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Jul
11
Summer Garden

One of the things I love most about my job is visiting the merchandise markets. They are so inspiring as you get to see the latest upcoming trends and products that will soon be hitting the market. I was so inspired by the latest 2011 spring markets as pops of crisp colors emerged from neutrals which have been popular for awhile. It was like a breath of fresh air. Showrooms and booths were lively with excitement about the new enlivened color schemes. We saw lots of turquoise mixed with pops of warm colors like red, yellow, and orange. The two contrasting tones of cool turquoise and hot reds woke you up. It reminded me of a beautiful field of summer poppies.

Summer Garden 2011

Summer Garden 2011

 

As always you can count on me to bring the latest trends right to your front door and I did with our new Summer Garden catalog. The collection features exactly the feel we found at market and I couldn’t have been more pleased with how the mix came together. My favorite piece, our new Birds of a Feather French Bergere chair I designed myself.

I chose the oversized bird fabric because of the fun it brings and the neutral background makes the colorful birds pop. I matched it with a silk plaid for the back and sides of the chair and matched the painted wood finish to the cool turquoise in the fabrics. I added a Robin’s Egg Blue table lamp to the mix because it had such a classic look as well as our Modern Classic sconces in Matte Gold.

I chose gold metallic tones for our collection because the feel I wanted to achieve was warm and cozy, but I think this collection would mix just as well with silver metallics. I added accent furniture and mirrors in glossy white to keep the crisp appeal flowing from wall to floor.

Finally I finished the collection with an indoor/outdoor striped rug with all the trend colors. Our Indoor/Outdoor rug collection is growing because I love the versatility it gives our customers to use a beautiful rug inside or out with no worries. I only choose rugs that are beautiful and cozy enough to go inside for all our indoor/outdoor rugs and the striped rug on our latest cover fits the bill.

I hope our latest Summer Garden collection inspires you to add a little bit of color to your life. Just a little pop of color can refresh your space and give you a whole new perspective.

Summer Garden

Summer Garden

-Katrina

Copyright Shades of Light 2011

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Jun
29
Featured in…Chesterfield Living Magazine July/August 2011

Thanks so much to Vicki O’Neal of Form & Function Interior & Landscape Design for writing an great article in the upcoming Issue of Chesterfield Living Magazine.

 

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May
27
Featured on Elements of Style

Thanks so much to Erin Gates over at Elements of Style for featuring so many of our products in a recent blog post! She did a great job of telling her readers about all the budget friendly decor we have…Not just lighting! But rugs, mirrors and even furniture also! Check out the full blog here. And read our sponsor post here.

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May
27
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

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Apr
11
Pop Mod Color

Ever wonder how designers make a room flow while mixing and matching patterns and colors? I have been asked so many times how I can be so brave with colors and not be so “matchy” with patterns. Our spring cover exhibits this idea exactly. I mixed pops of color and multiple patterns while still maintaining a fluid design with cohesiveness. How did I do it? Well it really isn’t hard with just a few tips from the trade to follow.

Pop Mod Color 2011

Pop Mod Color 2011

 

First, you have to realize that mixing and matching is a good thing. “Designer” rooms feel like they have evolved piece by piece and are not just a matching set of something from a local “big box store”. Maintain this mind set as you add each piece to your space.

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Second, let’s talk about pattern. Mixing patterns is easy. I have one simple tip to follow. Mix patterns of different scales. For example our fabulous Amy Butler Vibrant Damask Rug designed by famous designer Amy Butler has an extra large pattern with several colors. I pulled the green and chocolate from the rug and choose another pattern for our super cute Button Back Egg Wing Chair. The paisley print on the chair is a smaller scale than the rug with complimenting colors to make the patterns cohesive. The two patterns together are much more interesting than a solid and a pattern would be, making the scene fun and exciting.

