Chic Buffet Lamps

Chic buffet lamps.  An oxymoron?  I used to think so, because when I think buffet lamps what comes to mind first are those boxed pair of nondescript stick lamps. Where's the fun in that?

Lamps, and lighting in general, are so important for setting the tone in a space.  I'm a lighting fanatic and it saddens me to see how often lighting is overlooked.

Buffet lamps have their very own purpose in life.  They are designed to illuminate that delicious spread you've laid out without taking up too much valuable space. They also look great on console tables in your entry or a desk, or anywhere else you've placed a narrow piece of furniture. Traditionally buffet lamps are tall with narrow shades, but why limit yourself to someone else's definition of what a buffet lamp should be?

                                                                    Lotus Leaf Lamp
If you know me at all then you know I love this lamp.  It's gold, it's nature inspired, and the lotus leaves give it a Chinoiserie flair. These lamps would be perfect on a lacquered piece.

Restoration Hardware's Pyramid Telescoping Lamp is great looking, modern and masculine.

Regina Andrew's Concrete and Brass Table Lamp is a favorite. The mix of brass and concrete is unexpected, and it would be perfect in a modern/rustic setting.

The Arteriors Sidney Lamp is a modern take on a classic marble lamp.  This lamp will stand the test of time.

This is the Doug Buffet Lamp by Chattanooga-based Stray Dog Designs.  It's whimsical, nature-inspired, and a great way to relax your "formal" dining room.

If you're equally smitten with great lighting (or you want to be), be sure and follow My Lighting Board on Pinterest.  You can also follow me on Instagram and Facebook.

The Green Room Interiors is a Chattanooga, TN Interior Decorator and we can help with all of your Design needs!  Call Kim Lemmon at 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com. You can also visit my website to learn more about the services I offer and to view photos of recently completed projects.

Client Entry Before and After - in Neutrals

Hello out there readers of design blogs!  Today I have a postlet to share with you of a recent foyer makeover.  This is one of the "afters" because I think it best to open things up with some pretty.

So now we'll back up to where it all began.

The thing is my clients' home is at the top of a mountain on the most gorgeous wooded lot, and we didn't think this particular arrangement honored the natural loveliness of its surroundings. Although the console table was a step in the right direction, the three shelves with the two mirrors and chairs felt busy.

My clients wanted something rustic and sophisticated.  And they did not want to repaint the walls.

Sorry for this horrifically blurry shot, but its the only one I have the shows the "before" of the feature art piece painted by my client's son.  I immediately knew we should make this painting the focal point of the long wall of the entry.  I had the painting reframed with a wider creamy white mat and a simple black frame for a cleaner, more updated look. (see below)

Here's what else.  We added some whitewashed planks to the aforementioned long wall, hung that pretty painting, put a long chunky console table under it and styled the whole thing up. With some nature-inspired stuff like those twigs I got out of their side yard. And, to keep the look from going all Cracker Barrel on us, we added some modern glam with that amazing Drexel Heritage glass prism lamp and crisp white accessories. 

We also painted the French Doors to the outside living area a rich charcoal gray, which we repeated in the family room on the book cases and exterior doors.  It gives them such presence, doesn't it?

Before

 In this slightly wider shot, you can see we also replaced the fussy wool rug with a black & white cowhide.  Oh how I love it!  And we replaced the generic chandelier with something a little more whimsical. A tall leaner mirror further simplifies the look and is perfect for checking out your head to toe look before heading out the door.

And that's the end!  Thanks for stopping by and having a look.  And did you know if you were following me on Instagram then you would have already seen it? Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and on Facebook!

My French Bouilette Lamp

Happy Monday lovely readers!  Before we get into today's post,  I'd like to thank everyone for all of the positive comments and feedback on my reveal for the most recent One Room Challenge.  You guys make my day! I still plan to add and finish a few things in those rooms so I'll update you with progress reports as they happen.

And speaking of updates, I've already changed out something in my living room.  I found a new lamp while shopping in Atlanta over Mother's Day weekend.  Actually my Mom spotted the lamp and kindly offered it up for me to purchase. So I did.

Are you familiar with the French Bouillotte lamp?  After consulting Professor Google, I've learned that the bouillotte lamp originated in France and was used on the playing table for a card game (similar to poker) known as Bouillotte.  The original design included a tray where chips were stored and a key at the top of the lamp that would allow the shade to be moved as the candles they used at the time burned down.

That's all very interesting but I bought the lamp because I loved the aged finish and painted detail.  And it casts a nice little glow in my room at night.

And so yes, room(s) not yet completely done and we're already making changes.  This happens to you too, right?

The Green Room Interiors provides Interior Decorating and Design Services in Chattanooga, TN.  If you'd like to discover the joy of living in a well designed home that captures your spirit, contact Kim Lemmon at 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com

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One Room Challenge Linking Event - It's Reveal Time!

