Our closet is a small space that might just be the most important nook in our home. Why not treat our closets like the jewel boxes they are dying to be?

Let's check out some gorgeous closet designs from Elle Decor and we will talk about translating the look on any scale to make the dressing boudoir the most stylish small space in your home.

Organization and monochromatic style are the major elements to this polished look. Shoes are categorized and stored away in matching fabric boxes from ceiling to floor.

Find a nook in your closet where you can organize your footwear, whether it's on beautiful shelving like this idea above or simply stacked against a wall. And, space permitting, no gorgeous shoe closet is complete without a pop of color using a modern upholstered chair.

For men who want a masculine space to dress should consider color palette and finishes. The gorgeous blue hue of the closet above, matched with leather ottomans and a striped rug, make this space perfectly masculine.  

Apply this look to your closet space by simplifying the decor, adding edginess and utilizing a masculine color palette for the built-in storage and walls.

This modern, graphic closet is perfect if you share a space with your mate since it's gender neutral and oh, so cool.

In your space, repainting door and drawer faces can make all the difference by adding a graphic pop. Chevron window panels and a stylish ceiling light finish off this gorgeous look.

While most of us don't have the same amount of space as this stunning girly girls closet above, translating the look is easier than you think. Mix patterns and colors, new and old, and let your eclectic side shine. Paint or add wallpaper to your walls, find a vintage accent rug that fits your closet space to brighten up your floors and hang a stylish crystal light fixture to add sparkle and pop.

No matter what size your closet is, you can apply these design updates to make your favorite small space shine with personality.  How will you do it?

Image ciredits:Elle Decor

Colorful kids playrooms make for a creative space for young ones to let their imaginations run wild. Whether you carve out a portion of their bedrooms, convert a basement or use part of a family room, playrooms can become a place of wonder.

Lonny Magazine posted inspiring and colorful playrooms that captured the essence of what it is to be a child. These juvenile boardroom designs are super cute and have several things in common...color, shape and texture.

Bright and whimsical colors are key to kids playrooms. Not only do they grab a child’s attention but you can use the colors to help teach them new words and the joy of art.

You can infuse a space with color using paint, graphic book design and basic toys... No need to have expensive murals painted to achieve this look! Selecting the right color of bedside lamps can also create wonder.

For some DIY ideas... How simple would it be to hot glue colorful pom pom fringe to a plain lamp shade or apply stickers to a lamp base to jazz things up? The possibilities are endless.

Interesting shapes that challenge young minds can come in the form of functional chairs and poofs, patterned wallpaper and even mini chandeliers that hang form the ceiling like a mobiles. Colorful rugs that are cut in unique shapes can also add interest.

Regardless how you choose to decorate a child’s playroom, remember not to make it too precious. Over time paint, crayons and toys will bang up a space pretty fast, so durability and a good sense of humor...meaning yours...is key.

Here's some fun kids decor ideas from Lamps Plus:

1. The Alien Invasion Children's Table Lamp makes me smile.

2. Create extra storage and seating with the Avril Colorful Floral Storage Bench.

3. Whimsical lighting is personified with the Ekko Reader Hot Pink Spotlight Floor Lamp.

4. Offer kids hours of artistic fun with the Paul Frank Play Table Set.

5. Create an amusement park feel with the Zuo Phante Red Kids Chair.

Photo credits: Lonny

I bought a ramshackle, run down, decrepit old house and renovated it from top to bottom.

My top priority was great lighting so I made sure that every room had high end lighting fixtures (some even two or three)!

I squirreled away my favorite finds in the basement of our rental house in anticipation of the day they could be installed!

Two demijohn pendants add drama to my white kitchen above.

Capiz shells cast a warm glow in the center of my living room.

Two glassless lanterns mix traditional and modern style in my dining room.

Here are some other high end lighting fixtures that I’m coveting.

1) The open wire work on this Quoizel Pendant Chandelier feels cool and airy.

2) Swaying capiz shells add drama and movement to the Dolce Capiz Shell Island Light.

3) Lanterns marry traditional and modern, like this Currey and Company Lantern Chandelier.

