Just between you and me....I daydream about kitchen organization ideas.

Seriously.

Maybe it's because I don't really like to cook.  

And I'm not really that good at it.

Pots and pans and baking sheets and measuring cups and colanders are all a little overwhelming to me.

So instead.....I organize.

*sigh*

I spend hours lining up the dishes and the plates and measuring cups and ingredients.

Everything is lined up and in it's place....ready to go...

....just in case I ever get in a cooking state of mind.

Here are some fun kitchen organization ideas I'm dreaming about.

1.  Put it overhead

One of the best tips I have found for organizing a kitchen is to decide what you don't use every day....and put it into upper cabinets that are slightly out of reach.

Punch bowls or cake stands or party ware are organized and stored for when they are needed.

This leaves the counter tops free for a few fun accessories.

2.  Re-purpose

Don't have a kitchen island?

Why not re-purpose a desk or a cabinet with storage to function as an extended work space in your kitchen?

Stack baskets filled with linens and add a simple hook for dish towels.

Here's a fun industrial console table I found with rustic flair that would add a classic element of design to any kitchen.

3.  Add shelving

If you don't have enough cabinet space...add free standing storage to a wall with a stylish metal shelving unit.

Create a coffee bar, fill a glass bowl with fruit or stack your favorite dishes on display.

A leaning wood shelf is another great option for functional, stylish storage.

4.  Go vertical

Never overlook wall space in your kitchen for organizing!

Hang a metal or stenciled pegboard to display your pots and pans and measuring cups.

Add a collection of trays for visual interest and create even more organization with wooden benches to complete the look.

See? Kitchen organization ideas are fun to think about! 

And easy to achieve with a little planning and inspiration.

So pull out those platters and trays and measuring cups....

....and take a moment for a little daydream.

Photo credits:  Photo 1: Thistlewood Farms Photo 2:  Pinterest via Catlin Wilson Design Photo 3:  bhg  Photo 4:  bhg  Photo 5:  bhg

In my personal style and wardrobe, I love to accessorize. I've always got at least 4 pieces of jewelry on, maybe a hat and a belt or two. I invest in staples like the little black dress and create different looks every day with my accessories and jewelry rather than have to purchase 20 different dresses. The same thing goes for every space I'm in - both at home and at my office. I create a space with classic investment pieces (like a sofa) and home accessories that are on trend.

Here's how to accessorize your home with current trends - and how to restyle with what you have when you grow tired of the look.

1. Pillows are the Jewelry of Your Space

For the final touch/hint/sprinkle in a room, pillows are the perfect home accessory. They can make or break a space and much like jewelry, pillows should be chosen carefully. If you're looking to pull together your space and something seems a little off, it could be the pillows. If you've got color on the wall, try and match your pillows with the same color for a more finished look. Even on an office chair a pillow can add the same visual impact (and it's comfy!).

2. Frames are Great Accessories (and Relatively Inexpensive Too!)

You've seen it all over the place, but a gallery wall (wall of frames) is a fun and easy way to accessorize your home. Photo frames won't break the bank and they add a little 'something something' to a wall space that may need some love. You can go with a more muted look and keep all the frames the same, and add pictures, family photos or art that ties in the rest of the colors of your space.

3. Accessorize with Unexpected Items 

I recently re-styled a section in my home office with a console table and ottoman instead of bookshelves, along with some un-expected accessories as well. I decided the console table both serves the purpose to hold some overflow of jewels, a much needed lamp, and also provided a space to put some of my favorite pieces on display. My favorite shoes are there because they're pretty Why not? If you've got something in your home that you love, put it on display. It can be anything from a vintage camera, to a pair of shoes, to your favorite hat - whatever would add to the space and means something to you too. 

These are three of my favorite tips on how to accessorize your home. What do you do to style + accessorize your space?

Image credits: via Pinterest, Moth Design, The Office Stylist (last two images).

