When I first started decorating my house.....I planned rooms full of neutrals and pattern and simplicity.

Simplicity?

Ummm....have I met myself before?

And when I finished decorating my home.....I stood and stared at all the simplicity.....

.....and decided it was missing something.

Of course.

It was missing pattern.

Glorious, wonderful, incredible pattern like this wonderful staircase wall from House Beautiful.

Here are my ideas for embracing pattern and decorating with stripes.

1.  Sometimes a little goes a long way

Embracing pattern doesn't have to mean big bold walls and overwhelming color choices.

Sometimes the pattern is subtle and whispers instead of shouts.....like these striped pillow accents from Country Living.

Layer in stripes with textiles like these throws or pillows or rugs.

2.  Sometimes a lot goes a long way

In the embrace pattern department....this room from House Beautiful incredibly showcases how to mix and match stripes.

Add stripes to walls and a bold geometric pattern on the floor to anchor the room.

Keep accent pieces like side tables and side chairs neutral to counterbalance the vibrant pattern choices.

3.  Don't forget about the flooring

Sometimes pattern is best when kept underfoot like these painted stripes featured in House Beautiful.

You can paint a wood or tile floor with stripes, or simply add a striped rug to your decor.

Then finish the room with wooden accent pieces and iron work that compliment the pattern on the floor.

4.  Introduce Color

Here's an example of a striped rug....but this time...it's a striped rug with color.....as featured in Country Living.

Echo the rug color throughout the room and build on the color  foundation created by the rug.

Next, choose a colorful couch and transition the stripes throughout the room with throw pillows.

Stripes....glorious stripes.

Just a few add so much to a room and to your decor.

So this summer....have a little fun and dance with pattern....

.....and embrace a little striping in your home.

Photo Credits:  Photo 1: House Beautiful Photo 2: Country Living  Photo 3:  House Beautiful  Photo 4: House Beautiful  Photo 5:  Country Living

World Cup fever has struck! Brazil is the hot topic of the day, and not only amongst sports fans. The vibrant sensibility of tropical style has caught the eye of design lovers everywhere.

Whether it's the multi-hued architecture of Sao Paolo as captured by Woodnote Photography, or the shapes and textures of Amazonian foliage (also from Woodnote Photography), the Brazilian spirit abounds. Even the festive air of the country's cultural traditions is captured in these colorful lanterns via Lamps Plus.

To get the tropical look at home, seek out vivid hues like the eye-popping citrus in this dining area by Lamps Plus.

When choosing seating, seek out furniture with woven materials (via designlovefest) or the retro brights spotted by Woodnote Photography. Even a detail as subtle as the outline of a palm frond (also from Woodnote Photography) can be a source of inspiration.

And if nothing else, pop a cocktail umbrella in your caipirinha and call it a day!

1. Incorporate a piece of bird decor as a nod to the Amazonian parrots that are the unofficial mascot of Brazil! 

2. This towering floor lamp combines all the hues of the tropics.

3. Top a palm tree-inspired ceramic table lamp with a cheerful floral lampshade.

4. A potted fern calls to mind the textures of the jungle.

Image credits: Woodnote Photography, Woodnote Photography, Lamps Plus, Lamps Plus, Designlovefest Instagram, Woodnote Photography, Woodnote Photography

Decorating hallways can be tricky. Some are extremely narrow and others jog in strange directions. Many have multiple doorways to negotiate while even more may have little natural light. Oh the bother of it all!

Most of us simply put up a picture, keep the dull flush mount light that was there when we moved in and call it a day. Lonny Magazine has an entire photo collection of hallway pictures that are beyond inspiring and can force us to rethink our halls.

Beside basics such as paint, wallpaper and flooring, the key decor elements to consider for the hall are lighting and space. Bright halls with many windows may only need decorative ceiling lights for evening illumination, while interior halls could benefit from layering lights with the inclusion of stylish sconces and table lamps.

A great design trick for a narrow hall is to place an interesting floor lamp at the end of the hall. Not only will it brighten things up, but it will also act as a focal point and decorative object.

