Style Illuminated

What's the most important thing to remember about Mix and Match Interior Design? Things don't have to make sense! Mix old with new, mix materials, or follow runway trends and mix up patterns - anything that isn't necessarily an obvious fit can work when it comes to mix and match decor.

In this Brentwood Living Room, I mix copper with silver, contemporary with traditional, classic with kitsch; anything goes and everything works! It's all about eclectic self-expressionism, bringing together great pieces that create an amazing vibe when put together.

1. Mix and Match Metals. There's an old rule about never mixing metals like silver and gold. I definitely ignored that when working on a new home for one of my favorite clients, a 20 bedrooom Texas estate, in all silvers and golds. It's fantastic! This bronze and champagne silver wall art hits the mark and is the perfect blend of mixed metals. I also love capiz shells and this piece gets it just right.  

2. Mix and Match Art. If you want to add a folksy vibe to your stark, contemporary interior, or a modern update to your rustic digs, think art! Artwork is the best way to achieve mix and match interior design that's truly your own.

For me, checking out an Art Walk here in LA is the best way to discover incredible work and emerging talents. Can't find one in your area? Fear not! There's an incredible variety of quality art available online: Lamps Plus is one of my favorite resources.

3. Mix and Match Styles. Rooms don't have to be cut from the same cloth - it's the differences that make them interesting, so take a risk with mismatched styles. Sometimes you'll even find a single piece that combines different styles for you!

I love this brushed nickel wall sconce that strikes the perfect note between glam and edgy. The classic, sophisticated shape is made modern with the use of metal. Not only that, you'd expect this kind of cylindrical drop on a ceiling mount, but it's a wall sconce. I love the unexpectedness of it! Perfect mix and match interior design style.

4. Mix and Match Functions. I am obsessed with this Zuo Atom White Bench Sofa. It's utter perfection as a relaxed lounger and doubles as a super sleek sofa for entertaining. In spite of its high style, it's a fairly neutral piece that would work perfectly in a room filled with eclectic, mix and match interior design.

Another outside-the-box seating solution? Upholster dining chairs in different patterns, gather chairs in different styles that speak to you, or paint each chair a different color. They don't have to match or even make sense. As long as the fabrics, colors, or lines represent your vibe, you'll be creating a wonderful space full of artistic self-expressionism!

Photos courtesy of Kari Whitman Interiors

Jeff Andrews: Kitchen + Bath Design

It's that time of year again when interior designers and product designers submit their best projects for California Home+Design's annual awards. The award categories include residential projects, commercial projects, kitchen + bath design, showhouse design, sustainable architecture, landscape design, and sustainable and new product design.

The big winner this year was celebrity interior designer Jeff Andrews (known for designing the homes of Ryan Secrest and Khloe Kardashian). He took home two awards - residential interior design (more than 3,000 sq. ft.) and kitchen + bath design. His stunning kitchen design is on the cover of this month's issue. Check out the light fixtures in the Jeff Andrews kitchen design! I love the new trend of using modern pendant lights and chandeliers in kitchens.

Jeff Andrews: Kitchen + Bath Design

Jeff Andrews: Residential Interior Design (more than 3,000 sq. ft.)

San Francisco interior designer, Jeff Jeffers, took home the Residential Interior Design (less than 3,000 sq. ft.) award. I can definitely see why his style is a favorite. I love his eclectic mix of artwork in the dining room (featured below) that creates a cozy space for entertaining guests.

Jay Jeffers: Residential Interior Design (less than 3,000 sq. ft.)

Residential architecture was one of the categories of the California Home+Design's awards. The very talented Zoltan Pali, who is known for designing large modern homes in the Hollywood Hills, won the Residential Architecture (more than 3,000 sq. ft.) award. I remembered this particular project (featured below) from a past AIA home tour. I personally toured the home and can tell you that it is pretty amazing in person!

 Zoltan Pali: Residential Architecture (more than 3,000 sq. ft.)

Want to see even more winners from this year's California Home+ Design awards? Head over to California Home+Design to see the complete list of this year's winners. 

Images: Grey Crawford, Tim Street-Porter, Joe Fletcher, Bruce Damonte

I think every home should exhibit a nod to nature and natural elements. Natural materials add texture and warmth to a home which translates to comfort. Touching something organic is instantly familiar and visually important to most spaces. Whether you introduce more greenery to a space or natural linen fabrics, every element counts and should be celebrated. To me, some of the most important natural materials come from world travel and the way other cultures embrace a more holistic approach to design.

As a culture we are obsessed with fabulous kitchens. Yes, I am guilty of it too, however this kitchen is a perfect example of how little we really need regarding the mod-cons (modern conveniences). Rough hewn wood counters, tables and sink surround are a humble companion to the natural marble counter above the dishwasher. I love the well-worn natural wood cutting boards propped up as if art, though fully functional.

Natural wood lamps (similar to the lamp above) echo the organic designs and are beautiful when perfectly complimented by a natural, no-fuss shade.

Just because it’s made from bare wood, doesn’t mean it can be over-the-top gorgeous, like this ornate, carved wood French table. I adore the fact that by simply looking at the table I can immediately know how it will feel to the touch.

