Geometric patterns have been emerging on the design scene as part of the “everything-old-is-new-again” trend. Tricia Cronise of Stedman House Interiors explains that since home trends take their cues from fashion trends, we can thank past runway fashions for this current hit in our homes. She also points out that many of these patterns, like the Greek key or fretwork pattern, have roots in historical architecture. “Using these patterns is a great way to refresh and energize your interior without creating too much of a change,” she says.

Elaine Stephenson of Elaine Stephenson Interiors adds that today’s geometrics have somewhat of a retro feel—think Palm Beach glam in a green and white caning-print seat cushion. Retro-chic is in vogue across the board—in fashion, home and media trends too (think “Mad Men”), also accounting for geometric pattern popularity. Some of Stephenson’s favorite geometric patterns include fretwork, quatrefoil, and an updated houndstooth. “Geometric patterns are so graphic and fresh,” she says. “And they work well with other designs, like florals and stripes. People find them easy to work with.”

Indeed, versatility makes geometric patterns even more appealing. Since home décor is often an investment, homeowners want pieces that are easy to mix and match, and looks that will remain timeless. Though neutrals often satisfy these requirements, geometrics can, too.

“There’s a freshness about them, and they are very versatile, says Elizabeth Gilkeson who owns The French Thistle along with husband David. She says that geometrics translate well into the transitional mode because they coordinate with a traditional or a modern look. “They can be a nice opposite to florals and solids,” says Gilkeson.

Ikat is another popular look that falls into the trendy geometric category. Linear but soft, this pattern may have once been associated with the global bazaar look but now blends with traditional interiors. “Ikat is a popular look because it’s not a floral, but can be blended in with florals and other patterns,” says Stephenson.

Adding Interest with Pattern
If you’re nervous about using geometric prints, Cronise suggests starting small. “In the past few years, we’ve seen an awful lot of neutrals and textures, so using geometric patterns is our way of breaking out of that rut in a safe way,” she says. She suggests an area rug, throw pillows or even a snazzy new mirror as great ways to introduce geometric pattern to your décor. She also suggests working a geometric-patterned fabric onto the trim of a window treatment or on the skirt of an upholstered piece. She suggests soft tones of the colors you want to use; though color is making a comeback, “the softer tones will have more staying power,” she says. If being a trendsetter is more your speed, keep your eye out for stronger shades of blue; Stephenson says she’s seeing blue come back in strong indigo, Prussian and Delft tones. Gilkeson sees a trend toward colors like navy blue and apple green.

Gilkeson says that geometrics are particularly suited for window cornices because of the linear nature of the pattern on the fabric as well as the treatment itself. “You can play around with different configurations of pattern,” says Gilkeson. Geometrics are also great for tufted ottomans and bedding, she says.

Designers agree that geometric-patterned wallpaper can add a great dash of interest to the back of a bookshelf, the interior of a china cabinet, or even one feature wall in a room. Or if you are of the DIY set, try creating custom wall art by placing geometric-patterned wallpaper on plywood—framed or not—for an instant, inexpensive wow on your walls.

Geometric patterns also work well in your outdoor spaces. Jazz up your standard solid or striped chaise cushions with a fabulous ikat outdoor pillow, or treat yourself to some new placemats in a brightly colored fresh geometric pattern. Or consider an outdoor rug to add color and interest to your patio or deck. Among summer’s bold outdoor colors, bright sun and delicate flowers, geometric patterned-goods such as these make a pleasing aesthetic statement. Today’s durable indoor/outdoor fabrics are manufactured to withstand the rigors of outdoor conditions.

Scale is an important factor to consider in using geometrics. Cronise says that if you are mixing geometrics, be sure to mix the scale of patterns—some large and some small—to achieve a successful, balanced design that isn’t overwhelmed with pattern. Experts agree that you need to seek a proportionate mix of pattern. “If you have a large-scale floral, for example, you don’t want to pair it with a large-scale geometric,” says Stephenson. If you want your geometric to be the main focal point in the room, then she suggests picking a pattern with a bigger repeat.

If you thought you were finished with geometry class, think again. This time around, however, you have lots of inspiration and guidance to help you strike a balance in your home using this hot but timeless trend.

In the kitchen, the backdrop to all that happens is the backsplash—the area of wall between the stovetop or counter and the cabinets above, intended to protect against splashed liquids and soapy scrubbings. Since this architectural element is obvious to all who enter, a new backsplash can be a budget-conscious way to update a kitchen. When considering how to design a backsplash and what to use, it is reassuring to know that a few boxes of tile and a free weekend can bring a seemingly dead space to life.

