Lamp Shade Makeover

I decided it was time I gave my lamps a makeover. I am decorating my living room in peacocks so I thought, 'Why not do a peacock lamp shade?'

Here is what I started with....Pretty plain, pretty basic and the inside plastic was starting to crack.

This is everything I used for my project:
1. New Drum style lamp shade. (I like these because they are a little more contemporary and they emit more light out of the top.
2. Poster board
3. Fabric to wrap around my shade. I used Argos Bisque item #170273 from InteriorMall.com. It's still a light colored fabric but will add texture to the shade.
4. Fabric to use as a trimming. Fabric trim works well too. I used Dupioni Silk 9033 Peacock item #60307 from InteriorMall.com. I'm using this same fabric for my window treatments so I wanted to tie it all in.
5. Peacock feathers
6. Spray glue

First I wrapped the shade in my base fabric Argos Bisque, spraying the shade with glue as I went.

 Then I took strips of poster board and wrapped them in fabric. (Note - if using silk or faux silk for this be sure to only spray the strip on one side with glue as it might discolor the fabric.) Then I wrapped those around the top and bottom of my shade. If using a trim for this it is best to use a hot glue gun. Spray glue will not hold a trim or gimp over time.

Then I glued on my feathers and voila!

What is Mohair?

Mohair usually refers to yarn made from the long white lustrous hair of the Angora goat.  The goat originated from the mountains of Tibet making their way to Turkey.  Until 1849, the province of Ankara was the sole producer of Angora goats until they were brought over to Europe by Charles V.  Today, Angora goats are also raised in New Zealand, The United States with South Africa being the largest mohair producer in the world. (The United States, mainly Texas, is second)
Mohair is one of the oldest textile fibers in use dating as far back as the 8th Century.  It is known for its high luster and durability.  Angora is the most resilient natural fiber and is considered Eco Friendly because of its sustainability.  Another important characteristic of mohair is how exceptional it takes dyes.  The color is absorbed brilliantly into the fibers creating rich saturated colors.
Mohair is a pile fabric which stands upright.  It is woven together on a velvet loom and then cut apart into two pieces.  Mohair is usually blended with cotton for the backing and then a coating is applied to help keep the pile in place.
Mohair velvets are priced according to the thickness and/or the height of the pile.  The longer the hairs or the denser the pile, the higher the cost will be.  Mohair made from the hair of a young goat, also known as “Kid Mohair”, if the finest quality available.

How to Pick the Right Lamp Shade

Lamps are an important design element to any room. Without them you are subjected to harsh overhead lighting from your ceiling fan or no light at all. However, like any design element lamps go in and out of style and they also wear out with age. If you have decided to keep your current lamp base but change out your worn out lamp shade here are some tips for selecting a new shade.

First, select the shape of your shade. There are many different styles so try and picture how each one would look on your lamp and in your room.

Second, select the shades bottom diameter. The best way to determine the bottom diameter of the shade for your table lamp is to measure the lamp height from the bottom edge of the table lamp base to the top of the lamp stem, (just below the socket cap).

The shade you choose for your lamp should have a bottom diameter that is within 2”, plus or minus, the measured height of your lamp. For example if your lamp height is 14" tall, your shade should have a bottom diameter of 12"-16"

Third, select the shades overall height. The overall height of the shade is directly related to the height of the harp. As a general rule, the overall height of the shade should not exceed the the height of the harp plus 1/ 2”, and should not be smaller than the height of the harp minus 1/ 2”.

For example, if your harp is 7” tall, the shade you select should have an overall height in the range of 6 1/ 2” to 7 1/ 2”. The shade height is important because you want adequate coverage of the bulb without covering the lamp base.

Hopefully this helps and it makes your shade decision making easier. Don't forget to visit Interiormall.com for an extensive array of lamp shades.

DIY Knobs

Knobs can be expensive but sometimes you don't want just "Plain Jane" knobs either. Here is how to give yourself faux ceramic knobs but without the costs.

Supplies: 

Wooden Knobs

Primer

Mod Podge

Paint

Envirotex Lite

Throw away brush

Stir Stick or Popsicle Stick

Throw away cup

Blue Painters Tape

Tissue Paper or Stickers

Printer

Step 1: Paint your knobs any color your desire and let them dry completely. If you would like to add more than 1 color to your knob, now is the time.

Step 2: Cut a piece of tissue paper and tape it to a piece of printer paper. Print any words or any graphic onto the tissue paper. Cut the words making sure it is a big enough square to cover the entire knob.

 Or, place any sticker onto the face of the knob.

Step 3: (Only if you are using tissue paper) Cover your knob in Mod Podge and place the tissue paper on the knob pressing the edges down smoothly. Make sure all edges and paper are sealed with Mod Podge.

Step 4: Mix your Envirotex Lite. This is what gives your knobs the ceramic look and feel. BE SURE TO READ THE DIRECTIONS!!!

Step 5: With a throw away paint brush, paint on the Environtex Lite. Make sure you cover the entire knob, not just the face. Let dry for 24 hours. And VOILA!

