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How to create a theme without going “kitchy”

How to create a theme without going “kitchy” is the question. Don’t you just love that word “kitchy” and how it is always said with finger quotes? It is such an undesirable idea to have “kitchy” décor yet so many of us fall into that trap or run so far away from it that we forget to have fun.

Coastal Chic 2011

Coastal Chic 2011

Our latest Coastal Chic catalog cover demonstrates how you can actually have a “theme” décor yet steer clear of “kitchy”. The key is a few large, unique, and quality items that carry your theme without cluttering. Notice my three descriptive words LARGE, UNIQUE, and QUALITY. Those three words are what I will focus on as I give you my designer tips on how to create a fabulous theme room.

ch_tlDe Vine Wood Ball Chandelier, Curled Vines Floor Lamp

Let’s start with the word LARGE. Larger items make a clear and concise style statement in your space. Take our Coastal Chic cover for example. We have featured our fabulous De Vine Wood Ball Chandelier and our tall and ultra-cool Curled Vines Floor Lamp as the statement pieces in the space. The driftwood look of these pieces says “Coastal” while the size of these fixtures creates drama. What you don’t see are a lot of knick-knacks or small beachy items to create the theme. They aren’t needed because the “coastal” theme is clearly stated with just two pieces.

Next let’s cover the idea of UNIQUE. Venturing outside the box is always a great way to create impact that makes your neighbors say, “WOW, I wish I had that kind of taste and creativity!” I dare to say there are few things as unique as our De Vine Wood Ball Chandelier and in this setting it fits perfectly and creates great interest in the space.

xu_xrCoastal Stripe Dhurrie Rug, Nailhead Accent Ottoman Stool

Finally, QUALITY is what brings your theme home with high style. The idea of QUALITY goes in direct opposition of the idea of “kitchy”. So if you implement quality finishes and textures into your space you are sure to create a look that is highly styled and desirable. For example, our hand-knotted Coastal Stripe Dhurrie Rug grounds this cover look with a durable texture that says “casual yet sophisticated”. Our Nailhead Accent Ottoman Stool also adds a rich texture that without might leave the space lacking. Finally, the texture and color of both Vine lighting fixture fills the space with Mother Nature’s unmatchable style. With the idea of “less is more” in mind, purchasing a hand full of quality items instead of a cluttered room full of cheaper, lesser quality items may actually save you money while giving you the fabulous home you have always wanted.

Coastal Chic

Coastal Chic

I hope with these easy tips you will not be afraid of the word “kitchy” and know that you too can have fun and create a fabulous theme room that has sophisticated style.

Until next time,
Katrina

Featured on…Haven & Home!

Thanks so much to Marianne over at Haven & Home for blogging about our indoor/outdoor rugs! Check it out here!

Summer Sisals & Seagrass Area Rugs

Summer is a great time to reinvent your space! Imagine a more relaxed & laid back environment to enjoy the lazy days of summer. Sisal and Seagrass area rugs are the perfect products to recreate a natural atmosphere that envokes the calling of the shore. Your floors will have the look and feel of the seaside with these trendy rugs.

We have a great collection of Sisal and Seagrass rugs that will set the stage for a stylish, calming & tranquil décor.

Check out our exclusive collection of bordered sisal area rugs. Our Coral Chenille Border Sisal Rug is one of our many decorative bordered area rugs.

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Coral Chenille Border Sisal Rug: 3 Colors Available

Our Basketweave Seagrass Rug has 8 twill border colors available.

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Basketweave Seagrass Rug: 8 Colors Available

If you want color, take a look at our Sassy Sisal Rugs in 10 colors choices. Our unique colors of sisal and complimentary twill borders will jazz up your relaxed mood.

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Sassy Sisals Rug: 10 Colors Available

For more subtle choices see our Natural Sisal Rug with 11 border colors.

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Natural Sassy Sisal Rugs: 11 Colors Available

Our sisal & sea grass rugs coordinate with our Nautical Lighting selections to create a peaceful retreat right within in your own home.

