Design Gathering: Dwellings

Loving Coral!

1. linkeldesigns: Vintage Coral Ring $18
2. textilemonster: "Curly Neck Rag" $16
3.bazordesigns: Coral Silk Screened Pillow $45
4. MartiniRoadVintage: Vintage 70's Coral Dress $28
5. krystlerose: Paper Butterfly Shadow Box $100
6.BungalowBathBody: Grapefruit Soap $5
7. PostalTherapy: Flamingo Nose Blank Note Card $3.25
8. LoveMyCoasters: Coasters in Spice:$15
9. Natalya1905: Coffee Cup Cozy $17.50
10. Lemonring: Chiffon Flower Shoe Clips: $18
11. Tori Praver Swimwear: Lucy Strapless Onepiece $143
12. Diane Von Furstenburg: Zuza Cover Up $195
13. Free People: Bohemian Voyage Tunic $78
14. Diane Von Furstenburg: Lytton Small Clutch $295

How to Freshen Up Your Kitchen for Spring!

We are finally starting to see glimpses of the sun here on the East Coast! It has been a long cold winter and we are welcoming the signs of spring with open arms! Whether you are in a warm or cold climate, sometimes it is nice to freshen up your space with a few items that make you smile! They don't have to be big or even expensive. Fresh flowers always seem to do the trick. Well, here are a few other trinkets I came across while thinking spring, that I would love to see in my kitchen. Sometimes it only takes one thing or a couple of little things to change the way you feel about your space. Here are some ideas!

*iced lemon sugar olive oil soap next to your sink *lovely birds dish towel

*sweet orange chili pepper scented candle *colorful pear hotpads *bright green leaf set

*asparagus photo to brighten your walls *graphic ceramic salt & pepper shakers

*seafoam collander *mod printed napkins *serving tray for your counter

*bright colored placemats *summer carnival glasses

*bold patterned canister set *modern sleek salad set *rainbow nesting bowls

1. catherinefilipelli: Iced Lemon Sugar - Olive Oil Soap $6
2. Mahleewan: Lovely Birds Dish Towel $6
3.Taromas: Sweet Orange Chili Pepper Candle $13.50
4. Candyargyle: Cheery Pear Hot Pads $10
5. hopejohnson: Dipping dish- leaves in chartreuse $24
6. lingeron: Spears Fine Art Photograph $15
7. nelaceramics: Salt & Pepper Shaker in white & orange $50
8.LennyMud: Ceramin Collander in seafoam $24
9. Ikea: Matt Paper Napkin $1.50/50
10. Zgallerie: Everglades Round Tray $29.95
11. cb2: Basketweave Placemats $2.95 ea.
12. fishseddy: Carnival Glassware $6 ea.
13. modcloth: Canister Set $42.99
14. westelm: Bamboo Salad Set
15. momastore: Nest 8 Bowls $50

Valentine's Day MUST HAVES

These are a few of my favorite things...

1. ANTHROPLOGY "saturated dew drops chandelier" $2,000
2. APARTMENT 48 "Fleur d'Abricotier" $34
3. APARTMENT48 "susani melamine platter" $65
4. ANTHROPOLOGY "sao paulo bookends" $98
5. BURKEDECOR "damask swirled wallpaper" $55
6. KATE SPADE "iphone 3G hardcover case" $40
7. CC SKYE "lindsay bracelet" $178
8. DUC DUC NYC "eddy rocker" $1495
9. ROBERT HAM "wooden hanger" 100pk for $65
10. MOLLA SPACE "piiig bank" price upon request
11. SERENA AND LILY "herringbone throw" $225
13. LAVISH "pop louis side chair" contact for pricing
14. UNCOMMON GOODS "the carly apron" $39
15. ONE KINGS LANE "cool hotels best of europe" $64
16. ONE KINGS LANE "metal umbrella stand" $19
17. ONE KINGS LANE "525 america throw" $69
18. WILLIAMS SONOMA HOME "golden medallion samarkand rug" $487-4,912
19. CONTAINER STORE "letter size file folder" $3.99
20. URBAN DECAY "lip junkie lip gloss" $19
21. FRONTGATE "chenille katie pet bed" $149-209
22. WILLIAMS SONOMA "kitchen aid mixer" $350
23. WILLIAMS SONOMA "susan g. komen santuko knife" $49.95
24. EBAY "coach poppyseed wristlet" $46.99
25. ETSY moxy "vegan suade journal mini" $21
26.ETSY scoutandcatalogue "bright peach scarf" $118
27. PIER1 "mosaic cranberry coasters" set of 4/$12
28. MoMA STORE "reveal watch" $100
29. COMPANY C "patio rug in strawberry" 2x3 $48
30. ELYSE WALKER "hunter pink rain boots" $87.50

