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The Modern Man Cave

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 The Modern Man Cave

The modern man cave is not about upgrading to a larger TV or painting over the paneling, rather, it’s about creating a space that your man loves and that doesn’t horrify you or the rest of your family. True, most man caves are subterranean and sport beer collectibles, but it doesn’t need to stay that way forever.

Masculine Decor for the Modern Man Cave

If done well your upstairs family room or even living room can become a chic man cave. Masculine decor can look simply modern, even if there are discernible feminine touches such as a classic chandelier like the specimen found over the black pool table! 

Simple white sheers on the window and contemporary wall decor can always be used to counter the masculine lines of the TV and media stand. Harmony, isn’t it grand?   

A great place to start if you are thinking about redecorating the ole man cave is mid-century design. It’s manly but also trendy which appeals to almost everybody. So, the next time your man brings up the topic of his Neanderthal needs, your response should not be no, but when do we start?

Mid-Century Decor

Shopping List:

1. Draper 3-Light Mid-century Modern Floor Lamp

2.  Luminous Collection Crystal Chandelier (currently unavailable)

3. Miranda Grey Modern TV Stand

4. Kenneth Black Leather Club Chair

5. Arizona Camel-Beige Area Rug

Image credits: Habitually Chic, Lonny.


Dazzle with Crystal Chandeliers

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Crystal Chandeliers in Unexpected Places

Clearly, you can put a crystal chandelier just about anywhere these days!  They are all at once timeless, modern, feminine, romantic and stunning.  Adding a sparkling crystal chandelier to your home, no matter which room, can really bring a wow factor to your space.  Below we will first find out what style crystal chandelier works best in your home, and then find the perfect spot to hang it!

Modern Crystal Chandelier Design Decor

If you have a modern home with clean lines, a contemporary chandelier will work best to compliment the look of your space.  Contemporary chandeliers have simplistic lines and crystal shapes that set them apart from traditional chandeliers, yet they still pack a major "wow factor" punch.  Modern crystal chandeliers are generally best suited for use as interesting dining room lighting or above the kitchen island, as their streamlined shape compliments the rectangular shapes that are common in these spaces.

Traditional Crystal Chandelier Design Decor

Traditional chandeliers have always been, and will always be, a beautiful staple of home decor.  Traditional crystal chandeliers are delicate and ornate at the same time, and will work in homes with varying decor styles.  From vintage to rustic to eclectic decor, it is quite easy to mix in a traditional chandelier.  In a large scale these chandeliers look stunning in grand spaces such as double height entry ways or living rooms.  The smaller, more delicate chandeliers are perfect accents for a reading nook, hallway or bathroom.

Buy Crystal Chandelier Modern Traditional

Whichever look you are going for, you can find the perfect chandelier for you!

Image credits: Via Allison Rosenberg on Pinterest

3 Contemporary Lighting Tips

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Contemporary Lighting in Erin Hiemstra's Loft

One of my favorite elements of our new loft home is our contemporary lighting. It really is the cherry on top of your decor. Unless you can customize all the overhead lighting in your home, which we as renters certainly cannot, you must create personality and atmosphere in your space through lighting. (You may have seen a sneak preview of our DIY chandelier a few months ago.)

If you've ever dropped by Apartment34.com, you might have noticed that my husband and I have moved three times in the last year; first from Seattle and then into two different spots in San Francisco. The new loft is not too small, it’s not too big. It’s just right and I'm so excited to reveal it! Take a peek at our bedroom and living room:

Contemporary Pendant Lighting DIY

Erin Hiemstra's Contemporary Bedroom Lighting Tips

When we selected our "loft lights" we focused on a few key elements that I recommend everyone keep in mind. These are my top 3 contemporary lighting tips:

Tip #1: Indirect Is Best
An abundance of lamps lets you create a warm and welcoming glow in your space, rather than be subject to a harsh glare. Dot corners, hallways and bookcases with lamps and you'll be able to create the perfect ambience.

Tip #2: Use A Lamps as a Statement-Maker
We selected the Jumbo Architect Floor Lamp for the standout statement it would make in our living room. We loved the oversized piece's twist on the standard arc lamp that you might expect to see in a modern space. We found the super-sized option to be more playful and fun.

Tip #3: Mix and Match
Lamps, like jewelry, are the ultimate accessory. You can use them to change the tone of any room. I played with different lamp styles all over the loft to give an organic feel to our design. While each one selected fell within the general contemporary style, the Jonathan Adler Table Lamps look nothing like the lamp in our living room, but the both serve to reinforce our relaxed, modern style. 

Images via Apartment 34.

Spring Kitchen Decor Ideas

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The Spring Kitchen

The spring kitchen should explode with life, abundance and joy. Because spring is so earthy and natural, I tend to visualize spring kitchen decor as somewhat more traditional...the kind of space you can plop fresh flowers on a counter and not worry.

