Multi Color Gypsy Chandelier at Tuesday Morning

Tuesday Morning continues to shock and impress me.  Check out this super colorful and fun chandelier they have right now for $99!!  And it's not small either.  At 29" long and 22" wide, that's a lot of impact for a hundred bucks.

 

Multi Color Gypsy Chandelier from Tuesday Morning - $99

I used a similar chandelier in this Technicolor Nursery design board.  That one was from Urban Outfitters and is now sold out but was already a steal at $159.  

Super cute for a little girl's room or extra fabulous bathroom right?

I was trying to relax but then this light showed up

Last weekend, Mr. H+F gave me the best birthday surprise -  he booked me a whole day at my favorite spa.  Aaaaah, relaxation!  Facial, massage, the works! 

The entire spa underwent a major renovation after it was destroyed by a fire last year and the ladies locker room looked completely different than I'd remembered it.  I really wanted to take pictures of the whole space because it was super fabulous (tufted velvet benches, mirrored consoles, etc) but I reminded myself that it might not be kosher to whip out your iPhone and start snapping pics in a women's locker room.  

"No, no...I'm not a pervert I swear!  I'm just taking a picture of these curtains for my blog!" 

But then I saw one very fabulous pendant light fixture and I HAD to take a picture of it so I could look for it later.  (aside:  you know you have issues when you're at the spa to relax and all you can think about is getting home to Google the hell out of "scalloped pendant shade"!) 

All my Google searches came up empty and I certainly don't need a new pendant at the moment so I decided to just file it away in the little (or maybe big) part of my brain where I keep "things to look for later". 

Well looky look what I just came across in this really fantastic home tour over on Apartment Therapy!  Looks mighty familiar doesn't it? It's like the Design Gods just smiled down on me :)

A quick check of the sources revealed that it's from the home of pretty much all fabulous lighting - Circa Lighting (remember these? yup, also Circa.)  Another design mystery solved!  I'm happy because now I know where it's from but sad because it's $1,050.  It IS really large though (25" wide.)

 

Large Simple Scallop Pendant Chandelier Barbara Barry for Circa Lighting $1,050

It also comes in a smaller size (15.75" wide) for $630.

Small Simple Scallop Pendant Barbara Barry for Circa Lighting $630

And there are matching wall sconces which the spa had mounted right over the vanity mirror (love that look!)

 Simple Scallop Wall Sconce Barbara Barry for Circa Lighting $420

Filing this away for some day in the future.  Hopefully in this imaginary future I'll find something like this on Overstock for a whole lot less! $1,050 is A LOT of massages afterall :)

Some things you should know about

I'm in my usual post-Super Bowl Sunday funk - attributable largely to the the approximately 37 pounds of queso I ingested but more specifically because my New England Patriots lost in a HEART WRENCHING game.  Seriously, I still feel sick.  Can't talk about it...ugh.

I need the day to recover.  In the meantime, I'm sharing some of my favorite finds and deals from around the web.  

World Market has these great ikat patterned shower curtains right now. Even if you don't need a splash of ikat in your bathroom, the pattern and colors would make for some great throw pillows.  Or you could always try my favorite trick and turn them into window draperies.

 

Coral & Grey Ikat Shower Curtain from World Market $29.99

 

Purple & Green Ikat Shower Curtain from World Market $29.99 

I got Knox these shoes last week and he's worn them every day since.  He loves them and I think they're pretty hysterical myself.

 Robeez Yoda Slip-on from Nordstroms $27.95

Fun, purple drapery panels on sale at ZGallerie for $39.99 (96" length.) 

Mimosa Panels in Orchid from ZGallerie $39.99

I have to admit I'm not the biggest fan of Kirkland's but lately they've become my go-to place for interesting and inexpensive side tables.  Two of my favorites right now (the second one I just used in a nursery inspiration board coming up this week!)

 

Gold Barrel Table from Kirklands $79.99

 

Twig Accent Table from Kirklands $49.99

I just got this book for Knox and the illustration are so wonderful, I almost want to put it away for framing.  Each page is a letter of the alphabet with a really fun image to accompany it.  If you don't want to destroy the whole book by framing its pages, the book jacket that accompanies it can be reversed and opened to reveal a colorful alphabet poster that has all 26 letters and their corresponding illustrations.  LOVE.

