There is nothing more inspiring at work than having a glamorous and modern office to work in, especially one that is stylish and causes office envy. Why deal with an ugly, boring space when you can put together a workspace that inspires you and impresses clients and colleagues alike? Ruby PR, an office I recently profiled on my blog, has put together an amazing look, one that anyone can pull off too. Here's how to get the look:

Kristen Loken did a great job capturing the whole space in this photo

THE OFFICE: The overall look and feel is modern and feminine with a bit of glamour. You start with a great base of modern furniture then add in accessories and décor to fit the style you’re looking to pull off.

Start with a modern and stylish white desk:

Add a grey chevron accent rug for a pop of pattern:

Now we need to pay attention to some of the details like multipurpose desk lamps, cute desktop accessories, etc.

Another great shot from Kristen Loken

The desks wouldn’t be complete without cute desk lamps like this white gem-inspired table lamp.

Flowers are also an important part of the look but not a necessity. With just a few of these things you get the look of Ruby PR’s stylish office.

What do you guys think of this glamorous and modern office? Is this office look for you?

Image credits: Office photos via Kristen Loken; Rug, Lamp, and Desk from Lamps Plus.

You've splurged on the glass encased shower, the marble vanity for his and hers sinks, and the newly ubiquitous toilet room with frosted glass panels on the pocket door. Hopefully your luxurious bathroom also includes decorative bathroom light fixtures, namely, glamorous crystal chandeliers. These 10 bathroom lighting ideas add not just decadence, but a touch of warmth, and plenty of sparkle. 

Interior designer Gail Plechaty of Real Simple Design, based about an hour north of Chicago, used Old World styling with minimum fuss in a light and airy bathroom in what looks to be a contemporary style home (soaring cathedral ceiling and all). The pale blue and white palette is ethereal, but grounded by a large nude drawing on the wall and oversize blackened chandelier with beautiful crystals hung above.

We imagine this Tampa home featured on Mina Brinkey's blog to be a contemporary beachy retreat, with the sparkling green mosaic tile feature wall interspersed with gold, a perfect backdrop to the pristine kidney bean shaped tub. The cascading capiz shell chandelier is a bohemian touch.

A traditional style bathroom in the U.K. with cabinetry designed by Hayburn & Co. is fresh and sophisticated. The sleek polished chrome chandelier adds shine and a hint of a curve, echoing the pattern on the wallpaper.

This bathroom showcases an inspired blending of industrial, contemporary, and glam sensibilities. Over the oval "Oceanus" tub by Tyrell & Laing hangs a crystal chandelier with a sprinkling of colored crystals.

Australian designer David Hicks starts with a contemporary base—horizontal tiles and a mirrored wall—against which he adds an earthy kilim, contemporary soaking tub, ornately framed mirror, and gold drum-shaped crystal chandelier. Its delicate scale suggests a piece of jewelry.

A wall covered in horizontally stacked aqua glass tiles creates a watery feel in this Toronto bathroom by Brandon Barre. The crystal chandler adds sparkle, which is fabulous thanks to the skylight. Its clear transparency echoes that of the acrylic curule stool in front of the tub.

The historic building of Austrian Hotel Weisler calls for majestic accouterments like this jet black crystal chandelier. Setting asleep tub in the tall bay window is divine.
 

Parisian designer Jean Louis-Denoit is known for his stunning statements that stop short of over the top. Here, everything's covered in marble, an abstract patinated bronze sculpture stands in a niche at the head of the barrel-like tub, and a deconstructed silver ball hangs from above.

Are those industrial style lockers in this bathroom featured in Living Etc.? Interesting, and truly useful. Simple subway tile with gray grout, a worn leather armchair, and a painted wood plank floor carry the theme, while the look is topped off with a surprise—a bronze crystal Roman-style chandelier.

A London bathroom with two fireplaces (hmmm) photographed by Beccy Smart goes with both the expected and unexpected. Taupe walls and a claw foot tub are juxtaposed with an oversize wire sculpture-like chandelier that's more artwork than functional fixture.

Which of these 10 bathroom lighting ideas with crystal chandeliers is your favorite?

Shopping Guide: Grove Collection Crystal Accent Chandelier
, Dolce Capiz Shell 42" Wide Island Light, Hudson Valley Sterling 29" Wide Polished Chrome Chandelier, Schonbek Rose Mint Julep Crystal Chandelier
, Merci Burnished Silver 17" Wide Crystal Pendant Chandelier, Vespar Chrome 26 3/4" Wide 9-Light Crystal Chandelier, James R. Moder Vienna Collection Black Crystal Chandelier
, Fredrick Ramond Bijou 28 1/4" Wide Nickel Chandelier
, Wallingford 16" Wide Antique Brass and Crystal Chandelier
, Artcraft Madeline 15 1/2" Wide Black Crystal Pendant Light

Image credits: Werner Straube/Traditional Home, Mina Brinkey, Hayburn & Co., Tyrell & Laing, David Hicks, Brandon Barre, Hotel Weisler, Jean Louis-Denoit, Living Etc., Beccy Smart. 

