Category Archives: lighting

03.15.12

Chartreuse and Gray.

Lately I am seeing more of this color combo popping up.  In moderation, I really like it.   Here are some of my favorite spaces in this palette.
Here’s how to get the look.  While some of these are higher end items, never rule out some of my favorite design tools: HomeGoods, Spray paint and a whole lot of creativity!
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03.07.12

My Living Room Lamps.

As many of you saw in my Living Room Project mood board, I was planning for something like these Westwood Gold Lamps for my new Rast end tables.  
But at $318 each, I think Mike would have a seizure. So, here’s how I got the look for MUCH less.  Remember these cable knit lamps from HomeGoods?
Well, obviously, I spray painted them. 
 I had to stray from my go-to which is Krylon’s Gold to Rustolium’s Brass to match the gold foil on the new shades I ordered.
As you can see these new black shades were bigger than the old navy ones
so I had to buy new harps too.  The old shades were two inches shorter than the new, so I increased the harp size from 8″ to 10″.
and voila!  I put them back together and couldn’t be happier with the final result.  And at $170 for both lamps versus the $636 that I would have paid for the Westwood lamps, I think Mike couldn’t be happier either!

03.05.12

Target: Hits the Spot.

I know, I know, Target is nothing new, but honestly I had fallen out of love with  the Tar-zhay that had always been a mecca for me.  Well, last week my love was rekindled.  Not only was it filled with a ton of gorgeous home goods and baubles, but I found so much design inspiration.  (Check out the colorway in these adorable gift bags!)
Knock off “lacquer” boxes.

Foo Dogs anyone?

Love this.  

Gold chevron storage boxes.

Great baskets!

Loving these snakeskin boxes.

Some gold paint and these would be stunners!

Pretty.

This would make a great end table.

Beautiful color.

J’adore this serving tray.

Corals and navy…  the wheels in my head are going a mile a minute.

Lastly, I couldn’t resist two of these for my best girls.

02.23.12

Home Goods Homerun.

I was feeling a little down on HomeGoods after the holidays as the place seemed cleaned out.  But I had a few projects which warranted a visit, and I am happy to report that they have restocked and my local store is chock full of great buys.
Beautiful Suzanis.
LOVE this purple rug.
 How great would this be in a little girl’s room?
I would love to paint this.
How great would these look reupholstered?
Moroccan tables galore.
This would look fabulous painted a bright color.
I am a sucker for apothecaries.
Gorg!
$500 is a little steep to pay for a chair that I’d turn around and reupholster, but I’ve got my eye on this baby for a markdown.
Great side table.
I am in love with these pink velvet benches.
Two of these in an office?  Yes, please.
Lotus flower chandy.  Looks a lot like this baby.
Pair of Ikat chairs.
Couldn’t resist this lamp at $18.00. This DEFINITELY needs a make-over, but it’s got good bones.
I came looking for two lamps that would be perfect candidates for our living room.  Tune in next week for their new look.
I bought this lamp because I loved it so, but it’s really, really tall.  I am desperately looking for a home for it, but it wasn’t cheap, so I may need to return it.  Sigh.

02.22.12

Shelter Envy: Brooke Shields.

I have always loved Brooke Shields.  I think she is so beautiful.  Did you know that at 14 she was the youngest Vogue covergirl?  I am still bummed that Lipstick Jungle got canceled…. Seriously, it was a great show!  She also wrote one of my favorite children’s books that I read to my girls every night for what seems like two years, Welcome to Your World, Baby.
Anywho, when I was browsing the magazine section at the grocery store, I came across a a stunning room on the cover of Architectural Digest (I always kick myself for not subscribing as the money I have wasted on buying single issues could pay for my kids’ college education… Note to self– subscribe today.)  As a self-professed Brooke lover, I am sure that you can imagine my excitement to see her posing next to the oh-so-perfect mantle.  Just look at these drool-worthy shots of her Upper East Side townhouse!

01.12.12

The Forgotten Element.

Have you ever noticed a room where there are so many amazing design elements, but it feels like something is missing?  All too often, designers fail to enhance what can be one of the most interesting elements of a room-  the ceiling.  As you can see from our home, the ceiling is one of the most important features in some of our favorite spaces.
Our Bedroom.  (Circa 2009.  Below is a more recent pic without the ceiling, some really exciting changes happening in that room too!)
Here are some other great rooms where the ceiling is the star of the show: