M Designs

Loving the new lighting from Orestes Suarez.  Sleek, warm, timeless and works of art.  All traits I LOVE.

I found this beautiful line of lighting from our reps with Edward Ferrell/Lewis Mittman.

Click here to view more of these beautiful light fixtures. You’re sure to find something for your own home!  Contact me for pricing.

Beautiful alabaster base with polished nickel rings

Natural alabaster stone base lamp adds interest to any room

The unique shape of this lamp adds character to your decor

Love this glacier style stone pendant

When clients consider redecorating or working on an entirely new home design, they seldom consider lighting at the beginning of the project.  It is however, something that should be considered early on.

An effective lighting plan will have a dramatic effect on the space, but the lighting also needs to serve different purposes, depending on the room.

There are three basic types of lighting.  A well lit space should include elements of all three types of lighting:

• Task Lighting – used for things such as reading, sewing, or working on the computer
• Ambient or General Lighting – used to illuminate the room.  This can be accomplished with various table and floor lamps, strategically placed to give you adequate light to see and move safely throughout your home.
• Accent Lighting – used to add drama and create interest in a room.  Recessed lighting, wall sconces or track lights are perfect to spot light items such as furniture, paintings or various artwork, and fireplaces.

Gone are the drab, utilitarian lights of old.  Light fixtures themselves have become beautiful pieces of art as well, and can be found in any decorating style whether your taste is traditional, transitional, or contemporary.

Below are a few lighting tips:

• A desk lamp should be about 15” tall, shed light on the work surface and be adjustable.
• A properly hung chandelier should hang about 30” above the tabletop, and be 6” narrower than your table on each side.
• A standard lamp typically illuminates 40 – 50 square feet, so be sure to use several lamps in each room to avoid darks spaces.
• Be sure your fixtures are proportionate in size to your space and furniture.
• A reading lamp should be placed along your shoulder with the bottom of the shade even with our head.

*Photos from Currey & Co.

During the month of January, we have had an opportunity to spend many hours inside.  We have had the coldest month on record here in Texas and we’ve even seen snow several times. 

As a result of many hours spent inside this month, many of my clients have decided it’s “out with the old and in the with the new” when it comes to the upholstered pieces in their family rooms.

We often have questions about how to buy these pieces, so here are a few of my favorite tips and furniture styles.  We are offering 10% off through the end of January on select pieces, so if you’re looking to purchase, now is the time.

Style: Timeless is the key here.  Look for a classic style that will fit you and your family for years to come.  This is an investment, so spend wisely.  Go trendy on pillows, not on the entire sofa.  Think neutral for the base and add pop with the accents.  Below are a few of my favorites from Pearson Furniture.

Fill and Frame: I recommend that you don’t go with 100% down fill - too much fluffing and not much satisfaction in the end.  I prefer a foam core with a down wrap.  This gives you the comfort and the form you need to keep that piece looking fab through the years.  We sell 8-way hand tied frames and always will recommend quality over price.

Trust your salesperson: If you aren’t asked your seating preferences or height of family members, this person doesn’t know what they’re selling.  If the seat is too deep, you will feel like Alice in Wonderland.  If it’s too short, your husbands’ knees will be up around his ears…..buy from an experienced firm when purchasing your investments.

Dating 101: When you are pairing sofas and chairs, it’s important that they can live together comfortably.  Style, back height, arms and legs are all important.  An experienced designer will combine skirted pieces with legs and coordinating finishes.  The same goes for the accessory pieces such as lamps, tables and ottomans.  A well coordinated room “sings” – you know it when you see it.  I love these pieces from Barclay Butera, Hickory White and Visual Comfort as companions.

When to buy: Often January – March is one of the best times to buy upholstery.  Manufacturers are preparing to launch their new fabrics and styles for Spring and there are deals to be had.  It will also allow you to have a fresh new look come spring and give you that update that is well deserved.

Give us a call to answer any other upholstery questions you might have.  I would LOVE to assist you in breathing fresh life into your rooms.