31. MoMA STORE "x mini speaker" $32

OUTFIT TO ROOM

What's your inspiration? As mentioned in the last 'Outfit To Room' posted last week, all well designed rooms start with a form of inspiration. Without it, the room often feels (and looks) disconnected. Inspiration can come from anywhere. I once had a client bring me a set of her grandmothers dishes. They were actually only 2 colors, blue and cream, but the pattern suggested the style of the room and the rest of the space fell into place.

This weeks J.Crew ad invites viewers into their glossy pages by using soft, summery hues, pretty flowers and a dainty, romantic, feminine whimsy:

I pulled this bedroom, designed by Charlotte Moss, because it conveys everything the J.Crew ad portrays. I love the way the floral curtains and the chair cushions pull the flowers out of her hair. The pretty pink toile bed skirt and canopy have the same light-hearted feel as the girl in the picture's make-up. The ruffle atop the canopy mimicks the soft, fluttery wave in her hair. The tiny flowers which make up her shirt convey a garden-like feeling---found in the botanical prints hung on the walls. Lastly, the ribbon and netting woven in her hair has a natural, organic feel---much like the texture of the natural sisal carpet on the bedroom's floor.

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___________________________DESIGN GATHERING___________________________

Translation: Outfit to Room

In design, I often explain to clients that they need an inspiration to begin their new room makeover. Something to grab their attention and set the room in motion. This inspiration can come from anywhere.

Today I decided to use an old Hermes ad as my inspiration picture and found a completed room that easily could have evolved from this. It's really that simple!

Translation:

Notice how the blonde colored wood floors are placed in a herringbone pattern across the floor? This mimicks the zig-zag patterns found in her scarf.
See the bright colored walls and the colorful floral fabric the ottoman is covered in? This represents her gloves and satchel.
The tatty and worn paint that appears to be peeling off the walls? This imitates the background in the ad...sort of like faded scenery.
The black and white framed artwork on the walls? This mirrors the color of the ad's snowy, mountainous background.
Finally, the warm, rustic color and texture of the throw on the leather chair and the books piled high behind it? This picks up the overall feel of the ad, like the woman is traveling, somewhere cold and far away. There is a level of rawness found in both pictures and the textures in the room and the scenery in the ad both share a tribal quality.
Perhaps some of the items sprinkled around the room, such as the kilim rug, the books, art and mirror hung above the fireplace are all treasures she has picked up on her journey....

Chevron Stripes

Chevron is a French word meaning rafter or roof, which is what a chevron looks like; two straight lines meeting at an angle just as rafters do in a roof. Herringbone, zig zag, chevron... call it what you want but this fabulous signature pattern of Missoni home (and even Charlie Brown's shirt) is here to stay! The "V" shaped stripes were very popular in the 70's and have been consistantly appearing for the last few years in fashion and interiors. These interesting stripes add an extra dynamic and bold touch to any style room depending on how you apply them. In permanent applications like flooring and backsplashes play it a little safe, for example tone on tone. But for your accessories go bold! Demand contrast between each row of stripes. Play with color, stripe thickness, scale etc. Chevron stripes are an excellent way to add texture and drama to any room!