Kitchen Accessories for Spring

One of the obvious color choice to use in spring kitchen decor is green. Green is the color of budding plants, leaves and sprigs. Green can be incorporated through accessories and even through kitchen island lighting!

1. Set of 4 Fun Factory Green Apple Soup Bowls

Kitchen Lighting Ideas

Longer daylight is a giant benefit of spring, however, your kitchen can always benefit from updated pendant light fixtures. Also, bringing the outside in will liven up your space. Preserved topiaries are a great way to introduce nature into the hub of your home.

2. Marbleized Glass Pewter Finish Mini Pendant Chandelier

3. Uttermost Preserved Boxwood Tree Topiary

Country Kitchen Design

Incorporating organic elements like wood, honed marble and blown glass will give your kitchen the feel of a well-worn country getaway. As spring is the season of fresh cut flowers, make sure to have plenty of vases to pepper around your house.

4. Thin Bubble Light Green Hand-Blown Glass Vase

Colorful Kitchens

Speaking of the color of flowers, bright colors can be brought into the kitchen in other ways as discussed above. Accessories can reinforce a springtime mood. A colorful box can be placed on a counter and hold tea, coasters and a wide variety of useful cooking items.

5. 1970s Large Yellow Trinket Box

Image credits: Habitually Chic.

Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Summer

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Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Summer

With the weather growing ever warmer, our thoughts are turning to the exterior home maintenance projects that we've had in the back of our minds. Outdoor lighting is one of those high impact, low effort items on your to-do list that makes a big difference not only in the curb appeal of your house but in the function and safety of your porch and yard. Install appropriate and attractive outdoor fixtures now, and you'll enjoy the whole summer entertaining.

Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Entertaining

Of course the style of your home is an important consideration when selecting outdoor light fixtures - anything too avante-garde won't suit a traditional exterior and vice versabut so too should be the type of lighting. Wall sconces feel right on either side of a garage door or lining a walkway. A veranda with a high pitched roof demands a hanging pendant with a strong presence to emphasize the lofty space. Also take scale, proportion, and quantity into account; a single beam of light could get lost in the dark, but too many could be blinding when you arrive home after a late night at the office.

Hanging Outdoor Pendant LightsFinally, added functionality comes from features such as LED lighting (cuts down on maintenance and replacing bulbs!), dimmers (create ambiance when hosting outdoor events!) and motion detectors (easily gather kids and groceries from the car after dark! catch raccoons digging in the recycling bins!). Once you perfect your outdoor lighting situation, you'll wonder how you ever did without it! Which of these outdoor lighting ideas for summer is your favorite? 

Shopping Guide: 1. Industrial Outdoor Hanging Light 2. Liberty Bronze Outdoor Hanging Light 3. Seaside Motif Hanging Outdoor Light 4. Silver Industrial Wall Light 5. Antique Copper Outdoor Wall Light with Motion Detector 6. Textured Brass Outdoor Light

Images: Lamps Plus Guest Blogging Pinterest

Getting a New Look: Restyle What You Have

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Restyle What You Have to Make a Crochet Outdoor Tent

Getting a new look can cost you nothing. How? Restyle what you have! By reusing items around the house and yard you can instantly change the look of a space and be kind to the environment.

I seriously can’t get over the reused crochet afghans re-purposed as a tent. Ingenious, colorful and the perfect getaway in your own backyard. Kids will love it and it could be a chic shady spot for a hot summer afternoon.

Restyling Furniture for Getting a New Look

The easiest way to restyle is to move things around. Take a look at the living room above. By simply moving items around you can re-purpose function. Don’t need a workspace in the living room anymore? No problem, out it goes and an antique chest can be displayed for guests.

Adding color and pattern can easily happen if you reuse pillows, throws and even lively sheets or blankets wrapped around a plain cushion. Voila! Turn a bland room into an exotic locale.

Get a New Look By Bringing the Outdoors Inside

Another great find are items from the yard. From adding cuttings in a vase and glass top tables to reusing planters and outdoor light fixtures, you can infuse any room with a touch of nature. 

Restyle What You Have for DIY Artwork

Art can set you back serious money unless you learn to be creative. Kids rooms tend to be the easiest as inspiration is everywhere. While I have seen skateboards mounted to wall sin the past, I have never seen a toy train set wound around a wall creating an amazing art installation.

Reusing Found Objects to Restyle What You Have

Found objects should also be considered when restyling your home. Could there be anything cheaper that a pile of cardboard? How fantastic does that end table look? Genius. Also look for extra lamp shades that can be adorned with ribbon, or plain boards that can be painted and reused as desks and sideboards. The options are endless and the cost minimal, so fear not the restyling of your abode.

Photos: Katiedid, Manhattan Nest.