 

Paul Thurby's Alphabet from Amazon $11.59

Say what??  A pinstripe chesterfield at Tuesday Morning of all places?  Crafted right here in North Carolina!

Pinstripe Chesterfield from Tuesday Morning $2,499

You know I am loving some metal sconces these days. This 3 light fixture in polished nickel is gorgeous for a bathroom and really reasonable at $159.

Pullman bath light from Shades of Light $159

This room makes me happy.  The cool art on the wall is from here for $99.

 

 

The Change from AeroPagital Prints on Etsy $99 

I'm kind of obsessed with this vintage Turkish kilim rug on eBay. The colors are just perfect.  It's small (roughly 5'x2.5') but it could look really GREAT to reupholster a bench don't you think?

Anatolian Kilim Turkish Rug from eBay

And lastly, Michael Fassbender.  

 

Period.  End of story.  No additional description required.

Swing Arm Metal Sconces

I have been having a love affair with metal swing arm sconces since I blogged about the brass one in Amy Meier's office that was featured in BHG. 

Since then I've amassed quite collection of images featuring these sconces. There's just something about the metal shade and that double articulation that I can't get enough of (see how they have 2 spots where they can bend?)  They give just a hit of that industrial vibe to a space.   I've decided they look good pretty much everywhere, in every style room and in every finish.

I'm guessing there is a 3rd sconce just out of this shot on the left.  Because you can bend them in various ways and direct the light down, these are a great solution for a vanity area on a window wall like below.  Don't need a lot of solid wall space to make it work, just a bit right by the ceiling. 

 

{Image via Coastal Living's 2010 Idea House}

They can even be ceiling mounted!

 

{Image via Erin Martin Designs}

They are total perfection over a bookcase. 

Or tucked into a cozy nook like this.

{Image via Gold and Gray}

What do you think?  Too much of a good thing?

{Image via Martha Stewart}

Ah yes, I think this is much better.

{Image via Atlanta Homes Magazine}

Look how much concentrated accent lighting they give off!  I love that.

{Image via Abode Love}

Rejuvenation seems to have the best price going on this style of sconce.  The Reed (pictured below and in the photo of the hair salon above) is $272 and comes in 13 different finishes.  If you prefer not to mess with an electrician, the Wallace style is the same but a plug-in version!

$272 is by no means cheap for a sconce but it's such a bold silhouette and really adds a lot to a space.  If you're going to put it somewhere where you'll be adjusting the light angle frequently, I think it's worth it to spring for good quality.  Nothing worse than mounting something like this and then having the weight of the shade drag it out of shape!

Pewter and Sage Mood Board Monday Dining Room

Today I'm excited to be taking part in my second Mood Board Monday over on Pewter + Sage.  If you're not familiar with the concept, Sarah provides one inspirational item or image and participants design a room - any room - around it.  Click here to see the first Mood Board Monday I participated in (and the first inspiration board I ever did on the blog!)

Today's challenge starts with some fabulous dinnerware so clearly a warm and inviting dining room was in order!  

Sarah gaves us a few choices but I picked the gorgeous Penumbral Doily Dinnerware from Anthropologie.  I was so inspired by the contrast in these plates.  They're an organic, imperfect terracotta form yet they're still so delicate with the impressed crocheted motif.   I decided to keep the play on contrasts going throughout the room with a casual yet refined dining room.  

This is the first non-kiddy room I've designed here on the blog so be kind!  Even though this is an inspiration board challenge and the sky is the limit on budgets, etc I tried really hard to only use items that I myself would have no issue buying.  I love Restoration Hardware furniture and Anthropologie lighting and all of that but I specifically challenged myself to design a room for under $3,500 (that didn't look like it!)  That's not chump change but if you've ever furnished and decorated a dining room you know it EATS money.  There are so many major furniture pieces to purchase (especially chairs!!) but I did it! 


