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Farmhouse Kitchen Design Ideas

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Farmhouse Kitchen

I'm not sure what the weather is like where you are, but here in the country.....

....it's snowing.

I'm looking out my window to snowdrifts, thousands of tiny snowflakes drifting to the ground and a brilliantly white winter wonderland.

It's enough to make a person want to grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows.....

.....and bring some sunshine to the day with farmhouse kitchen design ideas.

Want to join me?

Here's some amazing farmhouse kitchen designs like this one from Elle decor, and tips on how-to get the look.

Dark Flushmount Lighting

1.  Lighting

The one thing all these pictures, including this kitchen featured in Dwell, have in common is simple,farmhouse lighting.

It's an easy and inexpensive way to update your kitchen.

Start with kitchen pendant lighting or industrial fixtures or a true statement piece like this one.

 Eclectic Farmhouse Kitchen

2.  Mix It Up

Farmhouse kitchen design is all about combing the new with the traditional.

Mix industrial stools and a farmhouse table with classic white cabinetry.

Combine brick walls and vintage flooring with industrial counter tops for the perfect lived-in look.

 White Farmhouse Kitchen

3.  Add a Little Greenery

A little pop of color can go a long way as in this kitchen featured in My Scandinavian Home.

The mix of furniture styles with the dining table along with the casters on the antique kitchen cutting board island work well together in this farmhouse kitchen design.

Large over-size leaves in a simple glass vase bring color and life to the neutral space.

Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen Design

4.  Create a Mood

Color and paint work together to create a mood in this kitchen featured in NYC & G.

The dark gray walls highlight the industrial stools and simple pendant lighting.

Complete the look with glassware and neutral counter tops for the perfect farmhouse kitchen design.

It's still snowing and will probably continue for the rest of the afternoon.

No worries.

There's always inspiration to keep the sunshine in.

 

Photo credit:  Photo 1:  Elle Decor  Photo 2: Dwell  Photo 3:  Better Homes and Gardens  Photo 4:  My Scandinavian Home  Photo 5:  NYC & G


Vintage Bathroom Style

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Vintage Bathroom Style

Vintage bath style can be interpreted in many ways. From recreating an old-fashioned farmhouse bathroom to designing a slick Art Deco loo, as long as there have been bathrooms it could probably be considered vintage if the bathroom is ten years old or more! Lonny has wonderful interior pictures and I was able to find a wide array of vintage styled bathrooms to enjoy.

Traditional Bathrooms

Depending on the style bathroom you have interpreted, creating a vintage style can be done with some basic design tricks. Hardware, lighting, wall treatment and accessories. Granted, it would be hard to “do” Victorian if you live in a 1980s condo. However, if you chose to live in a condo chances are you don’t like Victorian anyway!

I like how these interiors rely on tile and painted walls to evoke a mood and are made vintage through lighting and fixtures. Bathroom lighting fixtures is key. Obviously we need light to get ready but these spaces were mindful of matching the antique brass sconces to faucets or white metal ceiling lights to the crisp white stenciled detailing.

Bathroom Wall Covering

Consider wallpaper or pattern to help make a design statement. Whether on the walls, in shower curtains or in wall art, pattern also can create a vintage statement. One common thread in these spaces are the plain white bath fixtures enhanced by everything that surrounds them, including  unique wall lights.

Art Deco Bathrooms

Prefer a monochromatic space? It can still be vintage but with an edge. I think Deco looks best in this form and is easier to create in simple spaces and basic builder bathrooms.

Bathroom Lighting

1. Nothing says vintage like the Crystorama Multicolor Lantern Pendant Chandelier.

3. While the Feiss Urban Renewal Dark Antique Brass Sconce looks vintage, it is very hip and chic.

3. The Stratford Wall Sconce is a modern version of early 20th Century lights.

4. Round out your vintage look by looking at yourself in the Uttermost Spadola Hammered Copper Wall Mirror.

Photos: Lonny.

Floor Lamps: Shopping Tips & Design Inspiration

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 Industrial Floor Lamps

Industrial Floor Lamps Image by Lamps Plus

Shopping for the right floor lamp can be a daunting experience for some of us. To help those in need out, we have rounded up some inspiring floor lamp blog posts to provide some great ideas and knowledge.

In the Choosing the Right Floor Lamps post from Ronique Gibson, she provides insightful tips and questions to ask yourself when choosing the right floor lamp. 

Allison Rosenberg explains how Making a Statement with Floor Lamps isn't as hard as you might think. 

 LED Floor Lamps

LED Floor Lamps by Lamps Plus  

After reading the Hybrid Torchiere Floor Lamps you will understand the functionality of hybrid torchiere floor lamps. 

Robert Levine's inspiring ideas on Modern Floor Lamps  is a must read for those considering floor lamps. 

10 Floor Lamps for Small Spaces by Marni Katz is great for anyone living, or decorating, a small space. 

No matter if you are looking for iron floor lamps, an antique brass floor lamp or modern floor lamps  Lamps Plus has a floor lamp to meet your personal style and task. 

 

Wild About Walnut - Lighting & Home Decor

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Walnut Desk in a Home Office

As per the post title, at the moment I am Wild about Walnut! No the but, but the finish, especially in lighting and home decor.I just love how warm the tonality is, how much movement exists in the graining and how versatile it is between different design styles.

Walnut can translate from vintage to modern to traditional at the drop of a hat, making it one of the most versatile wood species and finishes. Adding natural woods to your home design also brings an interesting texture to the layers of your look.

Serving as my inspiration, the beautiful home office image from Ultralinx shows up how walnut can be both the focal point as well as the accent. Delve into the below round-up for furniture, lighting and accessories that celebrate all the beauty of walnut.

 Walnut Products

1. I am kicking off the round up with possible the most perfect walnut bed on the planet! This walnut Madison Upholstered Bed is an example of just how versatile this material can be. This bed is all at once modern, vintage, transitional and timeless.

2. A beautiful walnut mirror like the Excalibur 34 3/4" Round Large Sunburst Wall Mirror is a great piece to hand in an entry or powder room. Let the warmth and shape of this sunburst mirror become the focal point of a smaller space in your home.

3. If you want to take your walnut accent furniture to a more rustic place, the Set of 3 Wood and Iron Jules Nesting Tables are the perfect thing. Alongside a shabby chic linen sofa these nesting tables are the perfect warm, wooden touch.

4. Nightstand, accent table or hallway piece, the Madison Walnut Bachelors Chest has beautiful woodgrain patterns, modern metal hardware and a contemporary shape that will allow this piece to live a long life among your home decor.

5. The strong angles of the Cerno Mica 9" Wide Oiled Walnut LED Pendant Light will make for a beautiful kitchen island pendant or entry way light.

6. The masculine John Timberland Wooden Candlestick Buffet Lamp is a beautiful walnut table lamp that can be utilized anywhere, but would fit in perfectly in a masculine home office or man cave.

7. Anyone who wants to embrace accent lighting rather than overhead lighting will love the Possini Euro Design Deco Style Walnut Column Floor Lamp. The art deco lines of the walnut accent make this new floor lamp feel retro-chic yet contemporary at the same time.

8. A pair of Yohkoh 30" Faux Leather Ivory Barstools bring the perfect midcentury vibes to any kitchen island.

9. If you want to really get the 'outdoors inside' look the Summer Swirl Walnut Natural Wood Stool is the perfect piece. A solid walnut stool that embraces geometry as well as natural elements will make a beautiful accent piece to just about any interior design.

10. Turn your home office into a Don Draper style getaway with the Zuo Linea Walnut Desk, which embraces midcentury walnut applications in a beautiful, balanced way.

Image Source: Ultralinx

Romantic Crystal Chandeliers

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The word crystal originated in the mid 18th century from the Latin candela meaning to glisten and from the French chandelle meaning candle. Traditionally when we think of crystal chandeliers we imagine just that, glistening lights that sparkle and possess classic elegance. 

Bedroom with Chandelier

Today’s crystal chandeliers are inspired by their European predecessors. The classic shape mimics the upside down umbrella, the curved candelabra extending out in tiers, each arm embellished with cut crystal teardrops, pendalogues, or prisms.

Together, natural light and the glow of its bulbs adds Old World romance and sophisticated glamour.

Dining Room with Cystal Chandelier

In past decades, crystal chandeliers have been reinvented in new and inspiring ways. Transitional chandeliers draw upon the traditional design but take on a different look. You’ll see classically shaped crystal pendalogues fashioned into modern geometric shapes, or the addition of a drum shade to the traditional candelabra with the cut crystal drops enjoying a peekaboo effect. 


Contemporary Crystal Island Lighting Fixture

Contemporary chandelier lighting designs have evolved  as well. Bubble and cascading round crystals add a falling water effect, beautiful when suspended over a kitchen island or dining table. A modern crystal chandelier can complement a contemporary space or bring contrast to more traditional one.

Crystal Chandeliers

Lamps Plus offers a great selection of romantic crystal chandeliers and more, no matter what your style.

Find the traditional shape of the classic Venezia Bronze chandelier, the elegant Stefana White Chandelier, or the Empire gold chandelier.

Capture transitional appeal with the antique brass Wallingford chandelier, the beautiful Hampton chandelier, or the nickel Feiss Malia chandelier.

Make a statement with more contemporary choices such as the Pouring Crystal Aida chandelier, the glamorous Adali chandelier, or the Metropolitan chandelier.


Image sources: Lewis & Weldon, Style at Home, New England Home Magazine, Emily Griffen Design

Modern Home Decor

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Tulip Chair

Modern Tulip Chair 

Modern home decor has taken on cult status and is now considered a serious genre for collecting. The great thing about this style is the ability to mix a wide range of decades together, including current, contemporary pieces.

It’s amazing to see people embrace what was once considered junky, elevating it now to “high style.” These images from Lonny was a great representation of the modernist movement. 

