Sheer Bliss

<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c8L-BDZ8I/AAAAAAAAEg0/eBZSdgXUmjo/s1600-h/guazy+bed+laurence+pasquier.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451392050278918082" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c8L-BDZ8I/AAAAAAAAEg0/eBZSdgXUmjo/s400/guazy+bed+laurence+pasquier.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(l.pasquier)</span></div><div align="center">I have always been enamoured with sheers. I love the romance and natural light they let into a room.</div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c8Lc7yZBI/AAAAAAAAEgs/Pt5JDDqshWc/s1600-h/guazy+breakfast+room+natl+curtain+compny.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451392041398461458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c8Lc7yZBI/AAAAAAAAEgs/Pt5JDDqshWc/s400/guazy+breakfast+room+natl+curtain+compny.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> (National Curtain Company)</span></div><div align="center">They soften hard lines and provide a beautiful fluid motion from a breeze. Here is wonderful example of antique shutters which are enhanced and softened by the striped sheers.</div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c8LInrE2I/AAAAAAAAEgk/z-PVyw6qfjo/s1600-h/guazy+olivo+disegno.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451392035945386850" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c8LInrE2I/AAAAAAAAEgk/z-PVyw6qfjo/s400/guazy+olivo+disegno.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(o. disegno)</span></div><div align="center">When the light is right, sheers can create an incredible romance in a room. Even a room that is dark can be brightened with sheers. I included the room above to show, though dark, how even a north facing room can benefit from the natural light.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451392026554641666" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c8KlovrQI/AAAAAAAAEgU/amZXmW7uk40/s400/guazy+bed+southern+accents.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Southern Accents)</span><br />When I was twenty and in my first apartment I bought a huge mosquito netting to hang from the ceiling over my mattress which sat on the floor. I did not even own a bed then! I envisioned myself chic like Mata Hari. This picture is much better example of what I was trying to achieve back then. This Niermann Weeks beds is gorgeous with the gathered sheers. Isn't this so romantic?<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451391312171954274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c7hAWo8GI/AAAAAAAAEgM/uFhd3T4xod0/s400/canopy+bed+chris+everad.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">(c. everad)</span><br />This canopy is taunt - creating a much more sophisticated and contemporary feeling. This is a simple and inexpensive way to add the romance of sheers to your four poster bed.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c8K2f4sZI/AAAAAAAAEgc/IrqdfLvDea4/s1600-h/guazy+bed+laurence+pasquier.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451392031080886674" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c8K2f4sZI/AAAAAAAAEgc/IrqdfLvDea4/s400/guazy+bed+laurence+pasquier.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> (l.pasquier)</span><br />The sheers here create a wonderful juxtaposition to the cold lines of the metal bed. Even in spare rooms such as this, sheers add a layer of softness. If you pull them closed you create a romantic room with in a room.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451391300694319730" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c7gVmKInI/AAAAAAAAEf8/qMVF39Klv8I/s400/guazy+%3DSandra+Lane.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">(s. lane)</span><br />But sheers can used outdoors to create a room as well. Here we see this lovely dining area become a spectacular outdoor oasis.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451391297093358258" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c7gILn0rI/AAAAAAAAEf0/YS3rJuGvy-g/s400/guazy+chair+Sandra+Lane.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">(s. lane)</span><br />They can also make sweet slipcovers. Here these embroidered sheer slipcovers soften the lines of the french bistro chair.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c7g7jBe9I/AAAAAAAAEgE/0IlD_YogA8Q/s1600-h/guazy+chair+Chris+everad.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451391310881717202" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c7g7jBe9I/AAAAAAAAEgE/0IlD_YogA8Q/s400/guazy+chair+Chris+everad.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> (c. everad)</span><br />You may remember this photo from a post I did on the popular Ghost chair - you can read about it <a href="http://willowdecor.blogspot.com/2009/06/ghost-chair-metamorphosis.html">here</a>. Even slipcovered the Ghost chair retains its ethereal qualities.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451390607876975842" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c64ApobOI/AAAAAAAAEfE/6YR3GLp4Pw8/s400/guazy+bath+portland+mitchell.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 281px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">(p. mitchell)</span><br />The bath is another area where we are seeing sheers used. I love them as a shower curtain in this space because they provide privacy with out visually dividing the room. Here they are in soft shade of lavender.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451390615277863986" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c64cOJBDI/AAAAAAAAEfM/S4Epm9FGpVI/s400/guazy+shower+sandra+lane.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">(s. lane)</span><br />This sheer shower curtain boasts wonderful ribbon embellishments. Also notice the beautiful table slipcover.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451390621962026626" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c641HxPoI/AAAAAAAAEfc/AZc9GwBXRDs/s400/guazy+drapes+Sandra+Lane.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">(s. lane)</span><br />But sheers are not limited to white, here a wonderful turquoise linen provides privacy, as well as the color accent in this room.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c7fwvKzGI/AAAAAAAAEfs/rFzj_2ZaY90/s1600-h/guazy+rose+hammick.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451391290800000098" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c7fwvKzGI/AAAAAAAAEfs/rFzj_2ZaY90/s400/guazy+rose+hammick.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> (r. hammick)</span><br />Sheers can also provide the pattern in the room. The light enhances these beautiful floral sheers <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c65cqHlcI/AAAAAAAAEfk/ftVsH5X7nZA/s1600-h/guazy-julia+clare+co.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451390632575079874" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S6c65cqHlcI/AAAAAAAAEfk/ftVsH5X7nZA/s400/guazy-julia+clare+co.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 244px; CURSOR: hand" /></a></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(julia clare company)</span></p><p align="center">Finally these striped sheers provide a private resting area on an outdoor veranda. </p><p align="center">Where do you like to use sheers?</p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000099;"><strong><em>BECOME A WILLOW DECOR SUBSCRIBER IN THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER</em></strong></span></p>