Backsplashes can be designed with an array of styles and a variety of products. One of the most versatile, durable and timeless products to use is tile. There are three basic types: ceramic, porcelain and glass tile. Each of these come in a variety of shapes, styles and colors. Ceramic tile is made from clay and then heated, resulting in either a glazed or an unglazed tile. Unglazed tile is derived from a quarry and is often more natural in color; glazed tiles are created by adding glaze after the clay has been heated, creating a beautiful bounty of colors. Porcelain tile is made of fine porcelain clays and fired at much higher temperatures, but the end result looks very much like ceramic.

Glass tile is also a great option to use as a backsplash. It is easy to clean and complements many countertops, such as granite. Natural stone tile, such as travertine or tumbled stone, is another option. One drawback to this selection is that it is porous, requiring resealing every 12 to 18 months to prevent permanent stains and discoloration.

When selecting products, always bring a sample home first to make sure the colors blend with the rest of the kitchen, because lighting can make a huge difference. In a room that is primarily functional like the kitchen, elements with texture, pattern and color can really jazz the space up. A bold backsplash is one way to create a focal point. Complement the architectural elements already in the kitchen, such as counters and cabinetry. Tile in warm, rich earth tones could enhance the beauty of cherry cabinets and granite countertops, while iridescent glass tile could beautifully accent white cabinetry, achieving a fresh modern look. As with any surface, the amount of wear and tear to the area should be considered, which is why tile is such a popular choice. Cleanup is easy, and with consistent use of a sealant, the grout will remain stain-resistant.

Having a beautiful backdrop to work with may be just what it takes to inspire more food preparation. Colors chosen can affect appetites, entice creativity and inspire conversation. A bright color may be an overwhelming choice to paint an entire kitchen, but it could make a bold and energetic statement in a small area like the backsplash. In addition to the assortment of colors, there is an endless variety of patterns you can use. Try to reflect your family’s personality—fun, whimsical, traditional, orderly. The backsplash can consist of simple rows of the same tile, or a scattering of colored or embossed tiles worked in here and there in the design. Patterns such as a harlequin in bright colors, stark black and white, or trendy yellow and grey, can also create an interesting twist on a classic design. Monochromatic color schemes can create a serene mood, helping to draw attention to the other elements throughout the space. Smaller mosaic tiles can add texture and interest without overwhelming an area. Or consider incorporating one major element in the middle of the design, above the stove—perhaps a large, painted tile, or one featuring an embossed object like a sun or leaf—surrounded by complementary tiles, like a framed piece of art. Other ideas? Consider laying square tiles on the diagonal, or subway tiles vertically. The possibilities are endless.

When there is no natural stopping point at the end of a counter, or if you want to limit your design over your stove, you can create a tile border by using listello tiles. Listello tiles are usually rectangular and can be used to cap off an area, or for the transitional space across the stove top backsplash and under-cabinet areas of the kitchen that need a defined ending point.

As with any space that draws us in, a stylish kitchen can be achieved without spending a fortune, but rather by incorporating personal elements and creativity. Backsplashes are an economical way to update a kitchen by injecting personality. As with each individual piece of tile joined together to create a beautiful design, kitchens are where lives join together, too. With such a beautiful backdrop that complements our lives, we will be more inspired to serve, as both family and friends gather and share their dreams over dinner.

However, good old-fashioned clocks have made a big comeback in home décor. Using the clock as more than a timepiece hinges on two trends that are in vogue at the moment: going back to vintage roots, and using practical things in decorative ways to enhance your décor. Even though trends come and go, clocks are a classic decorating piece that will stand the test of time (pun intended!).

There are several different types of timepieces for the home. Wall clocks can take the form of a small clock above the entryway in a kitchen, or they can make a statement as an oversized piece of wall art with large hands and imposing Roman numerals for all to see (think 3-foot diameter!). A grandfather clock takes on a regal tone, standing as a piece of furniture in its own right. Throughout your day you can be soothed by its swinging pendulum and hear resounding booms as it sounds off on the hour large mantel clocks, sit on the shelf above your fireplace, and smaller, round renditions can rest by your bedside. Today’s clocks come in many sizes, materials and decorative finishes to suit any décor. Rustic painted tin, weathered wood with decoupage images, sleek black lacquer, burnished pewter, sparkling glass…there’s a look for every room.

No matter what type of clock you choose, such timepieces serve various interests in your house. When considering a clock as a focal point, be sure to find one that is visually interesting that also coordinates with the rest of the room. In the kitchen, a fun and funky clock can help keep the family on task and on time while serving as a functional piece of wall art, anchoring the space as a focal point. (And it’s a lot more fun than craning to see the time on the microwave.) Likewise, a statement piece in the living room can serve as a beautiful way to keep time. Think how a decorative clock would add interest and texture as a three-dimensional piece of art in your favorite living area. Even areas outside can benefit from an outdoor clock affixed to an otherwise blank wall—a great way to keep track of time while the children are playing or you’re enjoying a book on the patio. Another fun clock idea? Leave it set to your favorite time of day—this will surely prompt conversation while allowing you to linger over a more preferred hour.