Rooms Decorated with Modernist 1950's, 1960's and 1970's Decor

Modern Interior Inspiration 

It has often been said that everything old is new again, and that is true with home decor. From groovy globe metal and iron floor lamps to hooked rugs and mid century furniture, modernism encompasses decor from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.

Contemporary reproductions also work well if the real thing just cannot be found. One of the more frustrating aspects of collecting this style is that prices have already begun to inch up in price, even at flea markets, so less expensive reproductions can be your friend when styling your home.

Modern Rooms in the Modernist Style

Modern Eclectic Style

While mixing the decades can be fun and whimsical, some people are purists and will only collect a specific decade. Staying true to your convictions can result in beautiful time capsules. I’m even becoming a convert to contemporary track lighting that has the modern 70s look!

Whether your home becomes an homage to the Palm Springs Rat Pack, or a worshipping of the Halston-era Smokey-mirrored condo, modern home decor is specific, stylish and finally chic. 

Modern Lighting and Accessories

Top Modern Picks 

Here are some of my top picks in modern home decor that are available from Lamps Plus: 

1. The Blink Cottage Bronze Wall Sconce reminds me of something you might find on the Dick Van *** Show!

2. Keep your walls groovy with the Secret Abstraction Modernist Giclee Wall Art.

3. You can’t go wrong with a classic mid century light like the Jonathan Adler Sputnik 18-Light Antique Brass Pendant Light.

4. The Zoltar Antique Brass Floor Lamp by Robert Abbey creates a super 1970s vibe and I’m obsessed.

5. A classic mid century interior should have tables with a boomerang or kidney shape similar to the Lunar Landing Oak Veneer Side Table.

6. Can’t you see Doris Day picking this out for a Tony Randall office in some 1960s era film? Kathy Ireland Reflections Table Lamp.

Photos: Lonny.

Have a bathroom romance with the perfect LED light fixture

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Bathrooms can be one of the most sensual rooms in a home.

Just like everything else in your home and in your life, planning and effort are essential to make sure you achieve your ideal romantic bathroom.

For my lighting 'romance' meter to register, LED bathroom lighting should be dimmable, have interesting shape, and visual texture. Here's why:

Romantic Bathroom

Image: Artistic Tile

Divine Dimmability

Bright lights in a bathroom are fundamental for the grooming parts of bathroom use, but when it’s time to relax, those bright lights can harsh the mood. And mood lighting is essential when it comes to romance. When shopping for a new bathroom light, look for LED light fixtures and light bulbs that can dim. While you are shopping for dimmability, consider stocking-up on battery-powered LED candles. Before kids and cats, I’d have crinkled my nose at the thought of a battery fueling my candles. As a busy mom who likes the soothing mood a candle creates, those battery-candles are fast and easy to turn on in a pinch.

Sensual shapes.

It may be what’s inside the light fixture that really matters, but there’s no denying shape registers a fast reaction. Shapes that allow the eye to graze over a surface in a few different ways will hold a gaze, keeping eyes mesmerized with the curves or angles on a fixture. Just like with color, shapes appeal to each of us in different ways. If the shape doesn’t catch your eye and hold your gaze while you are shopping, it won’t be a light that can keep you enchanted during a long bathtub soak in your bathroom.

Tempting textures.

More than just a way to filter the light, the texture of a light fixture can create interesting patterns, shadows, and shimmer in a space. Silk screening, frosted glass, applied patterns, and metallics are just a few of the textural options available in LED light fixtures. As the technology continues to evolve and designers keep pushing the boundaries for LED light fixture design, the options will become limitless. So if you don’t fall in love today, your dream fixture could be introduced very soon.

Here are some great examples of how-to achieve a romantic LED lighting look in your bathroom:

  Black and White Bathroom

Image: Southern Living

 Dark paneled wood, brass, and a bathtub designed for two may be your version of a bathroom romance.

 

 Modern LED ceiling light Shop the look in LED lighting: The Tech Lighting Renata adds a touch of an architectural paneled look through the delicate silk-screening pattern in sterling silver.

 

Elegant Ivory Bathroom

Image: Southern Living

 If a rustic dreamy farmhouse style takes your breath away, this simple, oversized, and visually calm bathroom design was created for you.

 

Elan Sava Dimmable LED Light

Shop the look in LED lighting: Taking the simple ease of the farmhouse modern look further into a contemporary interpretation, this Elan Sava dimmable LED light is slender elegance.

 

Traditional Bathroom Lighting

Image: HGTV Dream Home 2015

 Sumptuous fabrics with warmer lighting tones and peaceful views of nature give this bathroom-designed-for-two a cozy elegant atmosphere.

 

 WAC Haven LEDme Pendant

 

Shop the look in LED lighting: The amber tones of the WAC Haven LEDme pendant balances the warm views of nature, offering stimulating hints of glamour in an otherwise peacefully calm space.  

Bathroom with LED Lighting  

Image: HGTV 

If you are looking for drama out of your bathroom lighting romance, this bathroom look from HGTV’s 2012 Urban Oasis might be perfect.