Nautical by Nature

There’s just something about the beach that makes us feel good!  The good news is, you don’t have to live at the beach to appreciate nautical home décor.  Of course, you can’t go wrong with typical nautical motifs and colors, but this summer we’re all about nature-inspired nautical lamps and rugs to decorate our homes!

Comforts of the coast such as seashells, sand, driftwood and coral bring a feeling of calm to our home that makes us feel like we’re on vacation!  We also like incorporating classic elements, such as brass and wood that focus on clean and easy living and will last for seasons to come. Lighting is a functional way to help you capture the coast, no matter where you live and at Shades of Light the nautical lighting is always in style, so break out the sunglasses and big floppy hat, we’re headed to the beach! From rope-trimmed lampshades to colorful coral and beach chairs, our coastal table lamps will light up your home!

Check out some of our favorite nautical lighting products below…

Coral Craze

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Coral Table Lamp

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Coral Branch Cotton Chandelier Shade

Ship Shape

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Antique Ships Wheel Chandelier

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Captain’s Ceiling Light

Seashell Chic

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Shell Pendant

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Fillable Glass Table Lamp

Pretty in Pearl

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Mother of Pearl Table Lamp

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Mother of Pearl Disk Ceiling Light

Out of the Woods

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Tuscan Wood Chandelier

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Driftwood Cluster Table Lamp

Curb your Enthusiasm!

Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to enhance the curb appeal of your home!

We’ve all heard the saying “It’s what’s on the inside that counts”, but when it comes to your home, it’s the outside that defines your décor style. Your outdoor decor should be an extension of your inside decorating style and should reflect your personality just as much as inside.  Simple updates, such as adding a rug to your back porch or installing a pair of new outdoor lights to your front door can really say “Welcome Home” with style.  From mission to modern, we have an extensive collection of unique outdoor lighting and rugs that will help you create a stylish outdoor living space, no matter what your style.  So what’s your style?

cozcottage
1. Swirl & Whirl Outdoor Fan, 2. Iron Acanthus Outdoor Floor Lamp, 3. Cape Cod Outdoor Light, 4. Indoor Outdoor Braid Rug, 5. Iron Twist Indoor/Outdoor Table Lamp

craftbung
1. Bronze Framework Ceiling Light, 2. Bungalow Outdoor Floor Lamp, 3. Outdoor Cottage Beadboard Ceiling Fan, 4. Craftsman Pocket Outdoor Light, 5. Craftsman Outdoor Hanging Lantern, 6. Indoor Outdoor Durable Vinyl Sisal Rugs

tuscanvilla
1. Cobblestone Indoor Outdoor Ceiling Fan, 2. Fleur-De-Lis Ceiling Light, 3. Fleur-De-Lis Outdoor Light, 4. Fleur-De-Lis Post Light, 5. Garden Party Floral Rug

cleancontem
1. Santa Barbara Outdoor Hanging Light, 2. Newport Indoor Outdoor Ceiling Light, 3. Energy Star Santa Barbara Outdoor Light, 4. Glare-Free Outdoor Flood Light, 5. Chic Indoor Outdoor Stripe Rugs

traditional
1. Richmond Outdoor Post Light, 2. Richmond Outdoor Hanging Lantern, 3. Bronze Balluster Outdoor Table Lamp, 4. Richmond Outdoor Light, 5. Garden Party Floral Rug

justbeachy
1. Nantucket Ceiling Light, 2. Nautical Outdoor Table Lamp, 3. Outdoor Palm Fan, 4. Nantucket Outdoor Light, 5. Anywhere Border Rugs Coral Pattern, 6. Nautical Hanging Lantern

rustic
1. Pinecone Outdoor Ceiling Light, 2. Hammered Copper Outdoor Light 3. Slate Column Indoor/Outdoor Table Lamp 4. Rustic Pine Outdoor Light, 5. Zebra Hooked Indoor Outdoor Rug

Coastal Living March 2008

08_03_coastallivingEco-Friendly Cork Table Lamp