Style Illuminated

The holidays are just a memory and spring is too far off to give off more than a glimmer of hope. Winter is a long time going this time of year and days blend into a bland repetition of unending routine. There’s no better time to inject a little drama - the good kind - into your life and there’s no better way to do it than with a good injection of black and white. They’re the drama queens of the decorative palette and together, they’re a virtual opera of punch. Too often, we associate black and white color schemes with polished minimalist or the cold chic of certain Italian interiors, but they’re marvelously flexible actors, suited to many moods and styles - though always dramatic.

Take this stylish dining area (above) for example. It holds a number of lessons in black and white. One is that this is a color combination that picks up impact along with scale. The over-sized graphic pieces together authors’ names in a fascinating and dramatic presence, while a black hanging lamp and chairs play effortlessly against the rustic gate leg table. The floor hasn’t been neglected, though this time it’s been given a coat of white that brightens the whole space. 

We all have a tendency to think of black and white as just two stark colors, but both have a range of hues that invite experimentation and often produce surprisingly textured results. In this loft-like sleeping space, for instance, the rough wash on the wall actually combines both our primary colors and yields an invitingly restful result. A gray floor lamp and blue gray linens add depth to the picture, while the black contemporary side chair and delicately functional side tables give the whole thing just the right touch of punch. It’s all there to see in black and white.

A bedroom is one of the easiest - and least expensive - places to get the benefit of black and white. All that’s required are a contemporary bedside lamp (this one does double duty as a functional reading light) and a couple of accent pieces like the stool that also stands in for a nightstand. White linens are the dramatic and inviting counterpoint. A coverlet in a complimentary tone helps pull everything together. Instant makeover.

In  this sitting room setting, a black wall going toward gray perfectly sets off a traditionally hung collection of vintage prints and portraits while an ebony wash adds a stylish touch to a plank floor. (Hint: that’s a low cost alternative to refinishing or replacing a wooden floor.) A black lamp sits dramatically on a dark mahogany pedestal table and, suddenly, a worn leather chair has soul.

Black and white adapt perfectly to rustic or distressed decorating schemes and, in this example, beautifully enhance the weathered door that has found new life as an intriguing coffee table. Similarly, a nubby throw brings a touch of cozy into the picture, while a black and white print in a black and white frame creates a dramatic presence. A vintage lamp and a selection of contemporary accessories, like the polished stool, help pull it all into comfortable togetherness. Who knew drama could be so homey?

Photos via Xote

After watching years of home shows one might think that the only acceptable kitchen countertop in the world is granite. There are the endless potential homeowners cooing over the granite or being disappointed when a kitchen doesn’t have the hearty stone. I think it’s time to let everyone in on a little secret...wood. Wood counters can be warm and wonderful, durable and full of character. Surprisingly, wood counters can also morph into a variety of design styles. They can be either humble and exhibit country-style or they can be sophisticated and very highend. Maple, oak and cedar are the most durable and can be stained and sealed with an enamel for further protection. Keep in mind that while wood counters can look smashing, but they require more maintenance than the average stone counter. 

If you don’t have a time-weathered and worn counter like the image at the top of the post, you can still create a warm tone with deep, rich stain. This traditional kitchen is enhanced by the school house ceiling lights and marble surround at the sink. 

Here is another detail of a deep stained wood counter. If you are unsure about using wood for counters, you may wish to try it out in a utility room or mudroom.

This seemingly untreated wood counter is found in a truly minimalist kitchen. Note that if the wood is left without a stain, finish, and protection, you may want to have a larger porcelain sink to avoid too much water contact with the wood.

I’m crazy about this kitchen. It’s like a fabulous Nineteenth Century butler’s pantry with nooks and crannies. The worn patina on the wood leaves it filled with character and history. The dark tones are lightened with the large window and clear glass lighting.

This antique-style kitchen island has some of the same features of the kitchen above. The warm tones and turned legs give it a sense of history and beauty, while the closed storage and shelves make it functional. 

Country kitchens are the perfect space where wood makes a real statement. The counters seem totally intentional and are balanced across the room with honed wood table and stools. Additionally, warm lighting and a heavy use of fabric keeps this space homey.

This deeply stained stool can recreate the country look in even the most contemporary kitchen.

