All That Shimmers – by Cheryl von Tress

HomeWorx – by Cheryl von Tress

Very soon, we’ll be tucking indoors for long sessions away from the chilly outdoors. To be comfortable outdoors, we layer up and adorn ourselves with things practical and, sometimes, things beautiful. Might this translate to our home interiors? Yes!

So much of home decor is in a flat, non-shiny finish. Textiles used for curtains, upholstery and bedding tend toward utilitarian purposes and leave our rooms lacking shimmer. Shiny and glistening objects provide the jewelry for a space to come alive.

Where to find the sparkle? How to incorporate it? The most affordable options are decorative accessories that can change seasonally.

Lamp bases in glossy ceramic or porcelain and various metals. Vases made of clear or colored glass as well as shiny or shimmery metals.

Pillow covers constructed of silk or faux silk or those with metallic thread used for pattern. Lamp shades created in organza with crystal or faceted glass beads. Candlesticks, votive holders, wall candle sconces with glass pillars and, of course, an array of beautiful candles.

Mirrors, mirrors, mirrors! A single, large mirror with a metal or metallic finish frame or a grouping of smaller mirrors with matching or mixed design frames.

Battery-operated, LED lighted candles (especially those with a timer) create an instantaneous glow and warmth without the wax mess clean-up.

More lasting options are: replacing solid cabinet doors with glass-front doors; buying glass top tables which reflect candlelight, firelight and outdoor scenery when placed near a window, or simply adding glass tops to existing tables. Metal tables or table legs in gold, silver, bronze and copper or a finish of those colors. Any material or item that will bounce light around your room will add life to the space.

Locally, you can find many of these lovely items at Eleglance Home Decor, The Crown Jewel, Pico’s, Blue Door Garden Store, WillowCreek, Sterling Creek Antiques and Pickety Place Antiques. What an amazing and resourceful village we have!

If your home doesn’t have a fireplace, an affordable option is an electric, infrared space heater with natural-looking flame lighting. Duraflame makes a very nice one with casters to easily move to different areas. It features a remote control that allows for heating time (30 minutes to several hours), thermostatic control and five levels of flame design.

Chilly, dark days call for shimmer! So, move beyond practical into spectacular and love your days and evenings as you feather your wintry nest.

Cheryl von Tress

Cheryl von Tress has owned and operated Cheryl von Tress Design in the Rogue Valley since 2004. She specializes in kitchens and baths, full-service design for new construction or residential and light commercial remodels, and offers hourly consultation. Direct access to local and international design center resources is available at designer discounts. Reach her at 541-951-9462.

Posted November 5, 2013