Okay, okay.  I know you have many blogs to visit today so I will keep the written part short and sweet.  It's been a tough 6 weeks and I didn't accomplish everything I had hoped to get done for the reveal, but I think you'll get the picture - actually you're about to get lots of pictures.

First, the obligatory "before" shot.  (If you'd like to catch up on the posts leading up to today's reveal, you can do so here.)

Oozing with charm, right?   Sure it is!  See the "afters" below.

Please don't judge my photos too harshly - I took them myself because my room is not yet totally done (as if that will ever happen)  and I worked on it up until it was time to post the photos. Oh, and some of my DIY projects might be a little rough around the edges.  Still working on those finishing touches!

I'm still playing musical chairs around the dining room table.  Bench and chairs or just chairs?

Do you recall the Chinoiserie fabric that inspired this entire space?  

Sadly it's nowhere to be found in here - yet.  Due to unavoidable circumstances, my upholsterer was not able to get my host dining chairs done in time for today's reveal.  Sad face  :-( . As you read this, my chairs are getting upholstered with my Chinoiserie print fabric on the backs and they will flank the ends of my dining room table.   Kind of a bummer they're not here yet but I'll be sure and take photos when they arrive.

And lucky you!  This reveal is a 2-for-1 because I did my living room too!

Leopard pillows - I'm all in.

Most of the items I used in both rooms are vintage and "found" items. People always ask me about decorating with vintage finds, and I always give the same answer.  It takes time, people!  And patience too.

Just look at how excited Ellie is over this new space!

And that's where we are today!  I owe a giant "Thank you" to my Mom who spent a weekend with me placing  furniture and accessorizing. And a big thank you to everyone who's followed my progress along the way and taken the time to comment with such kind words. It's much appreciated!

UPDATE:  At the 11th hour, the upholsterer that was redoing my chairs emailed me to tell me he got one finished up.  Hurray!  Here's a look at that

Finally, a Super Sized thank you to Linda for providing the motivation and for hosting the One Room Challenge and The One Room Challenge Linking Event.  Make sure you head over to Linda's blog where you'll find the links for everyone who participated in this round's event! 

The Green Room Interiors provides Interior Decorating and Design Services in  Chattanooga, TN.  If you'd like to discover the joy of living in well designed home, contact Kim Lemmon at 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com

One Room Challenge Week 4 - Brass & Glass Pagoda Chandelier Makeover

Okay so I missed posting my progress last week.  Rest assured that even though I didn't get a chance to post everything that went down over here, I have been making sweet progress in my living room/dining room makeovers. That DOES NOT mean that I still don't have major concerns about getting the room to full completion on time.  I'm at the mercy of my upholsterer for a few things and he's pretty covered up right now.

In any case I'm going to put my worries aside and share a little progress I've made in the dining room.  And there's a DIY involved that meets two major requirements.  It's quick and easy.

So I have your attention now?  Meet my circa 1970 something brass and glass chandelier that was practically free at my Habitat for Humanity store.

I'm sure it's no secret why I was drawn to this fixture. (Hint: It starts with a "p" and rhymes with "lagoda.")  Of course I love that! But what I wasn't crazy about was the highly lacquered brass finish. I wanted something warmer and softer, but still gold.

I'm sure you already know where we're going with this.

After removing the glass I quickly and not so carefully applied rub n buff to all brass parts that I could see well enough without my reading glasses on.

I'll give you that the change at this point is subtle.  But we're not done yet. I thought it might be fun to update the glass by doing an antique mirror finish on the glass panels.  I've seen a number of tutorials on Pinterest and then again on Little Green Notebook.  

So I laid the glass panels face side down on a tarp and sprinkled them with a mixture of water and vinegar.  I didn't measure how much of each.

Then I sprayed them with this stuff (found on the shelves of my local Wal-Mart)

See how the vinegar/water solution lays on top of the glass?  Just grab a paper towel and blot/lightly wipe it off. 

As a final step I  sprayed on a coat of black to "age" those bare spots.

And then it was just a matter of reassembling the chandelier.

And all put back together and lit up.

Told you it was quick and easy!!

Thanks for checking in on my progress! 

And 2 weeks to go!! Yikes! (x 2)

The Green Room Interiors provides Interior Decorating and Design Services in Chattanooga, TN.  If you'd like to discover the joy of living in a well designed home, contact Kim Lemmon at 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com

Shop The Green Room Interiors on Hunter's Alley

Happy Monday friends!  Today I have some exciting news to share with you!   I've submitted a few items for sale over at Hunter's Alley, they have been approved and they are now live on their website.

Why yes that's a vintage palm frond chandelier. Find this beauty here.

And do this with it.

Image from The Pursuit of Style

You can also find this super adorable little Chinoiserie lamp here. Perfectly sized for a book case or counter top a la this:

Image via The Vintique Object

And just in case you're looking for a super glam decanter for your bar cart, I happen to have this.

P.S. It's hard to tell from the picture, but the the tree trunk and branches are metallic gold (!!!) and the blossoms are white.  

If you're curious about my other listings, see them here.

Wish me luck!!!

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