4) Fifty two vintage glass bottles would add an eclectic touch to a dining room with this Arteriors Stedman Glass Chandelier.

5) Mercury glass reflects candlelight, making this Currey and Company Small Pendant Light perfect for a dining room.

6) The shape of this Arteriors Chandelier is traditional, but the rope feature is anything but.

7) The gold discs on this Arteriors Three Light Chandelier add instant glam to any space.

Have fun adding some drama to your home with a statement chandelier!

Image credits: 2 Michaels Design (top image), Eclectically Vintage 

Looking for a creative way to illuminate the bedroom? If you don't want to use the traditional bedside lighting, then try the same style of lighting that works hard all day at your desk!

Long, flexible construction allows you to direct a spotlight onto that novel you're reading, and a wide range of silhouettes and materials suit any interior.

Remodelista demonstrates what an impact a matched pair of task lighting can be by the bed, while a subtle grey hue plays down the the oversized scale of an architect's lamp on My Paradissi.

Meanwhile, Cassandra Ellis' black task lamp contrasts with the soft sensibility of a vintage-inspired bedroom, and a brushed nickel finish nicely accents the grey paint spotted on The Style Files.

Finally, you can't go wrong with a clean, classic white lamp as part of a modern rustic mix like this one from Klikk.

Whatever bedside table lamp you choose, select a bulb with a lower wattage to cast a soft, sleep-inducing glow.  

1. The raw industrial vibe of this bronze task lamp makes it perfect for urban and rustic settings alike.

2. Complement a modern interior with the strong lines of an architect's lamp.

3. A traditional bedroom is the perfect home for this handsome black and brass table lamp.

4. You can't go wrong with the simple sophistication of a pharmacy table lamp in polished nickel.

5. A gooseneck lamp with a space-aged shape in white sets a retro mood.

Sweet dreams!

Image credits: Remodelista, My Paradissi, Cassandra Ellis, The Style Files, Klikk

What’s timeless when it comes to any seasonal style? Black and white decor is always a safe bet. I think there is nothing more chic than time-honored black and white awnings on a house or hotel terrace.

That crisp design choice can be applied to a wide range of home-related decor if awnings are not an option. Something as simple as black and white beach towels can add elegance to the most mundane lounger...so, what are you waiting for?

Black and white soft furnishings in bedding, decorative pillows and curtains are an easy way to infuse any home with a decorative punch.

This strong color combination will never look dated and tends to work with most other colors. I happen to like the simplicity of this combination but including hot pinks and yellow in the mix can really amp up the wow factor.

While cushions, towels and pillows are a simple way to start, the more adventurous homeowners may opt for a more permanent commitment to this color combo.

Striped wallpaper as well as black and white Crystal chandeliers can create the visual affect designers would try to persuade you to adopt if you were in that league. Regardless of how far you take black and white decor, to me, it embodies the brightness of summer.

1. The Robert Abbey Axis Blackened Nickel Wall Sconce is subtle but stylish.

2. Crisp and modern describes the Thumprints Saturn Zinc Cast Glossy White Table Lamp.

3. The Black Parallels on White Giclee Pendant Chandelier is an elegant but not stuffy way to brighten an island or dining space with a chandelier.

4. A pair of Circle on Black Cotton Throw Pillows on a white chair or sofa? Done.

5. This Horizontal Stripe Black and White Armless Accent Chair would look amazing in a covered outdoor space.

6. Poolside or on a terrace, the Chohan Black and White Mosaic Accent Table is the perfect resting place for an ice cold summer drink.

Photo credits: A Perfect Gray

Well, I said making a statement, didn't I?? This image above from Evan Sharp is taking floor lamp design to new heights, if you will...

Now, down to business. Floor lamps are a fantastic way to make a bold statement in a room. Instead of relying on overhead and table lamps, making a statement with sensational floor lamps can bring the design of your space to another level.  And with a plethora of design styles, there are chic floor lamps options for all tastes.

The tripod floor lamp has been around for a while, and has yet to go out of fashion. The top Image from Oliver Yaphe reflects how versatile yet modern a Cherry Finish Wood Surveyor Tripod Floor Lamp can be, making a bold statement.