While LED technically means Light Emitting Diodes, it’s the high style of LED wall lamps that caught my eye when looking through the amazing Swedish blog, Victor Blogg. There are times when all I crave are simple, contemporary design and this blog delivers - not to mention it makes you think about interiors in a global way.

When it comes to cutting-edge lighting, Lamps Plus has a myriad of choices of the newest LED wall lamp styles. LED lights are the future so it’s worth checking out all the options. Whether you are updating indoor or outdoor lighting LED lights are bound to be a design hit.

1. George Kovacs Saber Chrome LED Bath Light

New bath lighting is a fantastic place to start. Bathrooms all need great light for multiple functions, and wall lights are very important. If you ever tried to get ready with a single flush mount ceiling light, you know what I mean...let’s just say your make-up or shave might not go as well as planned.

2. Possini Euro Up Down Round LED Wall Light

LED wall lamps can also pivot and swing, adding a sculptural touch to kitchens, halls and libraries. The ability to target the light makes it wonderful for tasks and work. 

3. George Kovacs Hooked LED Glass Wall Sconce 4. Hive Collection Black LED Outdoor Wall Light

Outdoor lighting or covered porch lighting can be just as chic as indoor lighting. Creating the right ambiance outside will expand your living space by making patios a place people want to gather and contemporary LED wall lamps can get you there in style.

Image credits: Victor Blogg.

Perfect for the holidays and for all year long, fillable lamp designs from our Color + Plus™ collection allow you to add customized style to any room in your home. You can decorate it seasonally with holiday themed fillings or pack it with treasured keepsakes for a year round personalized style.
 
Available in a variety of glass shapes, our Color+Plus clear fillable lamps are easily personalized in 3 simple steps:

1. Disassemble

Start by removing the lamp shade and harp so that the base sits easily on its side. Next, loosen the wing nut that secures the baseplate to the glass base.

2. Decorate

Put your decorative elements inside the clear glass base. Christmas ornaments, sea shells, postcards—just about anything looks great. When filling the base, keep in mind that you’ll need to turn your entire design upright again when you’re done.

3. Reassemble

Once your design is complete, simply reattach the baseplate and tighten the wing nuts until it is securely affixed.

At last…Enjoy! Your new fillable lamp is perfect for expressing yourself. Whether you’re showing off pictures of children and grandchildren or displaying a collection of fall leaves from your backyard, fillable glass lamps are the perfect way to display everything you treasure most in life.

Need inspiration? Check out the ultra-creative entries from our Hometalk & Lamps Plus Holiday Design Challenge. See our three winners – Megan Bray of Balancing Home, Brian Carlisle of GadgetSponge, and Tammy Killough of Deja Vue Designs – plus five not-to-be-missed honorable mention entries, and get inspired to fill your own!

To see these same base designs in any color under sun, check out our complete line of glass lamps in 100+ colors.

Last month we asked you to weigh in on your favorite home décor blogs in four categories for our 2013 Best Home Blog Awards: Interior Design, DIY, Lifestyle and Family.

Thousands of blogs were considered, one hundred were nominated, and only four were chosen! Your votes have been tallied and here are the 2013 winners and runners-up:

Interior Design Blog Winner: Hickory Trail (Angela Betlewicz from Yulee, Florida)

2. Decorating Ideas Made Easy
3. The Hunted Interior
4. Tobi Fairley
5. Stagetecture
6. Simplified Bee
7. Belle Maison
8. The Endearing Home
9. Lisa Mende Design
10. Hadley Court
11. Christina Loucks
12. Kandrac Kole
13. StyleCarrot
14. Habitually Chic
15. Hillary Thomas
16. La Dolce Vita
17. The Peak of Chic
18. Dec-a-Porter
19. Kelly Market
20. Quintessence
21. Stacy Naquin Interiors
22. Places in the Home
23. Cloth and Kind
24. The Design Wotcha
25. Kaza Design

DIY Blog Winner: Centsational Girl (Kate Riley from Petaluma, California)

2. Thrifty Decor Chick
3. The Frugal Homemaker
4. Simply Organized
5. In My Own Style
6. Desert Domicile
7. Unexpected Elegance
8. Dukes and Duchesses
9. DIY on the Cheap
10. It All Started With Paint
11. Petticoat Junktion
12. The Everyday Home
13. Pretty Handy Girl
14. The Painted Home
15. Suzy's Artsy-Crafty Sitcom
16. DIY Show Off
17. Rustic Pig Designs
18. Storypiece
19. LiveLoveDIY
20. Wills Casa
21. Yellow Brick Home
22. Lolly Jane
23. The Cavender Diary
24. Domestically Speaking
25. Sugar Bee Crafts

