I absolutely LOVE your shade. The three different patterned clears and whites are perfectly lovely. The pattern is simple and elegant. I prefer yours to the old family piece that hangs in my kitchen which I use because it has so many memories. My father rescued this more than 50 years ago from his uncle's barn loft where it was covered with hay and bird droppings. My parents used it in their kitchen, and, although it is too large for my space, I simply HAD to incorporate it. I am going to include a picture of mine because I thought you might want to consider using a similar light fixture that is totally inside your exquisite shade. One that has perhaps three bulbs and a diffuser below. This would, I think, illuminate the band more brilliantly, which I think is desirable. I am not sure that would work with the shape of your shade, but it might be worth considering. I hope you will smile at the thought that someday yours will hang in one of YOUR children's kitchen. And maybe your grandchild's. It really is that good. Is there a way you can put your name or initials and the date inside it? Maybe on the metal of the cap with a dremel? You really should sign and date this. Sandra

Thanks! I am not one for delayed gratification, so I went to The Lamplighter this morning when they opened :-) Parking was not a problem, and there was no line at the shop. You are right that the woman is no-nonsense, but she was tickled to hear that I had found her family-owned shop through an online decorating forum. We played around with several options and ultimately went with a slightly smaller harp and slightly larger shade in an oiled paper material with a cute fleur-de-lis finial (see pic). And the good news is, it was already wired for a three-way bulb! That said, not a lot of reading happens in that seat on the couch, because the dog generally claims it. I realize she looks small in the original photo, but she is actually a very loud 50-lb. coonhound. Thanks again for the help!

Disappointedly, I passed on the bench/sliding ottomans in the above post due to the cost of over $4200 in the lowest grade leather. However, because I’d had other ideas, I went back to one of those very quickly. The EA Ferri ottomans. But allow me to back up, please. When our church went through a major restoration in 2014, the design team updated some details around the doors, and I was totally inspired by the color palette. I still am. Please click on this photo to see all of the different colors: As I built a portfolio to redesign my family room, l found two continuous “themes." I wanted this color palette plus black, and I wanted an off-white sofa. Unfortunately, I gave into the fear that it would make my family feel they couldn’t relax in the room, and, after two years of debating, I finally chose a tweed that worked. I’ve regretted it every day. But gradually I am getting closer to the “feel” of the room I wanted. Before I could finish the room, I sold my house and moved into a temporary apartment. “Temporary” may well stretch into several years, and I need to feel good in this space. One thing that has worked in my favor is the off-white porcelain tile floor in the large open plan. And I’m so pleased that I waited until I found an area rug that warms up the room with texture but stayed with my desired color palette. Here’s what has surprised me most recently: On the EA floor sample sale were two Ferri ottomans which I asked my designer to bring to my home so we could get an idea of what direction to take. We both really liked the addition of linen-like texture, as opposed to another leather [which I’d planned for practical reasons.] We both liked the way the off-white fabric lightened the room. Knowing that I can choose to have them reupholstered very easily since it only involves the cushions, I chose to purchase them. And I’m another step closer to my original intention. I brought out more of my white and off-white accessories, and put away what most people consider to be “color.” This feels right to me, so now I can better convey that to all of you. I know that most advised me in an earlier design dilemma to add color. Please don’t worry. I can add more colorful accents at any time, and I will do that seasonally. Next I'll be searching for a 42”w x 18”d x 18”h coffee table with a glass top and metal base in oil rubbed bronze. This size seems best for the room, and I can choose to configure it with the two ottomans to form a large rectangle (42”w x 36”d x 18”h) when the ottomans are not in use. They also look nice along the wall across from the sofa, but for now I will use them as my “coffee table.” That has allowed me to remove the current coffee table and re-visualize the room. While looking for the coffee table, I need to decide on the drapery panels. The only reason I want them is to break up the mismatch of colors--the wood-colored blinds and the taupe walls--neither of which I can change due to the fact that I’m renting in a brand new complex. I’d like them to pick up the main color of the area rug. I’ve been watching for a PB sale. PB offers ivory in the 108” length that I need. (So does RH, but even on sale, they are too costly, I think.) It is essential to me that they hang very straight. No flare. Just barely touching the floor...and yes, start above the actual window height by about 9-10”...ceilings are 10' so I can make 108” work. I think I need to have a professional hang them for me. It is hard to spend a lot of money on window treatments for a temporary space, but I want this place to look and feel great while I’m here. Most if not all of the pieces I’ve chosen will work in my next home. But drapery panels...well, it’s harder to justify the cost. Watching for just the right sale. Any tips will be welcome! Thank you for your continued input and support.

I like to look to a lamp's base for inspiration. I think because this lamp base is square it could look good with square lampshades in a colored linen weave. Or I'd try a high cylindrical paper shade in black for drama. I have a lampshade person I work with who is always very helpful in getting the scale and shade just right. Here in Atlanta, there are several sources like that who have booths in antique emporiums (the lampshades are NOT antiques). It's not expensive, it's fun to check out different options, and it's great to get their expertise. And don't forget you could add some fun finials too!