Eight Great Places For A Chandelier

Hi Everyone! Another great guest post for you from Arcadian Lighting

I think I should ask them to do a giveaway for all of you. What do you think?
Happy Weekend!


Lighting fixtures can become the beautiful focal points of rooms, and a chandelier is one of the best ways to achieve this. While traditionally it has been the lighting fixture of choice for the dining room, there are slews of other great places for a chandelier. They can create ambient lighting in utilitarian spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms, add a touch of class and elegance to an entryway or suspended outdoors, and they are the perfect accessory to a lavish bedroom, living room or home office. Available in an endless range of styles and materials, chandeliers are the most opulent of lighting fixtures.

Bathroom

Once Daily Chic (via)

Perched above a grandiose tub or even a glitzy vanity, a bejewelled chandelier looks stunning when reflecting off of white tiles and gold accents.

Kitchen

Custom Furniture (via)

Chandeliers aren't always dripping with crystals - a more subdued streamlined light fixture, like this three-shade wrought-iron model, provides direct lighting over a kitchen island.

Bedroom

bjoku.com (via)

An antique-style chandelier adds instant glam to a bedroom, either hung over a four-poster bed or in a changing area, as pictured here.

Living room

The Lennoxx (via)

Arrange the furniture in a formal living room around a candelabra-type chandelier for an intimate sitting area where everyone will want to socialize.

Kid's bedroom

honeyandfitz.blogspot.com (via)

Give the little princess of the house a sparkly addition to brighten up her bedroom - there is a wide selection of mini chandeliers to choose from.

Home office

Country Living (via)

Make going to the office a little more chic with floral-patterned wallpaper, dashes of bright fuchsia and a hanging light fixture overhead.

Entryway

Indy Star (via)

Nothing says welcome like the inviting ambiance of an entryway†chandelier - look for something that complements the decor as well as proportionately occupies the space.

Outside

sucasase.blogspot.com (via)

One of the more unlikely spots for a chandelier and yet one of the most striking, chandeliers playfully dangling from an arbour, tree or tent ceiling brings the extravagance of the inside out.


VV here:
Jennifer is a writer for Arcadian Lighting, a site that specializes in top quality lighting fixtures at extremely affordable prices. Go visit them HERE today!

Decorate Around A Found Object

This is a post by a guest blogger that I know you will enjoy....VV

Let's admit it, decorating a home is expensive business and can be both emotionally and financially challenging. At the end of the day, no one likes to spend their hard-earned money on design decisions that they will come to regret later. So if you want to avoid being plagued by buyer's remorse, then show a little bit of creativity and be ready to get your hands dirty (speaking literally and not metaphorically). One economical way to enhance the visual appeal of your home is by decorating it with found objects, which can be being anything and everything. For example, objects you pick from the flea market, stuff lying in your attic or even making use of Mother Nature.

Decorate Around Natural Objects

Stones in Vases (via)

Hit the beach and scrounge for some pretty pebbles, unique shells, and so on. Don't live near the ocean? Well then dried flowers, twigs, and even driftwood will do the trick. Once you have zeroed in your material of choice, put it in a glass jar, a wicker basket, or just scatter them around casually.

Don't Discard The Wine Bottles

Wine Bottles (via)

Table lamps can be so pedestrian at times. Why spend big bucks on lighting fixtures when you can turn your old wine bottles into candle holders?

Go Vintage

Typewriter (via)

Imbue an old school vibe to your decor by decorating around a vintage object, say your grandfather's old typewriter or an old antique desk lamp.

Don't Underestimate the Glass Jar

Glass Jar (via)

Glass jars can be extremely versatile since they can be transformed into standalone pieces, light fixtures or even vases. Check out the chandelier created by old milk bottles above. An uber-chic light fixture like this can be the focal point of your room.


Create An Eclectic Display

Sports Display (via)

Postcards on Wall (via)

Don't be afraid to experiment and create an interesting arrangement of found objects like vintage books, long-forgotten postcards, or even sports memorabilia.

So next time you are planning to hold a yard sale or cleaning out your attic, remember, you may just be giving away objects that have the potential to resolve all your design dilemmas!