Colors for Summer Decorating - Yellow Decor

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 ellow Summer Decor Furniture Lighting

This blog post is the first in a series that celebrates colors for summer decorating. Yellow is one of my favorites - and I've featured it in some colorful lighting and home decor inspiration that emulates the essence of summer. There is not doubt that my favorite time of year is summertime - nothing beats warm summer nights where entertaining, dining and hanging outside are simply delightful.  

Outdoor Dining Yellow Summer Furniture Design

Yellow is one of the most popular colors for summer.  It symbolizes long bright days in a park, at the beach or at backyard cookout.  Cheerful table lamps or bold patterned throw pillows can brighten up any summer affair. I've rounded up a few of my favorite yellow decor pieces below - try introducing some of these to your home for an instant color burst in your summer decorating!

Summer Decorating with Decor and Lighting

Shopping GuideAdirondack ChairSalad BowlsLanternThrow BlanketGeometric PillowTable LampChaise Lounge

All Images: Summer Accents Pinterest Album

 

Meet Award-Winning Furniture & Lighting Designer Sergio Orozco

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Sergio Orozco Lighting and Furniture Designer

Sergio Orozco is an award winning furniture and lighting designer based in New York. His designs are inspired by his international travel experiences. Today he discusses his love of music, major design inspirations and favorite indulgences. Please meet Sergio Orozco.

MS: Many people might not know that you studied violin for many years, what impact has that played in your designs?

SO: Music was my first love. It takes discipline and knowledge of mathematics, as does design. Both solve problems with grace, elegance and beauty. Great design truly is a science. Music is all about the feeling. We can reach inner peace through music and great design.

While I was studying music in Italy, I learned we can compose so many elaborate melodies, concertos, and operas with very few notes. I embrace this approach in my design work. I design many home furnishings with just a few elements to express my design dreams. Design is a precious link to human beings, and this link is as important as the object itself. My mission in life is to reconcile some of the often forgotten elements to create harmony between the object and the user.

Bernin Angel Sculpture in Rome

MS: Who or what have been your major inspirations in your work?

SO: I have always been inspired by the sculptures of Bernini. In addition to Bernini’s influence my work was impacted by the influence of one of my teachers in Italy, Mr. Munari. He focused on the human approach to industrial design. He taught me to reach for simplicity and that great design should speak to everyone. There is an intimate relationship between people and the objects in their surroundings such as the lighting and furnishings of any room.

Design today is not an indulgence and is not used to impress other designers, instead it is a passionate endeavor to serve people. I was inspired at nineteen when I began designing using clay. I would design all sorts of objects but it was not until later that I had a calling toward lighting and furniture. When I moved to the USA I began designing tables for Drexel Heritage, then I moved to designing lighting for Alsy, Bauer, and Ethan Allen.

MS: What are your favorite materials or textures? Where do you look for inspiration?

SO: For me, glass is the number one element to use when designing lighting and stainless steel is my preferred medium for furniture design. I like glass because it is a natural element, it can be transparent and people relate to is easily. It reflects, refracts and it allows light to pass through in many beautiful ways. Glass is versatile and can easily change shape and color. When glass is in its liquid state it can easily crystallize to form any shape an idea calls for.

My inspiration comes from a variety of places but mostly nature, architecture and the culture of the moment.

Frank Lloyd Wright Fallingwater

MS: With nature and steel being inspiration, what do you think about the design work of people like Frank Lloyd Wright or Frank Gehry?

SO: I celebrate the way Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture relates to nature. It is calm and gentle. He took the scale, use, and the human form into consideration. His Falling Water Home is a triumph, the way the water source influenced the design is inspiring. Frank Gehry’s work is pushing architecture in new ways. He has a great understanding of science and technology and it is reflected in his work.

MS: What are some of your favorite indulgences, other than design?

SO: I like to play golf, it is a place of peace, quiet and solitude. I also like cooking. It helps me remove myself from my addiction to designing and allows me to relax while I experiment with flavors, textures, and food in the great company of friends. Music and travel also continue to greatly interest me. 

Uptown Lighting by Sergio Orozco

MS: What new design projects can we look forward to seeing?

SO: My new lighting collection, Uptown. It was inspired by my relationship with the great city of New York where I work and live.

MS: Thank you for making the time to speak with us, Sergio. 

 

Image credits: Sergio Orozco, TrekEarth, and The Smithsonian.


Home Decor Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

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Gift Guide to Mothers Day Decor

Mother's Day is less than two weeks away, and it's never too early to start planning a present that will stand out from the usual flowers, brunch, or spa treatment. May I suggest some home decor gift ideas?

This year, give mom the gift of decor that speaks to her personality, style, and interests. If she's a creative type who loves color and collectibles, try a piece of framed wall art or a unique keepsake box. Personalize the latter by tucking a few family photos inside.    