Don’t get me started with this kitchen...clean, orderly, thoroughly traditional but so crisp it seems modern. It’s like a kitchen as a still life. I love that they have introduced the marble cutting board. Clearly, practicality is truly important in this kitchen.

Here is another way wood countertops can look sophisticated. This Belgian interior is masterful with its use of neutral tones. Again, we see the sink area covered in stone to avoid undue damage to the wooden counters. So whether you want your kitchen to have the patina of a hundreds of years of use or fresh like the kitchen was simply brand new, wood counters could be the next trend you embrace.

Photos courtesy of Belgian Pearls, Pinterest, Cocokelly

Luxe, opulent, over the top, and commanding attention. This year, lighting is moving from a supporting role to a star player in the design world! One distinct design trend spotted at Toronto's Interior Design Show is ostentatious lighting, and I love this shift towards lighting becoming the design centerpiece and spotlight in a room. Here's how dictionary.com defines ostentatious:

os·ten·ta·tious[os-ten-tey-shuhs] adjective
1.characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others: an ostentatious dresser.
2.(of actions, manner, qualities exhibited, etc.) intended to attract notice: Lady Bountiful's ostentatious charity.

Here's a round-up of some of my favorite large chandeliers and pendant lights that definitely intend to attract notice: 

Bold geometric lines in glossy polished nickel and sleek fluted crystal accents are a modern take on a traditional chandelier. At 39" wide. this graphic modern stunner is not for the faint of heart.

This faceted beauty has the look of leaded Tiffany glass, re-interpreted in a modern and on-trend way. Imagine it suspended above a traditional wood dining table - the juxtaposition of styles will definitely bring the wow factor.

Reminiscent of an armillary sphere, this globe fixture's 36" wide chrome finish frame encloses twelve frosted glass cubes. This fixture would look amazing suspended in a grand foyer or above a sweeping staircase. 

Organic spots of color are artistically applied to over forty clear glass globes, evoking the style of Murano Millefiori glass. This unusual pop of color elevates this contemporary chrome and glass fixture to a theatrical new level.

Graceful overlapping layers with the look of sheets of ice create an extravagant pendant chandelier. Although delicate in design, its impressive 34" wide size is bold and conspicuous.

The glittering disco-era is re-imagined in this breathtaking crystal pendant light. If this 24" wide version isn't enough drama for you, don't worry - it's also available as a grandiose 36" wide crystal pendant light.

Which is your favorite of these bold and beautiful chandeliers? Will you be rocking an attention-getting light fixture in your own home this year? 

If you think about how much time you spend in bed and how much you can really do from your bedroom, it makes sense to take great care when designing your bedside table. From reading and working on your computer to lazy Sunday mornings with the paper and coffee, your nightstand needs to be great. I’m sure some people think all that’s required boils down to a tabletop for a lamp and alarm clock. I weep for you if this is the case. Of course I could live in my bed and thus require a giant nightstand with surface space for books, laptops, magazines, pictures, watches and a candle. Oh, I’m not finished... I also have a drawer for glasses, crossword puzzle books, and who knows what else. The bottom line? I essentially have a u-haul next to my bed. Enough about me. Feast your eyes on nine great nightstands.

The crisp and uncluttered nightstand remains mostly white except for the graphic ceramic table lamp. It’s very important to have proper lighting by your bed for reading and tasks. Even if you prefer a clean modern bedroom, don’t forget little luxuries like flowers and a wee tray to contain smaller objects.

The exotic bedside allows your imagination to run wild. Make sure everything tells a story and is fascinating on its own. This night stand was formally an Oriental box on a stand, but is the perfect surface for the over-the-top pineapple lamp. 

The Hollywood Hipster nightstand has real energy. I love the infusion of mid-century elements. The nightstand has enough surface space and much interior storage, which is so important in bedrooms. Playful patterns compliment the pure geometry of the nightstand, glass globe lamp, chair and giant ruler.

I love this glass globe table lamp. Try to infuse your own version of Hollywood Hipster into your own bedroom.  

The glamour bedside table oozes with Jean Harlow and Joan Crawford style. The antiqued mirrored night stand reflects the warm glow of the true boudoir. Again, great surface space and interior storage. The clear lamp has a feminine shape that offsets the lines of the table but works beautifully with the curves found in the tufted chair. 