 

 Kovacs Bathroom Light

Shop the look in LED lighting: The simple delicate yet bold George Kovacs Saber 21-inch wide chrome LED offers a sleek style in a dimmable etched opal glass.

Classic Bathroom Design

Image: Traditional Home

If your idea of romance is an unfussy nurturing bathroom interior, you might fall for this sleek white-on-white look.

 

  Kovac Wall Sconce

Shop the LED lighting look: This 12-inch high wall sconce from George Kovacs might not be a show-stopper light fixture, but a simple dimmable wall sconce can be perfection in a bathroom. 

 

 Bathroom with Wood

 Image: Better Homes & Gardens

There’s nothing to hide with the romance in this bathroom. Open shelves, glass shower enclosure, and a large mirror provide immediate simple intimacy in this bathroom.

 Sonneman C-Shell LED Light

Shop the LED lighting look: If you like uncomplicated romance, and fall for lighting that blends into the scene, this Sonneman C-Shell LED lighting fixture  might be your bathroom’s dream date.

All product images are from Lamps Plus.

Tropical Ceiling Fans

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Tropical Living Room

I love this tropical ceiling fan that is featured in the living room designer by Brielle M. Ferreira.

Vacation.

I wish I could be on one 365 days a year.

That’s why I love filling my home with things that remind of my favorite vacation destinations. Bowls and glass jars are filled with shells and coral and sea fans are framed in the bathroom.

Another way to get the feeling of being on permanent vacation is by adding a tropical style ceiling fan to your home. Hang one up, close your eyes and you can almost feel the balmy ocean breezes.

Here are some of my favorite Lamps Plus ceiling fans that take me away to the tropics…

Double Ceiling Fan  Double Tropical Fan

This double ceiling fan would make a huge statement in a room with high ceilings.

 Koa Wood Ceiling Fan

Koa Wood Fan  

Koa wood can be found all over Hawaii and I love the combo of contemporary with a touch of the tropics in this koa wood fan.

 Palm Leaf Ceiling Fan

 Palm Leaf Fan  

I love using natural elements indoors and the color and texture of the natural palm leaves on this fan add just the right touch of the outdoors.

 White Tropical Ceiling Fan

White Tropical Fan  

Linger longer on porches and patios with a cooling breeze from this white ceiling fan that can be used outdoors.

Here’s to filling our homes with things that remind us of our favorite places to visit.

 

Image sources: Brielle M. Ferreira  and Lamps Plus


Home Decor Inspired by Winter Flowers

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Believe it or not there are some species of flowers that thrive in the cooler months. Whether or not they would survive the polar vortex and arctic chill going on now across the country is debatable - and by debatable I mean a definite NO NO NO while still trying to be nice to those freezing out there.

None the less there is a way, once the thaw melts, to have beautiful flowering plants before spring has sprung. With the help of beautiful floral images from Sunset Magazine and interior design inspiration from Elle Decor and Lonny we douse your screens with winter floral home decor inspiration.

 Peach and Coral Home Decor

Snapdragons are every child's favorite flower. Aside from being extremely fun to play with, Snapdragons mix pinks, oranges and pops of yellow seamlessly. Incorporating these colors into home decor gives you a feminine and bold look that embraces color from ceiling to floor and can easily translate into any room in your house as you see above.

Whether you take inspiration and make it a focal point with paint or large drapery, or stick to accessories with throw pillows and accent lamps, this spring-inspired color palette will surely give you motivation to see the sunlight at the end of the wintry tunnel.

 Purple and Violet Home Decor

Violas to me seem like the kind of flower that would pop up in colder months. The deep purples and silvery whites speak to the chill of winter and translate into interior design that is modern, sleek and mature. As you will notice in our inspiration, accenting this deep purple with a 'clear' surface like a glass coffee table or lucite based desk really allows the color to shine. Another accessory that pairs perfectly with deep mauves and silvery textures is crystal lighting. Similar to glass accent pieces, crystal lighting will reflect the colors rather than detract and distract from them.

 Gold and Yellow Home Decor

Nemesia has a vibrant orange flower with a dark black center - a color combination that we seem time and again in interior design. Orange really is the star color of Nemesia, and we have found inspiration that embrace the orange and let it shine. Almost like a winter sunset, the warmness and rich hue feels comforting in the winter months. Both solid and patterned, in textiles and wallpaper, accessories and accents, this bold color has no intention of going anywhere soon.

Images: Sunset Magazine, Lonny Magazine, Elle Decor

Best Bar Stool Styles

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Bar Stools

Bar stools have become a design staple in most homes and for good reason. Bar stools are multi-functioning pieces of furniture. They can become your dining room chair, home office work chair or a place to sit for your children while they do their homework.

My favorite, however, is what they were originally meant to be...a bar stool...make mine a double! Design Manifest was a surprise spot to find some great images of the wide variety of bar stool styles.

Stylish Bar Stools

Arteriors Home Calvin Chestnut Barstool.

Bar stools don’t need to be uncomfortable wooden perches, rather, they can be comfortable and stylish. Modern glamour can be reflected not only in lighting and decor but also in bar stools. I love the introduction of brass detailing on these stools as it has become the hottest metal finish these days.