Content provided by Arcadian Lighting, a site that specializes in top quality lighting fixtures at extremely affordable prices.

Arcadian Lighting is the best source for home lighting accessories at discount prices. Founded in 2002, Arcadian Lighting started selling decorative home lighting fixtures and lamps online, and has become one of the top Internet retailers for home lighting products.

Caption This!

Who is this adorable little girl? And what is is she doing? Does her sweater dress itch?

Go HERE to see who it is. I did a guest blog post for her.

Guest Blogger Jamie Herzlinger

Of course it's already yesterdays news that another online magazine is coming via the brains behind Lonny HERE

Trad Home - not your G-Mom's traditional

Apparently Trad Home is geared to all the trad decor (traditional) girls and guys out there, though it's not your granny's trad so to speak. The lines have been blurred by the blending of antique, vintage, and contemporary elements that all combine into the new traditional decor.
Touchstones of elegance and comfort with a nod to icons of the past are key ingredients.

The first issue of Trad Home is coming this Spring, and the buzz is the Top 20 designers they name as bringing the best of the new traditional. You can see them all named HERE at So Haute.

A week ago I didn't know a thing about all of this until one of the Top 20, Jamie Herzlinger – Jamie Herzlinger Interiors, dropped me a very sweet note saying she's a fan of the Vamp, and asked if I'd like her to do a guest post sometime. I love having people do guest posts, so before I even knew a thing about Trad Home, I said sure, send it along. Jamie has her own blog HERE and could have easily posted this piece there. But I am thrilled she asked to do it for us here.

The stylish and Top 20 Trad Home designer Jamie Herzlinger
(and our new BFF - Blog Friend Forever!)

So read along and enjoy the images she chose for us too.


The Hidden Trend: Orientalism Meets Boho Chic
by Jamie Herzlinger for Visual Vamp

Jamie says Alberto Pinto epitomizes modern Orientalism

Jamie writes ~ I am so excited and flattered to be doing a guest post for Valorie today. Everyone at the office reads her blog daily so it is a huge honor for me to be able to post a few words of my own.

Everyone at the office of Jamie Herzlinger reads Visual Vamp

Today I am going to be writing about a particular trend that has recently piqued my interest and it is, Orientalism. It seems to be a designer secret and yet only the best are using it. I have done a little research of my own and come up with the roots behind Orientalism and why it is such an exciting trend right now.

Juan Pablo Molyneux ~ New trad Orientalism

Orientalism or interest in the Orient soared in popularity in Europe and the United States when the East India Trading Company was established in the mid-18th century. It was the first time the exotic nature of eastern design could be explored by those in the west. With this discovery came sumptuous materials and luxurious motifs that were both simple and complex. Westerners became obsessed with silk, embroidery and porcelain that was only available from these faraway lands.

Jamie Agnes Emery Orientalist tile

In the West, there has been no decline in interest in exoticism and foreign countries. However, the word “oriental” is often understood to refer to the Far East instead of the places to true Orientalism such as India and Morocco. While many aspects of Chinese and Japanese culture have been adapted as a part of American culture, the traditional nature of true Orientalism has received little modification.

Molyneux uses exotic influences

Since Orientalism of the Mediterranean has not been as popularized as that of far east, it far less widely understood, but if you look closely, you will see that the best current designers are taking time to understand the style and use it in subtle ways.

Alberto Pinto uses trad Orientalist elements

However, this style no longer being called Orientalism in the world of interiors or fashion. The current trend interpretation of traditional oriental is now referred to as Boho – Bohemian Chic.

Marc Jacobs does Boho Chic

(Vamp says: I spy a floppy hat I have from the 1970's)

The style is very recognizable with its unique materiality and nature inspired motifs. Boho chic is all about extravagance and over the top color and texture. Attention to detail is a key characteristic that is often accentuated by a handcrafted touch seen in much of the tile and woodwork.

Gorgeou luxiurious rug by Jamie Agnes Emery

This style is so luxurious because of the combination of natural materials like iron and wood with lavish materials like sumptuous textiles and precious stones like mother of pearl. This style is all about creating an experience that engages all senses.