Lifestyle Blog Winner: Cupcakes for Breakfast (Nikki Rappaport from Washington DC)

2. Hi Sugarplum!
3. With Style & Grace
4. The Effortless Chic
5. Style Within Reach
6. This is Glamorous
7. MadeByGirl
8. Look Linger Love
9. A Piece of Toast
10. Kelly Golightly
11. The Everygirl
12. A Merry Mishap
13. Frock Files
14. Design Darling
15. The Pursuit of Style
16. The Office Stylist
17. Love Maegan
18. Luella & June
19. Meg Biram
20. Haute Design by Sarah Klassen
21. Camille Styles
22. Unruly Things
23. Life in a Venti Cup
24. The Vault Files
25. The Glamourai

Family Blog Winner: Stone Gable (Yvonne Pratt from Willow Street, Pennsylvania)

2. Honey We're Home
3. Just Us Four
4. Small Fry
5. Four Generations One Roof
6. Thistlewood Farm
7. Bless This Mess
8. Mom 4 Real
9. Celebrating Everyday Life
10. Tried and True
11. Nellie Bellie
12. Pancakes & French Fries
13. Jennifer Rizzo
14. One Tough Mother
15. Handmade Charlotte
16. Keeping It Cozy
17. Mom Home Guide
18. Stay at Home-ista
19. Prudent Baby
20. Lilikoi Joy
21. I Heart Naptime
22. HoneyBear Lane
23. Cupcakes and Crinoline
24. Design, Dining + Diapers
25. Jolly Mom

Congratulations to the four winning blogs, and to all 100 blogs that were nominated! Now in its second year, the Lamps Plus Best Home Blog Awards is an annual award that honors exceptional work in the home décor blogosphere.

Lighting is fun!

It’s the jewelry of any room.

Get creative by dressing up your lamps with these 8 DIY lampshade ideas to customize your classic and beautiful lamps with color, texture and pizzazz.

Take this beautiful white glass table lamp for example. It’s the perfect basic that can wear a number of hats - or lampshades, to be exact.

Idea #1 – Chalkboard. I jazzed up an old drum shade with some chalkboard paint – welcome! See it at Eclectically Vintage.

Idea #2 – Sweater. Got an old sweater from Aunt Milly taking up space in your closet? Turn it into a cute lampshade like Unskinny Boppy did.

Idea #3 – Stenciled. Like any true Jersey girl, I love bling so I blinged out a lampshade with some gold gilding and a stencil. See it at Eclectically Vintage.

Idea #4 – Buttons. Scour your junk drawer for cast off buttons like At Home on the Bay did and whip up your own one-of-a-kind lampshade.

Idea #5 – Balsa Wood. Strips of balsa wood create the coolest lampshade from C.R.A.F.T.

Idea #6 – Ombre. Think girl scouts 101 and start wrapping a few of your favorite shades of yarn around a lampshade - from Vintage Revivals.

Idea #7 – Doilies. Doilies aren’t just for grandma’s coffee table anymore. A Beautiful Mess turned them into a vintage style lampshade that’s anything but stodgy.

Want instant gratification without having to DIY? There are tons of fabulous choices to dress up any lamp from embroidered to one of my favorites …

Idea #8 – Seagrass. Pop a Coastal style seagrass lampshade on any lamp and you’ll hear the ocean waves lapping at the shore … almost.

Which one of these 8 DIY lampshade ideas will you try to jazz up your lamps?

Image credits:  Eclectically Vintage, Unskinny Boppy, Eclectically Vintage, At Home on the Bay, C.R.A.F.T., Vintage Revivals, A Beautiful Mess, Lamps Plus.

The dictionary defines glamour as an air of compelling charm and allure - but no one really needs a dictionary, we know glamorous lighting when we see it.

With interiors, glamour is often the combination of mirrored finishes, metallics both burnished and shimmery, and luxe fabrics.

Gold has become the metal of the moment, yet despite its continued popularity in interiors, gold remains inarguably and unmistakably timeless. When choosing light fixtures and furnishings for the home, rest assured that the warmth and sheen reflected with brass and gold finishes will guarantee a feeling of glamour when introduced in appropriate doses.

Change the look of a traditional entry with an entryway chandelier that draws the eye up and becomes a focal point in a transitional space. In this entry designed by interior designer Cheryl Burke she chose a vivid peacock color for the walls to add dramatic contrast and also act as a stunning backdrop to the brass chandelier. Follow her cue with any of the four golden girls selected below.