Rattan Bar Stools

Set of 2 Vera Havana Bonded Leather Counter Stools.

Classic bar stools tend to be leather, but you can lighten the look by finding a style that also incorporates rattan. This more casual version looks great in warmer climates and keeps your kitchen looking less fussy.

Industrial Style Bar Stools

Arteriors Home Wyndham Black Stain Swivel Counter Stool

City dwellers tend to go for the urban industrial look bar stool that usually incorporates metal and/or some type of reclaimed wood. I love the oversized metal pendants over the island in this picture. Most bar stools are at kitchen counters or islands so remember the right kitchen pendant lighting will compliment the right stools!

Elegant Bar Stools

Maison Linen 29 1/2" High Armless Bar Stool

Are the kids out of the house or are you single? You may want to consider a more formal look and even go for a light colored linen. This formal bar stool is enhanced by the addition of nail heads, just like jewelry adds bling to an outfit. There is a “Hollywood Glamour” feel to this stool and would be made a tad more perfect if it was paired with a classic cocktail.

Lucite Bar Stools

Viva Contemporary Clear Acrylic Barstool.

Acrylic or Lucite bar stools are the height of contemporary kitchen design. I think using a light and clear material works well in smaller or tight spaces. Keep in mind that these are probably not the best choice if there are children in the house...hard plastic is not as forgiving as upholstery! Even before you decide on which style you prefer make sure you get the proper height. Counter height bar stools will be shorter than traditional bar stools.

Photos: Design Manifest.

Trend Alert: Neutral Outdoor Seating

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Outdoor Seating in Neutral Colors

It's time to start looking at the back porch again.

You know....the one that's been covered in snow and ice. The one you haven't really seen since December.

Spring is in the air and that means green grass and flowers and sunshine and back porches getting ready to serve sweet tea.

So shake off the winter doldrums, sweep off the snow, throw back the curtains and decorate.

Need some inspiration?  Here are some great neutral outdoor seating options that are trending. 

Adirondack Chair

This chair is my favorite go-to for back porches.

The standard by which all other outdoor seating should be measured.

The basic white adirondack chair.

Pair the chair with black striped cushions or bright floral cushions or simple gray cushions with white piping for the perfect accent piece for your back porch.

 Outdoor Metal Chair in White

Back porch staple number 2.

Same song second stylish verse.

These classic metal chairs have been around since Grace Kelly.

Perfect as a stand alone piece on the back porch or paired with a glider for maximum sweet tea conversation.

 White washed outdoor glider

Here's an option for outdoor seating with farmhouse flair.

This shabby chic outdoor white washed farmhouse glider creates instant charm and character.

Just add sweet tea.

Add barn wood accents and a vintage coffee table to complete the farmhouse look.

Woven Outdoor Chair

This woven aluminum chair is both stylish and functional.

Make a bold graphic statement on your back porch with its clean lines and contemporary appeal.

Finish off the look with bold patterns and colors in accent pillows and an outdoor fabric pouf to use as an ottoman.

 White Outdoor Dining Chairs

Need dining chairs with a modern edge?

These plastic (can you even believe it) side chairs look perfect pulled up to a table or standing alone as additional seating.

Inexpensive and durable, these chairs pairs perfectly with an old farmhouse table or more of a contemporary piece.

Adding a new accent chair is the perfect way to greet the changing of the seasons.

Are you ready?

Spring is finally here and your back porch has been patiently waiting.

Photo credit:  Thistlewood Farms

Stylish Ceiling Fans

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Stylish Ceiling Fans

Stylish ceiling fans could be considered an oxymoron by design snobs, but I've come to love the functionality and finally, the style, of these oft-overlooked design elements.

Lonny generally would come calling when it comes to finding high-style room shots, but I noticed some great looking rooms with ceiling fans that needed more than a once-over! Come hither and realize that whether you are looking for a modern 3-blade ceiling fan or traditional ceiling fan with light, you have come to right place.

Contemporary Ceiling Fans

Modern ceiling fans are a designer’s best friend. Let’s face it, ceiling fans can look dated depending upon the overall look of a room. Newer fans are sleek, can disappear up into the ceiling and yet still cool a room or terrace on a hot day. Don’t be scared to embrace a brushed steel look if you have been a classicist as the cool industrial vibe is fabulous in lofts or smaller rooms.

1. The 44" Casa Vieja Trifecta™ White Ceiling Fan is the most simple way to go modern and not loose functionality and light.

Tropical Ceiling Fans

Tropical style ceiling fans are timeless in warm climates, on terraces and generate a serious Hemingway vibe. Whether you choose a tan or a white rattan version, the look exudes a fuss-free and relaxed aesthetic, perfect for people who entertain and live for the ease of outdoor living.

2. I like the modern twist to antique cage lighting on the 52" Minka Shangri La Vintage Rust Ceiling Fan.

Traditional Home Decor

If you can't make up your mind and you are generally traditional when decorating, I would stick with the classic white ceiling fan. Because most ceilings tend to be painted white this lower-cost fan is the most common for a reason.