If you love clocks, consider making a collection of them. Scour thrift stores, yard and estate sales, and antique stores where you’re sure to find a treasure trove of clocks. Peppering timepieces in between or on top of stacks of books makes a striking statement. Keep in mind, too, that in a collection, the clocks do not have to be in working condition; their aesthetic value is in their overall look, not their functionality. Heavier, more substantial pieces can even serve as bookends. If you have a blank spot on the wall just waiting for inspiration, consider creating a grouping of clocks for an eclectic display. At this time of year, you can spend some fun Saturdays trawling your favorite shops for the perfect mix of eclectic timepieces to display.

Another way to use clocks, especially if you love travel or have family and friends overseas, is to create “time zone art” using identical or similar timepieces. What a perfect way to think about your sister and what she and her family are doing in the afternoon in Germany while you are just starting your day in Virginia. Creatively labeling the timepieces with the name of the city whose time they are keeping also adds an element of interest. This type of art is not only functional, but it keeps those you love (or even just the cities that you adore) in the forefront of your mind.
Children can even learn from fun and colorful clocks in their bedrooms or play areas. In addition to learning how to tell time (from a non-digital clock!), kids can also learn the concept of time by having clocks in their personal space. Pairing a childlike clock with a colorful wall calendar will keep a lot of the “when” or “how long” questions at bay while creating a learning environment.

If creative is your style, consider making your own clock; it is not as difficult as it sounds. Many craft and hobby stores sell kits that contain clock mechanisms and hands; all you have to do is provide inspiration and manpower. Anything that is thin enough to drill a hole into can serve as a timepiece—with or without numbers! How fun would it be to take a vintage sign or one of your grandmother’s kitchen plates and turn it into something serviceable for your home?

Whether you personally are known as an “early bird” or have the habit of being “fashionably late,” incorporating clocks into your décor will not only keep you on schedule (maybe!), but will also enhance your decorating scheme. Next time you go shopping, consider a clock for your home or as a thoughtful gift for others in your life. Will they appreciate it? Only time will tell.

From pottery to porcelain, from silver to stamps…you name it, it’s been collected. But what should we do with all these collectibles? Put them in a box and forget about them? Absolutely not! Collections tell stories of our lives, and should punctuate that story as accents around our homes. Here, three consummate collectors of varying interests weigh in with thoughts and tips on how to make the most of the treasured collections in your home.

Collect What You Love
By Lucy Tkachenko

As far back as I can remember, I’ve been collecting. I started young, with dolls, jewelry and seashells; when I became a teenager I started collecting for my room. I loved to scour junk shops, and my favorite was run by an older man named Lura Roland. Visits to his shop were an adventure, to say the least. Dark and dusty with only a tiny pathway through this crowded store, this man took collecting to another level; nowadays we call it hoarding. Being only 16, I recall wishing he would let me organize and decorate his store. I never got the nerve to ask him, but I think he prospered because people like me loved the thrill of the hunt!

I’ve continued my search for “hidden treasures” my whole life. Through the years I’ve collected books by Khalil Gibran, beads and baubles from all over the world, and oil paintings and artwork from local artists found at yard sales, thrift stores and flea markets. I even turned my passion for hunting treasures into a business. I’ve combed markets around the world, buying pieces that still evoke strong memories when they are unearthed while cleaning out my closet or dusting my pieces scattered throughout my home.

Lately I’ve taken to collecting pieces of white pottery, in various shades of white in assorted shapes and sizes. There’s something soothing about a collection of pieces of the same color—whether glazed in shiny or matte finishes—that have been made with someone’s hand. At one time I spent years collecting dogs, mostly chaulkware, some pottery, one even made out of salt. I displayed those little dogs in all sorts of places for many years. They were dusted, admired and talked about. They told a story. Some even became physically challenged as one of the grandkids knocked them to the floor. I never got mad; I just loved the pieces more because they reminded me of the vast collection of people living on this earth. Like artwork, all of us are flawed.

To other people, your collectibles might not mean a thing. But ultimately, collecting is all about the memories. Collections stir emotions, and cause us to remember special times in our lives. Our lives shape our collections, then our collections shape our lives. Wouldn’t Mr. Roland agree?

Mixing Children’s Treasures with Traditional Decor
by Meridith Ingram

Sometimes the best collections are those that are brought to you. While I do have a distinct fondness for ironstone pottery and porcelain rabbits, I have many other collections around my home that have come to me through my children. Though I strive to maintain an organized, stylish interior, I have found ways to incorporate kids’ stuff with designer goods, in ways that bring joy to my heart and home.