The small space needs to think vertically. This tight bedside maximizes surface space by using a tiered table to ensure enough storage. Wisely, they installed swing-arm lamps to free-up space and create interest. Remember, lighting may be a basic need for a nightstand but it can also be used to create a design focal point. 

The romantic nightstand is super feminine. The mirrored nightstand is hand painted in a delicate Chinoiserie pattern. The elegant design is reinforced with the romantic roses in a silver vase and curved lines of the ceramic table lamp and ever-so-delicate concave shade.

This masculine nightstand has a rough hewn sensibility. A subtle mix of texture and shape with an almost Neo Hemingway attention to travel and adventure. The table sports a textured finish and very contemporary chrome table top tilt light. The sleek finish of the light is a great contrast to the warm woods of the headboard. 

Have a favorite macho man at home? This chrome finished pharmacy light is perfect for the ultimate man’s man. It would also look great on an office or even a dorm room. 

The breezy island look of this nightstand comes from the draped fabric that adorns the bedside table. This look can be achieved simply and for little money. You could essentially use any table and simply drape it to match your decor. They have used a tray to create a stable surface for their table lamp, candle, Kleenex and flowers. A simple and stylish solution.   

Short on money? The flea market style bedside table can be as cute and funky as you wish. The retro nightstand is quirky and seems to be all that the homeowner needs. Due to the small scale of the table the accessories have been pared-down to fit. A smaller lamp with replacement shade, a small clock and small books round out the vignette. 

Photos courtesy of Rue, Chinoiserie Chic, Zhush, Katiedid

Live in a historic building or home and always wondered how to mix contemporary furniture with historic architecture? Interior designer Kristin Collins lives in the famous Il Borghese courtyard building in Los Angeles and has done a great job balancing the old with the new. Read below for her tips on how to mix the two styles successfully...

LAMPS PLUS: How would you describe your home's architectural style?

KRISTIN COLLINS: I live in the historical Il Borghese in Hancock Park. It has a very large elegant courtyard that is relatively simple compared to other Italianate buildings. Courtyard living is the best because it forces everyone to be apart of the community as a whole. We are all open and friendly with one another because the architectural style lends to that sort of behavior.

LAMPS PLUS: What do you love most about living in a historical home?

KRISTIN COLLINS: I love the generous proportions balanced with the sensibility of a design that really makes you feel comfortable at home. It is so wonderful to live here because of simplicity of the design, ample picturesque vantage points, and the uncompromising grandness.

LAMPS PLUS: What are some of the challenges that arise from living in an older home?

KRISTIN COLLINS: The only compromises of living in this incredible apartment are the difficulty of maintaining a consistent temperature because the heat rises in the winter making the second floor quite hot and the cooler air sinks in the summer making the ground floor extremely cold. Other than that, a few leaks and cracks here and there are nothing anyone should ever worry about. It adds character.

LAMPS PLUS: How did you decide on the direction of the interior design?

KRISTIN COLLINS: The interior design, as with any of my personal interiors, all go with my mood. I always design with the intention of having guests over often and all the feminine colors came about because I finally decided one day that I wanted to have the most girly apartment that I could handle after living with baby blue and creme for a number of years before the now dominating pink and purple.

LAMPS PLUS: What are a few tips for mixing contemporary furnishings with historic architecture?

KRISTIN COLLINS: Keep it clean and simple. If you want to add a piece of lucite furniture, it always works beautifully when mixed with classical architecture. I like to keep a sense of perspective in my classical home by remembering that I am not trying to recreate a scene from the 1930s, so I stay true to using furniture pieces that simply make sense to me. Mixing is the greatest freedom in the world. Don't worry about following any rules - break them!

LAMPS PLUS: How are lighting needs different in a historic home versus newer more contemporary homes?

KRISTIN COLLINS: Historical homes like this one built in 1929 are horribly dark! I think it is important to have lots of lighting sources including lamps, sconces, and chandeliers, all with dimmers so you can set the mood or read the newspaper, depending on what is important at any given moment.

LAMPS PLUS: What are your favorite Lamps Plus ceiling lights?