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Third, mixing colors is always fun. My tip, you can create any color combo as long as there is at least one element in the space that features all the colors together. You can mix red and yellow, purple and blue, green and pink, etc… as long as you have a piece of art, a pattern, an accessory that has all the colors you wish to feature. Again I was inspired by our Amy Butler Vibrant Damask Rug. Who wouldn’t fall in love with this exciting pattern with popping colors? The cool tones of the apple green, turquoise blue, and sunny yellow in the rug float beautifully on a sea of soft white. The white background makes the colors “pop”, which brings me to my second tip about mixing color. Choose a neutral to consistently break up your color combo, giving your eye something to rest on along the way. I choose white accents like our Flowering Stalk Floor Lamp in gloss white, our Oval Ring Drum Shade Pendant in white, and our glossy white Laquer White Greek Key 2 Drawer Dresser. These bright white accents give your eye a rest as it flows from the bright rug to the patterned chair, and then finally to the bright turquoise wall with our exclusive Beautiful Mansard Mirror designed to complement our entire spring collection featured on pg. 2 and 3 of our Pop Mod Color catalog.

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Follow these very simple tips and you too can create a “Designer” space all your own. Mix any color, mix different patterns and have fun with your space. My hope is that our Pop Mod Color catalog inspires you to be fearless in your designs and embrace color for spring 2011!

Pop Mod Color

Pop Mod Color

Until next time,
Katrina

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Feb
14
Behind the Scenes: Our Rustic Revival Catalog

Author: Katrina

Does the word “rustic” make you think of deer antlers and bear motifs?? Well, as much as I truly feel that those things find their place in a lodge home, rustic décor has evolved into so much more than “theme”. Apply named, our latest cover “Rustic Revival” demonstrates the newest level of sophistication that “rustic décor” has reached. The key elements to the evolution of this new look are rich textures, repurposed materials and warm hues. Rustic is no longer for just the mountain retreat you visit for your winter vacation. It finds its place in lodge homes, city lofts and place in between. An added industrial edge has taken rustic in a new direction where creative minds break all the traditional rules and repurpose items to fit their needs. This is where my story begins.

Rustic Revival 2011

Rustic Revival 2011

This covers story begins with a trip to one of my favorite antique shops. I love to walk the aisles hunting for inspiration and treasures. I found the most interesting set of wooden beads, probably an old necklace, strung on rope. The hand-carved texture drew me to them as well as the soft gray hue. I thought, “Perhaps these were a handmade gift from a father to his daughter. What a fun story!” I had a moment of true inspiration and the result was our latest exclusive chandelier.

ch10094gyBeaded Basket Chandelier

A traditional basket chandelier, usually comprised of crystal strands, was recreated in rustic style with “my wooden beads”. The texture of the grayed wood bead looks hand-carved just like the original and the rope strand adds a unique and unexpected detail. I wanted the beads to glow with warmth so I designed the chandelier with lights on the inside as well the outside. I was so pleased with the results and find that this chandelier would be perfect for rustic as well as city dwellings.

I took my inspired chandelier and created our cover room setting around its warm texture. I chose a cool blue wall color to contrast all the warm textures in the space. I wanted to carry the “repurposed” theme throughout the room so I thought of using one of our many wooden pallets we have lying around as a headboard. I also had our design team create an entire wall using reclaimed wood from our pallets for the back cover setting (click here to read that story). The headboard brought to life the industrial element I desired for the space as well as the rustic texture.

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Round Cowhide Mirror

I added our Round Cowhide Mirror above the headboard along with two iron horse shoes for that “whimsical” element and again more layers of texture. Burlap fabrics in complementing neutrals continue to warm the space wrapping it in soft texture.

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Distressed Leather Steamer Trunk Side Table

As the room came together, I felt the need to ground the space. I chose our Distressed Leather Steamer Trunk Side Table to continue the thread of deep bronze flowing through the space which started with the chandelier. The warm leather texture of the side table strapped with wood and nail-head trim again added even more interesting texture to the space.

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Dhurrie Ticking Stripe Rug

Finally, I pulled it all together with the hues in our durable Dhurrie Ticking Stripe Rug. It combined the wall color with the warm tan burlap hue from the bedding and curtains. It grounds the space with color without making the room seem heavy. Its flat woven texture gives the room its casual appeal. The result was a room I felt I could truly snuggle up in to relax with my favorite book. Don’t we all want a space like that?

