Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Decorating With French Crystal Candelabras



I once read that the French say lighting is essential to a room's character. When you have that light intimately sparkling off leaded crystals in a intimate dimly lit space, you have perfection as far as I am concerned. In our addiction to French crystal chandeliers we tend to over look their smaller, yet none the less beautiful, wonderful cousins, the French crystal candelabra. What we call candelabra was originally called girandoles, from French, in turn from Italian girandola. The French designed the first rustic chandeliers in medieval times.The word means "circle of fire". Girandoles came into use about the second half of the 17th century, and were commonly made and used in pairs.They are candlestick holders with multiple arms and our old world French and Italian friends decorated them with glittering crystal accents. 

The timeless beauty of the French crystal candelabra never changes and still today old world charm and glamour run head first into modern interiors. The demand for the French crystal candelabra has increased over the past few years which of course has increased the cost. 

 For elegance with a feel of casual antiquity, look no further than these illuminating fixtures. A bit of advice........ they can become too fussy and lose their appeal if not used with the right furniture and accessories. Again use restraint and make the surrounding as simple and elegant as possible. In other words, let them "stand out" and not compete.




A beautiful French crystal candelabra turns up the glamour and romance in any room. They are the perfect accessory to place wherever a romantic flourish is needed. The romance with crystal candelabras and chandeliers can be all consuming and it is tempting to have too many of them scattered about. This takes away from the look. Use some restraint and remember that all beautiful things looks best in the right place.


The French candelabras are not as intricately carved or designed as English ones. Instead, it is their simplicity that makes them so popular.

via pinterest

The glass on crystal candelabras is cut in the style of a prism. This is why the white sunlight that shines on this girandole is split into the colors of a rainbow.

beautyandthegreen.blogspo

We all know what happens when clear accents are combined with lovely carved details. A room instantly becomes more opulent with the entrance of a French crystal candelabra.

French bronze and crystal candelabra.

Most French crystal candelabras came in a set comprised of either a three-arm or a five-arm center with the addition of two single units flanking the middle one and they were used on center tables, dining tables, or other areas where they could be viewed in their entirety.


Any style of crystal candelabra can be a delightful addition to the powder room, entryway, or in your romantic bedroom or dressing room.


The right kind of French crystal chandelier will go a long way in making your home feel a sense of the richness and old world charm.



There is much to love in this image but focus on those beautiful French crystal candelabras!!


As far as the French crystal candelabra is concerned the coziness of French Rustic decor doesn't have to come at the cost of classical elegance.

Eye For Design-Lisa Farmer

I have a pair of French crystal girandoles resting on an antique watchmakers cabinet that sits on my office desk.

Eye For Design-Lisa Farmer

I also found this French crystal candelabra recently for my living room.

ebay.com

Many candelabra only use candles but you can find them electrified as well.


Ideal as a magical and romantic light source on a bedside table. If you like the look of French candelabras, go for the ones that have more spaces between the curved arms.


Many times the French crystal candelabra will sit on a base like this marble one.


Once utilitarian, these wonderful French crystal candelabras have evolved to become elegant interior jewelry. They never really go out of style because they excite us visually.

via pinterest

Not only is it beautiful to look at, the crystal chandelier has a way of rendering light with curious shadows that captivates us.


Even though they are expensive, you can occasionally come across a deal or two at antique and collectible malls and vintage stores. Also people get rid of beautiful family heirlooms many times at yard sales. I depend on people not knowing what they possess!!

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Just as in the mid-1800’s ,when most stylish homes would have such lovely crystal candelabras, they are finding their way again into the well-appointed homes of today.



With it's beautiful form, the French crystal candelabra redefines what it means to be rustic.



There is just something about French crystal candelabras as well as chandeliers that look so pretty with distressed furniture and chippy paint.

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The French crystal candelabra is the perfect accessory for an aged and weathered interior. The look of true antiquity! The play of their light on gilt or marble is enchanting.


Designed for today, tomorrow, and everyday, a crystal candelabra will look divine in any room.





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Friday, January 30, 2015

Decorate With Round, Skirted, Dining Room Tables



A skirted round table can be an impressive piece of furniture that can be a beautiful asset to any dining room. They are a great way to make you dining room seem warm and inviting while adding color, pattern and texture. There is nothing new here, the skirted round table is a classic that gets banished to no man's land periodically. But there always seems to be an eventual resurrection because they are so lovely and versatile that decorators always seem to acknowledge their worth and bring them back from exile.

 Whether you like the romantic, dreamy style  with billowy ball gown-like skirts or your preference is a more tailored style, it is the fabric that will give your skirted dining room table a refreshed updated look. The right fabric choice will take your table from too fussy to elegant and chic. Flouncy skirts have given way to more classic looks that use lovely linens and dressmaker detailing. Even the layered looks are now clean and crisp.

I have never used a round table in my dining room nor have I used a skirt before, but I am seriously considering a change. If you find yourself drawn to this look as well maybe these images will help you make up your mind.



Decorators are once again realizing the potential of a skirted table's presence in a room. I think they are especially lovely when used on round tables in dining rooms.


Because of the number of chairs, a dining room can easily become to "leggy". A beautiful table skirt will soften the look by warming things up.


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I love this dining room with it's skirted table and wonderful banquette style seating via a sweet buffalo checked sofa.

John Saladino

If you want a beautiful skirted look for your round table try using something different like a bedspread or quilt. Think outside the box and get creative. I love the casual elegance of this table.