Illuminations Collection Century Brass Mini Pendant Light

Arteriors Home Macayle Glass Pendant Light

4-Light Chrome and White Pendant Light

Images: Evan Koester

Apart from roses, nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like decorating with the color pink. At the same time there’s nothing quite like that hue’s ubiquity and kitschy misuse to set your teeth on edge. Is there a way to rescue pink and reclaim its romantic femininity? The answer is a definite yes.

Northern European designers and decorators have an under-appreciated facility with all pastels and are unafraid of the pink shades many of us would dismiss as clichéd. While their interiors usually share a crisp white backdrop, it’s the introduction of subtle pastels that make them a calming refuge from the unremittingly bleak weather that blankets the region through the long winters.

Who wouldn’t want to spend hours—and perhaps a romantic dinner—at this gathering table surrounded by what amounts to a concerto in pink from the pale tint of the walls to the stunning contemporary graphic over the crisp fire surround. Even the flowers and accessories echo the tonal theme, which pairs beautifully with the stark whites and earthy browns of the other pieces. The heart-shaped cut-out in the mantel is a lovely Valentine’s Day reminder, but it actually was a common decorative touch during the English and Belgian arts and crafts movements at the turn of the last century. No clichés in this beautiful room (above).

Paired with a modern graphic, as it is in this heart-lifting table cloth, pink actually can be a soothing touch of gentle beauty. At the same time, a slightly hotter pink tone—as in the votive candle on the condiment tray can add just the right note of cheerful punch. Who knew that girlhood’s favorite color could play such a versatile role in a grown-up woman’s space?

Pink turns out to be a color of many moods, as you can see here. The wallpaper strikes a delicate, almost ethereal mood with its sketchy repeat of conventionalized natural leaves and acorns, while the pink fabric-covered pillows—a great way to bring a feminine touch to any home decor all year long—easily pair with the rustic stool. What’s really amazing is how both pinks help set off the vintage tiles on the hearth.

Pink is a hue for many moods and, in these examples, it shows off its capacity to bring a touch of whimsy that will produce smiles even in gray February. Pink roses are an elegant counterpoint to the happy ceramic boot with its vintage glaze, but an array of printed fabrics in a variety of tones gives the whole vignette a youthful richness. The lesson here is not to fear mixing and matching, whether on a table or console or against a kitchen wall.

Photos by Yvonne Eijkenduijn of the blog Yvestown. Dutch-born designer is the mistress of the light-hearted pastel gesture.

No doubt you have seen the design trend, the neo naturalist interior, creeping into design magazines and shop catalogues and couldn’t quite figure out what it all meant or how the items could be incorporated into your own home. At first glance it’s part laboratory with a light dusting of Victorian details tossed in for good measure. There is pure nostalgia associated with the neo naturalist interior and here is how it rolls. Slowly there is the introduction of antique ceiling lights in industrial metals like brass and bronze, which were usually found during the industrial revolution. Then, those elements are paired with warm glowing filament bulbs that offer an antique glow to everything. Shortly thereafter, in creep more romantic touches like butterflies in cloche (those blown glass bell-shaped domes), and before you know it your home can have the look of a Nineteenth Century botanist. It’s a fascinating look, combining rough and tumble masculine metal and scientific elements with more domesticated touches for comfort. This style is perfect for offices, libraries and even kitchens.

This home office is a perfect example of this look. A nod to the past is achieved by incorporating antique-styled lighting with cloche and feminine seating and a romantic desk. 

Here is another cozy office that displays the neo naturalist aesthetic. I love the metal and wood counter stool. It swivels to just the right height and the worn leather wing back chair compliments the worn metal of the lamps and abundant wood.        

Can’t you just feel the onset of the industrial age in this room? Like a cabinet of curiosities, the office mixes warm woods and metal. This look could be an amazing scrapbooking space or wrapping room. Much of what you see here could be found at flea markets or local antique marts. Old office cabinets could be repurposed as storage for trims, paper, yarn and buttons. The sky is the limit with this design.

This grand living space has just enough quirky elements to characterize it in this hi-lo design scheme. The bare light bulbs glow in an industrial way though draped and experienced by way of an elaborate pulley system. The factory-grade metal railings are softened by the warm wood floors and the leather furniture below.