Shopping Guide for the Artsy Mom: 1. 1970s Trinket Box 2. Porcelain Patchwork Knit Porcelain Table Lamp 3. Midcentury Modern Linen Chair 4. Heart Silhouette Wall Art

Mothers Day Gift Guide for the Entertainer Mother

For the mother who loves home entertaining and dining, additions to her glassware collection are always welcome—and she can never have too many serving pieces or decorative trays. 

Shopping guide for The Entertainer:1. Orange Serving Tray 2. 2-Piece Dessert Set 3. Antique Bronze Bar Cart 4. Highball Glasses

Gift Ideas for the Gardener

If she's an avid gardener, weather-resistant cushions replace her old, sun-faded ones, while a bench or stool turns any patch of lawn into an outdoor room.

Shopping guide for The Gardener:1. Green Outdoor Bench 2. Bronze Outdoor Industrial Pendant 3. Slate Ottoman 4. Green Patterned Outdoor Pillow

At the end of the day, don't worry about how grand your Mother's Day home decor gift is. Rather, put thought into finding something she'll want to display or use all the time. That way, every time she looks at it she'll be reminded of what a considerate child she has how much you love her! 

Images: Lamps Plus Guest Blogging Pinterest

Spring Colors: Monaco Blue

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Monaco Blue

Monaco blue is one of the “it” spring colors in fashion and interior design. To me, incorporating Monaco Blue in a design scheme is like a trip to the Mediterranean without ever leaving home. Although it’s essentially been around forever, this crisp shade of blue pairs beautifully with white for a timeless spring and summertime look.

Summer Decorating

1. Blueberry Stripes Outdoor Square Ottoman 2. Jezebel Radiance™ Lily Cobalt Navy Blue Glass Pendant Light

This particular blue is highly saturated so using it with cooler colors as I mentioned is the way to go. Besides whites, think cream and paler blues to offset the drama created when introducing Monaco Blue. I love the stripe in this ottoman because not only does it read relaxed beach fun, it hides more dirt than a classic white slipcover.

Contemporary Blue Rooms

3. Holtkoetter Indigo Blue Cone Wall Sconce 4. Robert Abbey Marine Blue Triple Gourd Ceramic Table Lamp

Another way to soften this blue is through bright light. Whether you choose a blue table lamp or decorative pendant light fixtures, the glow created by the bulbs will soften the affect. Not that I don’t adore this blue, but I can see how some people might be nervous about going so bold.

Blue Decorative Objects

5. Momeni Lil Mo Hipster LMT-1 Surf Area Rug 6. Blue and Clear Crystal Five Light Bathroom Fixture (currently unavailable)

Recreating surf and sand through interior design can be tricky but Monaco Blue can be used in such a way to make it look tasteful. Take for example this surf-inspired rug or crystal light fixture, the swirls on the rug imitate the ocean as the sparkling crystals of the light remind me of classic beach glass.

Photos: House of Turquoise, New Victorian Ruralist.

Get the Look: Neutral Home Office Decor

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If you are the type that likes neutral-colored spaces, you can still make neutral home office decor interesting and layered. I've found three offices furnished with mostly black, white, and beige items — but each have a distinct style. Which type of neutral do you like best?

Neutral Home Office Decor with Yellow Accents

Neutral with a Pop of Color: I've loved this office since the second it was featured in Lonny. It was in fact the Lonny offices. The balance of black and white with the tan leather chair and rug make the yellow table lamps pop right off the back wall. A simple addition of color makes such a bold statement. A round table is unusual for an office, but it creates great interest in the space.

Shopping GuideCitrus Yellow Small Gourd Accent Table LampBlack and Chrome Side Chairs, Flynn Mercury Black Reactive Glass Table Lamp, Open Infinity Dark Gold Finish Sculpture, White Dining Table.

Neutral Home Office Decor with White Accents

Neutral and White: This office still seems very white, yet it is filled with books and photos on the wall. Even with all of the items in this small space, it still feels light and airy. By having white walls and mostly white furniture, the decor takes center stage and catches attention. The crisp white desk lamp could be swapped with a modern LED desk lamp too.  I also love the modern bookshelf and desk paired with a more rustic chair.  Image Credit: Lonny Magazine Mar/Apr 2012

Shopping Guide: Bubble Gray Round Glass Vase, Jonathan Adler White and Nickel Antwerp Desk Lamp, White Lacquer and Chrome Desk, White Asian Foo Dog Sculptures, Weathered Gray Accent Chair.

Neutral Home Office Decor with Black Accents

Neutral with Black and Tan: This office has a dark global sophistication. The grasscloth wallpaper creates a canvas of neutral texture. The black desk, mirror and lampshade give it a sophisticated feel, while the terra cotta desk chair and African-inspired artwork gives it a global flair. Image Credit: Lonny Magazine Oct/Nov 2009, Photography by Patrick Cline; Interior Design by Ron Marvin.