The DIY craze will always embrace the industrial floor lamp because it's so easy to D-I-Y. Amber Interiors demonstrate how this look can be achieved with weathered piping and an oversized light bulb. If you want to go retro with the look, the Rico Espinet Candela Circle Patina Bronze Floor Lamp mixes industrial with vanity bulbs for the perfect accent.

Ever since the resurgence of midcentury style with the vast popularity of Mad Men, arc lamps have been all the rage. The clean minimal lines of the George Kovacs Dorian Bronze Arc Floor Lamp look great over a seating area, a kitchen table or even a quiet workspace vignette like the bottom image from Design Home.

Image creidts:Evan Sharp, Oliver Yaphe, Amber Interiors, Design Home

There’s nothing I love more than jumping in the car or boarding a plane and heading somewhere new. Whether it’s an exotic tropical island, a European city or a road trip, there’s nothing better than the unexpected.

For those of us with no getaways on the horizon, we can create our own staycation right at home. Especially if your place looks as welcoming as this home from Better Homes & Gardens.

Fresh Flower Decor

Plucked from your garden or purchased from the grocery store, a few colorful stems in a colorful vase can instantly liven up your space.

Backyard Escape

Turn a neglected corner of your yard into a garden retreat with outdoor style. Try a few climbing vines, pots overflowing with color, a couple of Adirondack chairs, a good book and a cold drink.

Cocktail Hour Style

Stock a bar cart, like this one from A Beautiful Mess, with your favorites and go the extra mile with fresh fruit juices and herbs straight from your garden. Pour cocktails into vintage stemware for added flair.

Outdoor Movie Entertainment

Take a cue from this image from Prairie Hive... Rent a projector, string a drop cloth from a clothesline, set out comfy blankets and throw pillows then mix a signature cocktail, pop some popcorn and your yard will be transported into a retro movie theater.

Re-imagine your home and create little indulgences that will have you counting down the days until your next staycation.

Image credits: Better Homes and Gardens, Bucket of Burlap, Eclectically Vintage, A Beautiful Mess, Prairie Hive

When I'm looking for an easy way to update a bedroom....

....I always start with unique headboard ideas.

Changing or re-purposing a headboard is one of the simplest yet most dramatic changes you can make to transform a room.

Start with something as simple and utilitarian as these vintage doors featured in Country Living via Apartment Therapy.

The color and patina of the wood brings an element of vintage style to the bedroom when combined with grain sack pillows and fresh linens.

Need more inspiration?

Here's four more unique headboard ideas.

Wood Headboard DIY

Here's a unique headboard Idea from Better Homes and Gardens created from paint sticks.

Simply form squares from the paint sticks, then attach each square to a plywood sheet. Add a frame and you're done.

This geometric design adds simplicity and a graphic element to any space.

Padded Headboard DIY

Wrap a plywood board with batting and cut a drop cloth to fit it, like this simple headboard from Better Homes and Gardens.

Next, staple the drop cloth onto the headboard and then tape off stripes with painter's tape.

Then, using the painter's tape as a guide....paint the red stripes with fabric medium and acrylic paint to create the look of grain cloth at a fraction of the price.

Repurpose and Reuse

Create a headboard wall with reclaimed wood like this rustic charmer featured in Remodelista.

Attach 1" x 8" boards to the wall for a unique headboard idea.

You can also add a built-in side table and bookshelf for storage and versatility.

Create Your Own Canvas

Here's a fun and easy and idea for a headboard from Better Homes and Gardens.

Sketch a headboard on two large canvases with a sharpie or black paint pen. Next paint two large frames in a vibrant color and use to frame the canvases and hang on the wall for a one-of-a-kind addition to any room.

Creating your own headboard is a fun and easy way to add a dramatic flair to a space, but if DIY isn't your thing you might want to consider two of my favorite headboard options for your next bedroom make-over.

I love this tufted linen headboard with its classic lines and vintage look.

This is farmhouse style with a modern flair. I would pair this with crisp white linens and distressed white side tables.