1) Possini Euro Satin Brass Chandelier 2) Jonathan Adler 30 light Antique Brass Meurice Chandelier 3) Metropolitan Family Honey Gold Chandelier 4) Bubblini Collection 5 Light Chandelier

A pair of brass wall lamps that flank a gold leaf mirror adds a luxe look to a bathroom, especially one with gorgeous wallpaper or stunning tile work like this bathroom featuring New Ravenna tile. Remember there is no rule that dictates finishes must match, in fact a room is always more layered and interesting when the finishes are different, so feel free to design with that in mind. Yes go ahead and install a nickel faucet right next to those glamorous golden sconces! You’ll be on your way to achieving a similar look with the mirror and sconces below.

1) Hinkley Laza Brushed Bronze Sconce 2) Doughnut Collection Antique Brass Wall Lamp 3) Uttermost Lara Oval Antique Wall Mirror 4) Harbour Point High Liberty Gold Wall Sconce 5) Mercer Single Light Aged Brass Sconce

Pairing glossy black finishes with brass or gold leaf guarantees a captivating interior. This entry featured in Nuevo Estilo showcases classic glamour with a series of tall gold mirrors suspended over a long black console. Mimic the chic and timeless look in a living room or foyer with the home accessories featured below.

1) Black and Gold Wall Mirror 2) Lynton Black Glaze Table Lamp 3) Mary McDonald Annika Black and Brass Lamp 4) Laney Four Drawer Black Console

There are hundreds of other golden and glamorous lighting fixtures, mirrors, and lamps to browse here at Lamps Plus. Are you ready to add a golden glow to your home?

Image credits: Cheryl Burke Design; New Ravenna Tile; Nuevo Estilo. 

No matter what holidays you're celebrating this winter (Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, or even all of them!) it's nearly impossible to be 100% prepared. This year, increase the cheer factor of your holiday decor without increasing your blood pressure by incorporating these last minute holiday decorating ideas into your home - just as Therese Romell did in the two photos above.

The secret is to focus on seasonal textures and moods, rather than on any prescribed idea of what holiday decorations should be. Use the home decor you have on hand and look for clean-lined containers in materials like glass and galvanized metal to display foliage like pine cones and evergreen boughs. Fruit like apples or pears also makes a quick and easy decor element, as seen on Design Mom.

A vignette of moss in bowls evokes a forest sensibility at Real Simple; and as Better Homes and Gardens suggests, nothing could be easier and more effective than grouping some pillar candles on your favorite serving tray.

Finally, a cluster of real or faux antlers (below, via Nordic Bliss) sets a wintry tone. 

Shopping Guide: 1. Glass Cloche 2. Antler Mirror 3. Galvanized Planters 4. Hand Blown Glass Bottle 5. Gold Leaf Tray 6. Ivy Topiary

From cooking for family and friends to finding the perfect gifts, I know you're busy this festive season. Don't let the best you can muster be a droopy string of twinkle lights! With last-minute holiday decorating ideas that are this easy, you'll have time to pause and enjoy that spiked hot cocoa!

Image Credits: 1. Therese Romell 2. Therese Romell 3. Design Mom 4. Real Simple 5. Better Homes and Gardens 6. Nordic Bliss

Rustic interiors can be itchy and scratchy but my take on modern cabin decor is far from that old school “roughing it” way of life. Naturally, Country Living Magazine has some great snaps of cabin-inspired interiors that will make you want to don snow shows and curl up with a Laura Ingalls-Wilder book. Additionally, The Adventures of Tartan Scot is another great source for similar pictures. The romance of cabin living can be achieved even if you don’t live on acres of land or have timber walls.

The heart of any home is the kitchen, and so too is that with a cozy cabin. Remember to include cast iron cookery and well-worn linen towels. Dining spaces can look chic with twig-back chairs and much wood. Placing round wall mirrors with high style on dining room walls will reflect warm candle light or chandelier light that look amazing when in the antler style.

Cabin style bedroom and bathrooms should also reflect a similar aesthetic. No need to install an outhouse...I hope. Warm woods and country details can enhance table tops and bathroom vanities. Classic wall sconces in bronze or with Edison bulbs will lend an air of authenticity to the spaces and add much needed light. Remember, not everything needs to be literal, but the theme should be consistent.

Get the look of modern cabin decor: 1. New Town Collection Seedy Glass Wall Sconce 2. Woolrich Williamsport Plaid Micro-Suede Throw Pillow 3. Quoizel Tavern 5-Light Dark Bronze Chandelier 4. Marlow Round Interlace Raw Steel Table 5. Stag Horn Faux Antler Wall Mirror 6. 2 1/2 Quart Red Enameled Cast Iron Humidifier Kettle

Image credits: Country Living, Tartan Scot.