Sumptuous Muriel Brandolini

These characteristics can be taken in contemporary design and implemented strategically to create a historic contrast. There are many masters of modern Orientalism including Alberto Pinto, Catherine Ferrier, Germain Boffrand, Muriel Brandolini, and Juan Pablo Molyneux.

Boho Chic for Spring 2011 via Polyvore

The sophistication of Boho Chic won’t be a secret much longer after seeing the various spring collections in fashion. You can start by adding a little Boho to your wardrobe, and even though oriental furnishings are more difficult to find, you only need a few key pieces to make a statement. I hope you are inspired by the photos I chose, and start observing the exotic oriental characteristics that surround you that you may not have noticed before. Thanks for letting me share today. ~



Vamp Here ~ Well I loved what guest blogger Jamie brought to us today and I thank her very much! What about you?!

A Tutorial On Mirrors By Guest Blogger Renya Ramli

It's been tough for me to get back to blogging, so when I got the following note, I felt relieved:

Hi Valorie!
My name is Reyna and I'm wondering if you would like a guest blog post regarding mirrors or ‘What Everyone Should Know about Mirrors’. I have experience in the interior design field and I love writing...

So take it away Renya, and thank you for guest blogging today.

And my dear Vamp readers I am coming back, and please leave Renya a nice comment...

Mirrors have had a long and illustrious history since our ancestors stopped gazing into pools of still dark water and created the first known convex mirror from volcanic glass in 6000 BC. Many manufacturing processes and materials followed, each more advanced than the last. During Renaissance times, the first example of our modern day glass mirror was created in Venice. Its reflective quality was so dazzling, the new Venetian mirrors became all the rage with Europeís wealthiest. Paris would see the height of this trend among its aristocrats, with Louis XIV, whose collection of 535 mirrors was not enough to please him, so he had the Hall of Mirrors built in Versailles.

Framed Mirror from Uttermost

Mirrors in Decorating

Like Louis XIV and his love affair with mirrors, many homeowners and designers today, use mirrors for their dazzling brilliance as purely aesthetic elements in a roomís dÈcor. The majority of todayís mirrors are created using modern inexpensive processes and materials which make for very affordable mirrors. Of course, the cost rises according to the mirrorís size, frame, decorative accents and beveling or etching.

Perhaps the most versatile of all home decor accessories, decorative mirrors can be used in any room, with any style. They tend to be neutral unless their frame or decorative accent lends itself to a certain style. For example, an ornate gold framed mirror lends itself to a more formal style in which grand architecture, furniture and accessories are used to attract attention. A smooth black framed mirror would tend to look more contemporary. When choosing a frame, consider how it fits with the rest of your decor.

One rule to remember when using decorative mirrors is to consider what they will reflect from any chosen position? If placed above the fireplace, will the reflection be that of a plain white wall or if hung on a wall opposite a window, reflect a view you donít care to look at once, much less twice? Strategic placement of a decorative mirror doubles the beauty of a room. Reflecting lavish and colorful window treatments or a piece of wall art is an ideal way to use mirrors to your advantage.

Mirrors for Practical Purposes

They can be used for a purely aesthetic purpose like those mentioned above or they can be beautiful and practical at the same time. Examples of double-duty mirrors include: bathroom vanity mirrors and powder room mirrors used for grooming and as a focal point in the room when paired with wall sconce lights on each side; entryway or foyer mirrors used to check one's reflection when coming and going and to make a stunning focal point when accompanied by other supporting elements such as a demi lune, or crescent moon shaped table.