Note: An easy way to hold the knobs during the project so that they don't tip over and you don't have to handle them is poking the screw down into a shoe box....you have an instant knob holder.

A Day in the Life of an Interior Mall Employee - Rachel

Name: Rachel
Nickname: "Wall"
Years Employed at IM: Almost 4
Job Title: Product Developer

Describe a "Typical" Day for you:
E-mails, quotes, returns, tracking, answering phones, taking pictures, researching new products, blogging, facebooking, pinning... you know the usual.

Favorite moment with a customer:
Customer's name is Buddy. I'll never forget him. I had only been working here a year or so and every time he would call in the customer service girls would ask to get his name. He would always say, "It's her boyfriend. She loves me." Always cracked all of us up.

How does your office reflect you?
It's pink and zebra! It's part girly, part wild side (even though I don't have a wild bone in me) and all DIVA. I also have lots of pictures of my hubby and my doggy.

If you were stranded on a desert island with only 3 things from your desk what items would they be?
1. My sticky notes (you never know when you will need to make a list)
2. My lotion (you can't be stuck on an island with crusty skin)
3. Camera (if I come back alive it will make for a great scrapbook, if not, everyone will know exactly what happened)

Fill in the Blank
If you walk by my office you'll hear me talking (sometimes to others, usually to myself).
I'm known as the comic relief of the office.

Interior Mall Fabric/Products Used in Rachel's Office:
Premier Prints Fabric Tunisia Black

Wall Pops Heart of Hearts

Valentine's Day is just around the corner so it's time to start thinking about all those fun craft projects if you haven't already. Something that is fun, easy and super cute to do is a fabric heart wreath.

What you will need:
styrofoam heart
glue (place in a shallow bowl)
sharpened pencil or large knitting needle
1 1/2 yard of fabric cut into 2" squares. If you are using 2 fabrics use 3/4 of a yard of each pattern.

Wrap the square of fabric around the end of the pencil and dip it into the glue.

Then poke the pencil down into the Styrofoam heart.

Keep repeating that until the heart becomes full of fabric squares.

Voila! Finished!

What's your Decorating Style?!

I saw this quiz and thought it was interesting. You will need a piece of paper and a pencil to write down your answers.

1. Which of the following would you label your dream car?

1. A sleek sports car equipped with all the latest, flashy features - and it's got to be trendy!
2. A pickup truck that's as stylish as it is functional.
3. A mid-sized SUV that's cleverly styled to suit both car lovers and sports enthusiasts.
4. A classic car that represents history and offers a sense of formality.
5. A vehicle that helps you enjoy a weekend drive with the wind in your hair. 

2. Which of these meals are you most likely to prepare?

1. A tofu stir-fry with a Cajun kick - you like to entertain with exciting dishes.
2. Homemade pot roast and potatoes that give you a warm feeling.
3. A sampler platter - you enjoy taste testing a variety of foods.
4. Turkey with all the dressings - the perfect chance to use the formal dining room.
5. Finger sandwiches with no fuss, no muss. 

3. On a typical work day, which of these outfits would you most likely be seen wearing?

1. Black dress pants or slacks with a bold striped button shirt.
2. A pair of jeans to match a favorite comfy sweater.
3. A stylish outfit with a mix of patterns and colors to represent your individualistic style.
4. A formal dress or pant suit because you always dress for success.
5. A comfortable pair of khakis, a denim jacket and your signature leather sandals. 

4. If you could choose your favorite lighting fixture, what would it look like?

1. A clean and crisp wall sconce.
2. You prefer the light from your fireplace for that cozy ambiance.
3. A Tiffany-style art glass table lamp that showcases brilliant colors and a unique style.
4. A grandiose chandelier that welcomes guests into the foyer.
5. A natural style ceiling fixture that features material such as bamboo. 

5. Your dream house is:

1. A stunning home with large windows and clean lines that overlooks water.
2. A remodeled farm house with plenty of space for friends and family.
3. A stylish condo in a hip metropolitan neighborhood.
4. Only a spacious modern-day castle will do.
5. A rustic log cabin surrounded by nature.

If you chose:

Mostly A's: You are a contemporary decorator. You favor sleek, streamlined designs and form that follows function. Your living room tends to have leather furniture and your home decor often features metal and glass with minimalist details.







Mostly B's: You are a country decorator. Floral prints and comfy sofas with ruffled skirts may adorn your home. You enjoy heart-warming coziness that you get from your fireplace. Unpretentious is your motto.






Mostly C's: You are an eclectic decorator. You're not afraid to mix up your home decor by crossing different periods and styles. Furniture with textured fabrics linked only by color may be sprinkled throughout your home. You like home decor that represents your individualistic side.



Mostly D's: You are known as the traditional decorator. The moment guests step into your home they are imbued with a sense of history. Queen Anne-style furniture probably graces your dining room. Formal, symmetrical and graceful sums up your home decor.




Mostly E's: You are a casual decorator. You live only by three words: relaxed, informal and comfortable. Neutral, earthy tones placate every room. You enjoy home decor that pays tribute to nature and textured fabrics.