Shopping Guide: Black Panel Wood Wall Mirror, Terra Cotta Faux Leather Desk Chair, Possini Euro Design Bubble Cascade Table Lamp, African Profiles Three Piece Wall Art, Contemporary Black Desk.

All images via Lonny Magazine.

Colorful Home Office Design Inspiration

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Home Office with Colorful Accessories

I'm really excited to share this colorful home office design inspiration with you. 

Why?

I'm working on a project right now.

It involves a home office and a magenta desk and patterned wallpaper and a black striped rug.

And turquoise.

And yellow.

And a really bright orange.

I'm into color right now....can't you tell?

There's something about color and pattern and the vivid joy that it brings.....that can make work even more fun.

Here's a few ideas if you are looking to create a colorful work space of your own. 

Home Office with Bright Blue Walls

1.  Mix patterns

This office is a brightly colored space full of pattern and color.

Paint the walls with a sky blue and add architectural details with a board and batten wall treatment.

Then mix a floral area rug with appliqued curtains and a colorful contemporary stool for a work space that will inspire.

Colorful Home Office

2.  Add color with accessories

This is an almost neutral space.  The walls, ceiling and floors are all shades of white or wood.

The key to making the space truly pop is the brightly colored accessories.

Add a blue table lamp or a set of orange stools or even a brightly-colored turquoise blue rug to create drama in a neutral space.

Colorful Home Office with Pink Desk

3.  Create a statement piece with color

Every space needs a focal point and a home office is no exception.

This room has several, starting with the vivid pink desk.

Layer your focal point with bright patterns like these ikat chairs and a fabulous contemporary chandelier for a truly dramatic work space.

Contemporary Home Office with Color

4.  Think outside the box

Choose furniture that almost becomes art for the room.

Pair a vivid yellow or bright blue tufted chair with a contemporary desk with a white lacquered finish and glass top that is both sleek and modern.

Finish the room with orange trellis curtains and a textured neutral flooring.

What about you?

Has this colorful home office design inspiration gotten your gears turning?

Just remember.....whatever your color or pattern or design....create a space that makes you smile.

Photo credits:  photo 1:  Traditional Home  photo 2:  bhg  photo 3: digsdigs.com  photo 4:  Desire to Inspire    photo 5:  Traditional Home

How To Decorate a Room from Scratch

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How to Decorate a Room From Scratch

A clean slate. How often have we longed for one only to find ourselves frozen with indecision when it faces us? The enviable dilemma of how to decorate a room from scratch can be fun, but it can also present so many options that frustration surpasses enjoyment. Follow a few guidelines to help the process go more smoothly.

Start by gathering inspiration: images of homes you like, spec sheets for pieces you must use, fashion or travel photos that reflect a particular mood, textile swatches you've acquired, the list goes on. Pinterest is a popular resource for this activity, but don't discredit the power of a bulletin board or binder; it will make your vision feel more immediate.

Once you've narrowed down your aesthetic points of reference, choose a few evocative key words you can call upon when making purchasing decisions. It will be easier to leave that bargain brass owl on the shelf by reminding yourself it doesn't fit your 'Warhol In Paris' scheme.

Living Room Decorating InspirationWhile you're thinking about how you want the room to look and feel, keep in mind the constraints and needs you cannot change. How big is the room? Is it an odd shape? Where are architectural features like doors and windows placed? How does the light shift throughout the day? Will you be reading, dining, entertaining, relaxing here?

Answers to questions like these will determine where you need to place seating, tables, light fixtures, storage, and all the other items in the room that are not merely decorative but that make the space livable.  

Bedroom Decorating Inspiration

When you're ready to start bringing in large elements, think not only about functional furniture but also the room's 'envelope'—and consider the ceiling and the floor as part of this equation.

Elements like these foster a dynamic sensibility that goes beyond just design and into the realm of style.   

Office Decorating Inspiration

Finally, resist the urge to decorate the entire space at once. Granted, there are some pieces you'll want to get right away, but in general, time, patience, and an open mind are your best friends in this journey. Think of yourself not as completing the room but rather as collecting and tinkering with your decor indefinitely. This mindset takes the pressure off, allows you to relax, and enables your design vision to evolve as your taste changes over the years. (Until you move, of course, and it's time to figure out how to decorate a room from scratch again!)

Images: Lamps Plus Guest Blogging Pinterest

Industrial Chic Decor and Lighting

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Industrial Chic Decor Storage

Industrial Chic decor refers to a new style of decoration that borrows heavily on old classics and non-residential elements. Similar to what we have been seeing in the Steam Punk movement, industrial chic design incorporates rough-hewn metals, cage lighting, and Edison-style filament bulbs that look like they came from antique warehouses.

