Guest Picks: Baubles, Bangles and Beads
This handmade mirror frame really has to be seen up front and center to be able to appreciate the intricacy of the beadwork. It's very beautiful and very special.
Jakob Schlaepfer designs couture fabrics for all of the top fashion designers, but he also has exquisite fabrics available to the trade for home application. This one, called Amurpaille, has sequins sewn on top of a fanciful flower pattern. It's so glamorous.
Did you ever think you could have a chandelier made out of pink jade? Well you definitely can if you purchase the Annabelle Pink Jade Empire chandelier. I love the simplicity of the design juxtaposed against the use of precious stones. It's very creative and original.
This beaded curtain would be a showstopper in a window or as a room divider. It is made of octagonal faceted crystal beads, and it is drop-dead gorgeous. Beaded curtains are wonderful in rooms when you need to define areas but don't want to put up a wall. But only use them sparingly. A short run coming off one wall or floating in the center does the trick nicely.
This elegant collection of beaded pillows has chic and sophisticated written all over them. I also really adore the tassels at the ends of the long rounded pillows.
OK, this Glitter Fleck Fuchsia Pink wallcovering is not for everyone, but it could be a fun accent touch in a young girl's bedroom or a woman's dressing room. There's no need to do the entire space — try doing one wall, or even the ceiling.
Beaded fabric like this can bring ordinary drapery to a new level of luxury. I can easily see this fabric in a bedroom or dressing room as voluptuous floor-to-ceiling curtains.
These faceted crystal Medusa (don't you love that name?) tiebacks are so gorgeous. With touches of suede and silk baubles, they would look so very fabulous tied around some antique silk fabric.
Seed pearls are a great finishing touch on decorative pillows or drapery panels. I have a passion for trimmings of all kinds, and these are really divine.
I am a big lover of anything ethnic, and these colorful placemats, napkin rings and candlelight wind covers from Africa are the perfect solution for a dull table. Think about outdoor dinners in the warm weather or simple family dining at any time of the year. These have an added value in that they are products from One World Projects, an organization that helps artisans in developing countries sell their wares at a fair market price.
Mix up some soft cashmere with an elegant beaded design right out of India, and you have a luxurious queen bed throw. I personally like to fold my throws across the foot of the bed and fill the bed with fluffy white pillows and a duvet.
The Barrel chandelier has one of the most unique shades I have ever seen. Composed of mica discs, the mica glimmers and provides a lovely light for over a dining room table or as the center light in a contemporary room.
This glass beaded wallcovering is a great touch for your wall. Although it sounds like it might be a bit much, the look is far more subtle when hung. Plus, it comes in many colors.
Teresa Sullivan creates beaded tapestries that are museum worthy. This one is called "Particle Flow" and is composed of laminated text surrounded by a variety of beads. The text, in this case, is integrated to convey the artist's message. If you feel like splurging on a one-of-a-kind beaded tapestry, I recommend that you check out her work.
This stunning custom chandelier is from Fiona Gall of Emerald Faerie, and she creates one-off designer art lighting fixtures. She integrates crystal beads, metal chains and found objects when forming her wonderful creations. They are truly dramatic and worthy of gracing the ceiling in any beautiful room.
Say bye-bye to boring placemats. These jazzy beaded placemats done up in round and tubular silver glass beads and satin fabric would be so lovely at a dinner party or any celebration.
This elegant beaded table runner is so gorgeous that it should definitely be removed before your guests sit down to dine. It is composed of glass, wood, metal and plastic and designed by Kim Seybert. I'd love to see it running down the center of a contemporary, rough wood table. The idea of old-world luxury contrasted against a simple modern table is a powerful design move.
These very unique vessel sinks incorporate Swarovski crystals into the designs. This one is in a bronze finish and has fish swimming in a sea of luxurious amber crystals. I think it would make a to-die-for sink in a powder room.
If you are looking for a different idea for cabinetry hardware, take a look at these handsome calcite and oil-rubbed bronze handles. They are really the perfect jewelry for many a piece of furniture and something that you won't see coming and going.
A beautifully beaded pillow speaks for itself. I'd love to see a pair of these leaning against a headboard in a bedroom.
I am always looking for amazing accessories for the home. This one-of-a-kind sculpture incorporates natural rock crystal quartz set in gold on top of a stunning black Lucite box. It's almost too pretty to use.
I am totally enamored with the Raindrops and Roses chandelier. It is composed of china roses that hang off of sophisticated crystal bead chains. If you prefer it in golden rose, pink or jet black, it can be yours. It's special, unique and fabulous.
So are you looking for something unique in door hardware? Look no further. These pyrite knobs will be just the answer. Pyrite, by the way, is a gemstone that comes in a metallic gold color with crystal accents in it, making it the perfect glitter for your doors.
Delicate hand-beaded strands composed of a medley of exotic wood and semiprecious stones are the perfect details for draperies or an outstanding window curtain. Just imagine turquoise, moonstone and tigereye draping in your windows.
Although actually a light, this is the ultimate bauble. These opaque colored glass shards hanging from gold cords with gold beads are the creations of Pier Lorenzo Salvoni. I can imagine a series of them floating over a dining room table, or one on either side of a bed suspended from the ceiling.Next: Embrace the Fringe Element
Long silver beaded chains give new meaning to the word barstool. They are a clever way to fancy up this proverbial male perch. Don't you just love it? Another idea: Make it table height and use it in front of a dressing table.
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