Traditional spaces always look good with a traditional entryway chandelier, but if you have room for a small console table, like in a foyer, you may want to try to include slim buffet style lamps for added light.

Don’t neglect your walls! I happen to love wall mirrors for hallways. They not only add function for you and your guests, but they also add a visual expansion to a small space, while reflecting light.

If you prefer pictures, might I suggest picture lights to add depth and warmth to the hall.

1. The Fredrick Ramond Middlefield Iron Rust Chandelier is a modern interpretation of a classic chandelier.

2. Slim lights like the Robert Abbey Saturnia Bronze Buffet Table Lamp are great on small scale tables.

3. Foyers can always use a great table like the Amelia Antique Gold Demilune Console Table.

4. Try lighting like the Collapsible Bamboo Rice Paper Lantern Floor Lamp at the end of a long hall.

5. Every foyer should have a mirror such as the Uttermost Abra Bronze Finish Wall Mirror.

Photo credits: Lonny

A beautiful, coastal style bathroom does not have to be overly topical, covered in shells, sand and sea life to produce a beachy aesthetic. The subtleties in these coastal style bathrooms from Southern Living are designed to give off a perfect, laid back coastal vibe.

This guest bathroom mixes traditional cabinetry, gorgeous natural stone and pop art with a coastal style wall mirror. The juxtaposition works beautifully to suggest a beach-side retreat by featuring a classic aesthetic, mixing seaside elements to set this bathroom apart.

If you love minimalism, natural materials and simplicity, then this bathroom style is perfect for you. The natural woods and perfectly modern tub set a beautiful stage for the pop of coral that peeks through from the bedroom.  

This is the perfect place to relax after a long day surfing the waves and getting some sun.

Without much effort you can achieve this perfect his and hers beach-infused guest bath. By choosing a rich, blue color for the walls and bath accessories, this bathroom immediately emanates a vacation, beachy vibe.

The above bath is beach luxury all the way. The stunning installation of natural stone feels wild and organic, while the beautiful sea foam accents and glass reflections add beautiful hues of the early morning coast.

Brass shower fixtures and door hardware are the perfect finishing touch.

This master bathroom gets its seaside vibe from the fun pops of bright yellow that extend into the bedroom. Adding this element provides a fun, relaxed feel to the space, allowing you to relax and enjoy your long sunny days. Lastly, adding a bit of sparkle with a mini chandelier or crystal ceiling light over the floating bathtub gives off just the right amount of sparkle.

Image credits:Southern Living

Napa farmhouse style is the perfect inspiration for modern Summer living and design. The California wine country lifestyle is a wonderful combination of elegance and casual living, which is the epitome of indoor/outdoor living.

CocoCozy has images of a beautiful Napa home that is worth taking a look at and trying to emulate. Crisp lines define this modern farm house architecture and warm interior finishes are what make it casually cozy.

What I find inspiring is that this design can be applied to a classic ranch house...it’s a box with a vaulted ceiling...voila!

Simple landscape design is characterized by natural materials, basic gravel and LED landscape lighting for evening entertaining and security. The main living space in this home features a wonderful play on materials. I like the warm wood ceiling, punctuated by the modern metal supported beams.

The industrial bar stools balance out the natural woven rug and soft seating. There is a island-style feel to the space, highlighted by the contemporary ceiling fans which create a glorious breeze on warm days and nights.

Monochromatic decor, such as natural material area rugs, allow the architecture to shine, while ample windows keep things bright and breezy.

1. The Carraba Coffee Natural Spun Bamboo Floor Lamp infuses a room with organic elegance.

2. Cool down rooms with the 72" Casa Velocity Brushed Nickel Ceiling Fan.

3. Outdoor living spaces are made safe and beautiful with the Ripley Collection Dark Sky Outdoor Wall Light.

4. I love the rugged Zuo Civic Center Distressed Wood Square Coffee Table for family rooms.

5. The “it” look for kitchens can be created with a Set of 4 Stovall Metal Stools.

6. The Sung Collection Quito Area Rug is the definition of casual and timeless.

Photo credits: Coco Cozy

Summer is one of the best times to bring out patriotic tones of red, white and blue in your interiors. Between Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day holidays there is lots of entertaining at home during those Summer months.

