Right after spring cleaning is a great time to start thinking about transforming those dark uninspired spaces into bright inviting rooms. An easy, quick, and inexpensive way to freshen up a room is to change out the accessories: pillows, rugs, throws and wall art. The appearance of any space can change dramatically with new pops of color that accessories can bring.

                Some of the hottest color combinations for Spring 2012 are: purple and grays, sorbet inspired greens and tangerine, vibrant teals and blues accented by metallics. These popular combos bring a unique feel to each room they adorn. Poppy red paired with orange has a rich feel that is both cool and contemporary.

                These new colors create an energetic but modern ambiance. Zippy citrus colors accented with black teal playfully bounce off each other, bringing up the energy in a cool and fun way. And last but not least, the classic pairing of sunshine yellow and crisp ivory is timeless and fresh; bringing lightness to any room they accent.

" Taking Care Of Vintage Wicker And Rattan Furniture "

Wicker and rattan furniture is easy to care for. Whether your pieces are varnished or not, hose them down once a year to remove dust and prevent fibers from drying out.

If the furniture needs to be cleaned, wash with a sudsy mixture of water and soap or detergent. Then rinse off with a hose.

After the pieces have been rinsed, wipe off excess moisture and dry in the sun.

If your wicker furniture needs to be repainted, use any good quality spray paint and apply in one or more thin coats. let the furniture dry between applications of each coat of paint.

Our dealers have interesting wicker, rattan and bamboo items for you to see. From decorative boxes and shelves to rockers, chairs and plant stands, so come visit Hermann Antique Mall to add to your collection!

                    Linda Upchurch

Hermann Antique Mall



" Picking The Right Lamp"

If you only think of lamps as functional pieces that keep you from stumbling around in the dark, it's time for a new perspective. Just like the artwork on your walls and accents on your console, lamps are wonderful decorating tools that can infuse your home with personality and give it great character. You'll be amazed by how replacing an out of style or worn lamp with one that reflects today's clean lines and bold look will completely change a room. Here are a few tips for picking a lamp that will brighten your home for years to come.

To help you pick the perfect one, first determine how the lamp will be used. Do you need the lamp for lighting or to provide ambiance? Next, decide what colors, shapes and finishes you're attracted to. How about the lamp shade? Do you prefer dark shades, with their dramatic look, or light shades that add a bit of a sunny feel? What shapes excite you? Oval, rectangle, square, round?

When choosing lamps to put next to a sofa, consider the height of your end tables, 30 inches in height is standard, so your lamp should be no taller than 28 inches so that when you sit down you are no looking up into a light bulb. If your table is lower than 30 inches, you should use a taller lamp.

When sitting in a bed or a chair, the bottom of the shade should be lower than eye level, remember you never want to see the harp of your lamp.

The best light comes from parchment or off-white colored shades; these will give you a nice uniform light, whereas a dark colored shade will only give off light through the top and bottom.

Taller candlestick lamps are a must have on a buffet.

I like to tuck small lamps into bookshelves to add a little texture, as well as placing them in a bit more unusual places like a serving cart or on a small table in a bathroom for a night light.

This adorable turtle lamp will add a bit of whimsy to the room.

When picking lamps for a room, resist the urge to make them all match. Instead, walk on the wild side and mix them up. Pull together an assortment of shapes, styles, materials, colors and dimensions.

"Bigger is better" is usually a good rule of thumb when selecting a lamp, but you still want to use common sense. If your table is small, or if the lamp will be paired with very fine, delicate furniture, you will want one that is small enough to harmonize, not take over.
Hope these few tips will help you add new life to your room.

"Accent Tables"

When pulling a room together accent tables play a big role. The first rule to remember when searching for end tables is that they do not all have to match. By choosing different end tables and coffee tables for your room it makes it more visually interesting. Scale is also important to remember; you wouldn't want to place a small table next to an over sized chunky sofa. The occasional tables in a room can be different in color and style , but need to be about the same scale to keep your room balanced.

You also need to keep in mind items you will be placing on the table to make sure you have enough room. Also remember to choose end tables that fall somewhere between three inches above or below your sofa so that reaching the table top while seated is easy.

The coffee table is the workhorse in most living rooms, from dinner in front of the TV to weary feet, maybe a family board game, choosing a coffee table has to fit your family lifestyle. If coming home from a long day at work and putting your feet up sounds good, then maybe a soft upholstered ottoman is what you need; just keep a serving tray handy for setting your glass or snack on.

If the family enjoys playing games then maybe a sturdy rustic wooden top with an aged finish is the answer.

I like a coffee table big enough to make a wonderful table scape on, with silver or wicker trays, layered with books and a floral arrangement for a little height and drama.

Whatever you choose make sure it works for you and your family.

"Decorating With Books"

Books are a wonderful thing to read but the enjoyment I mostly get out of them comes from decorating with them. The older and more distressed the books the more I like them, I love the worn leather and yellow pages. Here are a few helpful tips to remember when decorating with books.

Books used as a riser for smaller items on a desk or console will help them not look lost.

Gather coffee table books with complimentary color bindings and place them in the living room where guests can enjoy them. This is also a great way to let you r guests know what your interests are, like decorating or travel, and may spark a interesting conversation.

Of course a bookcase is a wonderful place to store and decorate with books. Make the books the main attraction, but break up the endless sea of spines with a few accents or artwork. Bookcases tell a bit of their owner's story and give a wonderful and rare glimpse into the owner's heart.

A sun room makes a great place to stack gardening books next to a boxwood topiary, an urn filled with fresh fruit, or a vase of fresh cut flowers.

Having lots of books gives reason to create cozy inviting spaces in your home.