Industrial Chic Living and Dining Rooms

Industrial design can be interpreted and used in most rooms but looks truly authentic in a kitchen. From metal seating and bar stools to hanging pendant light fixtures with serious patina, industrial chic design can turn your kitchen into a fabulous version of a hot new restaurant or cafe. A great trick to offset the cold metal is to use wood somewhere in the scheme, such as a table, counter or butcher block.

The Industrial Chic Look in Interiors

Lighting can also reflect an industrial bent especially if the fixtures have hammered or punched metal. Industrial chandeliers may look old but know they are truly modern and “on trend.” Lamps Plus has devoted an entire section to Industrial Chic lighting and decor.

Industrial Home Decor

Taking industrial chic decor into living rooms and bedrooms can work beautifully. Just like in the kitchen, remember to balance the heavy use of metal with soft furnishings, like worn leather sofas and chairs. I love the use of textured wallpaper in the bedroom above which, while picking up the color of the metal lamp, softens the space.

Industrial Chic Lighting and Decor Must Haves

Shopping List: 1. Metal Cage Dark Rust Industrial Pendant Light 2. Cooper Classics Connell Round Cog Wall Mirror 3. Quoizel Uptown Theater Row Bronze Wall Sconce 4. Set of 4 Zuo Modern Marius Gunmetal Counter Stools 5. Antiqued Wood and Metal Console Table 6. Industrial Cage Rust Metal Pendant Light 

Photo Credit: The New Victorian Ruralist.

5 Ways to Make A Black Room Work

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By now anyone who delights in interior design knows that the black room is a major trend. Some of you may even have dared to go dark. More likely, you may admire the look, but are unsure how to pull it off. Here are five different ways you can style a room with black paint on the walls, from pops of bright color through lamps, rugs, and furniture, to barely any tonal differentiation at all.

Black Room with Blue Accents

Moody and magnificent, interiors that combine black walls with these distinct blues are all-encompassing; almost like being in the depth of the ocean. These rooms bring in color through area rugs and accent chairs. The table lamp in the bedroom also pulls in a blue hue, as does the artwork. On the right, in a sophisticated library designed for a showhouse in Atlanta, architectural brass books shelves and a spiky chandelier add interest, while the table is a clear acrylic, so as not to clog up the visual space.

Shopping guide: 1. Galaxy Midnight Chrome Mini Chandelier 2. Foundry Antique Pewter Bookcase 3. Spa Blue Shade Rubbed White Fluted Column Table Lamp 4. Oriental Weavers Revival Aqua Area Rug 5. Alessandra Teal Wingback ChairInterior images: via The DecoristaAtlanta Homes & Lifestyles.


Black Room with Camel Accent Color

Rich camels and polished metals and lacquered surfaces give gloss and glean to otherwise tailored dens. A spot of animal print adds interest, while lines remain clean on both furniture pieces and frames. On the left, the black lampshade on the sconce blends into the wall rather than detracts from the carefully curated gallery of artwork. On the right, in the Hollywood Hills home of L.A. designer Adam Bram Straus, the contemporary silhouette of the cocktail table provides contrast to an Old World oil portrait.

Shopping guide: 1. Frederick Cooper Hunting Horn Brass Wall Sconce 2. Centennial Brown Velvet Sofa 3. Brown Zebra Rug 4. Arteriors Home Othello Antique Mirror Top Coffee TableInterior images: Ralph Lauren HomeLonny.


Black Rooms with Bright Colored Accents


You've seen the Scandinavian-inspired all white interiors with cheerful color scattered about. How 'bout trying it on a black base? Black walls set an anything but somber tone in these room. In the bedroom of designer Emily Walker, the black wall anchors the crisp white bed and graphic rug , which pop perfectly along with the bedside lamps. The living room belongs to interior designer Jimmie Martin and photographer Rick Schultz in London, decorated with lots of quirky finds and a mix of high/low home furnishings in eye-popping neons.

Shopping guide: 1. Bella Green Glass Chandelier 2. Aspen Silhouette Rug 3. Safavieh Mirabelle Chocolate Burst Accent Pillows 4. Brunetta Purple Accent Table. Interior images: Photo by Donna Griffith in House and Home; Photo by Rick Schultz in Design Sponge.

Dark Wood and Black Walls in an Interior


Black on black? Yes, this tonal look really does work. The secret is touches of brass and silver accessories and perhaps a chandelier with crystals, with a textural rug and some leopard print pillows thrown in for good measure. Notice the walls and and furniture are matte, and not everything is pure noir—a number of the furnishings are finished in a dark brown wood. So is the door in the library on the left, which happens to be the Kentucky home of fashion designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka. The study on the left, designed by Richmond, Virgina-based interior designer Todd Yoggy is equally tailored and masculine.

Shopping guide: 1. Markham Antique Brass Black Leather Floor Lamp 2. Leopard Print Pillow 3. Haeger Potteries Black Cheetah and Cub Ceramic Sculpture 4. Windsor Black and Cherry Wood Dining Chair 5. Black Finish Round Drop Leaf Pedestal Table 6. Woolrich River Run Black Faux Leather Accent Pillow. Interior images: Photo by Roger Davies in Elle DecorTodd Yoggy Interior Design.