Taking your home decor from summer to fall can be tricky, especially in September. While the calendar may say it’s no longer summer, the heat can tell a different story. I think there should be a subtle transition from white slipcovers and seashells to pumpkins and Pilgrims. It's a challenge to furnish your home for fall while the weather is still warm!

Most of us are never quite ready to give up lazy, warm afternoons and dinner outdoors, so start slow.

1. Brown / White Cow Hide Decorative Area Rug 2. Kirkwood Weathered Wood Table Lamp

Living rooms can be subtly switched over to fall with the addition of an area rug or cowhide placed over the summer sisal. Natural woods also provide a perfect neutral to bridge the two seasons. I love the matching lamp set featured in the interior photo above. The natural materials look great in all seasons but the lighter linen lamp shades keep the room fresh for the remaining warmer days that follow into fall.

3. Robert Abbey Kinetic Bronze Pharmacy Desk Lamp 4. Marrakesh Collection Desert Decorative Throw

Bedrooms can also exhibit subtle decor changes from season to season. Creating a new look can be as simple as adding a warmer-toned throw or by introducing darker accessories in a lighter-hued room. Note the bronze bedside lamps on top of a woven rattan bedside table that still “reads” summer. Feathering in creamy or beige bedding into an all white bedding scheme can also help take your home decor from summer to fall.

5. Kavita Quilted Orange Linen Throw Pillow 6. Geneva Cinnabar Lamp Shade

Classic fall colors can also be introduced in such a way as to still seem fresh and appropriate for summer. Try tangerine instead of burnt orange or cinnamon against crisp whites.

Photos:Belgian Pearls.

"Great ambiance", "perfect atmosphere", "beautiful setting" - these are all different ways to describe effective mood lighting.  Mood lighting can seriously impact your experience, and usually for the better. Here, we are going to explore designing with mood lighting, and how you can incorporate it into your decor to create an enjoyable experience for your and your guests.

Candles

It's a given that switching off the electricity and lighting up candles is an instant way to add some "mood" to your space.  Candlelight softens your features and add a warm, alluring glow to any space.  Dinner parties, outdoor soirees, casual evenings in with friends; these different events will immediately become more personal with the addition of a few (or a ton!) of candles set in beautiful decorative candleholders.  

Eclectic Fixtures

People - take chances with lighting!  How gorgeous do these eclectic pendant lights look!  These lights have beautiful geometric designs punched out to create mysteriously delicate shadows and shapes.  These eclectic and eccentric light fixtures bring a magical, mystical mood to your space and are sure to create a fun, sexy ambience.

Chandeliers

Chandeliers are an old classic for setting the mood.  They are beautiful, romantic and delicate.  The chandeliers above are one step beyond their typical use.  Whether adorning it with twinkle lights in a new and innovative way, or hanging a rustic outdoor light fixture above a swinging love seat, or keeping the bulbs dim and sultry on a dramatic chandelier, you are sure to be in and stay in "the mood" with this lighting.

Commercial Mood Lighting

When talking about designing with mood lighting, I can not neglect commercial lighting.  This includes restaurants, hotels, bars and nightclubs.  It is utterly important to set a mood in your public space, whether that mood is pure fun, romantic, or somewhere in between.  Keeping the wattage dim and mixing in exciting and interesting fixtures creates an atmosphere you won't soon forget or want to leave.

What installation of mood lighting do you like the best?

Image credits: via Mood Lighting on Pinterest

HBO’s Girls has become a runaway hit and has amazing TV interiors to boot. If you study the apartments of these young Manhattanites, you will find a smattering of just about everything that’s “on-trend” but put together in such a way to make it look like accidental yet stylish.

1. Eiffel Tower 2. Uttermost Sahara Sunburst Wall Mirror 3. Vienna Full Spectrum Stacked Crystal Cubes Table Lamp (currently unavailable)

From eclectic wall lights in the foyer to whimsical Eiffel Tower memorabilia, the girls have a youthful take on interior design and show that you can create stylish rooms with family castoffs and inexpensive versions of the hottest looks. I love that lighting is heavily featured and comes in every shape and style. From juvenile bubble gum lamps and mid-century to crystal chandeliers, the girls have it covered!

