Attention everyone!  I have a great Design Secret to share with you today.  Over the past few years some of the companies that were previously “to the trade only” have changed their tune and are also selling directly to the public.  The big move toward Internet shopping has given them a convenient venue to sell their wares.  These companies are not the kind you are going to see advertised in home magazines but that’s where you are lucky to have me, because I will give you the latest scoop! 

The standard White Bisque finish on sconce #903 is a beautiful contrast against the bold wallpaper.

Today I am featuring a company called Fabby Lighting.  Ian Arthur, a Scottish artist, moved to LA in the 1980’s and planned to build on his strength of creating interesting ceramic vases which he sold on the Boardwalk and the gift shops of Venice Beach.  Then a friend asked him to handcraft lighting for her home and that’s where the story begins.  The company now makes over 350 designs of earthenware clay fixtures and they are incredibly versatile. They feature indoor and outdoor lighting, sconces, pendents and overhead lights.  They are lovely in the standard off-white bisque finish but you can also paint them yourself for a customized look.  Any water-based paint will do, not primer necessary.

Why choose one? This child's rooms features a cowboy and a dog sconce.

From Classic to Modern, the choice of fixtures is amazing!  And so are the light patterns cast on your wall that create great mood and drama in any room.  Personally, I love the motifs they have for children which are very subtle and childlike but not too cutesy.   Give Fabby a look, I am confident you will like their style, pricing and versatility.

Fabby #49 adds a graceful and modern touch.

Shop at Fabby Lighting here!

Make sure to enter our Giveaway for a $100 gift certificate today!

The Nimbus Ceiling Fan is the epitome of sleek modern with its Matte Nickel Finish

In addition to adding a dose of style, an attractive ceiling fan comfortably circulates air in a room and can help reduce your electric bill.  But it seems to me that many people have a hard time selecting one that is an appropriate size and style.  I see one extreme to the other:  a bodacious, over-sized fan that screams at you when you walk into the room or a boring, small white number from one of the big box stores.  Based on their size alone, they are going to figure prominently in the room so it’s best to choose a style and size that complement your interior.  Let’s review some basics!  Soon you will be enjoying the well circulated air from your beautiful new ceiling fan.

Size - The size of your fan should be your first consideration and is based on the size of your room.  Here are some quick guidelines from Hunter Fan.  The measurement is from blade tip to blade tip.

• Rooms less than 100 square feet (Bathroom, Laundry) - 32″-36″
• Rooms up to 225 square feet (Bedroom, Office) - 42″-48″
• Rooms up to 485 square feet (Master Bedroom, Family Room) - 50″-56″
• Rooms up to 625 square feet (Great Room, Living Room) - 60″+

Style and Finish - While there are a number of basic styles that will meld with a variety of interiors, I feel it’s better to spend a little more money and get something that really complements your room. As a rule:

• Avoid shiny finishes.  Whether it’s brass or a high gloss paint, they are too distracting.
• Take a queue from other finishes in your room.
• Blades often have different finishes on each side which is a nice option to change it up.  Make sure you know what you are getting.
• If you choose a wood blade, make it darker or lighter then the other wood in your room for some contrast.      
• Don’t rule out an outdoor or damp-rated fan just because you need an indoor fan.  They work just as well and may be just the right fit.

The Mission Fan from Casablanca would be at home in a Craftsman Style Bungalow.

Ceiling Height - It’s important to consider the height of your ceiling so the fan it not too high or too low. 

• Ceilings that are less than 8′- Fans called “ceiling huggers” have housing that mounts directly to the ceiling without any down rod. 
• 8′ Ceilings - A standard fan hangs down about 12″ and that puts the bottom of the fan at 7′ above the floor, which is fine in most cases. 
• For ceilings that are higher than 8′ - Consider adding a down rod (purchased separately) which will bring the fan down to a more visually appealing height.  Ideally the fan should be 8′-9′ above the floor.
• You also might want to consider a ceiling medallion for a decorative touch.