My hope is that you can use our “rustic revival” products to create that new rustic look in your space. Just remember my three simple elements to creating this look: repurposed, textured, and warm hues.

Until next time.

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Feb
10
Our Rustic Revival Back Cover

Author: Walter

There is something different about this fashion trend we call “rustic revival”.  People seem to natural fall into step with its basic principles. People cross generationally have embraced it. This look is precise and clean. It’s comfortable and comforting; liberating and carefree at times but never sloppy. There is real sense of craftsmanship wedded to it. The look is at times downright nostalgic and yet it is forward thinking. There is a real sense of responsibility for our future at the very core of this look. And everyone seems to appreciate its values. All this was revealed to me as we started to build “the wall.”

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And don’t you just love it when a plan comes together. You see, we needed a photography back drop to show off some of the products on the back cover of our new “rustic revival” catalog. And right from the start you could see that the spirit behind this fashion story had possessed the entire company. There was a lot of energy. The idea sprung up from Katrina, our buyer, that we were going to build a lodge-look wall. However, it wasn’t going to be made from just any old rustic looking wood we could get at the lumber yard. No, in keeping with one of the fundamental principles of the “green repurposing” look, we decided to make “the wall” from trucking pallets that arrive daily at our distribution center. No problem there, we get plenty of them!

Shortly afterwards, while making a trip out to the distribution center, I walked out to the piles of pallets our distribution team was “grading”. They were commenting on the quality and condition of the wood, on the grain, the knots and position of the knots, the color of the individual planks and the “tones and highlights within each plank. There was talk of how the different shades of color from plank to plank would play off one another. The guys were into it.

Next, the carefully selected planks were sent to our photography studio. Joey and Corey were going to construct the wall and they are quality craftsmen. Joey heads up the department that does a lot of the really special custom work we do here at Shades of Light and Cory does everything from driving our truck back and forth to Virginia Beach to monitoring our trucking bills.  Each and every already edited board was now once again carefully and critical examined and then precisely and artistically placed in just the right spot. When they were done, “the wall” stood proud. It was a work of art and the perfect backdrop for the look and the buyer Katrina had envisioned on our back cover. Thanks guys, the wood tones really did accent the natural birch console and industrial tractor seat!  In fact, the wall looked so good we sort of got carried away and used it to accent some of the organic pieces on the top of page three as well.

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As you go through the catalog, check out the details that are intrinsic to this “rustic revival” look. Like the wall, there is nothing slipshod about the pieces that make up this look. Check out the Victorian details on the legs of the Adjustable Industrial Tractor Seat Stool on this back cover. The Slate Tile Sconce with Perforated Shade just slightly above the tractor seat is beautifully crafted and as the copy says: it’s the perfect marriage of modern and natural design elements.

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It is not just the covers, look throughout the entire catalog for the “green” message within. My personal favorite is the De Vine Wood Ball Chandelier shown on page four. It’s beyond green; beyond renewable, beyond “eco-friendly” even.  It’s an absolute “eco-hero.” This chandelier is actually made from a fast growing invasive vine. (Think kudzu only meaner, my Georgian friends.) So after it has been harvested the ecosystem from which it came is actually healthier than it was before the harvesting!  Oh and one more thing before I go, I just thought you should know, Joey has a hand in making each and every one of those De Vine Wood Ball Chandelier.

ch11001De Vine Wood Ball Chandelier

**A word to the wise is sufficient. “Use caution: Discarded wooden pallets should not be used for fire wood or crafts unless it has been determined that the wood in these pallets has not been treated with wood preservatives, fungicides and/or pesticides. Various pyrethrins and propiconazole are commonly used to treatments wooden pallets. And even if they weren’t treated initially, imported goods palletized are routinely fumigated with highly toxic pesticides. while in use, harmful materials or chemicals also may spill on the pallet wood and be absorbed.”

