Thursday, October 6, 2011

A Guest post and a Giveaway!

Good morning! Today, I have a fabulous guest post by Tanya of Arcadian Lighting on Farmhouse Libraries. A subject I can totally relate to! A good old fashioned library......is sheer bliss ....I could send hours surrounded by books and a hot cup of tea :-) Farmhouse Libraries require good building materials to give it the right look.  Arcadian Lighting is also offering my readers a chance to win 75 dollars at their store. Yes.......... its time for another fabulous Giveaway:-) Take it away Tanya


Hi! I am Tanya, and I write for Arcadian Lighting, a site dedicated to global lighting trends. When not globe trotting with my DSLR or practicing my penmanship, I can be found obsessing about the ever evolving designscape and getting lost in the eclectic world of pulsating patterns, textured textiles, fabulous furniture and classic creations. Thanks so much for letting me guest post here today Anu!


Farmhouses as a concept have stood the test of time and have enjoyed renewed popularity in the past few decades. These days retiring to the countryside and leaving the city is not seen as a death sentence (okay slight exaggeration), but farmhouses are also a popular choice for weekend getaways. The home library is a farmhouse essential since it is a much better alternative to the rather cacophonous television set.

Farmhouse Library
Country Living (via)

Building or remodeling a library in a farmhouse can be tricky business as one doesn’t want to stray from the overall decor and maintain the pastoral and vintage charm that one associates with country homes. Muted colors, antiques, rustic furniture, vintage home accessories and traditional lighting fixtures all play a pivotal role in creating that idyllic setting. A good choice of room for library would be something with a large glass bay window that lets in natural light and to complete the look one can opt for a beamed ceiling.

Farmhouse Library
harlemworldblog (via)

Those who are always open to design experimentation can also play with colors, textiles and mesh different materials to achieve a singular look. Take for instance the East Harlem 1898 Farmhouse’s library which is a beautiful amalgamation of old and new and catches the eye thanks to its turquoise and chocolate color palette, use of texture-like linen, leather, and velvet and the piece de resistance -- the antique oak bookshelf.

Farmhouse Library
Country Living (via)

Any decent home library is incomplete without a proper shelving system, a comfortable reading chair and proper lighting. Shelving systems can be built at home or commissioned, seating options should be leather and comfy and installation of pendant lights and placing of table lamps strategically is imperative. Individuality is the key here as you want your own private haven and the library should reflect its owner’s personality like the “Green Room”. As you can see this rustic farmhouse library is quite idiosyncratic and its green built-in shelves, hanging lights and yellow Windsor chair really standout. Another quirky idea is to color coordinate your books to create a pulsating visual impact and team it up with something unexpected, say a rich Turkish carpet.


Farmhouse Library
calfinder (via)

A home be it in the city, the suburbs or the countryside should be the extension of its inhabitant and this rule of thumb should also be applied to the library. Decorate the library and accessorize it with prints, art pieces, rustic furniture and photo frames. Those pressed for space or looking for a more intimate setting can even convert their dining room into a library and the result is quite cozy. But space is seldom an issue in a farmhouse and it is always better to have a separate library, which can also be used as a study when required.

Farmhouse Library
Better Homes (via)

Farmhouse Library
Flickr (via)

When it comes to remodeling or decorating a farmhouse library, the options are limitless and while styles depend on individual preferences, just remember to maintain a touch of sophistication and simplicity and you will never go wrong.
Content provided by Arcadian Lighting, a site that specializes in top quality light fixtures at extremely affordable prices. Come visit us today!



Arcadian Lighting is a treasure house of goodies for the home. Apart from lighting they also carry a vast collection of home accessories and other decor items. I have been eyeing some of the lovely things  they have for a while now!

Now for the Giveaway. A chance to win 75 dollars to shop at Arcadian Lighting!


1. You need to be a follower of  My Dream Canvas via Google Friend Connect and Facebook. Visit Arcadian Lighting and let me know what you would buy with your $75 gift card if you win (be specific). Please leave a comment.

2. This giveaway is open to United States and Canada residents only.

 
3. Only ships to the current continental US (48 states). If the winner lives in Hawaii or Alaska or Canada, the winner must pay the additional fees that may incur.
4. A special code will be given to the lucky winner and it can only be used once.

 
For additional entries (one extra entry for each of the following):


 
1. 'Like' Arcadian Lighting on Facebook and leave a comment.

2. Follow Arcadian Lighting on Twitter and leave a comment.

 
3. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment.

 
4. Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment.

 
The deadline to enter is October 20th. The winner will be chosen via random.org and announced on October 21st. Good luck, everyone!

Thank you Tanya!

Linking up with  Open House at No Minimalist Here.

6 comments:

SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime said...

Your follower and Maxim Lighting Hampton Single Tier 3-Light Traditional Chandelier - MX-12024-AD is my fave in their store.

SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime said...

I like them on fb.

d e l i g h t said...

My dream would be to have a room in my home solely for a library. They add warmth and sophistication to a home! Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for your sweet comments.

foreverdecorating said...

Thanks for stopping at my blog and saying hi. I came over and have been looking at your blog when I saw the green bookcases with the man looking at a book and his dog laying by the chair. This man is a perfessional photographer with his wife, who took the picture. Their names are Gridley and Graves and when a magazine called to put our home in it, they sent Gridley and Graves out to our home for 2 days of shooting from Allenstown, PA. I live in Western Il, so they drove a long way and brought that dog!! That was in 2005!!!

foreverdecorating said...

Enter me on this giveaway. I am your newest follower. If I won, I would probably use it towards this beautiful Cyan Design Motivo Traditional 3-Light Chandelier

foreverdecorating said...

I 'Like' Arcadian Lighting on my Facebook

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