4. Smart White - Satin Pink Shade Ovo Table Lamp 5. Surya Fallon Turquoise Area Rug

Bedside lamps are essential in this show. Can you just see how Shoshanna's vintage milk glass lamps were thoughtfully coupled with youthful hot pink shades? Love. HBO's Girls have also taken on the trellis design so prevalent in pillows, wall coverings and rugs. Bam, there it is.

6. Adara Bella Chocolate Brown Bench Stool

I don’t even know where to begin with this living room. I’m crazy that the “x stools” have become a coffee table and that the hard lines are softened by the sexy and feminine mod end tables. Did you notice that the lamp shades here are the same from Don Drapers bedroom on Mad Men? Maybe I watch too much TV. Interiors are my thing, though, so it's no surprise I notice these details...

Photos:If The Lamp Shade Fits.

In vino veritas…

In wine, there is truth.

The truth is, there’s nothing better than uncorking a fabulous bottle of wine and sharing it with friends and family. So don’t stress – here's how to throw a wine and cheese party!

1) Buy the Cheese– Try your local cheese shop or go online for the best selection. Plan for 3-5 ounces per person.

2) Types of Cheese - Have at least three types of cheeses with different textures – soft and creamy like a Brie, firm like a gouda or Manchengo and hard like a Parmigiano. You may also want to include one rich (think stinky) cheese like a blue cheese.

3) Serve at room temperature– remove from the fridge at least one hour before the party for the best flavor.

4) Cheese Platter– arrange cheeses on a wood cutting board or slate with a knife for each (so flavors don’t mix). Serve with bowls of plain crackers and/or slices of baguette so the cheese flavors stand out. Nuts, grapes, olives and other nibbles served in wooden bowls are a great addition.

1) Cutting Board 2) Wine Art 3) Decanter & Glasses 4) Galvanized Wine Carrier 5) Wood Serving Bowls 6) Stump Candleholder 

5) Wine Pairings– Make life easy and ask guests to bring a bottle that you assign (go with a theme such as Spanish reds, sparkling wines or favorite Chardonnay). Serve in stemless wine glasses for a more casual vibe. A galvanized wine caddy can serve double-duty as a centerpiece.

6) Taste– make a few copies of the Davis Wine Wheel and have fun trying to decide if your wine tastes like green beans or skunk!

That's all you need to know about how to throw a wine and cheese party. Cheers!

Image credits: Good Wallpapers, Wine Basket Gifts, The Wine Cellar Insider.

My favorite fall color palette inspiration is tried and true - and for good reason. Inspired by nature, fall clothing and home decor colors tend to veer towards oranges, browns and rusts. Without question, these colors are cozy and get you thinking about warm cider, wearing heavier sweaters and taking brisk walks. But I also like to throw a little unexpected touch in there, as you'll see at the end of this post!

1. Lite Source Orange Peel Ceramic Table Lamp 

Orange is the most timeless fall color around. I think without orange autumn would not exist. Even without pumpkins, orange would rule the season because it is the essence of falling leaves and the transition to winter. Orange is on one hand warm and welcoming; and on the other, a fist full of bold. You can infuse orange at home easily with a throw or decorative lamp shade.

2. Safavieh Miami Shag Area Rug

Caramel and all the similar hues of camel are divine. Like a caramel coated apple, the color of apple crumble, or the camel hair coats worn in Love Story, this warm fall color is good enough to eat. It’s neutral so it pairs with just about everything however I like it with whites, browns and blacks...I'm old school, baby.

3. Dark Gray Floral Designer Throw Pillow

Gray is swiftly becoming my “go to” color. Like caramel, it works stunningly beautiful with whites and black and can have the same type of warmth as caramel while reading cool and contemporary. Look at how effortless the clothing and rooms look when dominated by a gray palette.