There is something warm, cozy and inviting about a vacation stay in cozy ski chalet bedrooms among the snow capped peaks.  As the snow falls outside, you can stay bundled up in front of the fire or tucked in a warm bed.  Whether at your own home, or a vacation home, these inspiring images from CocoCozy will make you want to turn your bedroom into a chalet oasis.

Above you have a beautiful color palette of winter whites.  Mixing textures while staying in the white color scheme is a beautiful way to create a ski chalet chic bedroom.  And adding a small reindeer accent pillow doesn't hurt either.

This ski-chic bedroom has a masculine edge with traditional accents.  The beautiful dark blue fabrics used compliment the dark, knotty wood on the floor, walls, ceilings and accent furniture.  The wrought iron chandelier and nature-inspired bedside table lamps cast just enough light to compliment the glowing moon and stars.

This modern take on the ski chalet bedroom is a gorgeous blend of styles.  We have a midcentury side table, industrial modern bed frame, and plenty of faux fur to go around.  The soft textures mixed in with hard woods and natural colors give this bedroom a wintery feel.  Adding a punch of color with accent pillows and wall art complete the look.

This bedroom is a great inspiration for a kid's cozy ski chalet bedroom.  How cute is the rustic wood bed frame?  As you can see in this image, mixing in metallic accents like these brass desk lamps compliment wood tones beautifully.  And to add a little more fun into the space, pick one piece and use a bright color to make it pop.

What do you think about these cozy bedrooms?  Will you do some updating for this winter season?

Image credits: CocoCozy

Look closely - the modern design of this elegant crystal chandelier by Possini has a unique antique soft silver finish, making it a true showstopper! 

Blending traditional crystal accents with a sophisticated finish and transitional styling, the Soft Silver 4-Light 24" Wide Crystal Chandelier is a versatile fixture that looks at home in almost any setting. This is just one of many chandeliers from our Possini Collection we’d like to share with you today.

Its soft silver finish features subtle washes of both warm golden hues and cool silver hues, allowing it to mesh well with both cool contemporary chrome and warmer metal surfaces. This unique textured finish gives it great versatility and allows this crystal chandelier to complement both modern and traditional interiors alike. 

One of my favorite features of this elegant transitional crystal chandelier is the way light refracts and reflects off the jewel-like crystal facets. There's nothing more stunning than sparkling light to set a festive mood in your living room or dining room during the holiday season! 

Changing out a few select pieces to reflect what’s current, such as a lighting fixture, will help update the look of your living room. This Possini design from our wide collection of beautiful crystal chandeliers can help you do just that.

Design Dossier is our monthly series where we share highlights of some of Lamps Plus’ most popular, unique, and interesting lighting choices straight from our showrooms.

Tiffany chandeliers and Tiffany-Style chandeliers are the hallmark of classic Arts and Crafts interiors. The warm glow of Tiffany lighting compliments the rich tones of green, rose and brown found in these period style homes and are truly works of art that tell a story. So much of this late 19th and early 20th century design movement took its cue from nature and the low slung, horizontal lines of the prairie. Thus, much of the lighting designs produced echo that aesthetic.

Classic Tiffany chandeliers exhibit design motifs that include plants and insects or basic geometry that reflect the unique architecture of these homes. Regardless of the stained glass design, they all offer a muted glow and instantly make you feel welcome and cozy.

Dining rooms tend to be the most obvious spot for a chandelier but Tiffany lighting can also be divine in a foyer, stairwell or even kitchen. Because this style lighting and the renovation of Arts and Crafts homes are so popular, Tiffany lighting even comes in pendant form which is perfect for the period peninsula! Additionally, there are some contemporary Tiffany-Style lighting that reflect the Arts and Crafts mood but in an updated and modern style.

Regardless, I love the devotion Arts and Crafts enthusiasts have to proper restoration and design, hence the wonderful images found on the My Arts and Crafts Home blog. There is no “halfway” here, so if you are drawn to this style lighting I suggest making the leap and decorating in the proper way which means rich-toned wood furniture, nature-inspired motifs in rugs and textiles and many trips to the flea market.

Tiffany Chandeliers Shopping List: 1. Reves Dragonfly Dale Tiffany Pendant Light 2. Art Glass Circles Tiffany Style Pendant Chandelier 3. Tiffany Style 3-Light Mission Glass Pendant Light 4. Quoizel Kent Tiffany Style Pendant Light 5. Walnut Mission Style Pendant Chandelier 

Image credit: My Arts and Crafts Home.

There are so many wonderful things about living in the country.....

.....fresh eggs and crisp country mornings and the harvest and homemade pie with local apples....fresh out of the oven.