You can easily recreate this look in your own home by simply swapping out existing light fixtures with something like this bronze, wire-guard ceiling light. I love this look in a mud room, pantry or kitchen. 

If you’re not ready to spark a full-blown industrial revolution of your own, you can dip your toe in the water, so to speak, with a more romantic Victorian  display in your bath. This bathroom is set in a more industrial room, but is totally feminine. The chandelier and Venetian mirror soften the cold walls and lines of the room, while the metal-plated tub is a direct nod to the Nineteenth Century without being literal. Trends, are just that, trendy. If you choose wisely you can, however, incorporate design touches that remain chic. Industrial items and lighting will always look good in work spaces. Interesting stools and benches will always have a home at a desk or island and then ultimately in a cute gardening shed when it’s time to redecorate!

Photos courtesy of Pinterest

Today Style Illuminated welcomes photographer Nichole Robertson of Little Brown Pen as our guest blogger. After moving to Paris in 2009, what began as photography for Nichole's daily blog posts blossomed into a three-year project photographing the city of light. This spring, Chronicle Books is publishing a collection of her photography entitled Paris in Color. Welcome, Nichole!

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I moved to Paris in the winter of 2009. January was cold and gray, but neither the temperature nor the relentless clouds kept me from exploring my new neighborhood. One of the first things I noticed was how color - any color - popped against the neutral gray palette created by the wintry sky and white Haussmann buildings. I believe red was the first color I shot. I noticed an awning, a chair and a bike in a similar shade of red within a block of each other and retraced my steps to take photos. It didn't take long  for me to become obsessed and the Paris Color Project was born. I spent three years photographing Paris this way and what I've learned is that focusing on a color or type of object allows you to discover things you may have otherwise overlooked. It's easy to zone out when you're walking from point a to point b or to put your camera away as you walk between monuments and tourist destinations. But I think the good stuff is what catches your eye and makes you happy on the side streets and narrow alleys, whether that's peeling paint, an old door or a stack of fruit crates.

Here area  few of my favorite yellow objects:

And here a few of my favorite yellow table lamps:

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Thanks Nichole!  You can find Nichole and her photography on Twitter, at Little Brown Pen's Etsy shop, or Little Brown Pen's blog

We rarely have the opportunity to see Lamps Plus products used in real interior spaces, so we were thrilled when interior designer Debbie Talianko, principal of Talianko Design Group, shared these before and after photos of one of her recent designs. Debbie's work is clean, modern, and tasteful, and the lighting she selected is a fabulous complement to her work. Welcome Debbie!

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Inspiration: This home is a Spanish style with tiled roof, a Saltillo tile pathway and arched doorways. My clients, however, have a contemporary style sensibility. Some of the artwork they already had and the existing flooring, which is a dark, wide plank mahogany, already hinted of a contemporary room. In addition to contemporary artwork, was a gorgeous dining table and buffet with a geometric pattern as well as a highly polished black grand piano. I needed to employ other current and geometric elements to complement these pieces.

About the project: In these photos, you will see a living room and dining room designed in a monochromatic scheme using a light mossy green. Dark woods and contemporary artwork in primary colors accent the room and help to bring it to life. This project had one important objective, which was that it be “kid friendly." The homeowners have lots of family visiting often and the grandchildren are all very young. For the upholstery, we used outdoor fabrics from Kravet and JF Fabrics. To demonstrate to my clients that they had nothing to worry about, I literally poured ketchup, mustard, and red wine on the swatches and they cleaned up beautifully. The carpet is from Fabrica and has been treated with a stain repellent. The sheer draperies are polyester and can be easily dry cleaned when needed.

We rebuilt the existing fireplace by changing the surround dimensions, adding a Zebrawood mantle, a black slate-looking porcelain hearth extension and sleek new bronze and glass fireplace screen doors. The outcome is a more contemporary look.

Why we source furniture and light fixtures first: There is a very detailed and systematic process that we follow in order to achieve an end result that is both on time and on budget. After the research is done and the measurements taken, we then create a two dimensional floor plan that begins with the walls, doors and windows. After this, the furniture and area rugs are drawn in according to the requirements of the client’s needs and the allowances in the space. From there, we place lighting into the drawing to accommodate the varied functions within the room. (For example, next to a chair, we may have an end table. If this chair will be used for reading, a table lamp is drawn in.)

