kkFRETWORK is a staple in the kaarskoker collection. Made popular as a print by David Hicks & Kelly Wearstler and employed by Chippendale as a defining detail, fretwork originates from painted Chinese porcelain and has become a ubiquitous geometric print.  Like a never-ending puzzle with interlaced lines, the pattern is masculine.

My color choices weren’t difficult as I went with the traditional and chose a warm linen-colored background inspired by the tea-stained grounds of 18th-century textiles.

kkFRETWORK in BLUE is a toned down Robin’s Egg Blue and pairs beautifully with red, brown or navy interiors.  My husband wore a similar blue check button-down on our wedding day.

kkFRETWORK in BROWN screams gentleman’s library!

kkFRETWORK in (Chinese) RED is an ode to its origins.

Tower Lighting of Chicago imports fine lighting from Europe and, in particular, elegant designs from Italy. The ironwork is fantastic as are the sculptural, stylized forms, which speak to “The artistry of Italian illumination.”  kaarskoker candle covers would pair beautifully with any of these.  The kkMARBLE in LIBRARY FEATHER would look stunningly appropriate with the dark iron.  I would love to see kkFRETWORK in RED with the polished brass piece as the classic geometry of the Fretwork would soften the effect of this contemporary fixture.

* Images courtesy of Tower Lighting

On a trip back to my home state of Virginia last month, I finally met the buyer at Shades of Light Amanda Wainscott.  She graciously introduced much of the staff and hosted a guided tour of the large showroom and warehouse filled with lighting and lighting accessories including custom products exclusively available at Shades of Light. All this while she was preparing for a much-anticipated photoshoot.  Many thanks, Amanda!  I recently stumbled on a these before & after shots Shades of Light featured on its blog “Inspired Spaces.” A picture is worth a thousand words!

The Red Fretwork kaarskoker candle covers retail for $14/pair and the Bamboo Tower Chandelier retails for $298.  The chandelier is offered in white, black, coral, green and yellow in addition to the red below.

The Vintage Vine and Flower Sconce has a charming vintage look adopted by the Shabby Chic style.  The distressed-white finished sconce retails for $59 before kaarskoker candle sleeve.  Pink Dot retails for $14/pair.