Abigail Tan Linen Panel Headboard

You know how much I love the industrial farmhouse look above and this headboard fits the bill.

From the linen panel to the nailhead trim, this piece is one of my favorites.

I would pair this with grain sack pillows and wood side tables with stained pattern tops.

So whether you diy your own or select an affordable pre-made option.....

.....adding a new headboard is a simple and easy way to transform your space.

Sweet dreams.

Photo credits:Apartment Therapy, Better Homes and Gardens, Better Homes and Gardens, Remodelista, Better Homes and Gardens

The Summer will be coming to a close soon and the back to school season is the best time to start thinking about illuminating your home for school work and general productivity in your home office.

Floor lamps are ideal for college dorm rooms, reading nooks and study areas because they take up little room but offer an array of illumination options. Whether you have kids getting ready for school or you just want to be more productive in your reading and lounging areas, look at these helpful lighting tips.

Lighting your production spaces of your home

Whether you’re a college student needing to light up your dorm room with light or you are parents trying to illuminate your kids’ desk study areas, choosing the right floor reading lamps shouldn't be a challenge.

You'll need to decide if it will be used next to a bed, sofa, desk or lounging chair. This will help you determine the height that suits your needs. Many task floor lamps have adjustable columns to extend and collapse to a wide range of heights.

If you need to use this same floor lamp for ambient lighting for the entire room, consider using 3-way light bulbs that give you more flexibility in wattage outputs. 

Clark Double Gooseneck Dark Bronze Floor Lamp

Reading lamps are often some of the most neglected lighting fixtures in your home. Many homeowners use a table lamp or a makeshift light that doesn't illuminate the reading area well enough.

The double goose neck floor lamp above is ideal for contemporary homes that need illumination between multiple chairs, sofas or even bedside. The dark bronze finish is perfect for your mid-century or modern home and features adjustable gooseneck arms for custom lighting needs. With its 4-position switch located on the column, it can be accessed while sitting or standing.

Choose floor lamps that reflect your decorative style

Once you have considered the function and where your floor lamp will be used, consider the decorative style that fits your room. Kids’ rooms may have a color or adolescent character theme you’d like the lamps to adhere to. While teenager’s rooms, home offices and reading nooks may opt for more sophisticated and refined metal finishes and contemporary shades. You will be surprised how many styles of floor lamps are available, from film director light reproductions to industrial throwbacks; there is a style for every taste.

This back to school season, ensure your home is ready for longer study hours, reading more books, and lounging and enjoying your favorite magazine. Just because school is starting back in session doesn’t mean your home has to reflect the chaos! Instead use these lighting tips to fit your busy family’s needs and enjoy the productive season.

Image credits: Rivoli Interior Design, Ondine Karady Design, Optimise Design

Shop smarter for a new LED desk lamp by cutting through the tech talk, and looking at these six important tips that will make-or-break your relationship with your desk lamp.

Wait... Relationship with your desk lamp? Yes, an LED reading lamps could be part of your desk-scape for 20 years or more. With decades of commitment ahead, it’s important to know what you are looking for from a lamp, and if the lamp has those features to offer you.

So, whether it’s time to gear-up for back-to-school with new dorm décor or increase the quality of light at your workspace, here are some basics of buying an LED desk lamp, along with a couple pretty inspiration images from Houzz.

Light Quality

The reason why a desk lamp is categorized as a ‘desk lamp’ is because it's a good source of direct task lighting on an elevated surface. Most tasks require quality light output to help us excel at our work, from crafting and sewing to typing and writing. So here are two acronyms to look for: CCT and CRI.

CCT tells us the color temperature. It’s expressed in degrees Kelvin. Below 3000K, the color of light is considered warm. Above about 5000K, the color is described as cool, becoming more blue as the numbers increase.

CRI is the color rendering index, which measures color accuracy and is on a scale from 0 to 100. Lighting with scores closest to 100 are better at reproducing colors in reference to an ideal source, like the sun. It means that the color looks like you would expect on a clear, sunny day.

The Kryss Beaded Crystal Shade LED Desk Lamp has a CRI of 80 and a color temperature of 5000K, meaning its light is clear and cool like a clear sunny day.

