SCLgram -- Design Fact -- Bullion Fringe

Traditionally, bullion fringe is a decorative embellishment of silver or gold thick cording sewn in a row and used to decorate military uniforms.  In the world of design, bullion fringe looks very similar, but is used to trim elaborate window treatments, table skirts or the base of upholstery in place of the traditional fabric skirt.

In the world of interior design, bullion fringe was originally used in formal, elegant settings and was generally made from silk.  It was very popular during the Victorian era when opulent and heavily embellished furnishings were de rigueur.

Today you will find bullion fringe in a variety of materials including cotton, jute, vicose and often mixed with beads or tassels.  It adds movement to a piece of upholstery. For a "modern luxe" look, pair a modern piece of furniture with a more traditional element like bullion fringe.  I love to use bullion fringe as a skirt on an ottoman or luxurious tufted sofa.

Associated Posts:
Design Fact -- Tassel or Beaded Trim
Design Fact -- Flat Braided or Banded Trim

SCLgram -- Family Rooms

I have often thought the Family Room should be called the Gathering Room. This is the room in the house that is close to the kitchen and completes the area I think of as the "heart of the home".  It is where we come to gather at the end of a long day and reconnect with one another.  The family room is essential to a well designed home and here is a gorgeous example of such a room that we recently completed for a client.

The bright geometric rug defines the color palette and grounds the space.

The bright geometric rug was our starting point and we used it to ground this large space.  The rug also helped define the color palette and we used it to pull the accent colors for toss pillows, the armchair and accessories.  The large neutral sectional was a perfect backdrop for color.

Texture is added with the carved chest.

We added texture, a key element for any space, with a tufted leather ottoman, woven cane chair and carved chest.  Of course, the stone fireplace is a showpiece and added the most texture of all.

The window treatments are soft woven neutral with a contrast fabric band on the lead edge.  We applied a flat braided trim to the contrast band as well.  This gave the window treatment definition and a totally custom look.

The window treatments have a contrast fabric band on the lead edge.

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SCLgram -- Design Fact -- Tassel or Beaded Trim

Tassel or beaded trim is used along the hemline of drapery panels, valances, table covers, pillows, and skirts of upholstery.  It is used to embellish these treatments by adding definition and "texture" to the material it is paired with.

This SCL designed master bedroom sitting area has tassel trim on the drapery panels and table cover. 

A detailed view of the tassel trim.

SCL added this beaded trim to provide texture to the drapery panel. 

In this SCL designed master bathroom, a tassel trim was added to the lovely ottoman.

This master bathroom window treatment, designed by SCL, has beaded trim--the finishing touch!

Single or multiple tassels are sewn to a flat braid or gimp.  These can be simple or quite elaborate depending on the color, material and shape.

The detailed beaded trim on this kitchen window treatment, designed by SCL, gives it definition. 

A detailed view.

The tassel trim on this dining room window treatment, designed by SCL, helps define the flow of it and is the finishing touch!

A detailed view.

Beads on beaded trim vary greatly as well.  Glass, metal, stone, wood, and even shells are incorporated into this trim to add an element of whimsy and bling to an otherwise plain treatment.

Associated Posts:
Design Fact -- Flat Braided or Banded Trim
Design Fact -- Bullion Fringe