Following on from our previous blog, ‘finding the perfect match - part one’ this takes takes us on to part two, and the intro to two new super lampshade designers.
What has also been exciting for Annie and Anna about this whole process is that we asked each designer to photograph the siphon base and shades in their own home interior. This shows the lamps in a lovely variety of interior spaces which creates a different look, mood and feel. That is what we love about interiors as it makes it each space totally different and unique…..
Meet the Makers.
Up next up is Izabela from Lampshades by Bella.
- What first sparked your love of lampshades?
I am a chemist by trade. When my boys were born I was looking for something I could do from home around children. It wasn’t without its challenges but eventually I started to love it and appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of handmade products.
- We would love at least one ‘failsafe’ tip for our clients when choosing the correct size of lampshade?
I think when we are choosing the Lampshades we have to remember the space it goes into, We not only have to remember to measure the space from one side to another but also the depth of the space. Not every lampshade you can just push against the wall.
- What is the most important element to choosing the fabric for your lampshades?
when it comes to choosing the fabric the pattern is very important, it can not be too big. And it’s also important to remember when it comes to gathered or pleaded lampshade, the pattern it won’t look the same on the finished product. Otherwise you can pretty much use any fabric you like. And I truly believe you can be advantageous with it, good lampshade can change the feel of the room.
- We would love a recommendation of something to read, a book or blog or even a podcast to listen to, as we fell escapism is more important than ever at the moment?
it may not be to everybody’s taste but I would definitely recommend Ken Follett “The pillars of the earth “ and “World without end”, not a small read but definitely entertaining.
- What is the first thing you plan to do as soon as the lockdown is lifted?
After the lockdown we will definitely go too see the family, specially my parents in law. They are quite elderly and in Madrid. So we are bit worried. And then to see friends over good glass of wine.
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What first sparked your love of lampshades?
Whilst I was renovating a previous home I could never find quite the right lampshade to match my curtains or interior decor - finding plain shades was easy enough but finding the right patterned one was practically impossible or if I did find one, it was extortionately expensive! So that’s when I decided to make them for myself instead and at the same time, realised others might appreciate them too. I’m a huge fan of fabric design and there’s nothing better than trawling through all the beautiful prints that are out there and waiting for the samples to arrive in the post. I mainly use Ada and Ina because I love their colours and the variety of their designs - some are bold and contemporary, others more traditional; their fabric is also affordable but of a really high quality. -
We would love at least one ‘failsafe’ tip for our clients when choosing the correct size of lampshade?
The rule of thumb is that the shade’s diameter should be twice the size of the lamp base and a third of the lamp’s total height. I think it’s perfectly possible to deviate from this though - especially if it’s to go bigger. Just be careful not to go so big that you distract from the lamp base if it’s something special (like the AB Soda Siphon Lamp, for example!). -
What is the most important element to choosing the fabric for your lampshades?
I think bolder is better and don’t be afraid to mix contemporary with traditional. A lampshade can be really helpful in tying together all the different colours, patterns and textures in a room. -
We would love a recommendation of something to read, a book or blog or even a podcast to listen to, as we fell escapism is more important than ever at the moment?
Although I’m usually an avid reader, trying to entertain three children under 5 all day in lockdown has been hard going and has sadly left little time for much escapism! But keeping a healthy mind has been (and still is!) really important to me so I’ve made sure I’ve made time for exercise and music. An album I would recommend is Beachcomber’s Windowsill by Stornoway and my favourite song on there is Fuel Up. -
What is the first thing you plan to do as soon as the lockdown is lifted?
That is a difficult question... I’ve forgotten what normal life feels like! But I think it will definitely involve seeing my extended family and spending quality time with them face to face - probably in a restaurant so that I don’t have to cook a meal for once!
Thank you again Bella and Mary, for taking the time to talk to us. We have loved seeing the photos you both took and the happy marriage with our vintage soda siphon lamps.
To see the soda siphons bases and lamp shade designs that are for sale please go to this link here for all the information: which will be updated daily until Sunday with our last designer.
Do also feel free to get in touch and ask any questions.
With much love Annie & Anna x
