Lesson in Lamp Shades

Lamp shades are probably one of those things you don't think about too much. They are a decorative detail that may seem unimportant or frivolous, but if you've ever gotten your lamp shades wrong, you know that they can take over and distract you from a perfectly nice room. My sister recently called me while on a quest for the perfect lampshades for a pair of antique lamps, and I thought I'd share the advice I gave her.

First, decide on what style you like and what the space demands. For traditional interiors, I lean towards empire style shades in silk or linen. For extra detailing, you could do box pleated shades. Companies like Lux offer a beautiful array of colors and sizes if you're looking to make custom shades.

For modern interiors, I like to use drum, rectangular or flare (also referred to as "coolie") shades. I actually love the look of paper shades, and they help to create a beautiful warm light. Most of the time, I go to Gracious Home of Just Shades for these.

For a rustic interior, stitched parchment or rawhide shades can be a great addition. I used rawhide chandelier shades for a project in Aspen, and they really helped to make the room look finished and unique.

When it comes to sizing lamp shades, I've heard a variety of formulas to help you determine the right size (for table lamps they should be 2/3 the size of the lamp base, and for floor lamps the shade should be 1/4 the size of the lamp base...), but the problem with rules is that there are almost always exceptions. For me, the one rule that I follow when sizing lampshades is that the hardware (switch, socket, bulb and harp) should be completely covered without looking oversized. I know--easier said than done. The best way to get the proper size lamp shade for your lamp is to bring the lamp to the store where you are purchasing the shade, or bring the shades home (don't take the plastic off, so you can return what doesn't fit).

If you're not willing to have custom shades made, and you find a ready-made shade that's just a hair to big or small, a trick of the trade is to switch out the harps. Harps are made in a variety of sizes, and for less than $2, they'll help you solve your problem.

To make the drum shade I liked work, I switched out the harp on this lamp.

No hardware in sight, the drum shade balances the feminine lamp base, and it's nicely proportioned.

You'll know you've gotten it right when you look at your room, and you don't notice the lamp shades. They should complement the interior, but they needn't be a focal point. Hope this helps, and feel free to comment with any questions!

The Red Threads

I was walking through Nolita yesterday and loved the window display at The Red Threads. It's a beautiful shop filled with everything from live edge modern furniture to handmade linens. The concept behind the shop comes from a belief in Asian mythology that each person who is destined to be connected to one another is bound by an unbreakable and invisible red thread. If you're looking for simple and beautifully made home goods that defy the tired look of mass production, check it out. It's a treat!

Backyard Inspiration

Sometimes, even as a designer, I get stuck. I love looking through books and magazines for inspiration, but sometimes, I feel like they're just showing different versions of the same old thing. Nature, on the other hand, is constantly surprising. When it comes to patterns, proportions and color schemes, Mother Nature is a master. I snapped these while I was upstate last week, and I can't wait to incorporate elements from them into a space. I may even dust off my watercolors. Stay tuned!

Stone Grill

With the arrival of summer, I've been inspired by outdoor spaces as much as interiors. While recently upstate at my parents' house, we grilled up a storm, and I thought their beautiful stone grill was worth sharing. The climbing ivy shows that it's been there for quite a while, and the stone complements the surrounding nature perfectly. While grills like this aren't cheap, they are a beautiful way to add value to your home and provide a wonderful backdrop for outdoor entertaining.

Best Beach Linens

 

The thermometer is reading 92 today in NYC. No doubt about it--the beach is calling, so I thought I'd bring you a few favorites to help you pack your beach bag!

1. Steven Alan Beach Blankets: At 60" x 84" and made of linen they provide the perfect amount of coverage without weighing you down. 2. Colorful Turkish Towels from Bath Style on Etsy. 3. I love the neutral palette on these large Turkish Fouta Towels from No. Four Eleven. Turkish towels are wonderful because they dry quickly even though they are amazingly absorbent. Hope you're lucky enough to get out of town and enjoy!