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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

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

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.

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.”

Featured on Shelter Pop

Tyring to choose the perfect lampshade? Check out some of our tips featured on Shelter Pop here.

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Hi, I’m Katrina…

8927_147327597042_636682042_2764863_6196475_nHi, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Katrina and I am the buyer here at Shades of Light. I have been in love with the world of home design since I owned my first Barbie Dreamhouse. Now I am living out that love through my dream job. I am so excited to share all my exciting adventures in the world of lighting and home décor with you! I search the globe for all the latest trends in order to bring them right to your door. I infuse my love of exquisite things into every selection I make. I design exclusive pieces just for Shades of Light to bring you unique looks you can’t find anywhere else.

I will be keeping you posted on all the latest trends I am seeing in the market place. I’ll share the most impressive pieces I find at designer markets, the next must have look for your home, and what to look forward to from Shades of Light. I will share tips and tricks I have learned through my industry experience. I will even personally answer your design questions right here from our Inspired Spaces blog. Who needs a personal shopper when you have me just a mouse click away! Be sure to visit our blog regularly so I can help you stay ahead of the design game! I’ll be seeing you.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Sundays 8/7c on ABC

On one of those 100 degree 100% humidity days last summer, my daughter and I visited Baltimore to join the awesome crew for Extreme Makeover’s Maryland Project. The sizzling temperatures did not slow down any of the film crew, designers, TV hosts or volunteer workers at all! It was a miraculous display of teamwork and sweat! Only I couldn’t figure out why the celebrities never looked like they were melting— a special breed? With a film crew in one corner, my daughter & I painting a stairwell in another corner, designers frantically adding last minute touches, and volunteers bringing in more merchandise, the basement room came together in record time! They REALLY do complete those huge projects in a week! It all worked like clockwork with nobody even getting upset! We are honored to have provided the lighting for the project. Watch Extreme Makeover, Home Edition this Sunday 8/7c on ABC to seen the completed project!

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This weekend! Shades of Light & Open House to the Rescue

Watch it this weekend! Open House to the Rescue

Shades of Light was chosen as the exclusive provider for lighting for the rescue house by well-know interior designer Christopher Hyland. We are happy to be able to provide the homeowners with this donation.

In this special episode of Open House: To The Rescue, George, along with top designer Christopher Hyland, comes to the rescue of a New Jersey family. Single mother of 2, Laurie lost all her furniture and belongings in a house fire last year. With just the exterior of their home as their blank slate, George and Christopher help Laurie embark on a complete home transformation.

Tune in at the following showtimes on NBC

New York: Sunday 8:30 am
Chicago: Sunday 10:30 am
Los Angeles:  Saturday 7 pm
Philadelphia:  Saturday 10 am
DC: Sunday 5:30 am
San Francisco: Sunday 3 pm
San Diego: Sunday 6:30 am
Dallas (Fort Worth) : Sunday 11 am
Miami: Sat 9 am
Hartford: Sunday 6:30 am

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