Sheer Bliss

(l.pasquier) I have always been enamoured with sheers. I love the romance and natural light they let into a room. (National Curtain Company...

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About the Italian Chandelier!

<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S4UHRso6uLI/AAAAAAAAEJc/jeJZg7oCr04/s1600-h/Breakfast+room"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441763725369063602" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S4UHRso6uLI/AAAAAAAAEJc/jeJZg7oCr04/s400/Breakfast+room" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Many of you have emailed me asking more information about my chandelier. My interior photography is ever evolving (aka. not very good) and many of you wanted better photos. I was unable to get them because of the light. If you click on my photo above it should enlarge and give you more detail. But, if that does not work for you, I did have a few professional shots of the chandelier in my inspiration files. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441754660162723218" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S4T_CCHTXZI/AAAAAAAAEJE/F3CjKbeFyMY/s400/NiermannWeeksItalianChandelie.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 326px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> </div><div align="center"><div align="center">The chandelier is made by Niermann Weeks. It is called the Italian Chandelier and comes in both 9 arm and 12 arm sizes. The photo above shows what is considered the standard finish - a distressed, chippy white. My chandelier was custom finished in an antiqued silver - it has a beautiful depth of color. Niermann Weeks has many many different finishes to choose from.</div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S4UGyEDsVYI/AAAAAAAAEJU/9kXc08F6Vpw/s1600-h/Nw+-tti+anne+hepner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441763181899568514" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S4UGyEDsVYI/AAAAAAAAEJU/9kXc08F6Vpw/s400/Nw+-tti+anne+hepner.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> This photo from Things that Inspire via Anne Hepner gives you a very good shot of the piece. This example shows the fixture with shades, which I opted not to do. Here you see how nicely it looks in an informal room. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441763179870901074" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S4UGx8gBU1I/AAAAAAAAEJM/jAwrwAdaNa4/s400/nw+cladwell+bee.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 377px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> This photo from Things that Inspire via <a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2853868926_d1e7283220_o.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.thingsthatinspire.net/2009/11/inspirational-design-interview-with-joe.html&usg=__v1TTfHtGyuNd11ifTk0yZ1PYDWA=&h=500&w=387&sz=166&hl=en&start=2&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=mS0ZsvHpHD1sSM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=101&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dniermann%2Bweeks%2Bitalian%2Bchandelier%2Bthings%2Bthat%2Binspire%2Bcaldwell%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26rlz%3D1T4GGLL_enUS302US302%26tbs%3Disch:1">Caldwell Beebe </a>gives you a clear picture of the crystals that surround the fixture. I like the sparkle the singular strand brings to the room. It add a interest but its not too fussy. This room is also lovely, though a bit more formal than my breakfast room, but notice the similarities in the chair style and curtain selection.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441754515207632434" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S4T-5mHUNjI/AAAAAAAAEI0/ty6KJE1vd9Y/s400/NW+-+BHG+dining1.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> I am sure you recognize this room from Better Homes and Gardens, which has been all over the blogs. Here you can see an example of the 12 arm style.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441754655705153778" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S4T_BxgiQPI/AAAAAAAAEI8/xI36pcKloUI/s400/NiermannWeeksItalianChandelie+-+Catalano+archietcts.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> Niermann Weeks writes about the Italian Chandelier on their website.<br />They first found antique sconces, which led to the design of the chandeliers. They mentioned that English designer Nina Campbell hangs the Italian chandelier in her own bedroom, and every time she’s moved, it’s moved with her. The photo above is not Nina Campbell's bedroom, but another gorgeous room from the talented Catalano Architects. </div><div align="center">'<br />Holly at Things that Inspire did a wonderful, comprehensive post on the Joe Niermann and the Niermann Weeks company. To read more about it click <a href="http://www.thingsthatinspire.net/2009/11/inspirational-design-interview-with-joe.html">Here</a><br /></div><div align="left">'<br /></div><div align="center">The Niermann Weeks Company also writes an interesting article about how the design of the Italian Chandelier came about. To read more click <a href="http://niermannweeks.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/italian-family-of-chandeliers-and-sconces/">Here</a>.<br /><br />To read more about my Breakfast Room click <a href="http://willowdecor.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-breakfast-room-and-family-room.html">Here</a>. Let me know if you have any other questions! </div></div>