There are three categories of lighting; ambient for general lighting, task for specific uses such as on a desk top and accent which adds the mood. When assessing a room's lighting needs, a designer will consider the function of the space, as well as the required amount of wattage. There are formulas that help in calculating wattage per square foot, but other considerations are the use of the room and the ages of the people occupying them. An elderly person needs a more brightly lit room than a younger person, for instance. 

In the case of this home, there were many windows to let in natural light during the day. My focus was on creating the proper mood(s) for entertaining guests in the evenings. The rooms in this project use ceiling lights, table lamps and accent lamps. Every fixture uses a dimmer switch or 3-way lamps to allow for even more flexibility.

It is also a good idea to make sure you use a mixture of types of fixtures for the room to keep it interesting. If you use only table lamps, or only accent lamps, the eye does not want to travel around the room to see what’s next. Try to incorporate different fixture types into each room. Floor lamps, for instance, are a good way to save space and yet light a dark corner. Mix a floor lamp with a table lamp and also a smaller accent lamp. When it is time to actually source the pieces to be used in a project, we tend to choose all of the materials and elements together. That way, we can see them on a computer document or laid out on a workspace to ensure there is a harmony between them.

Why we source lighting from Lamps Plus: I like to source light fixtures from Lamps Plus for a couple of reasons. The selection is tremendous and I have a wonderful sales rep who is very polite and efficient and helps me find what I am looking for quickly. The paperwork is easy with Lamps Plus and I like having one person I am familiar with and that I can trust. 

Because lighting offers such a vast array of choices, it is not always possible to find what I am looking for in a showroom. Lamps Plus offers my company and my clients a very easy return policy in case we receive something different than what we expected. This is the Rolls Royce of customer service, in my opinion, and a very big part of my decision to purchase through them.

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Love the lighting that Debbie Talianko used in her design? These light fixtures are the same as the ones shown above (or similar, if the original selection isn't currently available): Wells Glass Table Lamp, Bubblini Collection 3-Light Chandelier, and Raschella Solid Marble Base Table Lamp.

Images courtesy of Talianko Design Group

Using room dividers that rule is one of my favorite ways to create designer vignettes in homes big and small. A room divider can help carve out distinct areas in a tiny apartment, but it’s also a smart solution for making a big space feel cozier and more user-friendly.

The "window walls" I designed in this Mulholland mansion's chic Dining Room were crafted from over 3,000 small pieces of recycled wood. The result is a room that feels private but lets in natural light, stunning views and the “essence” of the rest of the home.

To recreate the look in your own space, skip the custom carpentry and check out this Double Happiness Wood Room Divider. Arrange the four panels in a configuration that works for you, or display it flat against a wall as an eye-catching art piece.

I'm in love with this color! And this vibrant, turquoise-hued spider web screen will create the feeling of a separate space while still allowing light to stream through.

This black and white room divider is modern, graphic, and brings a bit of the outdoors in - my favorite design element! The four panels offer extra width and the solid construction would allow for total privacy for a bedroom nook.

Room dividers that rule don't have to stretch towards the ceiling. This hip zebra wood bar cabinet could be pushed against a wall to display classic shakers and bottles, but you could also set it perpendicular to a wall to create a sense of two separate spaces. During parties, play bartender and stand behind it to serve your guests their speciality cocktails.

Think outside the box. Room dividers that rule can also come from above! Group four of these wonderful crystal pendant lights in a row to cordon off a section of a room and lend a magic glow. These would be perfect to transition from the living room into an office, or to separate a kitchen from the dining area. Remember, you want the lights to hang low enough to create a natural divide, but not so low that someone might hit their head!

You can even achieve the look of a room divider without a single new piece of furniture by using paint. Create the sense of a separate space by painting adjacent walls (or even the same wall) contrasting colors or a light and dark version of a favorite shade.  

My eco-friendly, do-it-yourself paint kit Wall Makeup can help you mix up ideal custom colors and save money without wasting tester cans of paint. So grab a few friends, pick up some brushes or rollers and get creative to make a statement that sets off your space!

 Images: Kari Whitman