Showing posts with label lamps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lamps. Show all posts

Friday, March 21, 2014

New Purposes for Old Things

As we begin the process of getting our home ready to sell, I've come across some very interesting things. Things that at one time I thought could really be turned into something really cute, or very handy, or at least very different. It's become a bit of a challenge as I remember all the great ideas I had for some of these pieces.And now I really need to get rid of them for the move.

Courtesy Elle Decor
To try to come to terms with this very hard task, I thought I would share with you a few creative uses for old things I've come across, beginning with mason jars. I've had a thing for mason jars ever since going to a restaurant in Houston a million years ago called The Mason Jar, where they served their drinks in - what else? - mason jars. That's certainly one (not particularly creative) idea, but what about this adorable soap dispenser? And of course, there are plenty of others, like votive holders (hold the candle using colored sand in interesting patterns), light fixtures, especially cute when configured as a pendant light), and so many more.
Courtesy BHG

While mason jars are very simple, here's an entire desk with accessories made from repurposed items! From the table-turned-hanging desk, to the kitchen implements as storage and the wired frame as a bulletin board, this desk makes great use of old items.

And not all of the ideas have to be for rustic or country looks. What about using crystal wine glasses as candle holders? Turn them upside down put a pretty flower in the bowl of the glass and a votive on top for an elegant addition to a beautiful dining table. Beautiful bureaus can be turned into elegant bathroom washstands. And on and on and on.

This was probably not a good blog post to write as I'm getting rid of things......how am I supposed to let these things go?

If you would like to see more fun repurposed items, be sure to check out my latest board on Pinterest.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

We Need Lights at This Time of Year!

Lighting is critical in a good design plan. But even more so during the dark days of winter. While you may not have the budget to redo your home's entire lighting scheme, there are some easy changes you can make to make your home lighter and brighter at this time of year.

Begin with the entry. Even if you have a chandelier, a lamp on the entry table or a floor lamp beside a chair invite your visitors inside and set the tone for the rest of the home.

Check out the living and family rooms. Would changing lamp shades to a lighter color help? What about adding ambient lighting, such as a pretty accent lamp on a bookshelf or one or two on the mantel? Not only does this provide additional soft lighting to the room, they also help to draw your eye to a focal point of the room.

Dining rooms usually have a chandelier of some sort. (Design tip: your chandelier should be at least 12 inches narrower than the table and hung between 27" and 36" above it.) But what about buffet lamps? Would that bring a nice glow to the room?

Under-cabinet lighting is nice in the kitchen, but if you don't have it what about adding an accent lamp on the countertop? Ditto bathrooms, where having a lit lamp feels much warmer than walking into a dark space.

There are so many options available for lighting today. It's nice to know you don't have to spend a fortune if you don't want to! Want a few more ideas? Then check out my newest board on Pinterest Inexpensive Lighting Options