Design Obsession | Patterned Lamp Shades

Lee Ann Thornton's Instagram Feed

There are certain elements I suggest over and over again when helping clients decorate their homes - gorgeous textiles, blue and white pottery, checks, slipcovers, the list goes on.  I recommend them because they are the same things I use in my own home, in almost every room, and never tire of them.  Lately, I've added patterned fabric lamp shades to the list.  I've always loved them, but it seems I have a renewed energy for them.  I currently have one being made for Charlie's bedside sconce and another planned for Jimmy's office.  Custom shades are a bit pricey, so I use them sparingly.  Some of my very favorite designers use them and in each project where they are featured they are among the first details I notice in the room.  They are so charming and create that country home look that I'm always chasing.

Lee Ann Thornton Interiors (Quadrille wallpaper, Vaughn Designs lampshades) Lee Ann uses patterned lamp shades in so many of her projects and I adore each one.  Her work is a constant inspiration for me on many levels.  When I discovered her on instagram I practically studied (stalked?) her feed and then her website and blog.  She has lunched with Ina, her Connecticut home is positively perfection (her breakfast room is my favorite), she loves blue and white, vacations in Nantucket and gets a little crazy over all the same textiles designers that I do.  Easy to see why I fell in love, right?  Her classic designs are enviable, to say the least.  Even though she uses lots of high end items, her rooms always feel cozy and welcoming, which I think comes from her California roots and love of entertaining - she knows how to mix relaxed block prints, antiques and bamboo/rattan to create spaces that exude comfort.  I should really do a blog post on just her! :)  Her pretty lamp shades are always a favorite finishing touch for me.  See more of her work below... ^^This one is from inside Lee Ann's home (taken from her instagram feed), note hallway and dining room shades^^ ^^From Vaughn Designs showroom found on Pinterest^^ Kathryn Ireland Another favorite designer that uses lots of patterned shades is Kathryn Ireland.  She sells some directly on her website, like the one above, or you buy her fabric and have them custom made.  I've featured the room to the left on my blog before, it is still one of my favorites from a cottage in California.       Kathryn Ireland bedroom Robert Kime Lamp Shades found on website A favorite designer, Peter Dunham, uses patterned shades often.  So many of his textiles make terrific shades! From Kate Collins Interiors, using a favorite Peter Dunham print on the bedside lamps Lastly, here is a design board from a recent project of mine for a repeat client in Minnesota.   The fabric shades will be on top of two matching console tables that flank her fireplace.  Working with repeat clients is always the highest compliment and I adore this client and the way her home is coming together. (hopefully, soon, I'll be able to share pictures of the kitchen and dining nook that are almost complete.)