Carinne

{via: just dandy}

{via: home for the better}

{via: focus on flair}

{via: design sponge}

{via: turqoise shed}

{via: design track mind}

{via: design inspiration}

These are some inexpensive pieces that will allow you to experiment with Chevron stripes in your home and wardrobe without alot of commitment!!

1. northbrooklyndrygood: Chevron Caftan $105
2. redtilestudio: Art Block $28
3. Owl Vintage: Vintage Chevron Sweater $45
4. Twinheartsvintage: Beaded Clutch $32
5. thedustpeddler: Vintage Wool Jacket $54
6. floraltrash: Bright Stripes Dress $26
7. LaFemmeVintage: 70's Rainbow Sweater $28
8. heidi2983: Gold & Black Enamel Necklace
9. amdirobella: Crimson & Teal Sweater $24
10. ChlorineVintage: Saks Sweater $36
11. funkyfinds: Vintage Throw $22
12. nichestyle: Red Striped Dress $42
13. this little home: Chevron Drapery Panels $130
14. deco yellow: 2 Chevron Pillow Covers $84
15. Balanced: Glass Woven Cuff $40
16. Urban Tot: Modern Plush Blanket: $45
17. LaMaisonLuxe: Party Set Coasters $50
18. afabulousfete: Grey & White tray $50

HELLO HEADBOARD
So if you haven't realized by now, I am all about taking advantage of a focal point in a room. If you don't already have one, add an upholstered headboard! They not only soften all the wood pieces in a room (and lets face it, break up all that matchy-matchy furniture{yuck}) but they also add an unexpected element of surprise and GRANDEUR to any space.

On a budget? You can do this for less too. All you need is a wooden board, some batting and a fabric of your choice and poof! Instant color, drama and focal point. Enjoy!

1-3. Annie Selke Home for Vangaurd Furniture 4. Quatrafoil Headboard from Ballard 5. Tristram Mylius for the Conran Shop 6. Slipcover from Ankasa for Ballard 7. Grace Home Furnishings via House Beautiful

8. Jonathan Adler woodhouse headboard 9. Century Furniture 10. Drexel Heritage 11. Saint Germaine headboard via Serena and Lily 12. Lewis Mittman 13. Pierre Deux 14. Urban Outfitters 15-16. Century Furniture 17. Tom Stringer Design Partners, Photo by charlie Mayer 18. Century Furniture

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Stylish Celebrity Interiors

I often see in the news or tabloids (no I don't buy them, I just peek when in line at the grocery store)beautiful celebrity homes. Always, they picture these over-the-top mansions from an ariel view, showing you just enough of the land, estate, pool, pool house and guest house that it leaves you mouth open, hanging on for more.

Although I will admit it's interesting to see these Monster Mansions from an exterior point of view--you really can get a sense of just how large these homes are--I know personally, I want to see more!

Don't they know it's what's on the inside that counts?

1. Jonathon Adler: bedroom via ELLE DECOR
2. Ellen Pompeo: bedroom via ELLE DECOR
3. Jennifer Aniston: living room via New York Daily News
4. Jennifer Aniston: bathroom via New York Daily News
5. Demi Moore & Ashton Kutcher: living room via Architectural Digest, Decorator: Brad Dunning

6. Anjelica Houston Photo Via Architectural Digest
7. Rush Limbaugh: dining room via Corcoran
8. Rush Limbaugh: study via Corcoran
9. Rush Limbaugh bedroom via Corcoran
10. Rush Limbaugh sitting room via Corcoran
11. through 14. Nicolas Cage via New York Daily News
15. Manny Ramirez via New York Daily News
16. through 18. Sting via New York Daily News

Below:
Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick's Weekend House
Photo Via elle decor
Interior design by Eric Hughes

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How to "Freshen-up" your Kitchen for Spring

We are finally starting to see glimpses of the sun here on the East Coast! It has been a long cold winter and we are welcoming the signs of spring with open arms! Whether you are in a warm or cold climate, sometimes it is nice to freshen up your space with a few items that make you smile! They don't have to be big or even expensive. Fresh flowers always seem to do the trick. Well, here are a few other trinkets I came across while thinking spring, that I would love to see in my kitchen. Sometimes it only takes one thing or a couple of little things to change the way you feel about your space. Here are some ideas!