About the Italian Chandelier!

Many of you have emailed me asking more information about my chandelier. My interior photography is ever evolving (aka. not very good) and ...

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The Swedish Dining Room

<span style="color:#3333ff;">Lets have a look at a few Swedish influenced Dining Rooms. There are a few elements you can add to give your room that Swedish touch.</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/R9h5jp9aHEI/AAAAAAAAAFg/JSpT29H5b78/s1600-h/dinig+room+5.bmp"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177021425128184898" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/R9h5jp9aHEI/AAAAAAAAAFg/JSpT29H5b78/s400/dinig+room+5.bmp" style="CURSOR: hand" /></span></a><span style="color:#3333ff;"> </span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">This feels very Swedish, yet does not use the trademark "gustavian gray" furniture. The cherry table and chairs could be part of any traditional dining room, but the addition of the slipcovered skirts, the crystal chandelier, light floors and the gray/blue walls lend a real Swedish feel to this room. </span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/R9h5kJ9aHFI/AAAAAAAAAFo/QiXfzS0YTO4/s1600-h/dinig+room+4.bmp"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177021433718119506" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/R9h5kJ9aHFI/AAAAAAAAAFo/QiXfzS0YTO4/s400/dinig+room+4.bmp" style="CURSOR: hand" /></span></a><span style="color:#3333ff;"> </span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Here is a more traditional Swedish room. Pale handpainted walls, painted chairs and striped fabric seats, crystal chandelier and sconces. </span><span style="color:#3333ff;">Notice the gorgeous painted sideboard.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/R9h5kJ9aHGI/AAAAAAAAAFw/mSfX104P-wk/s1600-h/another+great+dinig+room.bmp"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177021433718119522" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/R9h5kJ9aHGI/AAAAAAAAAFw/mSfX104P-wk/s400/another+great+dinig+room.bmp" style="CURSOR: hand" /></span></a><span style="color:#3333ff;"> </span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Here is a more modern take on the Swedish look. I love the unique chandelier, coupled with the painted chairs from Niermann Weeks, sisal rug and traditional Swedish sideboard. Perfect and Fun!<br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/R9h5kZ9aHHI/AAAAAAAAAF4/dhzSBxKpDNw/s1600-h/dinig+room+7.bmp"></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/R9h5kp9aHII/AAAAAAAAAGA/6Bgg3y35-Bw/s1600-h/dining+room.bmp"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177021442308054146" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/R9h5kp9aHII/AAAAAAAAAGA/6Bgg3y35-Bw/s400/dining+room.bmp" style="CURSOR: hand" /></span></a><span style="color:#3333ff;"> </span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Here is an elegant take on the Swedish feel. Very monochromatic with just a punch of Swedish blue on the chairs. Another sisal on the floor!</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/R9h7mp9aHJI/AAAAAAAAAGI/aBCaP6jA880/s1600-h/ScandKit_4_16_4.jpg"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177023675691048082" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/R9h7mp9aHJI/AAAAAAAAAGI/aBCaP6jA880/s400/ScandKit_4_16_4.jpg" style="CURSOR: hand" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Finally, my favorite! This kitchen picture comes from The Kitchen Designer blog (see link right) Though more of a kitchen dining space I love the slat back chairs, check fabric, striped cotton rug and retro light </span><span style="color:#3333ff;">fixture. </span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Crystal fixtures, painted furniture, pale floors, checked or striped fabrics, sisal/cotton rugs, chair skirts, airy curtains - remember just adding one or two of those elements can go a long way in giving you that Swedish look!</span>

The Swedish Dining Room

Lets have a look at a few Swedish influenced Dining Rooms. There are a few elements you can add to give your room that Swedish touch. This ...

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