Having trouble finding the perfect fabric, wall covering, or flooring? Did you know you can design your own? New technology has made it possible for you to personalize anything. Now you can put your own stamp on your home by creating custom designed materials of all kinds: from fabrics to wall coverings to floorings and even to countertops.

I loved this wall covering inspired by the pooch. It's just one example of how you can imagine and then create items that absolutely no one else will have. And don't keep all the fun to yourself!  Let your friends and family be involved in the artistic process too.  When they see their own ideas transformed into something truly unique, they'll feel a special joy that will last for years.

Online retailers and manufacturers have made it easy for you to create one-of-a-kind looks. One great source here in the Durham, NC, area is Spoonflower, a producer of custom printed fabrics. I am pictured there watching the printing process.

Lisa Stewart is an Interior Designer in Raleigh, NC.

This famous French 17th century chateau, the brainchild of Louis XIV and a spectacular symbol of his regime, was the first royal palace to introduce lighting in the form of candle-lit chandeliers. This invention set the standard of lighting for all other European dynasties. The famous Hall of Mirrors, where the treaty ending the First World War was signed, has a collection of 17 large reproduction chandeliers. In the 20th century these were lit with unattractive and inefficient incandescent bulbs to meet safety standards.  

Moving into the 21st century, a modern day “candle” has been developed that employs a flame shaped crystal LED bulb which simulates the warm, flickering light produced by a real candle. The LED bulbs are also very energy efficient and longer lasting compared to the incandescent bulbs they are replacing.

These crystal LED candles hold wonderful promise for historical buildings around the world. Visitors will be transported back in time to an age when these great interiors were illuminated by hundreds of soft shimmering flames. Just think of experiencing the opulent bed chamber of the Palace of Versailles bathed in candle light. I can’t wait- book my flight to Paris!

The LED candles have great promise for us commoners too.  I'll be on the lookout for them to add to our own chandeliers... just as long as I don't have to wear the royal attire shown here!

Lisa Stewart is an Interior Designer in Raleigh, NC.