Dark Walls with Mustard Yellow Accents

Matte black punctuated with mustard yellow gives off a bit of art deco vibe, especially in the photo on the left, picturing a stairwell in a retail shop. The vintage graphic posters in a sunny shade blend beautifully with the more modern abstracts. on the right, Houston-based interior designer Sally Wheat keeps the number of pieces used in this workspace to a minimum, but the styles are absolutely varied, from the white lacquered faux bamboo Chippendale chair to the hunting lodge chic antlers, to the geo-themed yellow table lamp.

Shopping guide: 1. Stellan Multicolored Deer Pendant Light 2. Sophia White and Chrome Office Chair 3. Thumprints Jewel Cast Metal Yellow Table LampInterior images: LonnySally Wheat Interiors.


Consider all of this visual inspiration at your fingertips your resource guide to make a black room work. Which would you use to accent your dark walls - peacock blue, camel and brass, brights, dark wood, or mustard yellow?


What's Your Bedroom Decorating Style?

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What's your bedroom decorating style - Bright White, Global Color, or Moody Drama? These 3 bedrooms for the ladies are all vastly different and very stylish, and it's the bedside table lamps, plush home textiles, and unique accent mirrors that give each space its individual flair. Read on to find your bedroom style!


BRIGHT WHITE: Having white walls in your bedroom gives you a blank slate to work with, and keeps the room light and airy — if that's what you are going for. We love how blogger Cassandra Lavalle styled her bedroom — mostly white with black, gold and her signature kelly green pop.

Shopping Guide: White Nail Button Border Headboard Bed; Leaf Throw Pillows; Black Table Lamp; Antique Gold Oval Wall Mirror. Credit for bright white image: Rue Magazine. Photography by Belathee Photography. Design by Cassandra Lavalle.

GLOBAL COLOR: For the traveler or more adventurous decorator a bright global color palette will make a statement and be sure to put a smile on your face when you enter your room. Display items you've collected from trips, and pair with global patterned pillows, a bright blanket and accessories.

Shopping Guide: White Wall Mirror; Surya Tristen Red Throw Blanket; Set of 2 Safavieh Calycopis Moroccan Accent Pillows; Butterfly 13" Square Silhouette Wall ArtCredit for global color image: Rue Magazine (November 2012 Issue). Interior Design and Styling by Kelley Moore. Photography by Michelle Drewes.

MOODY DRAMA: For a more moody dramatic look, monochromatic grays and neutrals with black and white will do the trick. We love this black reactive glass lamp, it's so unique and will be sure to set the mood. Pair it with a modern side table and an orchid for a bit of feminine flair.

Shopping guide: Flynn Mercury Black Reactive Glass Table Lamp; Faux Orchids in Black Floral Pot; Bachelor Driftwood TV TableGlobal Bazaar Dunes Gray Throw Pillow. Credit for moody drama image: Rue Magazine. Styling by Laina Navarro. Design by ID810 Design Group. Photographed by Emily Anderson.


So - what's your bedroom decorating style?

Flower Decor Ideas

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Flower Decor Ideas with Daffodils

Yesterday the daffodils started blooming in the yard. Which got flower decor ideas blooming in my head!

Tiny little flowers poking their heads up toward the sun.....ready for spring.

Absolute perfection.

And while I adore flowers in the garden......truthfully.....decorating with flowers inside the house is a lot more fun.

I'm not just talking fresh flowers in a vase.

I'm talking flowers everywhere....on the wall, on fabrics, on furniture and on the floor.

And the best part?

No more weeding!

So if you adore flowers like I do....here's some fun ways to incorporate them into your home decor.

 

Blue and White Room with Flowers

1.  Take a seat

Why not add a statement chair or floral-patterned ottoman?

Combine neutral floor coverings and a mix of patterned accessories to truly make the chair a stand-out.

If an all-over floral pattern is too much of a commitment....choose a more neutral chair material and add a slipcover for spring.

Large Floral Wall Decoration

2.  Hang it up

I adore big pictures.

They truly make a room your own.

Choose graphic images of flowers to add a modern feel to a neutral space.

Or warm up a reading nook or hallway with contemporary floral wall art and a pop of color.

Decorating with Floral Area Rugs

3.  Don't tread on me

A floral area rug is an easy way to change the look of a room completely.

Transform your space from neutral to colorful and whimsical or classic and streamlined....all with a little color underfoot.

If you have wood or tile floors....an inexpensive option for a room is an indoor/outdoor rug.

These rugs are so easy to clean and perfect for a busy lifestyle.

Blue and White Living Room with Floral Curtains

 

4.  Look out that window

Grow a garden inside and out with colorful floral fabric at your windows.

