oversized and fabulous

You probably know about the three basic types of lighting already…or at least you could make a very good guess if you really thought about it….task lighting, ambient lighting, accent (general) lighting.

And you could probably guess that having all three in a space makes for a good lighting plan. And that a good lighting plan combines all three types to light an area according to function and style.

Same goes for some of the methods of lighting….uplighting, downlighting, backlighting.

You may even know about scale and choosing lighting that “fits” the right space….for example, how to choose the right size chandelier and what height to hang it over your dining table, or how your floor lamp relates to your sofa, and how table lamps relate to the side tables they are placed on, and how those together relate to whatever they are near….and so on and so on until you have a well put together room.

After you’ve mastered these basic rules of lighting in design, you can forget everything you just learned (sort of!) and turn it on its head to create sophisticated, bold, modern and memorable, well-designed space…all with one new piece.

Check out these floor lamps that look like oversized table lamps. Look closely…they are starting to pop up everywhere… on the pages style magazines, in design & decor programming, and finally, even in a couple of the shops around our fair city.

Just one of these adds a bold, sculptural yet functional element to your room. And for that reason, I love them.

I love them because they are like big art in a small space.

I love them because it’s sometimes a challenge to find or create a unique and interesting focal point in a room if there are none in the existing architecture (and I’m not talking about the TV!).

While you wouldn’t arrange your furniture so everyone is staring at the lamp (although you may want to), there is no doubt it would draw your eye.

I also love them because they are practical, like all floor lamps should be, and are effective in chasing away a dark corner, as well as serving as one of the many layers of lighting that make up a well-designed room.

And, although the ones shown here are quite modern, they come in many, many styles that would suit just about any décor.

I predict we’ll be seeing a lot more of these in the very near future…

(now, do I have space in my own living room for one of these, I wonder? Maybe if I just rearranged a few things…)

For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com

snuggle up and learn

One of the things I like about winter (yes…there are a few!) is the new tv programming that hits HGTV in January/February.

If you’ve tuned in lately, you’ve seen the barrage of commercials promoting new shows. And if you are a junkie like me, you can’t help but grab a few on the DVR to check ‘em out.

Here’s a couple that have caught my attention….

• Sarah 101 – “…is yet another fresh departure for the ever versatile Sarah Richardson. Sarah 101 is a back-to-basics crash course in design that breaks every project into simple building blocks and showcases Sarah’s signature approach of tips and tricks to solve design problems, so that you can transform any room in your home!”

• Cracking Antiques – “Vintage dealer and interior designer Kathryn Rayward and antiques expert Mark Hill present Cracking Antiques, a refreshing new series which drags antiques from their pedestals, blows the dust off them and shows how they can be more affordable, stylish and better made than much of what the high street has to offer. Using their knowledge, skills and expertise, they show how antiques can be for everyone and no longer the preserve of stately homes.”

If neither of those capture your attention…how about “The Vanilla Ice Project”?!?

Yes, I said Vanilla Ice…..of the 1989 “ice, ice, baby” fame. Now this is not on HGTV, rather it’s being promoted for the DIY Network, but they are certainly promoting the heck out of it.

Apparently, Vanilla (can I call him “Vanilla”? “Mr. Ice”?) has “15 years experience in home renovation as a general contractor” and he’s about “to start his biggest project yet.”

Hmmm….I guess there was time between the music…er…career, the arrests, the downfall, the many re-inventions of himself, and the various TV appearances including The Surreal Life, Celebrity Bull Riding Challenge, and (you won’t believe this one….) Dancing on Ice (UK), to hone is contracting skills.

Let’s not forget, he also dated Madonna for a bit back in his heyday.

Maybe worth tuning in, after all.

Or at least checking it out….how can you resist?


For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com

top paint trends

Ok…so now you know the color of the year (see last week’s blog), but you didn’t think I’d stop there, did you??

Consider these other top paint color trends that seem to be popping up everywhere…

1. Lime green
2. Smoke
3. Fern green
4. Soft grey
5. Lemon yellow
6. Hot pink
7. Dark teal
8. Bohemian brown
9. Sand

Personally, I’ve already got plans for the hot pink….I have a vintage vanity/dressing table tucked away in my basement just waiting to have a new life. As soon as my mudroom/laundry room is complete, this baby is going to get a nice shiny new coat of hot pink paint. It will serve as a great place to put on shoes and to stash the car keys, mail, and all the other things that tend to accumulate by the door. It will also be a fantastic pop of color in a room with a black and white floor, dark wall color and a few industrial touches….just wait until you see what I imagine!

Until then, try not be afraid of a little bit of paint. But if you are looking for a change, and painting seems like a daunting task or you are not ready to make the committment, try updating your room accessories with one of these trendy colors and see how you feel about it!

For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com

Color of the Year - Vintage Wine

Benjamin Moore's color designers are forecasting "vintage wine"(2116-20) as Envision Color 2011's Color of the Year.

"First seen on the fashion runways of New York, Paris, and Milan, this rich hue with a deep brown base and a hint of smoky violet is just as magnificent in the home.

Vintage wine is an anchoring, rich hue that combines the comfort of a brown with the luxury of a smoky violet.

As an undertone in many of the latest wood finishes, leathers, and other textiles, vintage wine, and its lighter variations, will make a great paint color pick for many applications over the coming years."

rouge note: while I’m not crazy about the other color it’s mixed with here, I can see this beautiful color with smoky greys and furniture and accessories that have a touch of vintage to them. Warm, inviting, and luxurious!

For more info about benjamin moore color trends, check out: www.benjaminmoore.com

What do you think??

For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com

reno chronicles #11

Santa delivered! (see reno chronicles #10)

Finally, I have a HRM building permit in my hot little hands. I can hardly believe it. It's a Christmas miracle!
(Well....maybe not a true miracle, but it's been a long, crazy road to get here so allow me this exaggeration, will you?)

Next steps…review revised estimate (I'm still a tiny bit nervous about getting this within budget, but we're soooo close) and timeline with wonderful contractor, confirm details with bank, then hit the “go” button!

I know there are a ton of details to come, but I am so excited that this first huge hurtle is finally over…and that I am one big step closer to the reality of my little addition to the house.

Be sure to read next week….where I’ll be talking about more exciting things like trends for 2011…

Thanks again, Santa. I won’t forget my promise to be a good girl this year. And maybe next year, too…



For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com