Light - Do you need an overhead light?  I prefer not to include a light kit on most fans but sometimes you may need it for general lighting in the room if there are no recessed lights.  If you need one, then make sure you select a fan that accepts light kits.  Secret Tip: If you have recessed lights in your room make sure the fan blades do not come too close to the lights or you will have a disco strobe effect that will drive you crazy.

Fan Control- In a household with multiple people, it’s good to have a remote control for the fan.  The days of changing the speed by yanking on a that little chain are over.  Remotes are affordable and convenient.

Fanimation was the first company to make tropical fans with palm frond blades. They still offer the best quality but there are a lot of copycats out there.

So jump in, cool down and amp up the style with a new ceiling fan that complements your room!

Did you enter our Free Giveaway today?

I love the details they chose for this fixture: Old Brass finish, parchment shades and faux candles.

Lighting is one of my favorite aspects of interior design.  It puts the finishing touch on a well-designed room.  But just because it’s a finishing touch, it does not mean that it should be selected last.  Sure, you can go the non-committal route and select another boring, curved iron chandelier from Home Depot.  Or, you can select a fantastic fixture that adds loads of character to your room. 

A happy light that I would choose for my kitchen in a snap.

One of my favorite vendors is Rejuvenation Lighting.  Not only do they carry a broad selection of fixtures that range from Early Eclectic to Modern American, but they also feature an outstanding collection of Hardware and House Parts that offer a designer’s touch in unexpected places.  You truly get to design your own fixture with the following choices:  fixture finish, shade selection, fixture length, type of bulb and the number of lights.  Their website is state of the art!  And as you make your selections, the photo and the price automatically update to reflect your chosen design.  They also have a Room Scale view so you can see how the fixture will look in your room.  These items from their current collection are sure to spark your interest.

This sconce has the delicate feeling of a budding flower.

So visit Rejuvenation and surf a site full of interesting products, ideas and advice.  Chandeliers, sconces, pendents and flush mounts, indoor, outdoor; they have it all.  And don’t miss their new sister site, Satellite, where they celebrate the Rejuvenation of Mid-Century Modern.

 Visit Rejvenation Lighting and make a bold choice!

Stream- lined designs from the 1930's are embodied in the Skyport chandelier. It gives a cool, architectural look and is available in 12 different finishes.

You have just finished a fantastic kitchen renovation.  Expertly finished cabinetry, new age appliances and countertops to die for.  The last contractor has packed up his toolbox (3 months after the saga began) and you sit back to admire the space that will surely vault you to being a competitor on Top Chef.  But what are those unsightly white dots staring back at you?  The switch plates on your backsplash of course.  You coordinated every last detail and now those little white plastic 99 cent items are going to drive you crazy.  Have no fear, there is a simple solution.

If your back splash is stone or granite, GraniteSwitchPlates.com is the place you are looking for.  Available in a wide variety of sizes and configurations (receptacle, switches, cable TV and dimmers) you can choose from their many granite and stone patterns.  You can also send in your own material and have them fabricate it for an exact match. 

If you are aiming to coordinate your plates with your stainless steel appliances or to continue a colored theme, then SwitchHits.com is the spot for you.  They feature an incredible selection of plates in wood, metal and ceramic materials.  You can shop by Theme or Color which makes it a cinch. 

In the past I have hired a faux painter for this job at great time and expense.  This is a great, economical alternative that will surely be the finishing touch for your gorgeous kitchen or any other room in your home.

Find great switchplate options in My Secret Database!

The ceiling is the fifth wall of your room, but sometimes I think it should be called the forgotten wall.  Everyone gets wrapped up in decorating their walls with faux finishes and fabulous artwork and then they run out of steam when it comes to the ceiling.  In reality, this is a fantastic place to pull it all together and really highlight the room.  I have some simple solutions that will bring your ceiling from forgotten to fantastic in no time.