Choose from vibrant floral patterns with bold colors and hues to whisper-soft fabrics with subtle textures and dainty flowers.

Then compliment the flowers at the window with a beautiful arrangement of flowers in an elegant crystal vase for the perfect spring addition to any room.

 

Growing season has started.

It's finally spring!

Flower decor ideas are in full bloom over here - what's blooming at your house?

 

Photo credit:  Picture 1:  Thistlewood Farms Picture 2:  bhg  Picture 3:  bhg Picture 4:  Decoration Channel  Picture 5 :  bhg

Decorating Inspiration for Outdoor Dining

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Decorating Inspiration for Outdoor Dining

Decorating inspiration is everywhere. Your environment can really influence your design choices. I love to throw outdoor dining parties that amplify the environment we're in. I'm completely smitten by this outdoor dining table. The wood paneling feels warm and inviting while the use of white place settings and succulent centerpieces feels modern and fresh.

This is a look that anyone could easily recreate. With just a few key elements you can transform your deck {or even indoor dining room} into a chic and trendy space that feels young and exciting for the summer months! The key is to mix modern pieces, like the wire chairs with more rustic pieces, like a wood table for a perfect balance. And don't forget the importance of mood-setting outdoor lighting and designer landscape lighting fixtures to create an ideal ambiance.

Lighting and Decor for Outdoor Dining

Shopping guide to get this outdoor dining look: Succulent Arrangement // Stratus Collection Sconce // White Steel Dining Chairs // Surya White Gardens Pillow // Maritime Hanging Light

Image credits: JL Designs.

Quick Home Decor Updates

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Elegant Living Room Home DecorQuick home decor updates should be inexpensive and liven up any room. Most of us don’t have the funds for major room redecoration, so here are some simple ideas that will have a huge effect on your home without breaking the bank.

Patterned Wallpaper Decor

Adding a hot pattern can modernize any room. Love the trellis wallpaper, but rent? Treat yourself to a decorative patterned pillow and get a similar look.

Swing Arm Wall Lamps in a Home Library

A hot new look is to add old school fixtures to bookshelves for a dramatic lighting affect. Have and old bookcase or hutch that needs a face lift? Why not paint the old monster and mount a pair of chic swing arm wall lights or picture lights at the top to highlight books and collectibles. Plug-in fixtures work best as you can drop the wires behind the case (you may need to drill holes in the back to snake the wires through) and voila, instant chic.

Replace Lampshades to Update Your Home Decor

Could adding new shades to bedside lamps and sconces be an easier update? I think not. New lamp shades can personalize a room and make it look designer done.

Kitchen Pendant Lighting for a Home Decor Update

Pendant lights are all the rage over islands, but what about swapping out the old overhead light in your kitchen. Most of us have a dated flush mount or fluorescent box which are far from attractive and should probably be changed. Assuming you have the ceiling height, try to opt for unique pendant light fixtures for your kitchen.

Add a Mirror to Your Home Decor

A hook and a dream is all you need to visually expand a tight space. Mirrors are also a wonderful way to add light to dark corners and halls.

A Zebra Rug in a Living Room

Floors and ceilings are often times neglected. Adding a cool zebra rug will add texture and movement. Another great feature of zebra rugs is that they hide minor messes.

Follow these 6 tips to give your lackluster home decor a quick update. Happy decorating!

Photos: A Perfect Gray.

Decorating Ideas with Animal Prints

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Decorating Ideas with Animal Prints

No matter what your decorating style, there's room for a little leopard or cheetah, zebra or giraffe. Treat animal prints like a neutral and work within your existing aesthetic when you incorporate these decorating ideas —a vast range of options exists for every design sensibility. 

I've always had a soft spot for animal prints in home decor. Not only do they offer an ideal balance between restrained color and eye-catching pattern, they're also surprisingly versatile.

Decorating Ideas with Eclectic Traditional Animal Prints

Channel feminine glamour with animal accents on Hollywood Regency pieces; traditional silhouettes get an energetic update with safari-inspired upholstery; textured elements like printed linens and dyed hides add depth to earthy interiors.

If you're trepidatious, start with with inconspicuous details like a transitional table lamp style with a leopard-lined lamp shade;  or a single animal-print throw pillow. Once you've dipped in your toes, don't be surprised to find yourself feeling fearless. Animal prints have a way of taking you for a walk on the wild side!

Here's how to introduce animal prints into your home decor: 1. Antiqued Silver Glass Lamp 2. Zebra Back Arm Chair 3. Zebra Faux Leather Tray 4. Animal Print Armless Chaise 5. Black Faux Suede Clear Glass Table Lamp 6. Birch Bark Table Lamp and Zebra Stripe Lamp Shade 7. Tiger Print Cowhide Rug 

Images: Lamps Plus Guest Blogging Pinterest

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