4. Purple Lines Brushed Steel Swag Chandelier

My new frivolous accessory color for fall is purple. I rather love the deep plummy, aubergine punch. Mind you I wouldn’t go overboard here, but wow, what a statement when used sparingly. A contemporary drum shade chandelier or lamp in purple is like the exclamation point in any room.

Has this inspired a fresh fall color palette for your home? 

Photos: Habitually Chic.

The kids are going back to school, Labor Day is just around the corner, and I'm starting to think about fall decor. It's all about layering - my favorite aspect of the changing season, both in my wardrobe and my home, is the power of layering to evoke feelings of warmth, security, and style.

Whether you're piling more decorative pillows on the sofa, adding another throw blanket to the foot of the bed, or setting the table with more linens than usual, layering takes your fall decor to the next level.

I approach layering as I do any other decorating task: from the three distinct elements of pattern, color, and texture. Play too much with them all and you may find yourself with a decorating mess on your hands. Instead, choose one as a constant and mix up the other two. You may choose to select a monochrome palette that mixes nubby stripes, flat weave Ikat, and polished bone mosaic. Or try an eclectic range of hues that incorporates many prints but that employs materials with a similar finish.

Finally, these aren't hard and fast rules about layering. Be prepared to break them as you experiment and learn what suits your fall decor taste! 

Shopping Guide. Pattern: Grey Ikat Rug, Black and White Striped Pillow, Geometric Wall Art Prints. Color: Antique Tapestry Inspired Rug, Blue Mohair Throw, Mustard Yellow Tufted Bench. Texture: Champagne Shag Rug, Wood and Brass Lamp, Teal Blue Knit Pouf. 

Images: Lamps Plus Guest Blogging Pinterest

While one might not be inclined to add a kitchen rug, where tomato sauce and chocolate syrup inevitably land, the fact is it's worth the risk and adds instant warmth. These days, rugs are either indestructible, or easily laundered in the machine. The extra cushion is divine for your feet, and the color, pattern, and texture it adds to the decor can't be achieved any other way.

The rich color and patterns of Persian rugs not only warm up the room—they're great for camouflaging spills. If you like this look, check out 30 other kitchens with kilims. Photo: Elle Interiör Sweden.

Shopping guide: 1. Uttermost Albiano 1-Light Pendant 2. Gardenia Natural Metal Adjustable Bar Stool 3. Classic Home Sara Kilim Red Wool Area Rug

A striped cotton rug in a neutral tone is easy to throw down, as well as launder. Change out the color depending on the season, or pick a neutral to last year round. A few stripes really enliven this otherwise simple space. Photo: unknown.

Shopping guide: 1. Couture Polished Chrome Black Pendant Light 2. Denver Modern White Butcher Block Kitchen Cart 3. Outer Banks Blue Stripes Collection Area Rug

An overdyed kilim in the kitchen is unexpected, but we love the sensuous feeling it imbues in this otherwise airy seaside retreat. Photo: House Beautiful. 

Shopping guide: 1. Diz Steel Blue Bronze Tech Lighting Mini Pendant 2. Set of Three Jamie Young Sea Glass Hurricane Candle Holders 3. Festival Blue and Green Area Rug

This kitchen is Scandinavian in style, through and through, from the sleek white cabinetry to the graphic black and rugs. Photo: House & Home.

Shopping guide: 1. Quoizel Cody 2-Light Nickel Pendant Light 2. Bertoia Steel Mesh Side Chair 3. Ecconox Collection Sabrina Area Rug

There's a lot going on in this room, from the black windows and light fixtures to the swirly backsplash. The multicolor striped kitchen rug adds instant warmth and a fun layer underfoot. Photo: via Decor Pad.