*iced lemon sugar olive oil soap next to your sink *lovely birds dish towel

*sweet orange chili pepper scented candle *colorful pear hotpads *bright green leave dipping set

*asparagus photo to brighten your walls *graphic ceramic salt & pepper shakers

*seafoam collander *mod printed napkins *serving tray for your counter

*bright colored placemats *summer carnival glasses

*bold patterned canister set *modern sleek salad set *rainbow nesting bowls

_________________________________design gathering_____________________________

What does your front door say about you?

The front door of a house speaks volumes about a home's style...after all, the front door is the "mouth" of the home and quite often its focal point. It sets the tone for the feeling of the house, and perhaps what you will find inside.

In our home town, we are fortunate enough to be surrounded by many older homes with doors that are not only original, but exude character. As we know, Scranton, PA is a melting pot of cultures, each of which brought with them the architecture and style of their late European traditions.

Below are a multitude of door styles and colors from our area (Although its likely not all these home owners gave much thought to the inner meaning of their curb appeal when choosing the style and palette for their home). Here is a general breakdown of decoding the inner meaning of color:

Blue: If you want your home’s curb appeal to suggest a feeling of abundance and prosperity, consider painting your front door a beautiful blue.

Dark Blue: Dark blue doors are believed to create calm and peace for your home...in turn, bringing those feelings to your guests and family who enter through and into your home.

Yellow: Yellow is a color that evokes mental clarity, perception, understanding, wisdom, confidence, curiosity, humor and merriment.

Green: Green is always a great choice for the front door since it's a color that is said to represent balance, peace, compassion, growth, renewal, and harmony.

Red: In Feng Shui, a red front door means “welcome.”

Black: A black door signifies promise and options, like a blank slate that is transformable into anything imaginable.

These are a few beautiful front doors from our hometown...

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Happy Valentines Day

from Design Gathering!

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ART WORK GROUPINGS

Is your room lacking drama? Everytime you walk into your living room, dining room, bedroom (...you get the point) you feel like something is missing but you can't quite put your finger on it? Ask yourself if the room has a true focal point.

If you want to create instant drama in any space a good way to acheive this is by adding a grouping of artwork. This look, whether acheived in nuetrals or vibrant colors, adds an instant focal point. Think outside the box. Don't be afraid to mix art with objects. If you're placing this grouping over a piece of furniture or a fireplace, don't forget to incorporate the items on the table top or mantel in the overall design.

Remember: Have fun with it! Hang a few pieces and the look is complete, or continuously add to it to create an evolving design.

{Via Jamie Drake}
The epitime of drama, this artwork MAKES the room. Without it, it would be an overly matchy, louis xvi style parlor

{Via Decorology}
All the white in this room really grounds the space, and makes the artwork grouping speak for itself

{Via HGTV)
Obviously, the paint has a big impact in this room, but the artwork placed inside each stripe sets it off

{Via decorology}
I love this. Part inspiration board, part room decor--this proves groupings can be fun

{Via decorology}
All about balance, this display is rich in history

{Via Sarah Richardson}
Clean lines and neutral decor. This grouping is the focal point in a very subtle way

{Via Sarah Richardson}
Simply because one is not enough...

{Via Sarah Richardson}
I love how Sarah incorporated the sconce in her grouping

{Via Sarah Richardson}
This room is soft and comforting, yet there are 12 pieces of artwork over the sofa, point proven

{Via Sarah Richardson}
I love how the panel interupts the grouping, yet it still flows

{via hgtv}
With 9 pieces grouped together, it acts as one large piece AND adds a whole lot of drama over this night stand

{Via hgtv}
Clean and contemporary, but with the addition of one carved gold frame on top it suddenly becomes eclectic

{Via hgtv}
enough said.