While you may think that patriotic decor has to be limited to textiles and Americana decor, think again! Wall lights in festive colors, metallic finishes and fun patterned shades can turn your home into a festive destination for all of your entertaining this season.

Take a look at a few ways to bring patriotic wall lighting into your this summer.

Tips For Using Color

Transform your interiors with gorgeous red influences:

Red is one of those colors that grabs attention instantly and doesn’t let go! When paired with white, blue, and clever neutrals, there's no stopping the creativity of wall lighting you can have. Blown glass and red inspired wall sconces are a great way to add color to your room without having to change out your entire decor.

Remember, wall lighting doesn’t have to be restricted to vertical walls, how about adding ambient lighting like this kitchen ceiling application from Isabel Bettie. This clever use of red light brings the artwork, cabinetry, and finishes together beautifully.

Festive Lighting Calls For Custom Touches:

Let’s face it, July 4th is all about celebrating with family, friends and of course fireworks! Lamps Plus has a wonderful selection of shades that you can customize with. Whether it’s a funky pattern that expresses your style or color combinations that only you could think of.

Bounce 14" Wide Rectangular Brushed Steel Wall Sconce

Take a look at this wall sconce above, which has contemporary lines and modern details. This brushed steel wall sconce has a colorful and patriotic motif boasting colorful aesthetics designed by retro modern pop artist and illustrator Ragnar.

Create your own or choose one of the designer looks for your lighting style.

Stellar Blue in Your Lighting Options:

There is always an appealing glow to blue light and when paired with colorful lampshades or blue glass, your home will be transformed. Whether you prefer the sophisticated look above from Eck MacNeely Architects or you decide on artisan wall sconces that welcome your guests in a foyer, try using these colorful blue ideas in your wall lighting.

This season use these creative ideas for bringing red, blue, and patriotic inspiration to your home entertaining. You will love how it transforms your room and who knows, you may consider leaving it up all around reminding you of the magic that surrounds the celebratory season of summer entertaining!

Image credits:Elizabeth Bomberger, Isabel Beattie / K Cabinets Oakville, Chris Johnson

To celebrate the 4th of July coming up, I decided to have fun with the colorful table lamp selection at Lamps Plus.... I selected a red, white, and blue table lamp from the Color+Plus collection. You can basically create the exact lamp you want from the plethora of colors they offer for the bases and the shades.

Bright Red Apothecary Table Lamp / Cathedral Portsmouth Grey with Nailhead Trim Sofa / Abby White Coffee Table / Street Smart No U-Turn 18" Square Down Throw Pillow

For the bright red apothecary table lamp, I paired it with a modern gray sofa and white coffee table. To add a little modern whimsy, the No U-Turn throw pillow is a great accent and way to highlight the red concept, making it a theme in the space.

Winter White Ovo Table Lamp / Alexander Sectional Sofa / Morty White Modern Coffee Table / Leather Brown Ecru Pillow

I love anything that's white on white. It can move with you and your spaces through the years and work in any room. I wanted to create a neutral space for this white ovo lamp so I chose  the tan Alexander Sectional Sofa, a white modern coffee table and for a little texture and pattern added a leather pillow.

Dazzling Blue Anya Table Lamp / Carolyn Tufted French Sofa / Uttermost Gannon Mirrored Glass Coffee Table / Catina 18" Square Dazzling Blue Embroidered Throw Pillow

The shade of blue in this anya table lamp has an elegant feel so I went with the Carolyn Tufted French Sofa, a mirrored glass coffee table, and to add a little more blue, two embroidered pillows with a classy pattern.

Last week I took a last minute jaunt up to Maine with a friend to go to to the Kennebunkport Food Wine Art Festival. There was nautical decor, sailing, music, artwork, and lots of eating and drinking. I also had the opportunity to tour many of the inns in the area, check out the decor of the rooms, common lounges, and grounds.