• Silver baby rattles, teething rings, spoons….all make great collections, decorations and memories. In our family room, I have a wooden root bowl full of silver baby cups—those that belonged to my children and other family members. I love the tumbled look of the cup arrangement, and the juxtaposition of the wood against the silver, and the old against the new. Get those baby things out of storage!

• Rather than keep every bit of art that comes home from preschool, make a shadow box or two for children’s rooms. Love the tiger in the center of the giant painting? Cut him out, and make him the star of the shadow box. Include a picture of your child at school, and you’ve created art and a memory.

• Create vignettes of kids’ pottery on your bookshelves, among your newer accessories. Put a grouping of glazed clay sculptures on some books stacked horizontally, right next to a gilded picture frame. Again, the juxtaposition of old and new, refined and rustic, purchased and handmade with love, will be striking and will help tell the story of your family.

• Children love to collect shells. Rather than toss the plastic bag when they are not looking, put those shells in a hurricane with a candle, and think with fondness of your children and a great trip to the beach when you light that candle.

• You know those super bouncy balls that seem to come in every goody bag from every birthday party? They make a great visual in a decorative glass container in a boys’ bedroom or bathroom.

• Put those little tiny vessels to good use—you know the ones that come home from school, made from decorated terra cotta or hand-molded from clay. For many years in a row, I received miniature flower pots painted with caterpillars and ladybugs made from my children’s fingerprints. I lined them up on the windowsill in my laundry room—one for buttons, one for loose change, one for safety pins, and one just for show. They make me happy every time I see them, which, in the laundry room, is every day. I also have been given many rustic clay bowls over the years that I keep in my walk-in closet, to hold those same types of loose items. Love meets function? Does it get better than that?

Create Intriguing Displays with Your Collections
By Lamar Cecil

For almost 50 years, I’ve been in the process of forming a collection of Chinese export armorial porcelain. This type of porcelain dates back centuries. Around 1715, prominent families and dignitaries of British, French, Dutch, Portuguese and Swedish descent as well as Indian and Persian grandees (and still later, wealthy Americans such as George Washington), began to trade with Chinese porcelain manufacturers. The client would specify the form and design of the wares desired, and Chinese workers would fulfill the orders. Armorial porcelain bore the coats of arms of these clients. After about 1790, a lively trade in so-called pseudo-armorial porcelain emerged, especially for the American market where there were few “armigerous,” or arms-bearing, families. Pseudo-armorial china, like armorial, has a shield, but instead of containing arms, the shield surrounds the initials of the person placing the order.

My collection began with a platter, a gift from a friend, and shortly thereafter I began to acquire additional pieces. There was no problem displaying this small number of items, but as my collection grew, I had to decide how to display it. I was determined not to rotate things in and out of closets. The first decision I made was that what I possessed should be largely (but not completely) presented together. Doing so, it seemed to me, would declare that it was, in fact, a collection. This would enable me to clarify (in case anyone shared my interest in armorial porcelain) the subtle differences in various pieces that could be explained by reference to date of manufacture, origin, gender or noble rank of the person placing the order, and other factors. But I also deliberately kept a few pieces elsewhere, which suggested that there was something special that elevated them beyond the other objects in the collection. My favorite piece of armorial china—a small platter bearing the arms of an English earl—reigns over the mantelpiece in the dining room. My most valuable piece—a tureen made for an English colonist who lived in America and was associated with Benjamin Franklin—is on the center of a large sideboard located in another room. The rest is gathered in the entrance hall.

Nowadays, the bulk of my collection rests on two Chinese Chippendale hanging shelves that my wife and I bought in Paris some years ago. But for many years before that, I had placed my porcelain in plate hangers and hung them on two walls, painted a shade of aubergine, facing one another in our entrance hall. It made for an arresting entrance, for an expenditure of about $40 for 30 or so hangers.

If you collect something—Herend animals, paperweights, corkscrews, pill boxes, whatever—my recommendation would be to keep most, but not all, of it in one location. Guests will realize that you are a collector, and will want to know why you have chosen this or that piece. Once they discover that elsewhere in your house there are yet other similar objects, they will want to find out why those pieces are not with the rest. If something takes up a lot of room, hang it on the wall or find a sconce it can rest on. If what you collect comes in multiples (suppose you have a dozen VMI or UVa commemorative plates), don’t put them up in rows, but rather in swags, or in triangles over a door frame, or in some other architectural arrangement.

The important thing is to collect something—anything! Collecting provides you an intellectual adventure. You will learn all sorts of things about the people who made the items, and those who owned these objects before you. Collecting will put you in contact with dealers and other collectors, too. Whatever you collect need not cost a fortune—and might even prove to be a good investment.

