Decorative Trims: Bullion Fringe

To continue on our trip through trims, we're going to stay on the fringe path to take a look at bullion fringe. Bullion fringe is a fringe made of looped threads that are twisted together, varying in lengths that can range from 3" to as much as 12".

I love this quote from Barry Dixon that House Beautiful featured in its "101 Makeover Ideas from 101 Designers." The makeover tip? Dress up curtains, of course! Barry says, "If you want to accentuate the height of a room, apply braid, tape, or trim to the leading edge of the draperies." [Barry has long been my kind of designer!!]

Hand Model: Me.. ha, ha

Bullion is not to be confused with bouillon. Unless you're hungry and in the mood for soup. In that case, bouillon it is!

This kind of fringe is to be used tastefully and in measured doses. You know the saying that you can never get too much of a good thing? Well, in this case, throw that saying out the window (pardon the pun). In this custom chair by Barry Dixon, the fringe is just divine -- so elegant!

 Barry Dixon

And in this next amazing space (space seems like an understatement), a stunning and lush ottoman takes center stage. Again, it's classy and elegant. Can you imagine if fringe was all over this room? Too much. And it would easily take away from the detail already there. Instead, the small dose in this one eye-catching piece adds such richness -- so chic!

Veranda

In this amazing living roome below, however, the fringe is in full-dose and looking amazing! This room needed a window treatment with some "weight" and adding the bullion brought it! The owner of this home, William Thames, states, "You get a little bit better results when you let the professionals do what they know". A "little bit"? Just look at this room, it's exquisite. I think, "a LOT better results"!

Robert Cole Architects + Jimmy Sellars, Decorator

Here in Jeffrey Bilhuber's own room, bullion fringe is used as a sofa trim, and again, it's the only use of this fringe in the space. It adds interest and balance to the walls, and brings a new dimension to the sofa while still maintaining the room's comfortable, casual feel.

Elle Decor  by Jeffrey Bilhuber

As I mentioned in my first post about fringe, some clients cringe at the thought of fringe and respond with a gut reaction, "no, no, Sarah, I'm not a fringe person". Until, of course, I help them see it in a new way. It's not your Grandma's fringe anymore! Remember that fringe styles abound; here we're showing you a small sampling to get you thinking. I can literally get you drooling over some of the delicious options available as we explore the multitude of options that might suit your style or project.

So, tell me, has this whet your appetite? What do you really think of what you've seen so far?