One of the most fun was The Cottages at Cabot Cove, a collection of sixteen tiny cottages in Kennebunkport, on a picturesque bit of water. Each of the cottages was darling and decorated by a different interior designer. This on above, called “Float In”, has a distinctly nautical feel reinforced by a wall of windows that offers views of the water and the inn’s dock. It’s almost as though you’re staying on a private yacht.

The living area was designed with a limited palette of navy, white and details of brass, like the brass pendant light fixture. It featured striped seat cushions over the sisal rug, which was perfect under the slipcovered sofas (with navy piping). A model sailboat, nautical flags and oars completed the decorative effect.

The kitchen (not shown) was designed with white cabinetry and a ship-like wood countertop. There was also a brass faucet and porthole details to complete the look.

The bedroom (not shown) featured brass wall sconces with articulating arms on either side of the bed. There were crisp white linens with blue and white striped shams that coordinated with the blue and white throw pillows.

To get this ship-shape style at home, start with a Sung Collection Niassa Area Rug (5), made in India from 100 percent jute fiber. It’s durable, and feels good on bare feet.

A Brynn Montague Slipcover Sofa (4) in Indigo is a sharp seating selection, especially if there are kids. No dirty footprints from the dog either!

The American Drew by La-Z-Boy Tray Top Cocktail Table (7) is rugged and practical with a tray top so stuff won’t slide off, and a bottom shelf for magazines and jigsaw puzzles which are essential for summer fun.

Feet off the table please. Instead, put them up on a Skipper Nautical Stripe Navy and White Pouf (8). Get a pair; they work well as additional seating in a pinch too.

Extra light is needed at night and rainy days, of which hopefully there will be few. The Oar Shaped with Burlap Shade Floor Lamp fits right in with the nautical theme.

Above, add shine and a touch of traditional elegance with a brass light fixture, such as the Possini Euro Icaria Brass Pendant Light (1).

Use artwork to further the theme. A piece like the Anchor Framed Silhouette Wall Art (2) looks good in multiples, just vary the shapes and/or colors.

The finishing touch? An authentic replica of a ship. We love the Penduick Sailboat Model (6), which is based on historical photographs and crafted by artisans using "plank on frame" construction.

Image credit: Kennebunkport Resort Collection

This past weekend, the largest design event in the U.S., returned to the Los Angeles Convention Center and we were lucky enough to attend. The 2014 Dwell on Design event offered continuous content from more than 200 top minds of design, architecture and art.

There were beautifully curated exhibitions by more than 400 exhibitors, along with thousands of products and materials. Put simply, everyone left inspired, including us. We couldn't help but notice the overwhelming amount of mixed materials throughout the event. Turns out, this design trend is our favorite take-away. 

Mixed materials is a great way to provide your space with depth and texture. Rather than a fully upholstered sofa, maybe select one framed in wood, for example. Mixing materials can be as simple or as drastic as you want it to be.

Depending on the style of your home decor you can select the dominant material you want for any given piece, such as brass. Brass works perfectly in a wide range of home styles. It could work in a traditional home, as well as a modern home that maintains a great attention to detail.

1. The Jamie Young side table displays a great contrast in materials with brass and marble, perfect for a modern home.

2. This Arteriors Home round stool mixes multiple materials with the linen, leather AND brass. Perfect for extra seating at parties or a side table for daily use.

3. This brass framed bamboo bench stool, paired with linen upholstery is an elegant combination, perfect for a vanity.

Do you live in a glamorous, regency style home? The mixed materials trend will work for you as well. Mirrored furniture can be taken one step further by incorporating other materials, such as wood or brass.

1. This Wesley wood cabinet is a beautiful mix of wood and mirror mixed in one piece of furniture.

2. For a more elegant look combining wood and mirror, try the distressed white wood chest.

3. Nothing says elegance like a scroll foot! This gold mirror accent table will dress up any home perfectly.

Image: LP Team

There's no better way to create a fun and festive ambiance when the sun sets than with outdoor string lights. These Metal Cage Lantern String Party Lights have a classic industrial look and charming weathered green finish that will bring a nostalgic touch to your summertime soiree.