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THE NEW LOO

Bathroom vanities have come a long way since the boring days of a porcelain sink. Now a days almost anything goes. Your grandmothers old chest? Sure, turn it into your bathroom sink. Don't know what to do with that used demilune sofa table? Give it a new life as your bathroom vanity. We live in a decade of all things recycled, reused, and reclaimed--why not salvage that vintage piece sitting in your basement, and give your powder room a face lift.

Furniture as bathroom sinks:

{Via Amy Moris Interiors}

{Via Elle Decor}

{Via HGTV}

{via woodworkerworkshop}

bathrooms - brown geometric wallpaper silver sconces white modern stool mirror brown antique sink truly unique bathroom! wallpaper in bathroom!

{Via decorpad}

{Via Sarah Richardson}

{via Paradigm}

{Via White Webb}

{Via ppebble}

{Via the design file}

{Via Attic Magic}

{Via piajanebijkerk}

{Via me}

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UNIQUE BOOKCASES

After once again unpiling a stack of books to get to the one on the bottom, I realized I need a bookcase. It always seems to be the one on the bottom I am reaching for. This got me thinking, what kind of bookcase do I want? Maybe I can find one not only to house the books, but to be a stand alone piece I love in my home. Maybe a focal point to a room? Here are some of my interesting finds on my search!

{via: robaroundbooks}

{via: vitahouse}

{via: 56minus1}

{via: captivatist}

{via: binscorner}

{via: homeinteriordesignthemes

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BLACK, THE NEW WHITE?

Everytime I see a well designed room with black painted walls I am in love. It's so out of the box. Unique. Unexpected. And, yes, very daring. The room seems to wrap itself around you, inviting you in. Making you want to stay for a while.

But is this look for everyone? Would YOU be brave enough to give this trend a try?

As a designer myself, I am even hesitant. Although my home doesn't call for this trend {it's an old farmhouse dateing back to the 1860's} I think it would fare well in a small space with high drama, like a foyer or powder room. Of course though, it's a must-have rule of thumb that you give this look a pop by useing white moldings or contrasting fabrics and accessories.

{Via Homes&GardensMagazine}

{Via Apartmenttherepy.com}

{Via Atlantshomesmag.com}

{Via BrandonBarrePhotography}

{Via Decorpad}

{Via DominoMag}

{Elle decor via Badgley Mischa home}

{Via Elle Decor}

{Via hgtv}

{Via Sarah Dorio Photography}

{Via Kelly Interior Design}

{Via Google Images}

{Via Lonny Mag}

{Via Martha Stewart}

{Via Windsor Smith & Michael Wells Photography}

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COFFEE TABLESCAPES

Styling a coffee table is often a difficult task. So many of us struggle when it comes to deciding what to put on them. Coffee tables are a significant focal point and what we put on them deserves careful consideration. I often change what I have on mine, either for the seasons, or just because, but the key to making it look good is to have items of different heights to create rhythm, to layer objects, and use scale in proportion while coordinating the objects on the table in relation to the size of the table.

{Via New England Home Mag}
Above: This coffee table is LARGE....and from a design stand point, the items placed on top are almost too small proportionately. What makes this work is the idea of having a gallery wall of art behind the sofa. Because there is so much going on directly in front of the coffee table, there is little need to add more items to its surface.

{Via Traditional Home Mag}
Above: The cleanness of this coffee table scape mirrors the simplicity of the rest of the room. Notice the monochromatic color scheme? How the tall chest in the corner has nothing on it? The off white walls and wall to wall neutral carpet? All of these things combined lend this room--and it's coffee table--to be understated elegance.

{Via Traditional Home Mag}
This one might be one of my favorites. I am in love with the idea of the coffee table being taller than usual. The items placed on this table are not at all function to the table, but purely decorative. This is a great example for using Rhythm. The heights of the objects are all varied, which makes your eyes travel from piece to piece. There are some 3-dimensional elements, mixed with hard accents and then greenery to soften to look.