Paint - Don’t just leave your ceiling the drab old white that was there when you moved in.  Consider painting it a color a bit lighter than your walls or a crisp light blue.  It will give the room a light, airy feeling.  I recommend Benjamin Moore Morning Sky Blue or Whispering Spring.

Lighting - Mood lighting is critical, especially where you are dining or relaxing.  An intriguing iron chandelier or a sleek contemporary pendent accessorizes the room perfectly.

Medallions - Used with or without a light fixture, ceiling medallions are like cuff-links on a fine men’s shirt.  They take it to the next level.  Medallions are a fairly inexpensive way to add value to your space with added architectural detail.

A couple of things to consider when choosing a medallion:

1. Blank Canvas - Medallions are made of plaster or high density urethane and primed to be painted in any way you fancy.  Consider painting one to coordinate with your fixture for an updated feel.
2. Cover up - Ceiling medallions are a good way to cover old marks on the ceiling or a junction box you don’t intend on using.
3. Style - Keep the style of your fixture and the rest of your room in mind.  Take cues from the woodwork in your room.
4. Selecting a Size - There are no hard and fast rules on selecting a size.  I prefer the medallion to be a bit smaller than a chandelier and a lot smaller than a fan.  The larger your room and higher your ceiling the larger the medallion you should choose.  Taping a cardboard template to the ceiling is the easiest way to make a good decision.

Rediscover your ceiling and find the perfect Ceiling Medallion in My Secret Database! 

A fashionable new lampshade breathes new life into an old lamp.  Once upon a time, the choices were very limited to bell shapes in cream or white.  These days you have a rainbow of colors, patterns and shapes at your fingertips…square, oval, drum-shaped; striped, silk or sage-colored.  There is something sure to delight the most particular decorator.

Some will have you believe that choosing the right lamp shade requires calculations achievable only by a NASA engineer, but that’s simply not so.  Here are a few tricks and tips for finding the right topper for your lamp:

Size

• Make sure the bottom edge of the shade will cover the hardware or socket of the lamp. 
• Wider shades will cast more light in the area for reading or other tasks.
• Choose a shade that is approximately 2/3 the height of the lamp base.  For example:  if your lamp base is 21″, then your lamp shade should be about 14″ high.

 Shape

• Drum and bell-shaped style shades are timeless and classic. 
• Unusual shapes such as squares and ovals add a modern look to your design.
• Don’t be afraid to pair a modern shade with a classic base.

Color

• White or cream shades allow the most light to shine through.  If the lamp shade is dark, most of your light will be directed downward.
• Consider whether you want the lamp to stand out as an accent piece or coordinate with other lamps in the room.
• Several lamps in a room with similar lampshades create a more serene feeling.

And don’t forget to check if your lamp has a harp or if the shade screws into the socket.  These require two different types of shades.  Be brave and choose something eye-catching.  You will love the transformation!

LampsPlus is one of our featured vendors and they carry a wide selection of Lighting and Home Decor. You can also shop for Lampshades from a number of other vendors in My Secret Database!

I am not talking about a dog but rather something that could make your home just as warm and inviting.  Stray Dog Designs carries a stellar selection of home furnishings and they have a unique back-story.  Bill Pritchard and Jane Gray were newly-weds in Mexico in 1994 “figuring it out” when they came upon a small, sad looking pup that needed a good home.  They took La Princessa in as their first joint project and things just took off from there.  They started importing pottery to the States and that soon evolved into having a tinsmith bring Jane’s artistic visions to life in the form of lamps, mirrors, urns and other cool stuff.  In 1995 they were very warmly received at the Atlanta Gift Show and the rest, as they say, is history. 