I am not one for really fancy dining rooms with gobs of crystals and fancy, uncomfortable chairs. A room like this is much more my style - warm and inviting with a cozy, home-y feel.   I love the mix of woods and textures with just a hint of sparkle in the mercury glass lamps. I've swapped out two of the chairs (wishbone style knock offs from Overstock, WOOT!!) for a cushy and colorful armless settee. Instead of one big light, I've opted for two smaller iron orb pendants over a weathered harvest table.  A soft tone-on-tone chevron jute rug adds texture and just a hint of pattern to the room. Some green cotton curtain panels would be fancied up with Greek key trim and the burlap lamp shades would get just at touch of rusty orange with some velvet ribbon trim.  

Can you believe that sideboard is IKEA and just $199?  I love the gray finish!  I would add a single fun knob to bring out a little more of that rusty orange color from the settee.  $10 is a splurge for a knob but you only need one on this piece!  

And just in time for Thanksgiving, some adorable vintage brass wishbone charms are perfect for stringing up on twine and wrapping around napkins like this.

What do you guys think?  Can't you just imagine curling up on that sweet little settee with a slice of pumpkin pie after Thanksgiving dinner?  Head over to Pewter + Sage to see how everyone else interpreted their dinnerware.  I love seeing what everyone else comes up with!

GRAND TOTAL:  $3,383.81

SOURCES:
1.  Signature Burnished Cotton Silk Panels from Overstock

2.  2.5" Athena Trim in Leaf from Lewis & Sharon

3.  Petit Orb Chandelier from Ballard Designs

4.  Arcadia Extension Table from World Market

5.  Khandara Armless Settee from Amazon

6.  Wishbone Dark Wood Y Chair from Overstock

7.  Subway Art Family Rules from Etsy seller KariMachal

8.  Luna Antique Mercury Glass Lamp from Pottery Barn 
(with some luck, I bet you could find a similar style at Home Goods for much less!)

9.  Isala Gray Sideboard from Ikea

10.  Brilliant Blossom Knob from Anthropologie

11.  2" Velvet Ribbon in Rust from MJ Trim

12.  Chevron Jute & Hemp Rug from Serena & Lily

13.  Forest Photograph from Etsy Seller Eye Poetry Photography 

14.  Vintage Antique Brass Wishbone Charms from Etsy Seller EpochBeads

15.  Vintage Mustard Yellow Ceramic Horn Planter from Etsy Seller MelaniePeralto2

The Best of Etsy: FabulousMess

In case you missed my announcement, all this week I'll be featuring my favorite Etsy shops. From baby gear to jewelry, pillows to art, I'm sharing all the shops I've been "favorite-ing" for over a year. I hope throughout the course of the week you discover a few new gems and share a few also!






Hollywood regency items are one of my favorite things to search for on eBay.  I love seeing all the treasures that come up, but usually most need a little love and elbow grease to turn them into the show pieces they could be.  This Etsy shop is one of my favorites to peruse for inspiration.  I love vintage lighting and they have quite a great selection.  To be honest, the prices are bit much for me but it's still some great eye candy. 

 

I'm always looking for new Etsy shops to peruse! What's your favorite Etsy shop for vintage furniture and lighting? 

Finding the right size lampshade for your lamp

Today I'm sharing one of my design pet peeves with you. I CAN'T STAND lampshade that are disproportionate to the lamps they're on. There is an epidemic of too short lampshades going on in America. This is an extreme example but quite honestly, not that extreme.


Here are 2 easy steps for determining the correct size lampshade for your lamp (per Martha Stewart Living):

1. Lamp shades look best when they are 2/3 as tall as the lamp base. Multiply the height of the lamp base (floor to socket) by .66. This is the appropriate HEIGHT of your shade or measure A in the diagram below.

2. A lampshade should also be slightly wider that the widest point on the lamp base. Measure your lamp at its widest point. This could be the very base of your lamp (the part that touches the floor) or a point midway up the lamp if you have some kind of hourglass silhouette going on. Whatever the widest part of your lamp is, take that measurement and add 2 inches. This is the minimum WIDTH of your lamp shade or measure B in the diagram below.