Oval Mirror from Quoizel

Their reflection extends the lines of sight and can be used to solve architectural problems. A bulky wall is lightened by the hanging of a large mirror on it. Shorten a lengthy room with windows by placing mirrors on the opposite wall to reflect a nice outdoor scene. Floor to ceiling mirrors in a small living room reflect the roomís beauty and add a sense of spaciousness to the small space


Mirror Shapes and Sizes

Geometrically speaking, mirrors run the gamut. Think of a shape and more than likely you can find a mirror to match. Popular shapes include: oval mirrors, rectangular mirrors, square mirrors, and round mirrors or circular mirrors. When choosing the shape of a decorative mirror, consider how you will use it and where it will be placed. For example, placing a wide rectangular mirror above a smaller width round entry table would overwhelm the table and look out of place with the shape. A good rule of thumb is to make any mirror subordinate, or smaller, than any piece of furniture placed near it. So the hall table above should be wider than the mirror placed above it. This is true for any room, accessory or piece of furniture.

Mirror Types

The most common mirrors are framed wall mirrors. They can be used in all rooms of the house without looking overdone. A mirror goes nicely above the sofa with sconces on either side, in a bedroom hung by itself, in the kitchen as a backsplash behind canisters or other decorative items, and by the doors of the home so one can check their appearance before heading out of the home.

The majority of decorative mirrors are framed. The frame will normally be considered once the size and shape of the mirror is determined. Some framed mirrors are not just used for decoration, but are made for grooming as well, this group of mirrors includes bathroom mirrors, table mirrors, lighted mirrors and makeup mirrors.

Floor Mirror from Uttermost

Large floor mirrors, or peering glasses, have become increasingly popular amongst designers. Leaning an oversized floor mirror against the wall can brighten a space dramatically, and with strategic placement create a stunning focal point especially if the mirror is framed with a chunky wood or metal frame in a metallic finish such as matte nickel or soft gold.

Mirrors have been an important aesthetic and practical part of the majority of successful interior designs and architecture for centuries now and they will surely remain a part of our everyday lives for many more to come.† Seemingly endless choices in styles, frames, shapes and sizes of mirrors abound. Make your choices with the suggestions above in mind for a beautiful home dÈcor.

Content provided by Arcadian Home Decor, a company that specializes in top quality home decor items at extremely affordable prices. Come visit us today!

Nooky

Mrs. Limestone from Adventures in Renovating a Brooklyn Limestone invited me over for some nooky.


Go on over and take a nook look HERE, and leave her a lovely comment.

Do You Know How To Build A Snowman?

The news tells us that 2/3 of the USA is in a deep winter freeze, with a ton of snow falling. I feel kind of guilty here in New Orleans. It was 75 degrees yesterday. But let's make lemonade from the proverbial lemon. Or a sno-cone from a bunch of ice.


I am sure you remember the first snow of past seasons, and perhaps making a celebratory snowman.

The snowman still conjures up childhood innocence, and a simple (and healthy) activity that anyone and everyone can do. And don't forget the snowball fights! And the snow forts!
So in the spirit of this first blast of winter I present Jim Sysko who is going to tell us how to build a snowman (in case we forgot).

How To Build A Snowman by Jim Sysko

Assessing The Snow: If the snow depth is two inches or less, don't attempt to make your snowman too big. A five foot tall snowman can be made from a two-inch-deep snow cover using only an area of about 20 feet by 20 feet. If the snow is deeper and you have lots of help, try a 7 - or 8 foot snowman.

Geography: Assuming you have good sticky snow, start by selecting a spot for the snowman that is in the geographical center of the area of snow you will be rolling. Put him in the shade for longest "life."

Rolling Snow: Start by rolling the first ball around the outside of the area, gradually tending toward the middle, all the while making it as round as possible for easy rolling.

When it's big enough or you can't roll it anymore, brace the ball by packing lots of snow around its base.

Roll the second and third balls, remembering that dense snow can be heavy, so be careful when lifting these. Recruit friends to help -the more hands the better! If you are building with a small group, use a wide wooden plank as an inclined ramp to roll or slide your snowballs up.

Longevity: Pack bracing snow at the belt line and neck to keep the guy together. If you want a face to last as long as possible, carve and create the features on the side of the head that is away from the sun.

You will want to show off your creation so place and face your snowman in the direction that gets the most visibilty.

Dress him up...
...and if you have time and ambition, make a whole family to keep him company.

Remember that snowmen usually don't long in this world, except in our memories, so treat them well. Snowmen have a way of paying us back by making us all a little younger.
///.....