The Koncept Gen 3 Equo Warm Light LED Orange Desk Lamp has a color temperature of 3200 to 3700K and a CRI of 85, which means that it's a warmer light with a bit more accurate color rendering. This desk lamp also has the bonus feature of earning LEED credits.

Dimmabilty

Although light quality may be the most important feature when considering a new lamp, when it’s Monday morning and I’m not quite ready for the workday,I like to use my desk lamp on a dimmer setting. Not all LED desk lamps can dim, so make sure to look for this spec in the description. Usually LED desk lamps dim by a touch sensor. 

The Cerno Silva Black Walnut and Beech LED Table Lamp is fully dimmable without any of the flicker that you may have experienced with dimming fluorescent lighting.

Lumens

LED desk lamps require less power (wattage) than incandescent desk lamps to create the same amount of light, so the wattage number will be lower for an LED desk lamp than an incandescent lamp that creates the same amount of light. The light output, called lumens, is the important number to look for in a lamp description.

The more lumens, the more light output. 

The Theo Industrial Dark Bronze LED Desk Lamp has the traditional spring feature as the first desk lamp created in the 1930s by George Carwadine, but is way more efficient. Its 3-watt LED has a comparable output to the 35-watt incandescent at 320 lumens.

Size

Size can matter when it comes to a desk lamp. The base size, length of the extension arm and light area can vary widely. And so do the work surfaces where we place our desk lamps.

When you are looking at LED desk lamps, keep in mind the amount of space you have for a lamp, the amount of extension you need, where your sightline may fall (if it’s not adjustable) and whether you want the light to be focused or spread out over a larger area. 

The Vusion2 Silver 6-LED Magnifying Craft Light has a magnifying light, which can be a helpful feature for making tiny crafts. But you’ll need to make sure you have the space for it.

Adjustability

No matter the artistic interpretation, pretty much all desk lamps have the same arc shape, but that doesn’t mean that all are adjustable.

Whether you're looking for a desk lamp that will be in a fixed position, or hoping to be able to use it in several positions, there is an LED lamp made for you. 

If you're looking for extreme adjustability or just an eyebrow-raising lamp, the Cameron Chrome LED Desk Lamp might be for you. It has two heads that are each adjustable in at least five different positions.

This sleek LED desk lamp may not adjust, but the Element Arc Touch LED Accent Desk Lamp turns on-and-off by touching anywhere on the base!

Style

While all of the above is important, if the lamp doesn’t fit your style, it probably isn’t going in your shopping bag.

So, while the practical side of me says to search for the other five features first, I know me. I shop style and see what has the best features to fit my needs. There are LED desk lamps that range from traditional to whimsical, and in materials from metals to wood.

The Maximize Your Potential LED Desk Lamp might be my favorite LED desk lamp design. It features a metal man pushing a spotlight on wheels.

If you haven’t shopped for an LED desk lamp in a while, go ahead. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the options available.

Image credits: Houzz

If you have been craving a change lately in your bedroom but don't quite know where to start, lighting may just be the perfect place. Good lighting is something small and simple that can make a serious impact on the overall design and look of your bedroom.

The below images from Architecture Art Design will hopefully inspire you to try something fresh and new with your own lighting, such as a new bedroom lamp.

This ultra chic, black and white bedroom goes to show just how amazing bedroom wall lamps can reinvent the style of any bedroom. Mounting large, industrial swing arm bedroom wall lamps saves space on your nightstand while a painted faux headboard with air plants is the perfect illusion to add depth and texture.

This small bedroom packs a big punch with mixed patterns and styles that all work perfectly together. These structural nightstand table lamps bring a harder edge to the delicate glass nightstands, while the minimal and modern ceiling pendant draws your eye up without weighing down the room.

If you are a lover of everything creamy and dreamy and neutral, this stylish bedroom is for you. The mixture and layering of textures is what makes this monochromatic bedroom palette so successful, from the knotty throw to the glittering accent pillows to the rugged oversized nightstand lamps.