{Via Traditional Home Mag}
This coffee table scape also has good rhythm to it. By using several vases grouped together, it gives the illusion that they are one large object, rather than several individual pieces. This way your eye clusters them together and the proportion of the object is in scale with the size of the table its placed on.
This coffee table also has some other design features worth noting: The room appears to be rather casual with a cotton blend fabric on the sofa, and the woven jar on the left of the table to match. The coffee table seems a bit formal, even art-deco-ish for the room painted in its shiny black lacquer. However, by simply placing the INFORMAL, very casual sunflowers in the shiny white vases you instantly bridge the rawness of the sofa and jar, with the shiny luster of the coffee table and bowls. The sunflower's dark center is key to making this all work---as silly as it sounds--as it moves your eye from the sofa to the jar to the table and back to the flowers.

{Via Traditional Home Mag}
Functional. Casual. Yet very placed.

{Via Restoration Hardware}
Above: This coffee scape is easy to assess: Repetition. Each flat
surface shares two items. Adding a third would throw the

whole room out of balance. Count them and see for yourself!

{Via Traditional Home Mag}

{via New England Home Magazine}
Above: This coffee table is very unique...it looks like it's the height of a tea table or maybe even a dining table. The surface of this is almost cleared, like they use it for a work space or desk. The way the books are arranged below appear that whoever uses this space, picks up the books as they were arranged on the table and simply places them underneath. Either way, this coffee table looks great!

{Via Pottery Barn}
Above: I love this one! Look at just the top of the table. It appears that the majority of the items are to the left of the tables surface. After all there is only a small stack of books to the right. The reason for this is because the drawers on the right side add more weight, so you NEED more objects on the left to balance them out. A good way to do this is to add something tall as they did here with the glass jar. By placing a GLASS jar here it gives you the height you need, but because you can see through it it becomes less obtrusive. Overall the perfect balance.

{Via Restoration Hardware}
Above: I am a huge fan of using two smaller tables, slightly taller than normal, grouped together to make one. Even though each table has only two objects on it, the one on the left has to be larger in scale to balance out the flowers on the end table to the right.

{Via Restoration Hardware}

Overall, it seems that the current trend of what to place on your coffee table is books, greenery, ssculpture's and trays. In the end, there is not really a right or wrong as to what you should have on your coffee table---rather it's more in the design rational of height, rhythm, balance, scale and proportion! Good luck!

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HOUSE TOUR: Hilton Head Island, S.C.

When I think of "beach house" decor I think of soft creams, whites and blues, accessories with shells and coral, and floral fabrics. I don't normally think of jewel tones, silk damask fabrics, fine antiques and chandeliers! But that is exactly what I love the most about this house, it is totally UNEXPECTED! And what a pleasant surprise it is! I was lucky enough to take a tour of this breathtaking Mediterranean style estate named "Toscana Mare". It is located in an unlikely place, Hilton Head Island South Carolina. This home and the neighboring home were built in 2004 by a delveloper who had a love for old-world Italy and wanted to recreate the Italian design he had grown to love. They were built next to each other in a private gated enclave on the beach!

Gated entrance to both homes.

This is the bridge over the marshes that leads to both homes. The one I toured is on the right.

Above and below: The fountains located between the two houses.

Foyer and staircase: These walls along with most of the walls in the house are actually fabric

At the top of the steps outside Master Bedroom

This is the first floor living room. Both the marble fireplace and light fixtures are antiques from Italy.

Above: view from the kitchen

Above: view of ocean and balcony from kitchen/family room

The kitchen

Lower level family room with projection screen hidden behind hand painted screen.

These are actually antique radiator covers that were built in with marble tops to create these console tables.

Mosaic tile sink in powder room on first floor

View of ocean from master bedroom balcony

Master bedroom sitting are with television concealed behind the glass doors of this antique cabinet. Above is an Italian handblown glass chandelier.

Master bath

Marble shower in master bath

Above: Guest bedroom Below: Guest bath

Above: second guest room Below: second guest bath

Above and Below: second floor sitting room and bath

Pool and patio area.

Hope you enjoyed this amazing estate!!!!