We all have sensory memories that allow us to savor the past in certain ways. Maybe the scent of a particular perfume brings back thoughts of your grandmother, or the sight of a certain flower evokes emotions from your wedding day. For me, I have a sound memory: The squeaking stretch of metal springs on our screen door and the resonating slap as we let it slam closed remind me of my childhood summers when daylight lingered and time passed without notice.

The slapping screen doors of my childhood have come a long way, becoming quieter and better-looking over the years. If you don’t have one already, consider adding a screen door or two to your home this summer.

Let the Outdoors In
From the time the weather first starts to show signs of warmth through those last lingering days of Indian summer, a screen door really can add value to your home and your everyday experiences. Though you may be a door’s-always-open kind of person, you can’t literally leave the door open without giving pesky insects an open invitation. A screen door is ideal to let just a bit of the outside in. For parents, the benefit of being able to hear children playing in the yard adds a sense of ease.

While bidding fresh air, the addition of a screen door also makes way for natural light. Where a solid front door blocks every ray, a screen door allows the main door to be open to illuminate the entry, which also can save on lighting costs.

Although a screen door has its initial investment, it can save money in the long run. Depending on the material, construction and detailing, a basic screen door can range from $150 up to around $500 from a local home store—or you could seek custom options with a higher price tag. Whatever the cost, a screen door acts as a buffer between the main door of a home and outside elements such as rain, snow and wind. Installing one could increase the life of your principal door, especially if it requires painting. The added barrier of an additional door also provides insulation, which can lower electric bills. Many screen doors are also fitted with a glass storm window that can be inserted when the weather becomes too hot or too cold to keep heat and air conditioning from escaping.

Installing a screen door will beef up the security of a home as it creates another barrier for an intruder to break through, and many screen doors can be fitted with deadbolts. A screen door also acts as an obstacle between the homeowner and those who approach the home, still allowing a conversation to take place through the screen. This works well for those who are disabled or have physical limitations.

Perhaps a favorite reason for adding a screen door is that it can instantly perk up an entryway and add curb appeal. If you are sprucing up your porch or adding some interesting landscaping, a new door will complement the entire look—and let you admire your work from inside your home as well. You may be surprised at all the decorative options available (check out funhousedesign.com for some inspiration). Screen doors also have their place on side entries (which many people use more than their front door), and even mudrooms. Painted screen doors are also the perfect way to add a pop of color. Love lemon yellow, clover green or barn red? Add that bit of personality to your home in this fun, practical and low-commitment way.

There are many styles and materials available to suit the needs of just about any home, and each has its benefits. Most screen doors are constructed of wood (easy to paint and personalize), steel (extremely durable) or vinyl (sturdy and economical). For the screen itself, metal is not the only choice anymore; screens are also made of vinyl, copper, fiberglass or plastic. When choosing the construction, be sure to consider the amount of wear and tear it will receive, along with whether children and/or pets will be using the door often.

Before purchasing a door, determine whether you need a right- or left-hinged door. You can tell by viewing a door from the outside. Next you need to measure the opening. HomeDepot.com suggests, “Measure the height from the floor to the bottom of the header on both sides of the doorframe, and use the smaller measurement. To determine the width, measure across the top, center and bottom of the doorway, and use the smallest measurement.” Armed with these measurements, you are ready to buy. There are several standard sizes of doors, which fit door heights of approximately 80 inches, and widths of around 30, 32 or 36 inches, with a standard depth of 1 inch. Keep in mind that wooden doors are the easiest type to adjust, since they can be trimmed or sanded down to fit nonstandard entryways.

Truth be told, installing a screen door can be a bit of a challenge, but following a few simple tips will help get it right. Hanging your door is probably a two-man job, and you’ll also need a tape measure and a power drill. To start, experts suggest holding the door in the opening and marking with a pencil 20 inches from the top, and 20 inches from the bottom of the door opening; this is where the hinges will go. Drill the hinges on the frame, and then the door while someone else holds the door in place. Make sure the door opens and closes properly; if it doesn’t, then adjust the tightness of the screws until it does.

Now that summer is here, it is time to bring the outdoors in with simple ways. Whether your goal is to enhance your home, hear the laughter of the neighborhood children or enjoy the lingering hours of daylight, I hope that you will be well on your way to making some sensory summer memories of your own.

It’s time. You’re scouring magazines (HOME obviously), searching webpages, and planning your new look. Spring is here, summer is just a few months away, and you’re well on your way to the makeover of your dreams.

It’s 2011 and never have we been more accustomed to the fast-paced, “in-one-day-and-out-the-next” trends. Keeping up with the ever-changing styles can be pricey when you consider redecorating an entire room – let alone your house – based upon what’s hot now. Keyword now.