They now live on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee with 3 kids and a houseful of pets which of course includes a former Stray Dog (a Great Dane named Big Girl).  They carry accessories, lighting, furniture and cool holiday stuff.  I would say their style has a Dr. Seusslike quality to it but with a bit of modern polish.  In their words: “Stray Dog Designs’ core design principles are simple: all items are handmade with careful construction from quality and recycled materials, melding quirky charm and true artistry, and providing fair wages for local workers.”  The vivid colors and whimsical shapes are the product of two people who run a company with a lot of heart and soul.

Come Visit Stray Dog Designs on My Design Secrets!

Bamboo is making itself at home everywhere, from your bedroom to your kitchen to your dining room.  We may compare it to wood, but technically bamboo is a grass.  It is the fastest growing woody plant in the world; making it nature’s most sustainable resource.  It can reach maturity in 4 years.  One species has been clocked at growing 47 inches in 24 hours!

The more obvious uses of bamboo are seen in the form of furniture, flooring, drapery rods, blinds and cutting boards.  There are also new items making the scene that incorporate fabric that is made from bamboo.  Examples include supple sheets and towels, fashionable clothing, and light and airy drapery sheers. There are oodles of options.

Let’s not forget that the bamboo motif is ultra attractive and adds an exotic flair to any room.  Chandeliers, mirrors, pillows, wallpaper and chairs look fantastic in a multitude of colors and patterns. 

Bamboo is a double duty design item that can add a terrific twist to your home!

You will find many items with Bamboo motifs in My Secret Database. The Eco-Friendly companies are indicated with this symbol!

Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Memorial Day bring family and friends traveling from near and far.  Is your guest room ready to do its job?  When they arrive on your freshly swept doorstep, welcome them with open arms and a well-appointed space they can call their own (for the weekend:-)).  Beyond decorating the bedroom with your personal flair and style, think about furnishing your guest room with the same consideration you give to your own bedroom.  Carefully contemplate how the room will be used and by whom.

Here are a few Back-to-Basics suggestions:

• Cradle them in Luxury- A good foundation is critical, so why not go all out on the bedding?  Purchase 400+ thread count sheets and some wonderful pillows and a comforter that suits your climate.  Make them feel like they are at a luxury hotel.
• Wake them up Gently - Put an alarm clock with a CD player in the room and leave them a variety of Cd’s.  Soothing tunes to fall asleep and something upbeat for during the day.  Why not burn a CD with a mix of songs you know they will like and let them take it home as a gift?
• Remember what they Forgot - Put an extra robe in the closet and extra toiletries in the bathroom.  They will really appreciate not having to ask for these items.
• Make Room - Make sure your closet and drawers have extra space for their belongings.  Nothing says “we are happy you are here” like some extra space and a few empty hangers.
• Stay Tuned In - Whether you like having a TV in your bedroom or not, most guests appreciate one.  They may use it to go to sleep or just to take a break on their own.
• Creature Comforts - Put a glass of water by their bedside and let them know where they can easily find a snack in the kitchen. 
• Light the Way - Make sure the room is well lit for safety and comfort.  Do they have a good light for reading?  How about a night light to the restroom?  It’s best if you have a light that can be switched from the doorway and the bedside.

The best way to assess the comfort of your guest room is to  spend a night sleeping there yourself!  You will be amazed at the small things you notice.  This is the easiest way to get the full experience; giving you time to replace lumpy mattresses and stale towels before your guests arrive.

There are many people in our lives that we wish we could see more often.  It’s great to show them how much you care through the little things you do to prepare for their visit.  Just like a gift, it’s the thought that counts most.

Explore Furniture & Bedding in My Secret Database!

The weather has been a bit wacky across the country this week but the sun has been busting through and temps are rising.  Many readers are are pulling out the shorts and sunglasses with high hopes.  As I scan My Secret Database I am spying a lot of great Seashore related items.  Remember, the Beach House look is not purely seasonal.  Cobalt blue, Nautical themes and Slipcovers can blow some refreshing sea air into your home any time of year.  Let the season begin!

Explore My Secret Database with a Beach House twist!