But my favorite of all is....

....farmhouse Christmas decorating.

We live in the middle of the country in a turn-of-the-century farmhouse similar to this beautiful home recently featured on Better Homes & Gardens.

Seriously.

To get to our house....go to Tennessee....turn left...pass the horse barn and the chicken barn and the pasture full of cows.  Then go over the bridge and past the creek and you'll find our house at the end of a long winding country road.

And here are some decorating ideas from the end of a long winding country road.

1.  Keep it simple

Linens and textures can create a welcoming holiday space, like this farmhouse mantel from Country Living.

Decorate your own simple mantel with wooden sock forms, books, candles and fresh greens.

Then pull up a comfortable club chair next to the fire for guests with a cup of hot chocolate and a game of dominoes.

2.  Go green

Bring the outside in and add greenery in unexpected places like this archway decorated in evergreen garland featured on Better Homes & Gardens.

Decorate the garland with simple ornaments, Christmas cards and holiday invitations.

Add greenery to bookshelves and stack presents tied with an ornament or two for an easy inexpensive decorating idea.

3.  Add a little color

One of the easiest ways to add a little cheer to a room is with a splash of red.....as in this farmhouse living room featured in Country Living.

It doesn't have to be fancy.  Simply add a little red with the ornaments on the tree or festive presents tied with red ribbon tucked next to the side table topped with a cup of hot tea.

An arrangement of red poinsettias also makes the perfect holiday accent.

4.  Look up

Whether it's a traditional iron chandelier for the dining room draped with fresh greenery as in this dining room from Better Homes & Gardens....or streamers hung over the dining room table....don't forget to look up when decorating.

Decorate the entrance to a room with greens swagged between two wreaths.

Or add a star over the tree hanging from the ceiling for a little unexpected Christmas decorating.

These farmhouse Christmas decorating ideas are simple and green and inexpensive and fun.

Add a little farmhouse into your decor for a welcoming, inviting holiday space.

And the happiest of holidays and the merriest of Christmases from our farmhouse to yours. 

Image credits:  Photo 1:  bhg  Photo 2:  Country Living Photo 3:  bhg Photo 4:   Country Living  Photo 5:  bhg

I'm by no means a domestic goddess but I DO love to bake, have recently started cooking and love to make things at home. Everyone has someone in their life that loves entertaining and dining, and now is the time to shop for her! Here's a quick holiday gift guide for the domestic goddess in your life.

Bronze/Copper/Rose Gold Baking Supplies: Nothing new here but warm metal finishes are super trendy right now and a favorite of many. You can never have enough baking supplies and especially the high quality kind that will last years. I've got a cookie sheet that I've used for YEARS and it was just something cheap I picked up at the grocery store but this Anolon Bronze 5-Piece Bakeware Set is just perfect:

Creme Brûlée Set: I've always wanted to make my own creme brûlée, such a fancy dessert for the holidays too! This BonJour 5 Piece Creme Brûlée Set is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to bake or host dinner parties. 

French Press Coffee Maker: YUM! Have you had French pressed coffee before? It's amazing, in a nutshell. Most of my friends and family don't actually have one so if you know in advance then a French Press is the perfect gift that hasn't yet been given. 

Bundt Cake Pan: A couple years back, I received a bundt cake pan along with a bundt cake mix and I LOVED it. As someone who bakes often, I had never baked a bundt cake before so it was great to add something new to my baking stash.

Some other super cute gifts: a 5-Piece Glass Teapot Set, and a Jubilee Fine Fragranced Holiday Spice Candle

What's on your holiday gift guide for the domestic goddess in your life? Let us know in the comments below!

Image credits: Lamps Plus.

If you spend any time at all browsing interiors on Pinterest, you probably are acquainted with the phenomenon that is "glamorous home office decor". No longer is a nook next to the kitchen counter an acceptable HQ for running a busy life. After all, we're blogging, styling, and curating. We need space, we need chic, we need glamour. The winter months are as good a time as any to spruce up your work space by adding light, sparkle, and shine.

These five home offices use mirrors and metallic accents, as well as bright whites and see-through materials to create rooms that are light and airy, feminine and chic, and yes, plenty glam, while still staying grounded.

Tiffany Eastman, a designer in Fairfield, Connecticut mixed subdued metallics with soft ivory and white tones (including ceramic table lamps with designer style) in this Darien residence to create a sumptuous, yet unfussy office space.

Shopping guide: 1. Contemporary Angles 30" Square Wall Art Mirror 2. Ceramic Sea Urchin White Table Lamp 3. Gabrielle Snow White 3-Drawer Desk 4. Sheepskin Rug

Canadian firm Atmosphere Interior Design takes inspiration from Old Hollywood with a bold, black and white wallpaper printed with oversize circles, juxtaposed with sharp lines from the lacquered desk and crystal block lamp. Chrome details, from the frame, to the legs of the desk and arms of the chair, to the sculptural piece, bring in plenty of sparkle.

