Item Of The Week ~ Accent Chairs

Photo courtesy of Blue Girl Art


Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate accent chairs’ contribution to the comfort level of a room, as well as their ease of planning a room’s layout. While I enjoy a comfy sofa to sit/lounge/nap on, I also enjoy sitting in a comfortable chair while reading or visiting. Chairs come in all shapes and sizes so you are bound to find one that fits your home.


Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Long gone are the matchy-matchy suites of furniture with their sofa, loveseat and chair combination (if you were lucky you got the coffee and end tables thrown in, too!). The versatility of chairs is why I suggest to clients purchasing new furniture to look toward chairs rather than a second sofa or loveseat. I have incorporated this in my own home as well.

Photo courtesy of The Furniture Site


Chairs make it easy to move furniture into another room where extra seating may be needed. They allow you more options when configuring your living room or den. They are especially appreciated when so many living rooms and dens have more than one focal point with a fireplace, television and, even, an outdoor view.

Photo courtesy of Designers Guild

Chairs are also a great way to add another fabric pattern into the room. With the sofa having the largest fabric field, a chair’s fabric can tie in with it and, not only bring in a secondary color, but help move that color around the room. A comfortable chair with a little whimsy attached to it, can make for an interesting piece in an otherwise traditional room.

Copyright 2009 Kathy Passarette, Creative Home Expressions.

Item Of The Week

Mirrors are the item of the week this time, thanks to an e-mail I received from Horchow. They currently have the mirrors shown, and many others, on sale.



These mirrors caught my eye for one reason or another, but I thought they were all interesting, if nothing else. The floor mirror above also houses a hidden compartment for jewelry.





The "porcupine" mirror below looks like it could hurt! This might be one you want to hang right the first time.




The mirror below is entitled "Pebbles", and rightly so, I think.




The problem with mirrors can be what it winds up reflecting. Be aware of what the mirror will be reflecting before you hang it; ceilings, the ceiling fan, a pantry, etc.

I like mirrors because they can help add more light to a room, whether natural or electric.

Copyright 2009 Kathy Passarette, Creative Home Expressions.


I have no affiliation with Horchow and am not promoting their products as specific items to purchase.

Trims Can Add That Little Something Extra

Trims, ribbons and tassels - oh my! Second only to fabric, trims are my favorite things to look through, touch, imagine how they can be used.

A glance through these pictures will show you some of the ways trims can be used - furniture, drapery, pillows, bedding - you are only limited by your imagination.




If your budget doesn't allow for custom window treatments, you can dress up ready-mades or hand-me-downs with trim and change the whole look of the treatment. Give it that custom look without the cost. For custom treatments, it adds that unique touch that finishes the treatment off. A small amount of trim will not break the bank and will give you a great look.




As a DIYer, with all the new fabric adhesives on the market now, you don't even need to have a knowledge of sewing. Using the appropriate fabric glue can get you beautiful results in minutes.





Trims also can coordinate with fabrics that are being used for custom work, whether upholstery, bedding or window treatments, and give the piece a finished look.





All photos courtesy of Brimar.

Copyright 2009 Kathy Passarette, Creative Home Expressions

Kathy Passarette and Creative Home Expressions are located in Long Island, New York, and offer interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign and much more. Please visit our website for more information on our services and fees at www.creativehomeexpressions.com.