Jim Sysko is the engineer who led the team the built the world's tallest snowman (113 feet 7 1/2 inches) in Bethel, Maine, in 1999.

Jim Sysko's World's Tallest Snowman

Guest Blogger - Preston Bailey

Decorate With Flowers by Preston Bailey

In the 1970's I walked in to a home of two interior designers and I was captivated by an explosion of beautiful gladiolus in a glass vase. This one arrangement started the journey: my love of flowers. Since then I have always made an effort to have flowers in my home and in doing so have learned the dos and don'ts. Here I will share them with you.

The most important way to give off a feeling of what your home is about is to have welcoming flowers in the entrance. These could be a beautiful blossom or a cluster of flowers.


Each room in the home should make a flower statement. In a contemporary environment it is desirable to use the same kind of flowers. In a more traditional setting, you might mix a variety of flowers and play up the colors from the environment.
As you walk into your living room it is good to have flowers create intimacy, like on a coffee table or in a sitting area. When placing an arrangement on a coffee table, make sure it is not too overpowering and that it isn't so high that it prevents you from seeing across the sofa.

There are two rooms in which scented flowers are ideal. One is the bathroom and the other is the bedroom, beside your bed as you sleep at night, so that the first thing you smell when you awake is the wonderful scent of flowers.

The rule of thumb for choosing a vase is that the flowers should account for 60 percent of the height of the arrangement and the vase should account for 40 percent.


Some flowers last longer than others. Lilies and any kind of roses, once treated properly, have long lives. Spring flowers which include any blossoms, dogwoods, and lilacs, are tricky house flowers.
To maximize the life of your flowers:
1. Always make sure to buy freshly cut flowers. Most flowers only last 3 or 4 days after they bloom so buying fresh is important for the longevity of flowers.
2. Maximize water intake. If you plan to venture into blossoms I strongly recommend smashing the bottom of the branches with a hammer at the base to aid water absorption. When removing thorns from roses, make an angle cut to allow the rose to drink water.

3. Change the water daily. When there is an arrangement in water, leaves should never touch the water - they will give the water a bad smell.
4. Keep the water at room temperature. The cooler the temperature in the room surrounding the flower, the longer they will last.
5. Avoid direct sunlight. Most cut flowers need no sunlight.

One of my favorite ways to keep flowers in my house cost-effectively is to buy flowering plants.
They typically last 1 - 3 weeks, and the beauty is that if you get them in bulb form, you can watch them bloom and grow. Many bulbs don't need intense light, so indoor lighting is fine.

Narcissus (paperwhites), amaryllis, and hyacinths make great home-flowering plants. Most flowering plants will require water every other day. If the leaves start turning yellow, you are overwatering. If not, you are doing the right thing.

The best home investment is the orchid. Orchids are the most durable plants because they grow in extreme situations. If you hold on to the plant itself, it will bloom again. Some orchids bloom every 6 months, some every year.

Flowers are about life and joy. For maximum impact and beauty, pay attention to the seasonal ones. Here are some seasonal suggestions:

Winter: amaryllis, poinsettias, narcissues, potted flowers
Spring: branches, daffofils, tulips, peonies
Summer: sunflowers, lilies, roses, stocks
Fall: hydrangeas (they dry beautifully)

When sending flowers to a home, think about the person and his or her style, and convey that to the florist. When in doubt, it is much better to send a simple arrangement and to always send flowers with the lognest possible life.

I recommend sending flowers half open, not yet bloomed, but not bulbs, so that the recipient gets an appreciation for their beauty upon receiving them.

When buying for yourself you can buy completely tight bulbs.

It is always nicer to send flowers in a vase because the recipient can enjoy them right away rather than requiring them to perform work when the flowers arrive. (end of Preston's post...)


All of the images (except for the vase of gladiolus) are of Preston's home that he shares with his partner Theo Bleckmann. All of the furnishings and fabrics were done by Preston's long time close friend Vincent Wolfe (I'm sure you recognized the VW easel used for the flat screen television).
You can read a really great interview with Preston Bailey at New York Social Diary, from whence these images came from.