Bold pops of red and graphic patterns make this smaller bedroom feel larger than life. Hardwired, industrial wall lamps save space and add dimension to a smaller room, leaving your nightstands with room for the essentials.

How will you update your bedroom lighting?

Image credits:Architecture Art Design

So your teen is off to college in just a few short weeks! No doubt you're assembling all the things he or she will need for his or her residency in the dorms: bedding, toiletries, study supplies, they are all necessities but your freshman will also need quality lighting fixtures, those that are permanent enough to feel like home for that nine month period but temporary enough to easily move on once spring semester is over.

Plug in lighting is a must as hard wiring is not an option. For teens in dorms there are three kinds of lighting that will maximize their ability to study past sunset and also allow for both style and function. A stylish plug in pendant that can be plugged into a wall and suspended with a hook over a bed or desk provides ambient lighting for late night reading or studying. 

Girls will love the glamour of the Kaia Frosted Beads Plug in Swag Pendant or the botanical beauty of the Floral Fun Giclee Swag Chandelier. The dudes can add a masculine touch to their dorm with a modern Chain Link Plug In Chandelier or a Chestnut Swag Plug In Chandelier.



Students who study into the night and prep for upcoming exams need a quality desk lamp to analyze and memorize hypothesis and facts. A memo board in addition to a task lamp keeps mementos nearby and reminders in plain view.

The Mighty Bright LED Steel Desk Light adds color and function to a desktop, while the Gooseneck Brushed Nickel Desk Lamp is a subtle and sleek alternative for long nights spent absorbing new subjects.

The Perch Gloss Orange Desk Lamp injects vivid color to a dorm desktop and the flexible Z Bar LED Desk Lamp, in multiple finishes, adjusts for illumination around books and study materials.

Late night study groups are common in dorm rooms, your teen can set the mood with whimsical or colorful plug in lighting for those long chat and study sessions.

Lantern String Party Lights set the scene! A girl's dorm gets a botanical feminine touch by adding Lotus Flower String Lights; spark a Star Wars conversation with R2D2 String Lights.

Your teen's dorm room outlets allow them to install temporary fixtures to meet their lighting needs. With unique plug in options, they're free to express their personality!

Image credits: Lamps Plus, The Happy Home Blog, The Glitter Guide

There's nothing better in the Summer months than to sit under a ceiling fan and cool down from the day's activities.... Are we right? However, many people don't like the look of ceiling fans.

We have a perfect solution for those of you who crave that cool breeze overhead, but don't want a heavy-looking fan as part of your ceiling design. Try a white ceiling fan! They blend seamlessly into any room design, like in this living room above designed by Catalyst Architects.

Living rooms, bedrooms and kids room all need a method of cooling down in warm weather without having to blast the air conditioner and waste energy. White ceiling fans can help accomplish this without distracting from the pretty design.

For example, this bedroom design by Laura Hay does a wonderful job of maintaining the clean white aesthetic all the way up to the ceiling.

Especially in a room with lots of stylish distractions, like the wallpaper paired with toys in this kids room designed by Heather Merenda, white ceiling fans are the perfect addition to provide a cool element.

Image credits: Catalyst Architects, Laura Hay Decor & Design, Heather Merenda

Fancy crystal is back in vogue. The allure of crystal lighting has been fashionable since the 17th century and goes in and out of style with the general public, except for old, patrician families that never seem to redecorate.

Thankfully, the sexy sparkle of crystal lighting is hot and can be introduced as a divine lighting source in every room, nook and cranny. 

Murray Feiss Gianna Scuro Bronze Chandelier

The most obvious choice in crystal lighting is the classic chandelier. Crystal chandeliers are usually the main light source in the dining room, however, these quality light fixtures are starting to make themselves better-known in the living room and bedroom as well.

Crystal creates a sense of romance along with sparkling light, so bedrooms can be the ultimate chandelier location. While romantic in nature, crystal need not appear fussy or too granny. Keeping the walls white and introduce a crisp window treatment like the simple roman shades above will keep the room modern yet still traditional.

