Monday, December 20, 2010

A Drapery Hardware Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the warehouse,


production was stirring, meeting install dates for every house.


The embellished stockings were hung by the chimney with care,




Custom Cast Window Treatment by Finestra


In hopes that the installer soon would be there;



Custom painted Finials by Finestra


The children were nestled all snug under their finial topped beds,




While visions of multi-colored tassels danced in their heads,

And Mama in her gray gown (because gray is the new black) and I in my cap,

Had just settled down from a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn their arose such a clattter,



Upholstered Headboard with Finestra finials and poles


I sprang from my upholstered bed to see what was the matter.

Finestra square pole treatment

Away to the window with decorative panels I flew like a flash,


Rowley Swing Door Treatment with Finestra Button Borders

Opened the swing-door treatment and threw up the sash.



The Finestra Moon hold back on the breast of a new-fallen snow

Gave lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a workroom of elves on a sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be the installer, Nick.


Ragsdale Collection Eagle Finial

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted and called them by name;

"Now Designer! now Seamstress! now Upholsterer, and Vixen!
On, Fabricator! on, Architect! on, Artist and Blitzen!

In between the top of the molding! to the top of the wall!


Now, install away! install away! install away all!"

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Designing Christmas


Designing Christmas and holiday decor is just as important as designing rooms and interiors throughout the year. Holiday decor follows the same techniques and trends we use every day in the world of design. Coordinating colors, hues and textures tie a room together to create an astounding impression.


Tassels by Finestra Decorative Hardware

Eye-Candy
Holiday design is all about aesthetics. Pulling the theme of your room through to your holiday design is one way to accentuate and create heightened drama. For instance, a wreath designed out of peacock feathers (as shown at the top of page) not only adds texture to a space, but also lends itself well to an avian inspired room theme.

Linear movement within your design visually pulls the eye through the treatment. Accents that are thin or long in shape are part of this year's trend in holiday design. These "linear" embellishments include tassels (as shown above), icicles, ribbon, and crystals.


Star Medallions by Finestra Decorative Hardware
Mary McDonald's Ribbon Tree with Peacock Topper - Veranda


Over-the-top Toppers
The design mantra over the past few years has been "Less is more". That is not the case for Christmas Tree Toppers...More is better! And, re-using the previous year's topper is perfectly apropos. Just add to it, on top of it, around it, etc. Accents in ribbons, wire, feathers, tassels and netting are ways to accentuate the top and most illustrious part of the tree.



Sparkle
Over sized ornaments are key in highlighting your holiday theme. These invariably can add the "sparkle" to your design and follow this year's top design finishes of matte golds, platinum silvers, and natural patinas. Decorative sprays are also a good way to add texture and metallic accents of platinum, matte gold and copper.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Avian Design Inspirations


Birds, Birds, Birds everywhere! The avian design theme has been an emerging trend in home decor and fashion. Historically, birds have been symbols of majesty, mystery, power, immortality, virtue, and even longevity of life.

In the fashion and design world, these symbols of nature translate into fabrics, wall coverings, and even drapery hardware. The bird motif has deeper meaning than just beautiful colors and stark contrasts. They have become symbols of hope, enlightenment, and new beginnings.



Drapery hardware finials by Finestra are a perfect way to tie the avian design theme into a room. Pull the motif out of fabrics, wall coverings or even inspiration from the great outdoors!

Carolina Wren Drapery Hardware by NR Designs