The heavier the fabric of your table skirt, the more luxurious the drape

www.weranda.pl

Sitting comfortably is many times a drawback to the round skirted table. Usually if the skirt is not too heavy and doesn't puddle on the floor it's not a problem. Weighting the bottom gives a better visual effect but can add to the seating problem. The trick is to make sure you provide plenty of fullness for everyone's knees so the space won't be pulled too tight.

Pamela Pierce

One of the quickest dining room updates is to switch to a round table and add a beautiful skirt.

John Fowler and Nancy Lancaster

For those who like layers of pattern, a tablecloth for your round dining room table is a great way to mix in more.


A round dining room table covered in layers of crisp stripes and checks is perfection when used with painted furniture.  

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If you are considering a table skirt for your dining room but don't want a voluminous effect, a shorter skirt may be the answer.

via pinterest

A softly draped table skirt adds instant warmth to the dining room and can be a wonderful alternative if there is already a good deal of wood in the room


If your dining room is lacking architectural interest, a skirted table is the perfect solution to bring interest to the space.


To protect your round table skirt you can choose glass or a waterproof liner.


If you like a layered effect for your dining room table skirt you can still have an fresh look by choosing updated fabrics. Remember to use some restraint...........flouncy and fussy is out.


I love this simple but elegant round, skirted table. And since I am a big fan of mismatched dining room chairs, the addition of the great colorful painted chairs and French settee is pure perfection!!

via pinterest

I think a round and skirted dining room table creates a more intimate space.


It really doesn't matter the condition of the round table just as long as it is sturdy. This will give you more money in your budget to purchase great fabric for your dining room table skirt.

Suzanne Rheinstein

The dining room that features a round and skirted table will be more visually appealing if the chairs aren't situated in the traditional pushed in way. Either move your chairs out a bit, place them against the walls until ready to use or try something unique like the placement above.


Round dining room tables look wonderful in more tailored skirting as well. However I would position each chair at a pleat for comfortable seating. Decorative tape or fringe can help refresh your fabric and those little dressmaker details make all the difference.

Space Interior Design



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This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Decorate With Marsala, Pantone's Color of the Year for 2015.

This blogpost is designed to introduce you to a color you will be seeing alot of in 2015. Marsala is Pantone's Color of the Year and it's earthy and sophisticatedred hue promises to be a popular color choice for the runway as well as home decor. Complex and full-bodied it gets it name from Marsala, a fortified wine from Sicily commonly use for cooking to create rich caramelized sauces. Somewhere between rose and terra cotta this color has brown undertones that give it it's earthiness. Marsala combines well with metallics, another popular trend.

 As I have been researching images I became aware that there is a pretty wide-ranging interpretation of the color. I have seen people posting everything from pink and red to burgundy and calling it marsala. Make sure you are being presented with the true color when considering incorporating marsala into your home. Your designer needs a good eye for this one. 

I think marsala is especially lovely in old world style homes that are layered in textile and artwork. Bare walls of it is not my favorite look. Marsala is a color that needs to be accessoroized well and in the right hands will give you a rich, refined space.



The Color of the Year's namesake, Marsala wine.


Marsala is beeing seen all over the runways and the red carpets. Home decor is soon to follow.


My marsala inspired stairway this past Christmas. Since I am not a trend driven designer it is fun to see that I am on trend with a color I have had on my walls for years. This is such a rich, wonderful color and all who visit comment on it. Marsala is compatable with turquoise and teal, and blues

via pinterest

A softened terra cotta, marsala is colorful while still remaining a good neutral to work with.


Marsala combines well wih grey, black, beige and other neutrals. Metallics are very trendy now and this color works very well with them. I love marsala with burnished gold.

Marsala make for an elegant, grounded statement color when used on its own or as a strong accent to many other colors. 

Marsala is a wonderful color that can be the perfect background for an aged patina or weathered look.

I think it is a huge mistake to use white trim on marsala walls. Much too much of a contrast.This color needs rich golden tan trimwork like that above to be successful.

Living room decorated by JL Riccardi

If you are desiring warmth in your home's interiors, marsala might be your answer.  



Wonderful marsala Bell Jar Pendant by Niche Modern

I have always loved the color we are now calling marsala used with this shade of  terra cotta.........


and recently did a bedroom in them with small touches of marsala for accent.

elledecor.com
This chair is covered in a deeper shade of marsala. And in keeping with the “neutrals with a hint of color trend", touches of this color are lovely against creamier walls.
via pinterest

Marsala is not being very well received because people don't know how to decorate with it. Many say it looks dull and muddied. It is a rich color if you know how to use elegant accessories. Just painting a wall with it and sitting a sofa in front is not the way you work with this color. 

thibautdesign.com

Flattering against many skin tones your guests will look their best in a marsala colored room.


Maybe a piece or two of furniture like this chair is all you need to spruce up your home in this lovely red brown hue.


A matte finish like on these walls highlights marsala’s earthy organic nature but when you add a gloss to the mix as has been done on the panels, it compleely changes the look to that of glamour and luxury.


In this pretty dining room marsala mixes well with yellows, oranges, and deep mahogany furniture.

Marsala has a plush element to it which comes through even more when you see it on textured surfaces like the velvet of this sofa.

via pinterest

The fact it looks so good on textures makes marsala  the perfect choice for rugs and upholstered furnishings.

Oriental Weavers


Marsala's red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness and looks good with natural elements like wood and stone.

Sara Gilbane

Marsala is highly compatible with amber and golden yellows. It is a good color for an eclectic interior.




If you are debating over whether to add a touch of colour to your home this year, perhaps you should seriously consider a shade of marsala.



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This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer



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