Shopping guide: 1. Ceramic 47" High Faux Antelope Head 2. Baroque Style Clear Acrylic Table Lamp 3. Nancy Black Leather Armchair 4. Embassy Contemporary White Desk

Apartment 34 blogger Erin Hiemstra relocated from Seattle to San Francisco, where she set up a dedicated office photographed by Emily Anderson for Rue Magazine. A pair of smooth brass industrial pendant light fixtures add a bright spot to the airy space with a free-floating chrome desk and two cozy chairs. It's a pared down scheme, undisturbed by the simple mix of metals (not the chrome legs of the guest chair.)

Shopping guide: 1. Robert Abbey Axis Natural Brass Mini Pendant Light 2. Reed and Barton Dorsey 5x7" Hammered Copper Picture Frame 3. Gilbert Gloss White Lacquer and Chrome Desk 4. Gabrielle Snow White Cushioned Desk Chair

Designer, Furbish Studio boutique owner, and I Suwannee blogger, Jamie Meares, created this glamorous home office with mirrors and metallics in a teenager's bedroom. The turquoise stripes, mirrored desk, and acrylic chair keeps the look young, fresh, and bright.

Shopping guide: 1. Laney Set of 3 Blue Lacquer Storage Boxes 2. Murray Feiss Ceramica Dover Grey Table Lamp 3. Thea Mirrored 3-Drawer Desk  4. HomeBelle Set of 2 Transparent Chairs

"Good Morning America" correspondent Lara Spencer hung a large brass mirror over a white lacquer desk with brass accents to open up the desk space in this master bedroom, photographed by Michael McNamara for Redbook . The funky Lucite chair has metallic accents that match the hardware of the lacquer desk.

Shopping guide: 1. Jonathan Adler Mayfair Brass Mirror 2. Robert Abbey Havana Polished Nickel Task Desk Lamp 3. Howard Miller Paramount 5 3/4" High Tabletop Alarm Clock  4. Zuo Diamond Clear Dining Chair  5. Embassy Contemporary White Desk

Image credits: Tiffany Eastman, Atmosphere Interior Design, Apartment 34 and Emily Anderson for Rue Magazine, I Suwannee, Michael McNamara for Redbook.

Pantone has just announced their pick for 2014 color of the year – Radiant Orchid, a captivating and magical purple that is sure to be a welcome addition to home décor, furniture and lighting in the coming year!

Look for Radiant Orchid in our Color+Plus lighting collection – we have an exact match: It’s Pantone 18-3224 and you can choose from several table lamp styles, made to order in the exact color! Prefer more colors? Check out our entire  Colors+Plus Lighting collection.

Lamps Plus also carries a great selection of purple decor. Consider incorporating a gorgeous purple table lamp or lamp shade into your living room or bedroom. An area rug with purple hues ties the color in easily.  Purple accent pillows are the easiest of all to use for incorporating this color into your home.

“While the 2013 color of the year, Emerald, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

To incorporate Radiant Orchid into your home, the Pantone Institute suggests, "Spruce up interior spaces by incorporating this eye-catching hue in paint, accent pieces and accessories. As adaptable as it is beautiful, Radiant Orchid complements olive and deeper hunter greens, and offers a gorgeous combination when paired with turquoise, teal and even light yellows. Likewise, the vibrant color is sure to liven up neutrals including gray, beige and taupe. Uplifting and bold without being overpowering, Radiant Orchid re-energizes almost any color palette and provides a unifying element for diverse spaces."

Shop the Pantone 2014 Color of the Year, Radiant Orchid, at Lamps Plus: Radiant Orchid Double Gourd Table Lamp, Big Wave Purple Round Outdoor Folding Table, Zuo Lider Plus Purple Office Chair, Set of 2 Cadiz Textural Amethyst and Cream 18" Throw Pillows, Multi Stem Purple Faux Orchids in Black Pot, Ealing Alara Berry Pattern Round Ottoman, Radiant Orchid Lido Floor Lamp, Arteriors Home Ty Orchid Crackle Finish Glass Table Lamp, Jubilee Fine Fragranced Plum Orchid Candle, Pink Purple Colorblock Drum Lamp Shade. 

Image credit: Pantone.

For the festive season, you don't have to take holiday decor too literally. There are ways to decorate with items that don't scream "holiday" and are modern at the same time. These items can be used to update your home all during the year, but when all pulled into a few spaces, they ooze holiday spirit in a modern way.