After thawing out from the chill of winter and being trapped indoors for those bleak months, you may be ready to update your décor and give your rooms a fresh look. But before you slap a new coat of paint on the walls or order new furniture, consider giving your windows a new look. Window treatments may be the last thing you consider changing, but can be the first thing that dates a room.

You might not need new wall hangings or reupholstered furniture. Take a look at your window treatments and consider new colors and looks that could liven up a possibly out-dated style.

Color Me Happy
Some of the latest color reports are showing trends toward not being trendy at all. That’s good news for those of us worried about making a purchase only to find out it will soon be yesterday’s news.

Still, if you’re looking for a guide of what hues are topping the palette, a myriad of colors have been grouped together to set the stage for what’s hot. Colors such as smoky wine, blue-gray, lavender, cocoa, bright pink, chartreuse, copper, wheat and teal are all a part of what’s new and now, but also give the staying power for what’s to come.

As the global authority on color, Pantone provides professional color standards for design industries. Their color of the year is honeysuckle. But before your mind immediately goes to a yellow hue, think pink. Pantone says honeysuckle is a dynamic reddish-pink meant to be encouraging and uplifting.

Trend forecasters are predicting chameleon neutrals – or neutrals with more color – will be more prevalent than ever. Grays may look blue or purple and browns may be metallic. Consider painting a room with these new neutrals and modernize window treatments with the trendier pop of color.

The Fabric of My Life
Luxury fabrics, bold prints, and organic materials are topping the charts for what should be atop your windows.

Many luxury fabrics are opulent and showy with bold colors and textures. Consider velvet, damask, fur, leather and suede. Overall fashions are sticking to simplicity, but those who desire adornment and extravagance can indulge in these rich fabrics. These styles may even feature beaded tassels and lavish embellishments all the way down to the hardware.

If you’re not ready for the richness of luxury fabrics, consider grosgrain ribbon or bits of velvet woven into existing shades or as tiebacks for your current draperies. The lavish shine and sheen of silk may be a pricier option but can instantly wake up a dull room. With embroidery, plaid or paisley designs, silk treatments are exploding onto the scene.

Bold, bright patterns serve as top choices, with bright florals and graphic geometric patterns. These eye-catching choices offer stylish updates. Counteracting these bold patterns are simple, sleek lines that come from flowing drapes and chrome or brushed nickel hardware.

If bold is not beautiful to you, consider the simple art of bringing nature indoors with organic materials. Natural woven shades, even ranks of bamboo or matchstick, are increasingly popular for blinds. Exposed wood grain, birch and maple are the materials of choice for hardware and accessories. Available in different colors of wood and materials, some even include grassy woven accents, helping bring diffused light in and giving a natural look and feel.

To gain a fresh timeless look, incorporate classic silhouettes and fabrics that will not age over time. These include pinch- pleat drapes, grommet hung drapes or roman shades.

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize
Today’s drapes are not just about fabulous fabrics and colors. Creative rods, finials (ornaments that decorate the ends of the rods), hardware and tiebacks are treated almost like jewelry. You can get everything from wood finishes to varying metal finishes like chrome and brass, or even glass or ceramic. If you like the shape and look of your current window treatments, consider replacing with new hardware and accessories.

Add grommets, ribbon, tassels, or beading to enhance and modernize curtains. If you don’t have the money for full silk panels or other luxury fabrics, consider valances, cornices or swatches of the fabrics that can be decoratively added to the top or bottom of your existing draperies.

Consider the placement of the window treatments. Mount draperies above the window, or extend them beyond the frame to add height and/or width.

Whatever pattern, fabric, or color you choose, however you decide to accessorize and hang, modernizing your window treatments could be the fresh look your windows – and your rooms – deserve this spring!

With the arrival of winter, light dims as the days grow shorter and we find ourselves nestled warmly inside our homes under a reading lamp in a den, a chandelier in the dining room or a task lamp at a desk. We extend our waning winter days by illuminating our homes with lamps.

The kind of light your lamp emits creates ambiance in your home, and therefore, outfitting your lamp with the appropriate shade is crucial. A lampshade determines the style of a lamp, as well as the amount of light transmitted in a room.

Whether you are updating an old lamp with a new shade, or purchasing a new lamp altogether, keep in mind that a shade can dramatically change the look of a lamp and the feel of a room.

Lampshade Guidelines
There are a few basic rules to follow when outfitting your lamp with the proper shade. The first and most important thing when choosing a lampshade is to bring the body of the lamp to the shop.

If you don’t bring along your lamp base, you won’t truly know if the shade suits the style or size of your lamp. The shade must hide the mechanics of the lamp—the harp, bulb and switch. It’s easy to fit a shade to the base by changing the mechanics through elongating or shortening the harp.