Designer primarily for outdoor use (but suitable for use indoors too), up to 8 party light strands can be linked to provide twinkling illumination overhead. String them from tree to tree, as shown below; or hang them from the ceiling of a covered porch or patio to create a sparkling, intimate atmosphere.

Party lights lend a festive look to any setting, no matter what the occasion. Lamps Plus offers free shipping on all indoor and outdoor string lights for your next event or gathering.

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.

Every homeowner knows the necessity of lighting both indoors and out, but spending the time and money on high quality statement lighting will not only make you smile each time you flip on the light switch and admire its beauty, but it will also add value to your home.

Lighting is all about form and function, the choices should complement the style of the home and their placement should serve a real purpose. 

Light fixtures on the front porch are the first impression, so look beyond ordinary finds and seek out something special. In covered porches and entries, flanking the front door with outdoor statement sconces adds character by day and illumination by night.

Add contrast to a white or neutral exterior with any of these three dramatic sconces perfect for the entry: 

Hinkley Barrington High Bronze Wall Sconce, Derby High Antique Iron Outdoor Wall Light, Bravada Chestnut Outdoor Wall Sconce 

Covered patios and porches are a favorite place for all to gather in fair weather. Set a table to dine al fresco or include a seating area for lounging on lazy days. Either way, you’ll need lighting for when the sun sets. Suspended outdoor lanterns over table tops or conversation zones let you linger longer.

Add similar drama to your outdoor space with any of these three hanging lanterns below. They're all dramatic yet classic and will complement any transitional outdoor space.

Rockford High Bronze Outdoor Hanging Light, Bellagio Hanging Light, Mossoro Hanging Light

Long porches and breezy cabanas in warm climates need outdoor ceiling fans to circulate air overhead. In lieu of a chandelier, look to stylish sconces to balance the decor. Repeat the same sconces around the space for uniformity and even spots of illumination when the space is in use during evening hours.

Play off the architectural style of the home or the furnishings with your finishes and design of choice. The industrial chrome outdoor wall light is a fantastic choice for homes with a coastal vibe.

Chrome Outdoor Wall Light, Maxim Scottsdale Black Outdoor Wall Light, Steel Crossing Outdoor Wall Sconce

Image credits: Sprague Construction, Area via Houzz, Wayne Windham Architect

Luxe Interiors and Design Magazine’s Modernism Week celebrated the Palm Springs legacy of mid-century modern architecture and jet set American style with the Christopher Kennedy Compound Show House.

Specifically created to raise funds for Modernism Week and other preservation efforts, the remodel respects the property’s architectural pedigree while updating it with the best in modern design.

Lamps Plus was thrilled to play a role in the final product, but providing some key elements throughout the house. We're thrilled to share this show house with you on our You Tube page!

Our Style Illuminated blog is not the only place to find awesome design inspiration and home styling tips..... Check out our sister site, 55 Downing Street which has amazing sales on designer home decor and furnishings. Bonus, they also have an awesome design blog!

Much like this blog, the 55 Downing Street blog provides all the necessary topics when it comes to home design inspiration, such as design tips, tips for living rooms, home office decorating, using color and many more!

They have top bloggers contributing to their content, so you know you're getting information from the top taste-makers!

They post daily, just like us, so you'll never be without your style inspiration....

Enjoy!

The pineapple has long been a symbol of welcome, making it a mainstay in interiors styles and design trends ranging from coastal to cottage to colonial. Now, the spiny tropical treat is also enjoying a decor revival in more contemporary settings.

The fruit's intriguing texture offers modern graphic applications, from a series of white pineapples on Jamie Meares' Flickr to the oversized pineapple artwork seen on Kate the Great. Even a traditional gold pineapple lamp looks fresh when paired with a crisp white setting via Viciously Cyd.

Take advantage of the pineapple's age-old associations with hospitality! For entertaining, a real pineapple hollowed out as a centerpiece (from Sugar and Cloth) takes a DIY route, but wood pineapples on the table (spotted at Refresh Designs) have a similarly inviting effect.