It cools, fades into the background and goes with virtually all transitional and traditional decor. Unless you have a very specialized design scheme, you cant go wrong with this version.

3. Tried and true defines the 52" Casa Supremacy™ ENERGY STAR® White Ceiling Fan.

Photos: Lonny.

Kitchen Seating for Every Style

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The kitchen is the heart of the home (because, let's be honest, who doesn't want to gather in the room where the food is?) so it's important to create a space that's welcoming, comfortable, and of course, beautiful. There's kitchen seating out there for every style, from traditional to modern to eclectic and everything in between. 

Let's take a look at kitchen bar stools and dining chairs in some of this year's most popular design styles.

Kitchen Bar Stools

Luxe Living: If you love all things glam, look for kitchen stools with designer details like nailheads and decorative hardware. These metallic accents act like jewelry and add a little bling to the humble barstool. Dark-stained legs and lush fabric upholstery also lend upscale style, as shown in this gorgeous glamorous kitchen featured in Lonny magazine.

 French Style Dining Room

French Inspired: Get the oh-so-chic French flea market look with weathered wood frames in classic shapes paired with rustic upholstery like linen. It's okay to mix and match styles - just make sure that there's a cohesive element to tie them all together. In the photo above from Dear Lillie, it's the plain neutral upholstery that acts as a common thread (pun intended) between these French dining chairs.

Global Dining Room

Global Decor: Global style seeks influences from cultures and countries around the world, and becomes a curated collection of color, texture, and pattern. These vibrant dining chairs showcased in Country Living magazine capture the colorful excitement of the global look. 

 Modern Dining Room

Modern Mix: The combination of an industrial dining table and Midcentury dining chairs is dynamite. Throw in the traditional mirrored frames, luxe gold garden stool, and oversize modern art and then entire space is a chic mix of styles that shouldn't work together - but do. If you're going for a Modern Mix look in your kitchen or dining room, like this room featured in Domaine, make sure that there's an element that ties your table and chairs together. In this case, it's the reclaimed wood tabletop and the light legs of the chairs that provides a common thread.

 Industrial Kitchen

Industrial Chic: The key to industrial style seating in the kitchen is to balance out the cold metallic finishes with some warmth. The soft off-white cabinetry in this kitchen in Atlanta Homes magazine offsets the hard industrial styling of the counter stools and pendant lights.

Cottage Kitchen

Cottage Retreat:  The cottage look is all about weathered textures - think distressed paint, rattan, and weathered fabric upholstery. These rustic woven barstools from The Lettered Cottage are a great example of what to look for in cottage style kitchen seating

Eclectic Chic Dining Room

Eclectic Chic: A farmhouse-style dining table provides the perfect backdrop for an eclectic mix of dining chairs. Be bold with color - but be sure to balance out the brights with neutrals so things don't get too crazy. This inspiration image from 55 Downing Street captures the Eclectic Chic look. 

 Kitchen in a Modern Bungalow

Modern Bungalow: Consider handsome and smart Mission-style kitchen chairs and barstools. Troy Mock Architects used classic Mission style counter stools in this kitchen renovation, and the stained wood and leather finishes pair beautifully with the handsome kitchen island.

There really is kitchen seating out there for every style. Chairs and barstools are a opportunity to communicate your design sense and bring personality to your space. Happy shopping! 

Image credits: Lonny, Dear Lillie, Country Living, Domaine, Atlanta Homes, The Lettered Cottage, 55 Downing StreetTroy Mock Architects via Houzz

Stylish and Sophisticated Nurseries

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 Baby NurseryWith the clocks changing this weekend I am in full spring mode and nothing screams spring like bring new life into the world. Here we take the concept of the traditional nursery and turn it on its head to fit today's design tendencies.

Design savvy parents with access to amazing inspiration photos are taking the tried and true concept of pink and blue nurseries and adding in character, personality and sophistication.

An amazing round up from Domaine Home offers us new ways to think about and design our little one's nursery in a stylish and sophisticated ways.  

Pink Nursery

This blush pink space features soft green, blue and gold accents that bring the neutral tones to life. Light blond woods pair perfectly with pink and champagne accents to create a space that is clearly feminine but also definitely sophisticated and chic.

This nursery is so grounded but I love the pop of glam with the single pendant light. Get the look with the Besa Brio Gold Foil Pendant that is just the right amount of understated glam.

Modern Gold Pendant Lamp in Nursery

 Creative Baby Nursery

The above nursery is a creativity dream come true. Patterns are mixed so beautifully to create a space that is stimulating, engaging but above all else, oh so cool. Don't be afraid to take a leap with design for your youngsters room.

This room takes the black and white trend we have seen in nurseries and injects fun and an eclectic, modern sensibility.

 Nursery with Sophisticated Yellow Wall Paper

 Whimsical Nursery with Animials

The two nurseries above are some of my favorite I have seen lately. The use of sophisticated wallpaper that has whimsical, approachable undertones is perfect for creating a chic nurser space.

