Over The Mantel Transformation

Take a look at how Interior Reflections took a newly

designed, unpainted fireplace surround from pretty good to WOW. First we chose a warm blonde for the main wall color to set the stage for the statement custom tapestry to come. The trim color needed a subtle hint of ivory to tone down what could have easily been a blinding white.

Next we designed a perfectly sized fleur de lis tapestry joining five harmonious fabrics - three of which were also used for the comfy sofa, bergere chairs and down pillows. What makes the tapestry a stand out is the detailing which incorporates woven braiding from Italy, bronze embossed buttons and luxurious triple tassels with plum and topaz glass beading.

Installed on a fluted drapery pole with grand finials, this handmade work of art becomes the backdrop for another option - adding a framed

pastoral landscape over the fleur de lis to create a seasonal look. There's virtually an unlimited number of options for artwork and by varying the frame width and height, an additional fabric border can be hidden or revealed - your choice.

Is The Gold Rush On?

Designers are once again going for gold.

The metal has been on the decorative outs for a couple of decades, but it's making its way back into home decor - this time in a burnished, warmer form.

Kiwi wallpaper

Gold and other yellow metallics are showing up in furniture, lighting, even fabrics and wall coverings. They bring a little glimmer to a room, a little understated glamour.

This isn't some ornate casbah look or a return to staid Colonial style, however. Today's gold metals are soft and subdued, often with the complex look of handcrafting. Because gold is in the yellow family, it's considered to be a happy, warm and positive color. The bright shiny gold of yesteryear is out. Gold with a more complex matte finish is in.

One of the best ways to bring in gold is via accents, albeit in a restrained fashion. The easiest places to take advantage of this cutting edge trend is for items that can be changed easily such as cabinet pulls, wall sconces or pillows made from a fabric shot through with soft golden metallic threads.

Not a gold fan? Our all time favorite finish to use is champagne. It's a bridge color between nickel/pewter and antique brass/bronze. It works everywhere you want to integrate two or more finishes in a room. Need answers you can count on? Call on us - we're happy to help solve your design dilemmas in a flash.

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Did You Know?

Shade variation is inherent in all tile products, including man-made tiles such as porcelain, glass and ceramic.

Here are the 4 ratings that reflect the degree of variation you can expect when you stand back to admire your new tile installation.

Be sure to ask in advance what rating has been assigned to your selection. Better yet, ask to see a box of your actual tile and lay out six or more pieces to visualize the end result.

V1 - Low shade variation means little or no shade/texture variation from piece to piece.

V2 - Moderate variation - each piece will vary, yet be similar to each other in color and texture variations.

V3 - High shade variation- The intensity of each color will vary from tile to tile and may appear different from another piece. All the colors will be present in a single piece of tile to some degree.

V4 - Random shade variation - not for the faint of heart. This rated tile means one tile may have totally different colors from that on other tiles. Thus, the final installation will be unique.

Beth LaPenna Selected For National Color Advisory Board

As an experienced interior designer and color consultant, Beth was recently tapped to provide innovative solutions for architects and other design professionals in her new role as a member of Benjamin Moore's Color Advisory Board.