room...  (We actually have very similar textured ivory ceilings as shown here.) And ivory walls throughout the rest of the space... And if you know me at all then you KNOW I'm already on the hunt for the vintage items that will bring this apartment come to life.   Such as..............notice that gorgeous 4-poster bed above?  Well I found this beauty tucked away in a junk shop months ago and I've been dying to use it ever since.  You can't tell much from the photos, but she's a real stunner....antique black lacquered bamboo with cane accents....SO french!  

Remember that time I was waxing all poetic about obelisks in decorating? Well I happened upon some cool vintage obelisk lamps, and they immediately came home with me, in spite of their chipped and scratched finish.  As you know, I'm a fan of the shape, so I figured I could do something with the messed up finish.

The lamps are brass with recessed panels that had been painted white.   I kind of don't think the white finish was original because it was shoddily done, but either way it was old and funky and all bubbly and crackled in places.

Because of the slight recessed panels, I came up with the idea of "inlaying" the lamps with some material to cover the icky surface.  My first thought was shagreen.  Are you familiar with Shagreen?  

It's basically the leather from a shark or a ray and you find it in antiquity and also today on very fancy furniture and pretty little boxes and accessories.  Here's what Wikipedia has to say about why it became so highly prized:  Wikipedia:Shagreen was first popularised in Europe by Jean-Claude Galluchat (d. 1774), a master leatherworker in the court of Louis XV of France. It quickly became a fashion amongst the French aristocracy, and migrated throughout Europe by the mid-18th century.   There you have it...ol' Louie was a trendsetter.  History lesson of the day.  These days shagreen is generally of the faux variety, which I much prefer anyhow from a humane perspective.  So downtown to the fabric district I went to see what I could come up with.   I brought home a variety of samples of textured faux leather, including a decent approximation of shagreen.

I actually preferred the ostrich (the upper left sample.)  That crocodile skin was much too scary, and the lower samples were pretty but a bit on the subtle side.  The faux ostrich texture seemed about right. All I did was press a sheet of paper up against the lamp to crease it in the shape of my template, cut the faux leather to fit, and inlay it with glue.

The last step of my lamp makeover was to spray paint a pair of drum shades gold on the inside and brush them with watered-down black acrylic paint on the outside.  (The gold spray paint trick only works on shades with a hard plastic inside surface.  If it's fabric on the inside it won't work.)  

And here's the end result!