Shopping guide: 1. Possini Euro Enzo Black Pendant Light 2. Surya Jewel Tone Orange Area Rug 3. Set of 2 Zuo Marius Antique Black Stools

Dining room decor can easily be inspired by a restaurant! The contemporary trend for minimal, almost industrial restaurants is good news for homeowners. The simple aesthetic is usually inexpensive to replicate yet still looks cool and professional.

A great idea would be to incorporate this look into an open plan living space that includes your kitchen for a true restaurant feel. 

Remember that this restaurant inspired dining is “no fuss.” Simple woods, metal, concrete and plain white tile is all you really need as a backdrop. I really like the giant chalk board in the image above and is something that you can easily recreate, whether you paint an entire wall in chalk board paint or simply hang one up. Additionally, dining room lighting fixtures can be as basic as simple drum shades or even adjustable desk lights mounted to the ceiling!

Small apartments can also get a restaurant look. In fact, smaller bistro tables, small scale chairs, and adjustable bar stools are mainstays in restaurants are ideal for the home. Don’t forget that clear plastic furniture will make a space appear larger, while still offering ample seating. If budget is a real issue, try using simple outdoor dining chairs. Make sure to have cushions at the ready especially if you plan to stay at the dining table for a long time. Nobody will want to hang out if their backside begins to bark.

Shopping List for Restaurant Inspired Dining Room Decor: 1. Couture Polished Chrome Black Pendant Light 2. Set of Four Natural Organic Form Dining Chairs 3. Sirro Large Chrome and White Glass Pendant Light 4. Zuo Token Set of 4 Lightweight Aluminum Chairs 5. Astrid High Gloss White Dining Table 6. Uccello Uttermost Chalkboard with Bird Magnets

Photos: Style Carrot.

The beginning of each season is always a good time to update your home decor. For fall, I tend to think of warm and dark hues to match the shorter days. Stow away your pastels and light colors for spring, and bring out the rich warm hues. I've gathered ten neutral yet warm items for you to update your decor with!

ONE: Uttermost Spadola 30" High Hammered Copper Wall Mirror

TWO: Marrakesh Collection Cobblestone Decorative Throw

THREE: Small Brighton Iron and Leather Wine Holder

FOUR: Medium Hex Nut Natural Wood Candle Holder

FIVE: Black Stix 20" Wide Down Throw Pillow

SIX: Gauge Hammered Iron and Brass Bookends

SEVEN: Possini Gold Leaf Obelisk Table Lamp

EIGHT: Set of Two Cast Iron Giant Jacks

NINE: Canyon Fern Area Rug

TEN: Cherry Finish Wood Surveyor Tripod Floor Lamp

Yesterday I could smell fall in the air.

It made my heart smile and my head fill with fall decorating ideas.

Add a little joy to your decor and let the colors of fall decorating inspire you this season.

I love red and slate grey for fall...and here's why.

Red

Shopping List: 1.  Red Metal Stools  2.  Glass Dome Stand  3. Red Dishes 4.  Armless Upholstered Chair  5.  Skyline Red Vase Table Lamp  6.  Double Wall Sconce

Red is the color of the brilliant hues of changing leaves on the trees.

And the layers of color in a fall sunset.

And faded barns full of the harvest.

Add a little red to your decor with unique table lamps or patterned upholstered chairs or architectural simplicity of a pair of stools.

Slate grey is the color of the stones leading down the pathway.

And the simplicity of gray pumpkins growing on the vine.

And the vintage garden gates at the entrance to the fall cutting garden.

Add a little slate into your decor with velvet upholstery or stone planters or the texture of a branch mirror.

Slate

Shopping List: 1. Barrister Gray Velvet Club Chair  2.  Square Outdoor Planters  3.  Smoke Area Rug  4. Birch Horizons Round Wall Mirror  5.  Funnel Glass Table Lamp  6.  Chloe Gray Down Filled Pillow

Falling leaves and sights and sounds of the harvest and the changing colors of the trees are just around the corner.