Murray Feiss Dutchess Silver Wall Sconce

Crystal sconces are another way to add sparkle to most rooms. I love when sconces flank a fireplace and a mirror in the bathroom. Sconces are a wonderful way to go a touch traditional without full commitment.

Like chandeliers, crystal sconces can compliment modern furnishings, like the modern leather daybed in the lower right image.

3. Crystorama Chloe Brass Ceiling Light Fixture 4. John Richard French Girandole Tall Crystal Table Lamp

Crystal lighting is also fabulous in close to ceiling fixtures that look great in halls, bathrooms and closets.

This is a great option if you have lower ceilings and still want the look of crystal. I bet you never thought crystal could look amazing on designer lamps? Live in a rental and can’t install mounted fixtures? The romantic crystal light can be found in tabletop lamps and thus offer the same amount of glamour in a portable form. 

Photos: The Zhush, Style at Home.

Besides the kitchen, the bathroom should feature the most functional design of your home. This means having wall mirrors yes, but for the ladies out there, make up mirrors are a wonderful addition to the morning routine. 

Wall mounted make up mirrors are the most efficient when it comes to counter space, but there's lots of styles out there depending on your needs.

Cordless LED Lighted Pivoting 7" Wide Vanity Mirror 

If you have plenty of counter space, this cordless lighted make up mirror would work just fine for those little details that help every woman feel prettier. The clean metal finish won't detract from stylish design, like in the bathroom above from Mark Williams Design.

Polished Nickel 9" Wide LED Hardwire Vanity Mirror

The wall mounted style is great when you don't have as much counter space, or you have a lack of seating. This bathroom above from Dyna Contracting, features all the lighting and mirrors you could ever want in a bathroom. Very functional, yet really stylish.

If you like larger wall mirrors when you're getting ready for the day, but lack the detailed lighting, then try a make up mirror like this one above. Bathroom design from Tanya Schoenroth.

Destiny 25 3/4" Square 2-Light Vanity Mirror

Whichever your style or your needs, there's a mirror out there for you to help you start and end your day right.

Image credits: Tanya Schoenroth, Dyna Contracting, Mark Williams Design

When you think of interior design services, you probably think about someone coming to your home and paying them a lot of money to help you style your home. Although this is true in most cases, it's not the only way to get design help for your home.

We have a great design resource for you on our website called "Shop by Trend" where we provide different rooms in different styles and then provide a product selection so you can achieve the same look.

And as you already know, we also have a design blog, Style Illuminated which is essentially free interior decorating services at your fingertips.

So take your pick, we've got all the design tips and advice you'll ever need!

So, if you're looking for design help, but lack the budget to pay expensive interior designer's fees, then stop by our design blog and trend shopping page.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Images: Lamps Plus

You’ve got the basics in place... Comfy sofa, big screen TV, table to rest your cocktail and hold the remote, but somehow the space feels cold and incomplete.

Learn the art of layering - mixing your own unique combination of objects - and you will instantly add seemingly effortless style to your home.

Balance

Strive for a pleasing balance, not perfect symmetry. Vary heights, textures, sizes. A few well chosen home textiles and accessories like the ones on this bedside table add depth and interest.

Group Similar Things

Display favorite collections together for maximum impact. Mix it up by using props like books to add height and interest.

Bling

A little shine from a wall mirror, mini pendant or something metallic helps keep things looking light and airy.

Unexpected

Unusual or one of a kind pieces will stand out and add interest. This collection of guitars adds personality, texture and drama.

Plants

Plants add interest to any style and help break up hard edges of furniture filled rooms.

Remember to build layers within your rooms for comfort and style.

Most of us have home offices but rarely think of having a stylish desk lamp. My guess is that it probably came from a big box store or is a leftover from college.

If you think about the sheer number of hours you spend at a desk, why wouldn’t you invest in a functional and beautiful desk lamp? Depending upon the size and style of your desk and office, you should give serious consideration to illuminating your work space.

1. Black and Chrome Piano Desk Lamp 2. Architect Style Black Finish Adjustable Halogen Desk Lamp

Two of the more classic desk lights are the timeless piano lamp and adjustable table lamp. What’s so great about these lamps are their functionality and brilliant task lighting capabilities. Whether you go for them in a black finish or polished chrome, the look will never go out of style.