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Dec
17
Parisian Chic

Author: Katrina

I hope all of you had a fabulous holiday season! I did; busy but fabulous all the same! One of the wonderful things that happened to me this holiday season was that I received my copy of the newest Shades of Light catalog. I am so proud of this catalog! It was so incredible to physically hold in my hand the culmination of months and months of hard work. I sure hope each and every one of you gets to experience this type of joy after completing your next project.

Perhaps, my favorite part of this job is to create the covers that wrap our Shades of Light catalogs. I always try to make a style statement on the cover. Something beautiful that makes you want to dive right in and places our customers right on the cusp of today’s designer looks. So I wanted to share with you the designer secrets behind our latest catalog look “Parisian Chic”. Preview the new catalog here.

 

Parisian Chic 2011

Parisian Chic 2011

Recently the design world has seen a return to classic design. However, there is a new hip modern way to go classic! We admire quality craftsmanship and love the feel of those classic elements that are built to last. We desire quality finishes and textures that truly speak of a time when things were done right. We want to own beautiful prized heirlooms that were made to be passed down from one generation to the next. This look is not fussy; it’s about combining chic clean lines with heirloom elements to create an updated classic space with a restful, airy feel.

Complimenting this return to quality classics, we have seen a shift in today’s color palette. It is dominated by a restful neutral palette of grays, taupes, and soft whites. These have become the hottest colors on the market. Why? Well, simply because these neutrals are restful, elegant, and will go with anything. It is so easy to feel at home in these colors. Instead of the striking collision of bright, bold colors, we see a softly flowing dance of closely related colors that bring the heart rate down and create a peaceful, elegant, spa-like feeling. Ironically, wrapped in this feeling of luxury there is a practical side: no need to repaint or redecorate your home if you decide to make a few changes in the future. You can make subtle or even significant changes to your space without breaking the bank every 5-10 years on a total redo. Sounds smart huh?!?

Why did we call this look “Parisian Chic”? Well, because Paris is the place where chic and classic have lived happily together for years. The city embodies this “heirloom elegance” while still maintaining its status as the world’s center for chic fashion. Simply put, our cover is all about combining chic and classic.

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Elegance Crystal Swag Chandelier

I started with the Elegance Crystal Swag Chandelier to be the center piece of our cover setting because the crystal creates an added dimension of texture. Its light delicately bouncing around the room adds depth and scope to the space without weight. I selected this particular chandelier because of its clean lines and its airy feel. It simply embodies classic elegance. Below the chandelier is a fabulous Reclaimed Elm Wood Trestle Dining Table. I chose this rustic table because the rough texture plays in perfect contrast to the crystals’ smooth texture. The rustic table creates a pleasant architectural surprise but the neutral color palette it shares with everything else in the setting prevents it from being an overwhelming shock. In fact, I’d say these elements complement each other “unexpectedly.” Paradoxically, the heft of this table grounds the space and yet it adds an air of whimsicality. It gives the setting a “time-loved” appeal.

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High Back Settee, Damask Dreams Hand Tufted Rug

Continuing to design outside of the box, I added this High Back Settee for dining seating. The high back, button detail, and clean pattern of this settee add an element of high fashion. I must say I am truly in love with this settee. Not only is it beautiful, but it is quality constructed and comfy. Remember unmistakable quality is one of the essential ingredients in this new modern Parisian chic look! On the other side of the table I decided to contrast the high back of the settee with low seating. I chose garden stools. Not just any garden stools though, I chose an elegant Large Zen Garden Stool in a soft creamy white. The dance of colors between the chandelier, table, settee and stools is simply chic.

Further grounding the room setting in the middle of my space, I picked yet another hip take on a timeless classic: a gray and cream Damask Dreams Hand Tufted Rug. The hand-tufted quality adds that modern element to a classic damask pattern. The soft neutral palette lightens the dark floors and opens up the space. Again the colors of the rug are closely related to all the other elements in the room making the space feel restful while adding quality texture.

mw10079cmAntique Lighting, Crest Relief Trumeau Mirror

Finally, because we are known for our beautiful Antique Lighting, I just had to use two of our antique sconces to add the “heirloom” element to the space. Placing these on a dark gray wall, along with a beautiful white washed Crest Relief Trumeau Mirror creates yet another element of contrast. The antiques create a level of aged sophistication that the space otherwise might have lacked. There is nothing that speaks more of quality and classic fashion than a beautiful antique element in the proper place.

