Living With History: Focus on Antiques

Collecting antiques can quickly become a way of life. Not only are you accumulating one of a kind objects, but you are surrounding yourself with history.  When purchasing antique furniture, it's essential to have done your research!

An excellent place to start is by educating yourself on different types of antiques.  Did you know that an authentic antique must be over 100 years old?  A great place to start is the library.  Familiarizing yourself with different styles will make you an educated shopper.

Learn how methods of furniture fabrication have changed throughout the eras.  This familiarity will help you distinguish a real antique from a modern day knock off.  Keep in mind that imperfections mean that a piece was hand made rather than cut from machinery.

Develop an eye for different types of wood; it will help determine a piece's value.  Walnut, for instance, is considered high-end and will appraise the piece at a higher cost.

Once you are familiar, start shopping! Often you can find great deals at garage sales and flea markets.  However, if you're looking for something specific it might be a good idea to check with an antique dealer or well connected interior designer.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Interior Design Focus: Roman Shades

Window coverings are the perfect finishing touch to any room, but sometimes long draperies can end up looking too fussy. Roman shades are the ideal alternative window covering that helps create a classic yet practical home design solution to blocking out the sun.

Adding neutral linen roman shades to these french doors are a subtle way to block out sunlight.

Here you have subtle roman blinds blending in with a well-designed room.

In this dining room, Roman blinds are used to add texture and contrast.

Natural woven shades mimic the textures and materials seen in this family room

 These wood woven shades are a great way to diffuse natural light.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Long Luxurious Draperies

Window coverings serve many purposes. Not only do they block out sunlight and create privacy, but they add a decorative element to the room that ties it together. Long beautiful drapes add an item of luxury and sophistication to any home design.

This lightweight linen sheer drapery adds an airy elegance to this seaside room.

Pale pink draperies add a sense of luxury to this majestic room.

An example of how light sheer linen draperies can complete a room without looking fussy.

Long red velvet drapes paired with patterned sheers bring Christmas cheer to this historic mansion.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.