This calculation works great for table lamps but not so great for really tall floor lamps. Case in point - I got this turned wood floor lamp on Overstock last year (no longer available, bummer). It came with this absurdly short shade for a 66" tall lamp. I mean look! You can see the "guts" of the lamp! Bulbs, sockets...the whole deal!


According to step one in the calculation above, a 66" tall lamp would need a 43" tall lamp shade. I don't know about you, but I've never seen an almost 4' tall lamp shade.

My rule of thumb with floor lamps is more like 25%. The height of your floor lampshade should be roughly equal to 1/4 the height of your floor lamp. I do believe step 2 holds true though. The shade should still be slightly wider than the widest part of the lamp to keep the entire effect looking proportional.

Once again my lamp is 66" tall and 12" at its widest point (which happens to be the very bottom). Using my rule of 25%, that would mean I need a roughly 16.5" tall by 14" wide lampshade. These are rough estimates but they are a good starting point. Either way, not a small lampshade by any means and usually not cheap.

A quick trip through my local Pottery Barn last week landed me this 17" tall by 15" wide drum shade for...drum-roll please...$9.97!!!! On super, duper, final sale clearance. I can't even find it on their website. It was one of those deals with the cashier goes "woah...are there any more of these?" when you're checking out. {and yes, there was one more which I was tempted to buy just because but I fought my hoarding tendencies and walked out with just one.}


Doesn't it look SO much better? This might be the cheapest design fix I've ever landed (and no, I'm not counting the time when I spray painted some lampshades...though that was epic).

So...do you have any lamps sporting disproportionately sized lampshades in your home?

How to DIY a boob light into a drum shade

This is a tutorial on how I turned the ugly builder-grade boob light in my guest room into something a little more pleasant to look at with a regular lamp shade from Home Goods.

Once I took the shade off my existing boob light I could see that it had a large nipple that ran down from the ceiling and into the shade. This is what lets you screw the shade onto the fixture.

I picked up this lampshade at Home Goods for $6 in the clearance section. It was all dented and busted up but I didn't care because I was planning to recover it anyway. My only requirements for it were size - I wanted something substantial enough for the room - and a spider top. See how the hardware criss-crosses at the top of the shade and not down inside? That's a spider shade.

Because I'm a hoarder of craft supplies, I already had everything else on hand.

I was originally going to use some grosgrain ribbon to finish the shade but I was able to remove the binding at the top and bottom of the original shade in one large piece. They were in such great condition that I decided to just reuse them to finish the shade after I recovered it.

This really couldn't be any easier. Follow Janell's tutorial which is much better than mine. Wrap your fabric around the shade, making adjustments as you go. Once you're happy with the placement, start gluing.

I was originally going to use a fan brush to brush on some fabric glue but I got really impatient with how slow that was going so I just dabbed the glue right on the shade at various intervals. Just use a very light hand. A little goes a long way and if you glob it on there, it will show through your fabric.

Add the binding piece back on with more fabric glue.

Trim away the excess fabric on the inside of your shade. This is actually an important step because you'll be able to see up into your shade once it's hung. So be diligent about getting as close to the edge as possible.

So now you've got a finished shade, but you have to get it up on the ceiling. The best way I found to do this was to get some couplers and assorted brass nipples from Lowes. You'll use these to extend the length of the existing nipple on your boob ceiling light. (this post is so definitely getting picked up by porn spammers huh?)

Couplers

Extenders

First I added the coupler.

Then I screwed a nipple extension into the coupler (sorry, no pics of this step). Then I slid the whole shade on.

Ideally I'd be able to stop here and just throw out the glass shade that came with the boob light. The problem was that without it, the shade was hanging pretty low, leaving me with an unsightly gap between the ceiling and the shade.

So I had to compromise and screw the entire glass shade back on. It is essentially sandwiching the lampshade against the ceiling and eliminating the gap.

Not ideal because you can still see it from below but it solved the problem.

By no means is this is permanent fix but for $6 out of pocket for the lampshade, it's definitely one I can live with for a bit!