Let the beauty and colors of fall inspire your decorating this season.

Photo credit:  Photo 1: Thistlewood Farms Photo 2: Thistlewood Farms

It’s back to school season. To celebrate, we’re giving away 1 table lamp to one lucky winner in the Lamps Plus Back to School Sweepstakes!  Visit our Facebook page and enter here to win. One winner will receive their choice of one of the 8 desk or table lamps shown above - view them in more detail in our gallery.

Refer your friends to earn additional entries and increase your odds! Entries must be received by September 13, 2013 at 11:59PM PT. Check out the official rules here. 

I LOVE Rose Gold and I'm so happy to see it's an inspired home decor trend that's really blowing up everywhere. There's something different about it that I'm drawn to, and I love how it brings a pop of that 'certain something' to every space. I've wanted rose gold jewels more so than anything but they were pretty hard to come by up until the last few years. However, I've been seeing a lot of rose gold EVERYWHERE lately, much to my delight! I would love to try out some rose gold with my own styling projects, so I've been searching for some inspiration.

This rose gold wallpaper and rose gold wired coffee table looks so lovely with all of the neutral colors in this living room. It's actually a perfect way to soften up and add a little femininity to brown and tan decor. I love all of the cream accents too, it helps to break up the earthy tones and let the gold shine too. In a nut shell, drool-worthy!

Look at that gorgeous dining room light fixture! It's the statement piece of the room and such a pretty color. It looks so pretty paired with the hardwood floors and bright big windows, and it's also somewhat of a chameleon piece that can fit in a lot of spaces. Having rose gold lighting and accessories is a great way to bring the trend into your place without it taking over. I'd love to use a rose gold desk lamp or have a few rose gold accessories in my bookcases.

HELLO polka dots! I actually have a wall in my office that is covered with metallic silver dots, and I LOVE these rose gold dots just as much. They're so cute and fun, and an easy and quick way to add rose gold into your office. These would be perfect for creating an accent wall out of a plain white one or making over a boring piece of furniture.

Naturally, when I'm obsessed with a new trend I end up drooling over pieces and putting together a list of home decor inspired by rose gold (like the one above). I really love the rose gold picture frame and rose gold tipped bowl. How amazing would they both look on a long dining table? Insta-glam! The candleholders are perfect for special occasions or to add style to an otherwise boring bookcase - the unique shape of them combined with the rose gold is SO luxe. And, of course, you can't go wrong with a fabulous mirror in rose gold!

If you're having a tough time finding more home decor in rose gold just do a search for copper instead. I noticed a lot of designers and manufacturers are using that term instead of the newer and trendier "rose gold."

How would you incorporate rose gold into your space?

Photo credits: Pinterest, Lamps Plus.

How would you like to transform your sofa? Pillows and throws are an easy and inexpensive was to achieve a new look in your living room or den. As most designers will tell you, it's wise to choose a neutral-colored sofa so that you can update your rooms at a moment's notice and as trends change.

Lamps Plus has a robust home textiles section that offers a wide array of pillows and throws that will help you redecorate like a pro with virtually little effort or expense.

Here are four great looks paired with a simple, neutral sofa so that you can compare and contrast. (The sofa featured below is the Brynn Classic Cream Slipcovered sofa.)

Teal and Beige Tiger Pattern Decorative Surya Pillow, Cabana Collection Spa Blue Decorative Throw

Suzani Textural Natural White 18" Round Throw Pillow, Bamboo Luxury Bright Tangerine Orange Throw Blanket

Woolrich Williamsport Sweater Knit Plaid Accent Pillow, Chesterfield Dove Grey Tone Decorative Throw Blanket

Abrielle Houndstooth Throw Pillow, Bamboo Luxury Bright Chartreuse Green Throw Blanket

Which is your favorite combination of pillows and throws? I'm partial to the monochromatic look - but there are a million ways to transform your sofa to suit your taste.