The shape of the lamp should complement the shape of the base. Therefore, if you have a round base, your shade should be round as well. You can add some pizzazz by buying a round shade with scalloped edges. Also, the shade’s diameter should be proportional to the base’s diameter. A narrow lamp calls for a narrow shade; a broad base calls for a broad shade.

The kind of lighting you want determines the color of your lampshade. If the lamp is going to be used solely as a decorating statement and not for transmitting light, then it doesn’t require a light-colored shade. Instead, you can make a bold statement with a black or red shade. For a lamp that is used to create ambiance, then a shade with a dark fabric should be used so it directs light instead of diffusing it, giving your room a cozy feel. Lighter-colored shades, like white and cream, are more translucent, making them excellent for reading lamps or in rooms that need a bright light.

You can determine the quality of the shade by turning on your lamp and seeing if you can see the light bulb’s silhouette through the shade. If you can’t, then it’s a good quality shade. Double-lined or hard-back shades (typically made of parchment or faux leather) don’t reveal the light bulb. Double lining gives the shade more body and causes the shade to last longer.

Decorating Ideas
For a modern approach, use a monochromatic scheme to give off a sleek vibe. Try a beige porcelain base with a beige shade. Or mix and match styles. Take a traditional lamp base and add a funky, modern shade to give it a fresh look.

The bell and empire shape are the most basic, traditional lampshades. The drum shape from the ’50s is coming back, giving lamps a retro, yet contemporary feel. Obscure shapes like Maltese oval with cut corners are fun ways to dress up a lamp.

Believe it or not, pleats are still in style. The traditional narrow pleat that you remember in Grandma’s house—known as the mushroom pleat—has been long retired. Instead, try a silk shade with a box pleat at the base, or a swirl pleat, to elegantly embellish your lamp.

If you want a traditional lamp with a basic shade, you can still add detail by adding a unique finial. Finials allow you to bring your own personality into your lamp.

Specialty shops carry elegant finials made from crystal, ceramic, brass, jade, pewter, ivory and also whimsical shapes like frogs, elephants and turtles to add some spunk to your lamp.

Custom Shades
You can have custom-designed shades made for your lamp at specialty stores. The shop has a vendor that can tailor your shade with the right color, fabric, shape and trim. Bring your base into the shop and look through a book of fabrics with hundreds of colors and textures.

There is also the option of recovering an old lampshade. Do you love that retro drum shade but think the off-white fabric is out of style? Recover it so that it will pop with a new energetic color.

The French Thistle, a fabric and home décor store in Roanoke, covers custom bedding, window treatments, slipcovers, cushions and lampshades. The owners, David and Lizi Gilkeson, only sell custom-made shades, but have plans to carry stock shades around springtime.

Custom-made lampshades typically take two to three weeks to make, according to David. Customers can come into the shop, pick out fabrics and order the correct size. The Gilkesons also send out their shades for custom design.

“People buy fabric at the store and we put it on the lampshade,”

says David. “We also have linen and silk stock. We have a lot of stock fabrics and you can just order whatever size. People usually bring in their lampshades and we try to get something that will look good on their lamps.”

Custom-made shades give you more options than stock shades. David says that their custom shade maker can add fun embellishments like black and white ticking, beading or even tassels. They can also custom-make chandelier shades. “You can put animal print or something zany on it,” David says. “It can change a whole room really.”

“To really get the perfect lampshade you need to try it on the lamp,” says David. “Traditional cream or white—which one really fits? Just look at it on the lamp and [that] determines what looks the best.”

But when it comes to designing a look for my powder room, it’s another ballgame. Its petite proportions make the powder room less costly to redesign, so I can indulge my inner interior decorator here more frequently and easily than my other rooms. And—this is the best part—most design experts agree that there really aren’t any rules when it comes to designing a powder room. It can be playful and creative, or dramatic and luxurious, no matter the style of the rest of the house. Rustic? Classic? Chinoiserie? Anything goes.

“You can give a powder room a really nice facelift without breaking the bank,” says Bernadette Campbell, manager of showrooms for Ferguson Southwest Virginia. “It’s a fun little secluded place that you can make really interesting, and there are so many things you can do yourself—things that aren’t technical or mechanical.”

Hmmm. Budget-friendly. Fun. Not technical. What are we waiting for?

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Begin punching up your powder room by getting rid of that plain-old builder’s grade mirror. Campbell says going with something more trendy or personalized can make a big impact and provide a focal point for your design. Decide on a style or theme, and recruit an old wood frame from a large wall hanging to surround a mirror you already have, or purchase a ready-made mirror with an interesting frame. It can be ornate hammered metal or simple stained wood, but it should be something you love and that makes a statement. Search estate sales and consignment stores for one-of-a-kind pieces. And don’t mind the dings and scratches; they add charm and make a piece feel loved.   

