Which Pair Of Sconces Would YOU Choose?!

One of the elements that I am changing out in my family room re-do are the sconces on each side of my over-mantle mirror…..

I found this piece at an antique store. It is actually mahogany underneath the white paint, and probably dates back to the early 1900’s.

I love to mix antiques with newer pieces in a room. I think it gives warmth, and sometimes even a little provenance to a room.

Keep in mind this mantle spans 17 ft., the entire width of the room.

Now that you have a visual of the mantel lets look at some of the lighting possibilities that I like that are within my budget. 

Of course I have some that are outside my budget., It is always fun to look, and be inspired, but I want to be reasonable with my wants. After all none of these things are needs.

WITHIN BUDGET

#ONE

Source: shadesoflight.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

I do like the antique gold finish, it is soft and I believe timeless. 

The round shape will add a softness to the rectangle shape of the wall above the mantel.

It also comes in a black finish, which would tie in with the my fireplace screen and other black touches throughout the room……

#TWO

Source: shadesoflight.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

As much as I love black, this reads a bit harsh for my room. I will hold off my judgment until after I see it in person.

This style also comes in a double light fixture……

#THREE

Source: lampsplus.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

It is more of a dark bronze, so a bit softer than black, but I don't think they carry it in   the antique gold finish. Of course I will inquire about that if this becomes a finalist!!

Source: lampsplus.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

I truly love this fixture, but we don’t think it will work because of the wiring height. 

As you will notice in the image of the existing light fixtures the electrical boxes are placed high on the wall since the lighting has both up and down lights.  Since this has a shade I don’t think it will look right placed that high.

#FOUR

Source: lighttrends.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

This is a bit newer and more trendy but I love it and have pinned it in several room images since I first saw it.

Sherry from Design Indulgence used this sconce in black,  in a room she pulled together for me on polyvore titled Nantucket family room! 

So many of the elements are exactly what I love, and already have. She just pulled this together on a whim, and look at what she came up with. 

I would say she nailed it. She is one talented and generous  designer and blogging friend. If you have not visited her blog yet, you have to go over there. I promise you will love her as much as I do………..

Back to the lighting……

This last light fixture is the style  I originally had envisioned for the room, but it measures 17in high and 6 in wide. I think it will look too massive for the room.

The other problem, it is custom made and non-returnable. I have to see it in person, I am a visual girl and like to see what I am purchasing.Especially when it will be such an important element in the room.

#FIVE

Source: lighttrends.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

OUTSIDE MY BUDGET

#SIX

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What can I say it is jut pretty and a forever piece.

#SEVEN

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#EIGHT

Source: thefederalistonline.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

This is what has been in my designing mixing bowl. Now you get to help by telling me which one or two sconces you can see in my room. 

 Things to Keep In Mind.......

A blue and white ticking sofa with white chairs. I like a traditional look with a twist. I always add touches of black in my rooms!

 Spring/ Summer fabrics in room......

Source: sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

Fall/Winter Fabrics....

Source: sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

 

If any of you have seen a sconce you think would look good in my room other than what I have chosen throw it into the mix. I love to read your opinions, plus it is just fun!!!

 

 

Bringing Lovely Back Into Your Home!

With all the high speed technology in the world today I think we often forget about the gentleness we all need in life.

The simple yet lovely elements that make us feel content inside. These are never costly items, just simple little touches that any of us can do.

Having a lovely home is more than a home that is well designed. A lovely home is a feast for all the senses.

I think we often forget the little things we can do to bring back the LOVELY to our homes.

Today I thought I would share some of the things I try to do in my own home to make it lovely not only for my guest, but for me!

These are simple ideas that cost very little, or in many cases cost nothing, like this first idea……….

BRINGING IN NATURE

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Go out in your back yard and cut some greenery, or a single blossom and put it on your desk or guest bathroom sink, or on your dining table tonight for dinner.

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Add a little sparkle to your water with sequins. Just think about how this would glimmer next to a flickering flame of a votive candle.

 

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Even a sprig of fern can look lovely in a simple glass bottle.

Often we tend to think we have to have company to do these special little touches. 

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

I think it is important to do add loveliness to our homes on a daily basis.

 

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Every morning I wake up and open my blinds and turn on my stereo. I always have soft ambient music playing in the background.

 

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You would be surprised at how it can lift your spirits, just to have the soft sound of beautiful music playing. Another no cost way to add a special feel to your home.

AMBIENT LIGHTING  

LIGHTING

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Candles are always an extra added bonus in a room. Whether they add a scent or just the beautiful light that glimmers in a room.

 

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Often times we think it has to be dark, or a candlelight dinner to have a candle lit. I light my candles even during the day. I have one on my desk that I love to light when I first wake up in the mornings.

 PRETTY REFRESHMENTS

Throughout the day we will all be drinking, coffee, tea or just plain water. Why not make it a little more special by drinking out of a special cup or glass, adding lemon, or ice cubes with fruit in them. Simple and very little cost to do this.

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 Add lemon slices to your water, and make it a little more special not only in taste, but visually.

  

FRESH AIR AND LIGHT 

 If the weather allows, open up those windows and let fresh air flow through your home….

 

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 FRESH SHEETS

Fresh sheets on the bed sprayed with your favorite linen spray or fragrance.

Sometimes I just spray my fragrance on my pillow case because it is such a pleasure to lay my head down at night.

You already have the perfume, why not use it. Just think about how your spouse will be surprised when they lay their head down at bedtime….

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Another thing I do is to take a dryer sheet and rub it on the edge of the sheet that I fold over and on my pillow case.

Don’t forget you can also change your pillow case every night if you love the freshness of just laundered bedding.  You don't have to wait until you change all the sheets.

All of these things are no cost, yet they add loveliness to your day!

FRESH PRODUCE

If you have fresh fruit and/or veggies in your refrigerator bring them out, and put them in a colorful bowl for a pop of color on your counter.

 

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These are things you already have so why not utilize them in a lovely manner.

 

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None of the above ideas are costly and they are so simple to do in your own home today!!

 ASSIGNMENT FOR TONIGHT

Tonight when you have dinner, light a candle, put a little vase of greenery next to it. Pull out your cloth napkins instead of paper. Use a tablecloth! Have music playing in the background, and have a LOVELY dinner!!



  

There Is A New Kid In Town!

 

If you have been following along with my blog very long you know that I am in the middle, or should say the beginning of a redo in my family room.

My sofa and ottoman will be going to the upholsterer next Wednesday, and it will be recovered in this fabric……

A classic blue and white ticking

I have been waiting for more fabric samples to come in. These will be used for pillows.

The other day I received a Schumacher fabric and let me tell you dear readers, 

“There is a new kid in town!”

This is Schumacher’s Chenonceau in the color Aloe.

I have to tell you this green is perfect. It has a brightness, and yet a softness at the same time. That is the best of both worlds in my book.

I have one more green fabric coming from Schumacher. Mary McDonald’s No Fret in the color lettuce…

SPRING COMBINATION 

 

You can see it on the bottom right. It looks as if the two greens will work well together, don’t you think? I have my fingers crossed that the two will work well together.

I am getting closer and closer to a good combination, and I am getting really excited at the possibilities.

Next element to tackle is the lighting. I will keep you posted!!

To be continued……..