Pineapples in the entryway catch guests immediately when they cross your threshold, so try a few on a stylish console (via Lamps Plus) or go all out with a pineapple wallpaper as seen on House to Home. No matter how you send it, a warm greeting will always feel fresh!

1. A traditional gold pineapple lamp offers a classic feel.

2. Take the pineapple's appeal outdoors with a bronze planter.

3. This eye-catching doormat brings to life the pineapple's status as a symbol of welcome.

4. Serve up pineapple style with a wood cheeseboard.

5. A pineapple wall sconce sets a sophisticated yet laid-back mood. 

6. Enjoy sweet dreams in a bamboo bed frame with pineapple posts.

Image credits: Jamie Meares Flickr, Kate the Great, Viciously Cyd, Sugar and Cloth, Refresh Designs, Lamps Plus, House to Home

Screen porch style is not just about making a porch look pretty but rather having a chic outdoor Summer spot to enjoy that keeps pesky bugs from devouring your flesh on warm Summer nights!

Is there anything worse than wanting to kick back and relax only to end up back in an excessively lit room hoping the anti-itch cream hasn’t expired? The House of Turquoise had some fun and stylish screened porches that capture the essence of Summer relaxation.

The well-designed screened porch will afford you extra square footage and a magical space to entertain. Casual elegance should dominate this design and should combine natural elements as well as comfort. A wonderful jumping off point should be a functional and contemporary ceiling fan. Let’s not forget we are technically outside so my guess is that there isn't any AC!

Cans keep air circulating and cool porches down so you can concentrate on libations not how you will hide embarrassing sweat stains.

Another civilized decor must is lighting. Whether you opt for candles in hurricane lanterns or outdoor table lamps, keeping things lit is always important. If you do decide on candles try to stay away from anything scented.

Natural fibers are also a great design choice for screened in porches. From wicker chairs and tables to woven rugs under foot, nature should take center stage in what is essentially a natural environment.

As much as I like a good wicker chair, my backside prefers to enjoy them with a wee bit of padding so make sure you have cushions and pillows to keep guests from talking about you after they’ve left.

1. The Travis Lantern Candle Holder looks great mounted to posts.

2. Cushion your bum with a Outdoor Accent Pillows.

3. Keep things cool with the Casablanca Ceiling Fan.

4. Get stylish extra seating with the Fork Teal Ottoman.

5. You can’t go wrong with the Rustic Wicker Arm Chair.

6. The Bali Java Solar Table Lamp can weather the weather.

Photo credits: House of Turquoise

We know, you're expecting table decor and recipes. But we decided to share with you how fun patriotism can be for home decor!

This living room is perfectly balanced with the two different sofas and decorative pillows to pull it all together.

The white walls, white coffee table and white table lamp provide a clean backdrop for the blue and red pairing. We just love this space, found on Style at Home.

Here's how to get the look...

Blue Sofa / White Coffee Table / Red Vase / Blue Patterned Pillow / Red Pillow / Sold Blue Pillow / White Sofa

Happy 4th everyone!!

Image credit:Style at Home

We strongly believe that if you raise your kids with style, everyone is better off. Ok, so it might be a silly theory, but at the very least, designing with your kids could make for a fun project together this Summer. Work with them to create the perfect bedroom style.

Here's some great ideas from Houzz, all of which include awesome lighting as the focal point of the room.

This blue and violet idea above is perfect for the girly-girl. And check out the nightstand are actually modern side tables, with cool art above (another project idea for you teenager perhaps?).

Artcraft Claremont White Chandelier

This bedroom below is for someone who likes pink, no doubt. But notice how the coral pink is paired perfect with lots of gray, including the metal ceiling light that adds a lot of style.

There's also another cool element with the layering of area rugs to bring in more color and pattern.

Jonathan Adler Parker Ceiling Light

Girls shouldn't be the only teenagers with a cool room to hang out in with friends or do homework. These gray walls and dark wood finishes definitely belong to a stylish boys room, with just enough bling on the ceiling to set it on-trend.

Pops of color are great, like in the table lamp, book and modern globe.

Possini Euro Orbs Ceiling Light

Have fun with your kids this Summer and get their bedrooms in top shape with stylish lighting.

