Thinking about all of the bling, camera flashes and spotlights inspired me to write about how those concepts apply in interior decorating. I’ve come up with a few thoughts of my own, and I’d love to hear other ideas via your replies, as well.
First, let’s talk about what I don’t want to see: a burlap gown. Nothing in Hollywood would surprise me, but I really hope that the Project Runway episode that featured burlap designs hasn’t inspired any celebrity to go out and follow suit. Burlap does not equal formal wear which does not equal Oscars. I had written an article a few weeks about burlap in design, and I have since seen a couple of pieces that even I would even consider buying, but let’s not wear it on the carpet, ladies.
Bling. As for bling—who doesn’t love to wear a little? And, in decorating, a little bling can go a long way. Recently, I was at a friend’s house who had designed her own custom window treatments. She had designed long panels where the top third of the panel was made in one fabric, the bottom two thirds of the panel in another fabric, and she separated the two fabrics with beaded trim to add a little texture, visual interest, and sparkle. I loved it! It drew your eye right up to the top of the panel and the color she chose tied the two fabrics together perfectly. In addition, beaded trim is always a great and inexpensive way to add a little character to old lampshades. Just grab a hot glue gun and a pair of scissors and you can easily change the entire look of the lamp in very little time. Don’t go out of control, though. Gluing can be fun, but you don’t want your space to look like a belly dancer’s costume.
Spotlight. Oscar night is all about being in the spotlight: bright lights, camera flashes, and hours of primping to make the stars look their best. In decorating, high wattage lighting can be strategically used to highlight art in your home. If you look at the pictures below, you’ll see two different types of high wattage lights used to highlight art in the home. In my first video blog entitled “Start Building That Portfolio and Dream List Today“, I had talked about a resort I had stayed at in the Turks and Caicos and how a spotlight was placed on a gorgeous piece of art in the bathroom. When you walk by highlighted art, bathroom or not, you just cannot help but look at it. So, show off your art, and add a spotlight!
Bathroom Art Spotlight
Nook Art Spotlight
Setting the Mood. I will do an entire series of articles and videos specific to lighting, but I do want to mention a less expensive way to re-vamp those old lamps and overhead lights in order to set a mood, and that is by installing dimmer switches. Dimmer switches are so functional and can make any space feel inviting. When I’m throwing dinner parties, for example, I keep the dining room light a little brighter during cocktail hour. Also, a little more light helps my guests find their seats before dinner. But, once the meal is served, I lower the lights a bit to create a more intimate experience.
Shop online, at the local hardware giants, or mom and pop hardware stores for dimmer switches. The prices range from a little under two dollars for the dial type of dimmer to the more elaborate dimmers switches available today which range anywhere from $10 upwards to $50. Price varies based on single pole, three way, etc. varieties—don’t let the price scare you. Talk to your hardware expert about the pros and cons of each and be prepared to discuss the type that will work with your existing electrical wiring. There is no need to invest in the Cadillac version of the switch to get the mood right. Installing them is fairly easy—even I can do it. But, don’t forget to turn off the power before installing the switch so that you don’t end up on your butt with a Phyllis Diller hairstyle. If you’re in the middle of construction, talk to your electrician first, and tell him in which rooms you want dimmers. I put them in almost all of my rooms (other than the laundry room), and I suggest to my clients to do the same.
In summary, add some bling, spotlights, and dimmer switches to set the mood in your home, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
And, the Oscar goes to……drum roll…..YOU!! For trying new things and making your space something you love!