Let There Be Light
“We feel so many baths are underlit,” says Campbell, who notes that since most powder rooms don’t have windows (or have very few of them), adding adequate lighting is important. Look for bargains at lighting supply stores on end-of-season styles, overstocks and floor models. You’ll probably need only one fixture, so don’t be afraid to check out salvage stores for interesting one-of-a-kind pieces. A fun twist on powder room lighting is a chandelier. Like a mirror, it can provide a focal point for the rest of the space. “Changing lighting isn’t hard for most homeowners to do,” according to Campbell, who explains that with just a few basic tools anyone can install new fixtures. 

In addition to replacing wall-mounted fixtures, consider placing lamps on shelves or counters. If you have the space, try using taller buffet lamps for an elegant look. You don’t necessarily have to buy new lamps. Gather a few lamps you already own and try rotating them throughout the rooms in your home. It will revitalize them and give you more money to spend on other items. If the room is big enough, you can even use a floor lamp with a dramatic shade. The only must-do is to keep it all in proportion. A too-large fixture or lamp can make a room look crowded, while a too-small piece can disappear. 

The Low-Down on Hardware
Does the finish on the light fixture have to match the rest of the hardware in the room, you may wonder? The answer is no. “We mix a lot of finishes to add texture, so that each individual element speaks out on its own,” says Campbell. “That way each piece garners a little more attention.” The goal with hardware is to complement the other finishes in the room, not repeat them. According to Campbell, “The trend in hardware and fixtures is moving away from the brushed finishes that have been so popular in recent years to shiny finishes that pop and sparkle like classic chrome and polished nickel.” Again, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a dramatic change. If you don’t want to renovate your entire powder room, just replace basic pulls and plain towel bars with something more fun, add a luxurious towel, and presto, your room will feel refreshed. If you’re ready for a bigger change, consider replacing your faucet as well. Campbell says the “less-is-more concept” is big right now, and that she’s seeing faucets that are less ornate with more clean lines.

Something About the Sink
Since space is usually a concern in a powder room, Campbell suggests installing a classic pedestal sink or a furniture-style vanity with open legs that won’t crowd the room. When it comes to trends in sinks, Campbell says vessel sinks—the kind that sit on top of the counter or vanity—are still quite popular. They vary widely in price starting under $100 and going over $1,000. Bamboo vessel sinks—über green-friendly because they’re made from a renewable resource—are also hot right now. They’re specially treated to hold water, and come in a variety of colors and finishes. Campbell says she’s also seeing a lot of vessel sinks made from recycled glass that’s been crushed and remolded. “They’re not shiny and smooth, but have texture and are available in different colors,” she explains. Your sink and commode do not have to match, but rather reflect a more general aesthetic for the room. Don’t be afraid to try something a little out of the ordinary either. A concrete vessel found in a garden accessory shop can even be used as a sink with a little help from a plumber.

Comfort and the Commode
From a design standpoint, even a new, updated commode can make a difference in your powder room. Water efficiency toilets are popular now; they use 1.6 gallons of water per flush compared to 3.5 gallons per flush used by older models—a good thing for folks who are doing their best to go green. Comfort-height, or chair-height toilets are also top sellers, experts say; while they run about $40 to $50 more than standard toilets, you might find the extra cost worth it. And you don’t have to be a plumber to replace your toilet; most homeowners will find this to be a simple do-it-yourself project. New toilets range in price from $80 to well over $3,000, because there are so many different features available like self-flushing and copper lining. But if you’re looking for a good quality toilet without bells and whistles, plan on spending around $200.

Color and Sundries
The great thing about selecting color for your powder room is that, again, there are no rules. Despite the customary admonition that light color can make a small room feel bigger, Campbell suggests embracing the powder room’s size and using bold, rich colors. Keep away from beige and taupe and try midnight blue or velvety brown. “Since a powder room is usually not your everyday bath you can be more unique and daring… you can really wow your guests,” she says.

Wow your guests further with thoughtful accessories. Try hanging one really great piece of art, or create small vignettes with smaller artwork and accessories. Have a couple of old prints of birds and wildflowers? Place a bird’s nest and a linen towel on a small silver tray along with luxury hand soap and lotion to make a grouping. Rotate it out after a few months in favor of another theme. Break into your china cabinet and use silver nut dishes or even crystal goblets for small bars of soap. Just be sure to leave room on the countertop for a guest’s handbag. 

If you’ve chosen a pedestal sink and are short on storage space for necessaries like toilet tissue and soap, take advantage of vertical space and mount cabinets on a wall above the toilet or a soap dish above the sink. Instead of the usual towel bar, mount two or three hooks near the sink and hang thick absorbent towels for guests to use. And try to keep something from the outdoors in your powder room; even a single blossom or stalk of green will keep it feeling fresh.