Summer is coming to an end, and that means it's time to prepare your home for holiday entertaining.  From Thanksgiving through New Years (which are just around the corner!), the holidays are a time where family and friends descend upon your home to join in merriment, eating, drinking, and gift giving.

Needless to say, it is mandatory (well, not mandatory, but high suggested if you want to keep your sanity) that before diving in to full hostess mode you take a beat to make sure that you are organized and well prepared for what lies ahead. 

Declutter Your Entry Way

The first impression you will make on your guests is your entry way.  Maybe you have kids in school and they throw their shoes and book bags here every day.  Maybe you are used to dropping all your bags at the end of the day in the entry and only moving them when company comes over.  Whatever the reason may be for a cluttered entry way, getting this organized in advance will immensely help when prepping for the holidays. 

There are so many inexpensive storage solutions these days - rustic baskets, chic storage bins and stylish cabinets that make storing your usual entry way clutter away and out of site a breeze.  If you take care of putting away the clutter now, and showing the other members of your house that all their stuff has a permanent, hidden home, you won't have anything to worry about the day of your event.

Organize Your Craft Closet

If you are a DIYer like me you have a portion of a closet, or even a whole closet, dedicated to gift-making accessories.  Ribbons, bows, tape, faux flowers, cards and so much more.  Before getting too far into the holiday season take an assessment of your craft closet and make note of what you have, what you need more of and what needs organization.  Often times you don't even realize you have two spools of lavender ribbon because it's hidden under a pile of raffia. 

Clear out the old bits and pieces, create an organizational system and refill anything you are missing.  This will make gift giving and event styling during the holiday season so much easier and more time efficient.

Prepping the Mantle

Hey readers - mantle decoration is not just for people who celebrate Christmas!  As I am sure you have seen across past entries on this blog, the mantle is the perfect place to add some personality to your holiday party, whether with home-made paper turkeys, blue and white garlands, hand crafted snowflakes, or traditional stockings. 

In my house the mantle is utilized year round for display so I make sure that around this time every year I take down the summer decorations in preparation for the holidays.  Even if it's just adding vintage-inspired crystal vases or beautiful frames filled with family photos, making sure your mantle is cleaned up and orderly will save you time later on.

Read Through Your Recipes

Whether you are hosting a holiday dinner or bringing a dish to someone else's house this year, take stock of the recipes you have collected over the past year.  While keeping a famous family staple around year after year is something that everyone looks forward to, switching it up and adding new recipes to the mix can be really exciting for your guests.  The same meal or dish year after year can become boring and less appetizing than the first time you made it.  Take a chance and try something new, and if you are nervous, practice once before making it the night of your event. 

If you start tackling these four tips now, you'll have made a huge head start to prepare your home for holiday entertaining - and you'll be able to just relax and enjoy the season! 

All Images: Pinterest

I’m drawn to farmhouse and rustic industrial styles, like the dining room above…

The rustic, chipped, and worn combined with the sleek and minimal work so well together.

But I love all kinds of design styles …

From Mid Century to Art Deco to Arts and Crafts.

I’m fickle – what can I say!

To me, the best design style by far is a mix to get a truly eclectic look that defines your own unique viewpoint.

1. Zuo Token Set of 4 Lightweight Aluminum Chairs 2. Europa 1910 Edison Bulb Bronze Swag Chandelier 3. Aria Collection Acacia Wood Dining Table 4. Arizona GC-01 Camel-Beige 6'2"x8' Area Rug

The sleek Tolix-style chair has stood the design test of time since 1934. Paired with a farmhouse dining table, industrial lighting with exposed Edison bulbs, and a cowhide area rug for warmth underfoot, this combination is one of a kind.

So whether the rustic industrial dining room is your taste or not, here’s to finding your own unique design style.

Image credits: Fork and Flower, Delight by Design, A Dash of Details.

September is just around the corner which means the weather will be cool and crisp very soon. Fall is the season when warm tones and textures are present in nature, so it makes sense to consider the same aesthetic in your home decor too.