Both spaces pull an accent color from the wallpaper to feature through out the rest of the space that ties everything together, whether with an accent rug or a fun magenta throw pillow.

 Boho Nursery

Vintage textiles are a big trend in the modern nursery these days. The above space lets these amazing vintage patterns speak while keeping a very minimal backdrop. This nursery is a great example of pattern mixing that totally works.

Sophisticated nurseries are also ditching the swirly animal doodles for real life photographs of baby animals that are cute and cuddly while elevated and refined.

 Neutral Nursery

One trend that will never go away but will always continue to be reinvented is the neutral nursery. It takes some confident parents to put their baby in a nursery screaming out for a stain, but alas it happens time and time again.

This is the ultimate sophisticated baby's space with clean lines and mature applications with a touch of whimsy.

Image Source:Domaine Home

Small Home Office Inspiration

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 Small Home Office

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to home offices. Last year, I turned a guest bedroom into my small home office and while it was beautiful and well organized, I never used it because it was so out of the way.

My guest room is back and now my office resides in a corner of my sunroom. What it lacks in space it more than makes up for with a great view and close proximity to all of the action going on in my house.

Don’t think you have enough space for a home office? Here are some small home office inspirations that will change your mind.

 Small Home Closet Office

Turn a seldom used closet into an organized office, otherwise known as a cloffice,  is a great solution for making every square foot count.But make sure to include a lighting solution, otherwise it’s going to be dark in there.

If you have the budget splurge and have recessed lighting installed. That way if you ever convert it back to a closet, you only increase the home value.

For those of us on a budget, consider an accent lamp. They are portable and can be move with you to that large corner office once you make your first million. 

 Small Home Office Nook  

Study your home to determine where you can fit a desk.This tiny nook in a bedroom is now a functional home office work space and crafting area. I love the plug-in light. It is a great solution. 

Small Home Office in the Bedroom  

Make your rooms perform double duty. The key is to incorporate the same design style as the rest of the room like this pretty bedroom office. The space flows seamlessly. 

Stylish Small Home Office

This long, narrow area between a bedroom and a closet could have been wasted space but with the addition of a built in desk, it’s now the perfect place to work.

This is definitely small home office space living, and working, at it’s best.


Image Sources: 

Eclectically Vintage, The Old Painted Cottage, Assortment BlogRooms to Rent, Go Haus Go 


Industrial Bar Stools for Inspired Interiors

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 Industrial Bar Stools

If you're looking to add a touch of industrial style to your space without changing your interior completely, a wood and iron bar stools can be a great way to get the look. Stools are versatile and easy to incorporate into your interior. In the kitchen, they provide extra seating at the counter as seen on The Design Files.

As well, Domino shows how industrial finishes such as weathered metal offer a welcome contrast to clean, modern surfaces and fixtures.

Industrial Style Bar Stools

In a home office, a bar stool can be a fun alternative to a desk chair, and an adjustable model like this one on Lushlee allows for the height to be raised and lowered throughout the workday. For a jolt of energy, try a galvanized aluminum construction as on Seventeen Doors.

The simple, utilitarian style of these industrial also works well as an accent table, just as spotted on sfgirlbybay. And one more thing a stool can provide? A chance to practice perfect posture! 

 Industrial Bar Stools from Lamps Plus

Here is a few industrial bar stools that will inspire any interior:

1. Not only do its hairpin legs give this distressed stool a slim silhouette, they also make it stackable!

2. A square industrial stool makes an edgy statement with its rivet details.

3. A slim brass base lends an elegant finish to this wood counter stool.

4. Take this classic adjustable stool from dining to counter height with a few quick swivels!

5. Get a vintage look with the subtle weathered finish on this metal stool

Images: 1. The Design Files 2. Domino 3. Lushlee 4. Seventeen Doors 5. sfgirlbybay

LED Brightness & Lumens

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 LED chandelier

“LEDs are too bright,” some skeptics say. And they are, but they aren’t. They are both.

So before you start your search for a new LED (Light Emitting Diode) light fixture or light bulb, let’s talk about brightness.

When you are shopping for LED lighting, look at the product description for the word ‘lumens.’ A lumen is the amount of visible light. The higher the number, the brighter the light you’ll see.

Product Description with Lumens

If you are thinking that lumens are the same as watts, it’s not. Watts are how much energy is needed to create lumens. A 60-watt incandescent light bulb can create about 800 lumens. A 10-watt LED light bulb will create about the same about of lumens. The reason? LEDs are more efficient than incandescent light bulbs, so they need fewer watts to create the same brightness.

LED light bulbs can create light from 50 lumens to more than 2600 lumens, which means LED light bulbs aren’t just for holiday string lights, work lights, and security lights. They can produce a giant range of brightness.

While lumens can help you compare brightness between light bulb types, there are also factors like the color of the light that can affect our perception of the brightness. If the color is on the warm end, it can seem less bright than if it’s on the cooler side of color temperature. For more details about color, check out this blog post on LED color temperature.

Watts to Lumens Chart


If you are more familiar with brightness based on incandescent watts, check out the conversion chart from Energy Star. It will give you the lumen number to look for in the lighting descriptions.

