| Enchanting Chandelier, Elegant Windows |
| Enchanting Chandelier, Elegant Windows |
From "Weekend Decorating" episode WDC-202 |
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It's now the morning of the second day of this master bedroom transformation, and Golden has spent about nine hours on the project at this point; the great new look is progressing quickly. So far, the focus has centered around great accents: first, the delicate yet eye-catching ceiling rosettes, followed by the metallic drama of the focal wall. Now it's time to address the room's lighting and windows....
When you're designing the interior of a room, don't treat lighting and window treatments as "throwaways," says Golden. These details have far too much impact on the look of the space to be chosen in haste -- so give them extra-special consideration!Chandelier Enchantment Expert Tip: Keep lighting in bedrooms softer than in kitchens and dining rooms. Bedside lamps are perfect for adding extra light when needed. - For this bedroom, a small-scale (or "baby") chandelier has been selected for the area above the bed. Although it's a bit "over the top," says Golden, it adds whimsy and elegance to the space. This particular style features an organic form adorned with graceful leaf shapes, a burnished gold finish and smooth, rounded crystals that give it a slightly contemporary edge (a departure from the traditional faceted crystals that suggest a more formal look).
Note: The chandelier's organic design is a perfect complement to the newly-added rosette detail on the ceiling. - Once you've chosen your particular lighting fixture, carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, observing all necessary safety precautions. If you're uncertain about any part of the process -- or have limited electrical experience -- consult a qualified electrician for the installation.
- When selecting bulbs for a bedroom chandelier, you can opt for the basic candle-bulb form or you can select a more stylized, flame shape with a wiggly tip. Whichever type bulbs you prefer, make sure their glass is translucent so they'll create the look of real candlelight (opaque bulbs won't produce this effect).
- A last word of advice on bedroom chandeliers: don't use mini shades on the bulbs -- these are best reserved for dining rooms, says Golden. Keep the style clean and bright!
Note: Small-scale chandeliers have recently become quite popular and can work well in almost any room or setting.
Window Wonders - In creating the initial concept for the look of a room, it's often effective to have a style "catalyst" or inspiration item, on which you can base choices for colors and other visual elements -- a painting or a picture in a magazine, for example. Here, the gorgeous fabric Golden has chosen for the window treatments serves as the catalyst for her design plan; the color palette for the entire room has been set using this rich, silk-look material.
- Better still, though the fabric looks like silk, it's actually easy-care polyester... purchased for a mere $12 per yard -- amazing! The style of the window treatments -- straight-line panels with basic swags -- lends the windows a polished, somewhat masculine look that works wonderfully with the colors and overall style of this space.
- To give the elegant, wooden window hardware a warm, polished look that coordinates with the rest of the room, Golden has brushed each piece with a light application of metallic paint.
Expert Tip: When buying or making window treatments, measure every window first -- often windows that look identical are not.
Sensational Seating Area - Turning her attention to the seating / lounging area, Golden addresses the need for light in this space with a distinctive ceiling fan featuring wooden blades, alabaster globes and a warm, rust-look finish. The fan's style makes a handsome contrast to the delicate chandelier and lends a more tailored look to the seating area. It's also a functional addition: not only will the globes provide ample light for reading, but the fan will maintain gentle air circulation, keeping the space comfortable.
Note: Feng shui principles warn against placing a fan directly over the bed since the motion of the blades can metaphorically "chop" the person(s) sleeping below. - If you have an existing fan with blades that just don't fit the look you're creating, check to see if they're reversible: the finish on the opposite side may work perfectly with your new style.
- Finally, consider adding a dimmer feature to your ceiling fan lights to create a romantic feel.
Before moving on to the final phase of the project, Golden shares some key points on lighting styles and window dressing: - As you begin furnishing a space, choose lighting fixtures first, making sure they work with the decor you've selected.
- Select your window treatments with care: they can radically change the a room's entire look.
Now Golden is ready to take on the final phase of this phenomenal project: perfect furniture placement and A+ accessories! Time elapsed: 12 hours.
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