Image credits: Karen Wolf, Ana Donohue, Holly Bender

We live on a farm in the middle of no where.

Seriously.

As in, go to Tennessee and turn right at the chicken barn, drive two miles past the corn field and at the end of a long winding country road.....

....you will find our house.

Summertime is farm weather. It's the season to introduce new landscaping projects and watch the flowers growing in the cutting garden and pick blueberries and peaches and strawberries and watch the hay being cut in the back field. And this Summer we are planning on a little garden shed decoration.

So if you have plans for Summer and you need another project like this beautiful garden shed from Better Homes and Gardens.....

....here's some garden shed inspiration.

Add Functional Storage

The basic component of any garden shed is storage as in this beautiful vintage black hutch from Lonny Magazine.

You can create a built-in, custom unit from reclaimed wood and re-purposed hardware or you can simply add a storage piece to your existing space.

Next, fill up the storage with stacked gardening supplies such as pretty pots and urns and landscaping tools.

Landscape Ideas

Incorporate your garden shed into your existing landscaping.

Add gravel paths and rows of boxwood like this serene setting from House Beautiful.

Then complete the garden setting by adding armillary or urns or even a pretty garden fountain.

Add Outdoor Seating

A small outdoor seating space near your garden shed is the perfect place for a good book and a glass of sweet tea.

Add a table and pair of outdoor chairs like these Adirondack chairs featured in Better Homes and Gardens.

The faux chandelier topiary is perfect to add a little whimsy to an outdoor space.

Use Reclaimed Materials

This beautiful garden shed from Better Homes and Gardens owes its character and charm to the use of reclaimed materials.

Add a pair of vintage windows, a garden ladder or even yards of old fence rows to your garden shed.

Then, plant a garden outside your vintage door and add a birdbath or pair of urns to make your outdoor setting complete.

A garden shed is the perfect project to add personality to your landscaping.

Whether its rustic or vintage or filled with cottage charm.....let it reflect your style and design aesthetic.....

....and enjoy it with a ice cold glass of lemonade or sweet tea.

Happy summer gardening to you.

Photo credits:Better Homes and Gardens, Lonny Magazine, House Beautiful, Better Homes and Gardens, Better Homes and Gardens

Manhattan model apartments are always inspirational. These days, the prices to buy are totally beyond reach but the look can be achieved if you know what’s hot on the design side of Manhattan real estate developments.CocoCozy featured a fabulous new condo development on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and I fell in love.

Over the past decade New York real estate has been on fire with ultra high-end high rises that all tend to have a similar design aesthetic. So, if we can’t afford to get past the door attendants of some of the more posh addresses, we can at least try to pull a hot copycat look.

The kitchen above captures the calming color palate found in luxury New York abodes... subtle grays, creams and white. Quality light fixtures, specifically bold chandeliers are a fabulous design punch and counterpoint for any soothing, sleek kitchen design.

Let’s not discuss the brick wall I looked at when I lived in New York. Today it’s all about letting in light and capturing “to die for” views.

OK, duplex apartments with sweeping staircases may only be possible for the very rich, but I loved the look of the one above. It’s without question a contemporary design but the look seems to be rooted in Art Deco.

Regardless, I wouldn't say no if somebody offered. Uncluttered lines with a focus on beautiful textures reigns supreme in this home. I also noticed that there is also a desire to keep the rooms clear of clutter, hence the use of modern floor lamps instead of small table lamps.

My takeaway on the modern Manhattan apartment is to keep colors calm, and find design items that are thoroughly contemporary but rooted in classic design with brass and black accents.

1. Keep lighting playful with the White Cypress Pendant Light.

2. The Parkis Gray Linen Button-Tufted Sofa is timeless.

3. The Arteriors Narnia Iron and Gold Leaf Round Cocktail Table captures the essence of New York chic.

4. One must always be soft underfoot... the Uttermost Pembroke Charcoal Wool Area Rug is perfect.

5. Style and function unite with the Hudson Valley Marshall Vintage Brass Adjustable Floor Lamp.

6. The Set of 2 Zuo Stavenger Graphite Accent Chairs is ideal for a luxury breakfast nook.

Photo credits:CocoCozy

Curious about LED lighting, but hesitating to buy because you're unsure about the technology? We’re investigating and helping to clarify the top 5 LED lighting myths.

Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting has evolved quickly over the past decade or two, and is a smart contender in today’s lighting options. Still, there are lingering myths about LEDs. Let’s talk myths and bend the light toward the truth.

Myth I: LEDs Are Expensive

We’ll need to talk lifecycle costs to debunk this myth. Lifecycle costs include the amount you initially pay, plus the maintenance costs.

While the initial amount is higher for an LED light fixture, the lifetime costs are lower. An LED bulb typically lasts 20 years or more, plus they use a fraction of the watts that incandescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs use to produce the same amount of light.

So you save money on replacement bulbs, save time shopping for replacement bulbs, and save money to powering the light.

WAC Roxy 8 1/4" Wide Chrome and Crystal LED Pendant Light

When selecting energy efficient lighting, it’s important to think beyond just initial price point. Life cycle costs help give a good idea of what it will cost upfront, plus life cycle costs. This crystal LED pendant above uses just 3.5 watts.

Myth II: LEDs Are Cold

Not true. LED lighting is available in a large spectrum from warm to cool light. If you are looking for a light that resembles a warm incandescent light, you’ll want to look for something that is about 2500 degrees Kelvin.

If you are looking for a light that’s more like daylight, you’ll need a light that’s above 5000k.

So the higher the color temperature, the closer the light resembles daylight. The lower the color temperature, the warmer it looks.

The LED Light Facts was created by the US Department of Energy to help guide consumers to understanding the technical details of lighting options.

Myth III: LEDs Are Lower Watts

Using wattage is the old method we used to shop for light bulbs. It’s the amount of energy needed to power a bulb. Remember, the used-to-be-standard 60-watt light bulb for many common household lamps?

Now new light bulb technology has changed the way we shop for lighting. It takes fewer watts to achieve the same light output for an LED bulb than an incandescent, since most of the watts are released as heat for an incandescent.

So now we’re shopping for light bulbs based on the output, which is measured in lumens. To get about the same amount of light as a 60-watt incandescent, you’ll want to look for an LED that is rated at about 800 lumens.

13 Watt GU24 Base A19 Dimmable LED Light Bulb

This LED light bulb uses only 13 watts to give a light output of 800 lumens, which is about the same amount of light as a 60-watt incandescent light bulb.

Myth IV: LED Designs Are All Modern

While LED light fixtures have the ability to take on organic and futuristic forms, not all LED light fixtures look out-of-this-world.

There are many lamp manufacturers creating LED lighting options in traditional styles and in finishes that range from metals in dark bronze to wood finishes, like walnut and beech.

Rayna LED Tiffany Style Art Glass Pharmacy Desk Lamp

Style options are increasing everyday as LED lighting becomes more popular. The stigma that LED must look futuristic is so last decade. Check out this Tiffany-style LED desk lamp with a 3000k warm color temperature.

Myth V: LEDs Aren't Dimmable

LEDs can dim, but there’s a catch... Not all LEDs are made to dim. You’ll have to look for a light fixture that specifically states that it dims. And be aware that the dimming technology is still new, so even if an LED can dim, it might not dim to the level you are used to with incandescent bulbs.

Most of us are used to the look of dimmed incandescent light. When an incandescent dims, the light gets an orangey hue to it. When an LED dims, it doesn’t. We’re just used to having the orangey color of a lower light level.

Some LED fixtures also combine the technology of having timers and touch sensors to activate the dimming features.

56" Casa Ecanto™ Oil-Rubbed Bronze LED Ceiling Fan

This 56-inch Casa Ecanto Oil-Rubbed Bronze LED ceiling fan is dimmable with a remote!

So before shopping for a new light fixture, it’s important to decide the kind of light you want to achieve. Then start reading those specs to find the perfect fixture to light your space the way you want. 

Image credits: Viber X LED, Lighting Facts