Shopping Guide: 

1. Ceramic 47" High Faux Antelope Head. I can see lights or a pompom garland strung around these horns.

2. Sunflower 36" Wide Antique Gold Wall Mirror. A gold mirror can go anywhere in your home, but when it becomes the centerpiece on a mantle with other holiday items it seems a little more holiday.

3. Emerald Signature Cashmere Blend Waterwave Throw Blanket. Such a gorgeous color, bring this out during the holidays!

4. Caycee 14" Wide Red Modern Pendant. Decorative pendant lighting can live in your dining room all year.

5. Medium Mercury Glass Votive Candlestick. Mercury glass just screams nostalgic holiday.

6. Jubilee Fine Fragranced French Vanilla Candle. Always keep your house smelling lovely when guests come over for the holidays.

7. Royal Amsterdam 18" Wide Red Pet Bed. Even your pet deserves a little holiday spirit with this red and white pet bed.

8. Robert Abbey Delta Emerald Glazed Table Lamp. Table lamps with designer style, like this emerald lamp, add such a great pop of color.

9. Uttermost Set of 2 Hazuki Leaf Sculptures. Any gold decor just makes the holidays feel a little warmer. These leaves are also perfect for fall decor.

10. Howard Elliott Set of 3 Textured Nickel Cylinder Vases. I can see some red holly berries sticking out of these silver vases.

Award-winning lighting designer Sergio Orozoco joins us today to share an insider look at the Hong Kong Lighting Fair. You may remember Sergio from our recent profile on his design work. Welcome, Sergio!

The explosive growth of the lighting business in China was visually confirmed at the 2013 Hong Kong Lighting Fair. An international army of industry buyers, manufacturers and designers found themselves walking around among thousands of visitors attending the fair to review a sea of products presented in 3 huge floors plus the vast ballroom.  

Endless rows of companies eager to sell their wares from many Chinese factories were relentless to invite you to their booths; some have found connections with European companies and are trying hard to emulate not only their stands but their products as well.

At the HK Convention Center, international companies (now associated with China makers) and China makers themselves produced a myriad of luminaries specially in LED that truly affect your vision. Dark glasses may come in handy while visiting the fair as there is a high degree of light pollution.  

This lighting fair is growing and changing rapidly in the local and international arena. Unfortunately, we can find so many renditions and variations of USA products that hurt our industry. I am sure that as more Chinese companies and manufacturers strive for excellence and proprietary designs, they will find better ways to present their own ideas that will reflect their culture and their aesthetics. 

View Sergio Orozco's lighting collection at Lamps Plus here, and be sure to visit Sergio's website.

Bathrooms are becoming less utilitarian and more luxurious. Bathroom chandeliers (along with indulgences like floor to ceiling marble, nickel and brass fixtures, Japanese soaking tubs, seating areas, and heated floors) are appearing everywhere from blogs to magazines to bath showrooms.

So don’t overlook one of the most important parts of any good bathroom plan – the lighting. Luxury is all in the details and lighting can make or break a bathroom.

Think beyond harsh recessed lighting and consider crystal chandeliers, globe chandeliers, or beaded chandeliers in the bathroom. The perfect chandelier will become a focal point in the space.

Here’s to creating a sophisticated space with luxurious bathroom chandeliers.

Image credits: Better Homes & Gardens. 

While red and green are popular in December, I’m thinking of new winter color trends. Burnt orange is my new favorite. Trust me; this shade of orange is not a full juvenile pumpkin situation, rather a cozy and warm winter hue. Burnt orange has a deep and more saturated feel with undertones of red, paprika and cinnamon and evoke the intensity of a roaring fire and candlelit nights.

Using burnt orange on your walls is not for the faint of heart and is a total commitment. Naturally, there are many ways to infuse this color into your home without making it look like the interior of a Belgian Castle...although who wouldn’t want one of those? Speaking of Belgium, I did find these beautiful images on the Belgian Pearls blog so I felt it my duty to share.

One design note that seems to run constant through these images is that furniture tends to be neutral and monochromatic. The only real pattern tends to come from rugs or simple plaids. It’s a great lesson...bold colors speak for themselves so no need to bombard the eyes with much more.

Burnt orange also seems to be a great winter backdrop for antiques, traditional table lamps, paintings and rich wood tones. Hence, don’t be afraid to pair deep walnuts and even pine with this color scheme. If things do however seem to become too dark try additional lights such as decorative wall sconces to brighten up the space.

Shopping List: 1. Babette Holland Burnt Orange Wall Mirror 2. Haeger Potteries Paprika Cottage Ceramic Table Lamp 3. Red Chevron Drum Lamp Shade 4. Classic Home Soumak Stripe Canyon Creek Area Rug 5. "I Can't Believe It's Not Cashmere" Persimmon Throw

Image credits: Belgian Pearls.