Combine earth tones in shades of mocha, burnt orange, walnut, and charcoal gray for an enveloping space that welcomes you at day’s end. Get the look of this corner nook designed by Philip Gorrivan by installing richly textured grasscloth wallpaper on the walls and layering the space with wood accents, upholstered furniture pieces, and elegant light fixtures.

Lamp / Wood Mirror / Console Table / Ottoman

Botanical prints and wallpapers in neutral shades add an air of sophistication. Welcome contrast into a room with dark stained woods coupled with light upholstered pieces. Warm metallics such as antique brass and gold leaf play a role in a space layered with comforting earth tones. Yet another organic layer to consider is mineral or rock; introduce it with your lighting choice in a lamp that showcases the beauty of a centuries old stone such as marble. 

Wingback Chair / Mirror / Highboy Dresser / Table Lamp

The bedroom is a space that should envelop you with its serenity and comfort. Warm tones and dark woods together can lean masculine, so balance them with white linens and fresh flowers. To recreate a similar space, combine textural grasscloth wallpaper, an upholstered bed frame, a classic pedestal end table, elegant black and white art prints, earth tone botanical pillows, and a traditional table lamp.

Art Prints / Accent Pillow / Accent Table/ Bed / Table Lamp

Earth tones are comforting because they remind us of what we see when we venture into the great outdoors, from stunning rock cliffs to verdant forests. Welcoming warm tones and textures into your home decor will make it feel layered over time and ultimately a place where you seek relaxation for hours on end.

Image credits:Philip Gorrivan, Thibaut Design, Style at Home.

Zebras, penguins, pandas: sometimes I can't help but wonder if the black and white animals of the world know best when it comes to timeless style. There's something to be said for keeping it simple, and it doesn't get more straightforward than the high contrast of black against white. Plus, each of these two opposing shades has high impact when used alone, so paired together they can't help but make a dynamic, and memorable statement in your home decor, furnishings, and lighting. 

There's no secret to successful black and white decor, but a few tips can take the look from so-so to stupendous. When you're working with a limited palette, texture and pattern become key players in the task of creating a multi-dimensional space.

Incorporate several materials—metal, wool, stone, lacquer—for a range of surface and finish effects. Mix prints like stripes, checks, or abstract graphics to keep the eyes moving. 

Once you lay a black and white decor foundation, you can add warmth with one or two additional neutrals such as brass, silver, rattan, or wood. Or try for easy and inexpensive seasonal updates with a splash of color as the seasons change. Given the seemingly limitless possibilities, who says black-and-white thinking is bad?

Images: Lamps Plus Guest Blogging Pinterest

We're back with Design Dossier – featuring highlights of some of Lamps Plus’ most popular, exclusive, and interesting design choices straight from our showrooms. Our unique repositionable ceiling medallions really are something special - unlike most decorative ceiling medallions that are either expensive, require tricky installation, or both, these repositionable ceiling medallions couldn't be easier to use and are all priced under $100!

Although you may think of a ceiling medallion for use with a chandelier, did you know you can use them with practically any ceiling light fixture (including recessed lighting) - and ceiling fans too?

Each design begins as a hand-painted artwork created in our California workshop by a skilled artisan. The artworks are then reproduced on sticky-backed canvas using printers designed for fine art reproductions. The repositionable backing on these ceiling medallions allows them to be installed and removed dozens of times.

To install, peel the medallion from the backing, then position it on the ceiling around the junction box opening.  Although air bubbles should be minimal, use a wallpaper brush or smoother to remove any bubbles and ensure a smooth and precise installation. 

There are nearly 30 styles of repositionable ceiling medallions available from Lamps Plus, ranging in size from a petite 12" wide to a grand 48" wide. It's easy to add an artisan touch to your space on a budget.

Follow along with our Design Dossier series for the best and brightest options that Lamps Plus has to offer.