3. Arteriors Home Dru Geometric Sphere Modern Table Lamp 4. Conrad Modern Wood Table Lamp

High style designer lamps can also look great on desks. If your work load is a tad lighter at home, you may wish to focus more on flair than function.

You can really make an office “decorator done” if you coordinate the lighting to your design scheme. Here are two wonderful examples of a more mid century look below and a sophisticated urban scheme above.

5. Square Base Solid Brass Piano Lamp in Satin Nickel 6. Robert Abbey Kinetic Antique Brass Pharmacy Desk Lamp

Some desk lighting, like the one above, have a retro deco feel that reminds me of a classic 1930's movie, while other offices would rather not sacrifice surface space and opt for a floor lamp that can function just as well as a table top version provided you have an appropriate light bulb.

Regardless of your home office needs, make sure your lighting is stylish and bright... A perfect recipe for staying focused on the task at hand.

Photo credits: Lonny

If you're looking to transform a lackluster kitchen but don't want to undertake a full renovation, installing new kitchen lighting is a quick way to give an unimaginative space a fresh new personality.

For example, as this scene from Apartment Therapy demonstrates, an exposed bulb pendant can lend basic cupboards and countertops an industrial vibe. Some great options for getting this look include:

1. A bronze pendant with an iron framework has a hand wrought vibe.

2. This seeded glass pendant brings a vintage sensibility to the kitchen. 

3. Inject harmony with a pleasing rounded glass pendant that echoes the curve of its bulb.

4. The chain suspension of this glass mini pendant adds a layer of visual interest.

If you want to create a more modern look, Dustjacket Attic demonstrates how impactful mini pendant lights for the kitchen can be. Here are some of my favorite picks:

1. A contemporary pendant gets a touch of warmth from its hammered copper lining.

2. Add drama to your kitchen with the sultry silhouette of this metal pendant.

3. Try a black pendant with brass trim for an extra luxe presence.

4. An elegant and versatile bell shaped pendant suits nearly any space.

Finally, lighten and brighten a drab kitchen with a coastal bohemian vibe like that on Camille Styles. Give these textured pendants a try:

1. A rustic shade contrasts with the silver finial of this burlap pendant.

2. This mini pendant is made from woven twine for an unusual, eye-catching effect.

3. Bring the beach into the kitchen with a rattan light fixture.

4. Tailored trim gives this wicker pendant a finished look.

Whatever your kitchen style, new lighting makes it easy to get a completely different look!

Image credits: Apartment Therapy, Dustjacket Attic, Camille Styles

Bathroom vanity lighting is key to a well-designed bathroom. The House of Turquoise blog had some great images of bathrooms with semi-custom lighting that is approachable and easy to emulate.

The great thing about vanity light bar lighting is that it’s easy to update and increase your bathroom lighting with little effort. Swapping out a single-bulb light above your sink to a light bar with multiple lights will visually expand the size of your loo and ensure you never miss an inch when it comes to grooming needs.

Traditional style bathrooms look great with replacement vanity lights. Today’s designs can keep a consistent, authentic look while offering modern functionality and proper illumination.

Don’t forget to be mindful of how new lights will affect and reflect on your mirrors. Whether you have round or rectangular mirrors, gauging size and light coverage is important, especially if your mirrors open!

Light bars can also function as sconces provided you have the space, as they have done in the bottom left image.

I love the double shade light. The three-light light bar seems to be one of the more popular over-the-sink model as it acts as both an overhead light and sconce in one. The beauty is that it only requires one outlet making install a much easier proposition.

1. The George Kovacs Cubism Chrome LED Bath Light has a decidedly Art Deco flair.

2. The no-fail transitional look can be achieved with the Hendrik Nickel Bathroom Light Fixture.

3. Modern bathrooms will surely benefit from the clean lines in the George Kovacs Chrome ADA Bathroom Light.

4. Try the Downtown Edison Brushed Nickel Bathroom Light for country style and modern farmhouse bathrooms.

Photo credits: The House of Turquoise