Just for fun, here are a few products and their lumens. 

 LED Products with Lumens

Like one, or all of the products in the lumen round up? Use the links below to find out more information.

Mushroom LED path light

LED desk lamp

White under cabinet light

Bronze LED outdoor light 

Chrome LED chandelier


So LED brightness can be too bright and not. The choice is yours.  

An Easy Kitchen Update with Pendant Track Lights

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Modern kitchen with pendant track lights

Hands up if your kitchen came equipped with good ol' kitchen track lighting.

*waves hands in the air*

While super functional and flexible, it's not the most exciting design choice. The awesome thing is that there's an easy way to update this basic fixture - with pendant track lights.  By replacing your standard track lights with hanging pendants, you can bring new life to a basic track and totally transform the look of your kitchen, as shown in these images from JMSmith Photography (above) and HGTV (below). 

Vibrant orange kitchen with pendant track lights

Here's a designer tip to get your started on this easy kitchen update: pendant track lights look best hung in odd numbers, typically as a grouping of three. If your kitchen is on the more generous side, you may want five pendants to give more visual oomph. Happy decorating! 

Image credit: JMSmith Photography via Houzz, HGTV.

Pastels For Spring

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Whether the following images give you a toothache or not, these sweeter-than-can-be pastel interiors give me warm feelings inside. Pastels have been trendy again for a few years, and these candy-coated spaces make me want to embrace spring and also possibly go on an easter egg hunt! Red Magazine's cheery spaces will inspire you to embrace pastels for spring in your interior decorating.

Pastel colored kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms

In the above images you get a glimpse of just how versatile pastels for spring can be. From the kitchen to the home office to the bedroom, any space in your home will brighten up with the injection of some cheery pastel hues.

Pastel Pink & Purple:

Pink and purple pastels have a very vintage, feminine feel, but as you can see above, the application can work just about anywhere. Using white as a base, and pops of red or deeper purple as an accent make these pale, muted hues sparkle.

The Candycane Stripe Taupe Cylinder Ottoman is a modern, graphic way to bring the vintage color palette to life.

Candycane Stripe Taupe Cylinder Ottoman

Pastel Blue & Green:

Pastel blues and greens also have a vintage feel, but can read both masculine or feminine, and really encapsulate an Old English countryside feeling. Pairing natural woods and brighter blues and greens with the light base allows these soft colors to feel bold and beautiful.

Adding a pop of pastel blue with a wall mirror is the perfect way to introduce pastels into your home. The Vast Sky 30" High Oval Twist Wall Mirror is a beautiful transitional piece.

Vast Sky 30" High Oval Twist Wall Mirror

Pastel Yellow & Multi-Color:

Pastel yellow definitely speaks for itself and is the boldest of the pastels for spring. What I love most about yellow is that it pairs with other pastels so beautifully and seamlessly. If you have eclectic taste and want to mix pastels, having a yellow base and adding pops of blues, pinks, greens and purples gives you a bright, candy-colored space that is happy and fun.

This Light Blue and Yellow 18" Square Floral Decorative Pillow is a great mix of two complimentary pastel colors to bring a punch of spring into your home.

Light Blue and Yellow 18" Square Floral Decorative Pillow

Come on spring, we're ready for you and your pretty pastel colors!

Image Source: Red

Copper Kitchen Lighting

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Copper Kitchen Lighting

Copper Kitchen Lighting may seem old fashioned, but things are changing in world of metals used in the home. Who thought brass would be back, which it is, but copper? For starters, copper has never gone out of style when it comes to traditional kitchens or copper pots which exude the eternal chic of French Country interiors.

Mix and Chic highlighted a new kitchen that used copper in a variety of ways. From Kitchen pendant lights to counters, copper is surely unique and durable.

Traditional Kitchen Design

Copper Lighting is the real star of this kitchen. I like that they used a variety of different styles to keep things interesting. The dining nook features a classic lantern-style fixture while the cooking zone has a combination of turn-of-the-century style ceiling lights and functional recessed cans.

One great feature is the weathered looking copper counter hammered on the island...rustic, unique and innovative.

Copper Home Decor

The top left image is from another kitchen but I use it as an example of how you can introduce copper lighting into an existing space that doesn't use copper throughout.

By painting the wall a deeper yellow, the copper pendants seamlessly work with other metals and become a counterbalance to the white cabinets and classic marble counters. The other pictures are just more yummy images of using copper to the hilt.

Copper Light Fixtures

1. The timeless Kichler Larkin Copper Foyer Pendant can look wonderful over a large island or breakfast table.

2. The Kichler Archibald Antique Copper Mini Pendant is great for a contemporary kitchen. Who said copper was stodgy!

3. Keep things cool in the kitchen with the 13" Matthews Bianca Directional Polished Ceiling Fan. Just make sure you have enough ceiling height for a fan.

4. Large traditional kitchens or breakfast rooms can take the heft of the Ancaster Copper Outdoor Wall Light.

Photos: Mix and Chic.

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