In my household, the summer months are always spent maintaining a precarious balance between keeping the house cool and keeping the cooling bill low. I’m willing to consider just about any option to make it work, too. But recently I spent some time in a home with ceiling fans in almost every room – a […]
03
May
May
One of my personal favorite design trends, and one that I’m pleased to be seeing more of, is the use of reclaimed materials and spaces. From furniture made of salvaged wood or metal parts to whole lofts made in converted warehouse spaces, I love a look that’s aesthetically old, textured, and rugged. I love old […]
Decorating Ideas and Tips, Kitchen, Lighting
Stylish Contemporary Pendant Lights To Light Up Your Kitchen Table
22
Feb
Feb
Traditionally, dining areas are full of big, beautiful lighting fixtures – dining rooms often include a chandelier centered over the table, and even breakfast nooks or big standalone tables often have their own dedicated lighting fixtures. But if you happen to have a kitchen that’s on the smaller side (or a ceiling that’s on the […]
Bathroom, Bathroom Lighting, Decorating Ideas and Tips, Lighting
Bathroom Lighting: Balancing Form And Function
19
Feb
Feb
I think having lots of light is great in any room – there’s nothing quite so inviting and welcoming as a brightly lit space. But having adequate lighting is even more important in the bathroom. After all, our morning grooming time is probably the most time any of us spend looking at ourselves, so it’s […]
Decorating Ideas and Tips, Lighting
Choosing The Right Table Lamp (Including A Lamp Shade That Looks Good)
18
Feb
Feb
I love light – natural and artificial, bright light, low light, mood light, accent light – whatever. In fact, the only thing I like better than a well lit room is one that’s lit well with lighting fixtures that look good, too. With a trend toward built in (especially recessed) lighting, living spaces are getting […]
30
Dec
Dec
Any real estate agent or contractor will tell you: if you can manage to sneak built-in lighting into any (and every!) room in your home, you should. Being able to flip a switch and get all-over, over-head lighting gives any space an immediate visual appeal that can easily translate into a fast sale or even […]
18
Jul
Jul
“Chandelier” has come to mean a lot of things over the years. As the needs of homeowners change, they’ve become smaller, more contemporary, and taken on a lot of different designs. But sometimes a chandelier should just be a chandelier – big, beautiful, draped with crystals and in true royal form. If you have a […]
15
Jul
Jul
Chandeliers are typically associated with antique styles and old world design. You know the kind – big, imposing, crystal-laden chandeliers made to dominate large parlors or grand staircases and are more about look than lighting. But if your living space is a little more modern, never fear. Modern chandeliers are increasingly available, and are simpler, […]
11
Jul
Jul
When you hear the word “chandelier,” you probably think of a huge fixture dripping crystals, with lots of little flame shaped lights – something you’d find in a ballroom or a fancy hotel. But not all chandeliers are quite so formal. In fact, I personally think that casual, rustic chandeliers are highly underrated. While formal […]
29
Apr
Apr
With kitchens trending larger and larger and the move toward more open floor plans, the kitchen is increasingly becoming the center of the home. Large kitchen islands, rather than separate dining areas, allow you to entertain while you cook and clean, enabling your chef to be part of the party… and for the party to […]