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ACCENT WALLS

So, as interior designers, we get asked questions all the time about whether clients should "do an accent wall". If asked this question 3 years ago, I would have jumped at the thought because it was the latest trend. Now though, my initial reaction is: "why not just paint the whole room one color? Can you not commit?"
Or, how about instead of paint, you wallpaper the accent wall? Do certain rooms just REQUIRE an accent wall? I have been gathering photos on rooms with accent walls and wanted to share!!

_____________________design gahering___________________

Some designers love painting an accent wall. Others would never even consider it. Whose side are you on?

                                   {via google images}

                              {via google images}

                                           {via google images}

                                         {via google images}

                                                      {via google images}

                                                                {via google images}

                                                 {via google images}                                                                 {via google images}

{via Design Strategies}

{via Apartment Therapy}

{Decorpad}

{via examiner.com}

{via decorpad.com}
Hardware-hawaii-bedroom

{via Philpotts and Associates Inc.}

{via Nick Olson}

Kitchen Lighting, UNSENSORED

Recently, I have had a lot of inquiries from clients pertaining to renovating their kitchens. Likewise, one of my dear friends Therese, asked me about helping her out with updating her kitchen. As most of you know, these simple DIY projects are a domino effect...once you start changing one item in the room, more often than not, it leads to another and another and so on the cycle goes.

After picking out some paint colors for her cabinets, walls and furniture in the kitchen, we dove right into new hardware, fabrics and lighting. There is no rule to only using typical "kitchen" lights in a kitchen, and so it inspired me to look forward and beyond the norm and standard light fixtures. Get out of your comfort zone, stay away from safe and really make a statement. I thought: Go bold! Be daring!

These very unique pendents and chandeliers could be just the spice your kitchen is missing. I've said it before and I'll say it agian, it's the accessories that make the biggest impact in a room. And they don't have to match! Shocking, I know. So, without further ado...

I'm slightly obsessed with 1 & 2...I think I am drawn to the color?

I know, I know, these are LAMPS, but why not throw one on your island or counter? Don't be so conventional!

I'm loving these Thomas Edison style lights and wondering where I can use one...

1. VAUGHAN: menton hanging shade. shown in blue cornflower silk shade. can customize with own fabric.
2. SUFFOLK DESIGNER LIGHTING: armilllary sphere chandelier. shown in bronze.
3. MOTTEGA: design your own lamp, I made this one, shown in cashmere.
4. MCGUIRE: cascade table lamp, custom finsihes available. shown in antique copper w/ ivory linen shade.
5.CIRCA LIGHTING: country industrial pendant with metal shade
6.CIRCA LIGHTING: pimlico street lamp with large black shop shade
7. CIRCA LIGHTING: dressage round ceiling light
8.CIRCA LIGHTING: aronson lantern by suzanne kasler
9. MURRAY FEISS: artisan 3light island light
10. 4HOUSE LIGHTING: ashton 3light island
11. 4HOUSE LIGHTING: acquisitions mini pendant
12. INTERIOR DELUXE: bulb pendant light
13. INTERIOR DELUXE: illustri pendant light
14. NIERMANN WEEKS: cristoball chandelier
15. CB2: firefly pendant lamp
16. SEASCAPE: gaby silk taupe hanging pendant
17. SEASCAPE: thao ll orb silk pendant shown in lime
18. SEASCAPE: by rachel taylor, tulips in white
19. SIMPLY PENDANT LIGHTING: knotted rattan pendant
20. SIMPLY PENDENT LIGHTING: seashore mini pendent
21. DESIGN WITHIN REACH: etch pendant
22. DESIGN WITHIN REACH: pod pendant
23. RESTORATION HARDWARE: cast iron barn door trolly pendant
24. RESTORATION HARDWARE: industrial pulley single pendant

Actual kitchens with out-of-the-box lighting:

This is a townhouse I designed a few years ago, notice the very large pendants over the island? They created a lovely focal point in this open floor plan. And the tiered candle votives? We hung them with clear fishing wire at varying levels. Together, a great pair. And they don't even match! (similar to #15 above)