When all was selected and set into place for our big cover shoot, everyone in the house agreed that the look was totally chic; yet, classic , airy and restful. All the elements delicately balanced with each other. The space became our Parisian chic respite.

catalog_a_storyKatrina, Ashton & Towanda setup our Parisian Chic cover shot.

I hope you enjoy flipping through the Shades of Light catalog half as much as I enjoyed working on it.

I know you’ll find something within its covers that inspires you to update your space. Furthermore, I hope I have given you some insight into one of the very strong emerging fashion trends today: Parisian chic. As always, send me your thoughts and if you would be so kind send me pictures of your space. I love to see our customers take on our designs!

Parisian Chic

Parisian Chic

Thanks again for reading, and happy decorating!

Katrina

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May
03
Find us on Facebook

Did you know we’re on facebook? Check us out here to be the first to know about upcoming event, web specials and other exciting things going on at Shades of Light.

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Apr
22
Big Tent Sale at our Decorating Outlet

Find out more on our website here or on our facebook page here. Hope to see you there!

 

 

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Jan
26
Freshen up your home without emptying your wallet!

Looking to freshen your home without emptying your wallet?  Check out these simple ideas to keep costs low and results high.

  • Paint one wall an accent color or a deeper shade of the color you already have. If the room is long & narrow, paint a warm dark color on the short wall. Or paint the ceiling a light cool color. Or just paint the fireplace wall section an accent color. Add new lamps with that accent color.

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  • Paint a piece of furniture (such as a coffee table or 2 end tables) an accent color. Be sure to use the proper prep (ask the local hardware store for guidance).
  • Rearrange your furniture and add a new rug. Change or recover your throw pillows or try “wrapping” them with your favorite scarf.

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  • Take an existing console or end table and add a storage shelf on the bottom for baskets to hold “stuff”. Paint the shelf an accent color or use antique wood flooring. Or sell an existing piece of furniture at a consignment store and replace it with a storage piece like a mirrored furniture piece that will always go with any look you do.
  • Add inexpensive seating “stools” that can double as end tables. Paint them a fun color or distress them and “paint” with an antique wash.
  • Add accent lighting (plant lights on timers, picture lights, spotlight on sculpture or architectural feature). You will be amazed at how much accent lighting can do for a room at night! Put dimmers on all other lighting in the room.

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  • Add some interest to your walls by taking all pictures down and rearranging them in a new plan on the floor, adding short shelves made from antique molding (for collections of sculpture, colored or clear glass, candles or candlesticks), table clocks and decorative items from the kitchen that can be hung on the wall (platters or plates, containers that can hold trailing greenery, handmade bowls, etc.), and small mirrors hung from decorative chain or interesting ribbon. Try adding an open empty frame (antique ones are great) around a plate or platter (maybe even on the diagonal).
  • Add a “fun” fabric lamp shade on a plain lamp.

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  • New monogrammed towels for your bathroom (Hit the white sales!).
  • Frame your bathroom mirror with antique molding, polyurethane molding painted in an accent color, upholstery braid, or outdoor ribbon.

©Shades of Light 2008

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Jan
20
Country Living June 2008

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Jan
20
Before & After: Meem’s Dining Room

Molly and Lange Meem from Richmond VA sought out our design team to transform the home they moved into 10 years earlier & never got around to decorating. Before, this dining room lacked pop & the Meem’s were ready for a fresh new look. The room was full of hand-me-down furniture and white walls – it was time to update! The couple was a lot of fun to work with and chose pieces from our popular mirrored furniture collection to transform and make it appear larger. With a little space planning, paint, hip furnishings, as well as a new rug & chandelier, we transformed this underwhelming room into a fresh & inviting space.

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