From France to eclectic England with the introduction of natural stone-fired pottery and family heirlooms, every inch of this space is filled with nature. From the simply painted wood walls to the traditional woven cloth. Talk about no-fuss! I love that there is no fear of keeping up with the neighbors...if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Natural can also mean luxury. Worn furniture can be comfortable and cozy, but it’s a necessity. You can introduce nature elements that are fully top-drawer. Cashmere throws and beautiful embroidered linens totally count when designing a home.

Natural design elements can also look contemporary. This sleek, natural woven flush-mount ceiling light is thoroughly modern, but introduces warm wood and rattan texture to virtually any room in the house.

Let’s discuss the influence of Indian design when it comes to natural materials. While I am a huge fan of muted colors when it comes to linens and bedding, India offers some of the most richly, highly saturated colors in the world. This bedroom is serene and simple, but it’s the type of room you want to peruse slowly and touch every surface.   

Replacement shades are a good way to change the look of a space and introduce natural materials.

This room exhibits a tribal/colonial approach to natural objects and fibers. Bold patterns made from organic thread adds visual interest. Grounded by a woven sisal rug and accent tables in glorious natural wood balance beautifully. The multitude of patterns is not jarring because they are all in the same, eclectic, global traveler vein.  

This organic wood-top table is cute, functional and itching to introduce a natural spark to your home.

While this Indian interior may not be totally practical to your way of life, elements can be borrowed to make your home more interesting. A woven daybed or reclaimed wood table may be just enough to keep things interesting and make you move in the direction of embracing nature as the source of all things domestic.

Photos courtesy of Belgian Pearls, An Indian Summer, Eclectic Revisited

Betsy Burnham, principal of Burnham Design, is a modern day interior design icon. Known for her sophisticated and inviting design style that skillfully layers pattern, texture, color, and periods, her signature look has been coined an “unapologetic mix” that has been imitated by many but mastered by few. I chatted with the oh-so-stylish Betsy about her trademark design aesthetic, her innovative e-design services, and a few of her favorite things.  

LAMPS PLUS: Couture, thrift, and vintage pieces mesh beautifully in your designs. What is your favorite design style?  Is that how your home is decorated?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: For me, it really is about the mix: clean, simple building elements and classic furniture pieces mixed with touches of Asian, and even a little Mid-Century inspiration. I’m drawn to pattern and color and really appreciate it when I get a sense of a homeowner’s personality through their design. My own home, which is actually traditional in style and sort of 1920’s Mediterranean, is really layered with all sorts of high/low pieces I've collected over the years.

LAMPS PLUS: What or who has most influenced your own design aesthetic?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: I studied fine art in college, along with a lot of art history and I think that’s where I got a sense of scale and proportion. My love of color and appreciation of fine textiles came later, from working in the fashion industry.  In addition, I've always loved street style and understanding what’s current - that’s also certainly an influence.

LAMPS PLUS: Your background is in fashion and clearly your knowledge and experience from the fashion world has been influential in your design business. What other training or experience prepared you for running your own firm and how did you decide to take the leap from fashion to interiors?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: I got some interior design training at UCLA, but mostly I’ve learned by doing the job. The creative part of interior design has come naturally and grown more or less organically; the business side, however, has taken a long time to get right.  I’ve just learned to make sure I ask experts for advice and that I always have a strong support team.

LAMPS PLUS: What designers do you most admire?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: Joe Nye, Peter Dunham & Max Humphrey (my senior project manager)

LAMPS PLUS: What do you see as the next design trend?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: Anything done online. The whole concept of “e-decorating” has only just begun.

LAMPS PLUS: What is one “trick of the trade” that you implement in your designs?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: I never push furniture up against the walls of the room.  By pulling your seating arrangement in (even if you only have a few inches), you instantly warm up a space and create flow.

LAMPS PLUS: What is the best design advice you ever received?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: Good. Fast. Cheap. Pick two (because you can’t have all three). This originally applied to building and construction, but I've found it can apply to just about every part of the design process!

LAMPS PLUS: When decorating, what items should you invest or splurge on?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: Buy solid, well made upholstery. Some of the stuff out there right now is tempting because it looks cool and costs next to nothing…but it won’t last. If you invest in your upholstered pieces, you’ll be able to balance your budget with inexpensive, stylish accessories and side pieces. Also, it’s never too soon to start collecting original artwork. Keep your eyes open for new, upcoming artists - there are even great online sites & auctions.

LAMPS PLUS: What is your favorite guilty pleasure that might surprise people?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: I’m a big Madonna fan.

LAMPS PLUS: What is your favorite thing at home that you didn't design?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: My son’s drum set is in a corner of our living room. Originally, we thought this was going to be temporary, but I’ve come to love it in there. Adds a little edge.

LAMPS PLUS: What would be your dream project?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: A collaboration with The Rug Company, and/or Lamps Plus.

LAMPS PLUS: Who are your style icons?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: Diane von Furstenberg, Jenna Lyons, and Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen

LAMPS PLUS: What is your favorite luxury in life?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: High quality bedding.

LAMPS PLUS: What do you consider your must-have classic design books?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: Time-Saver Standards for Interior Design and Space Planning and Elle Décor’s So Chic.

LAMPS PLUS: Your instant/space program – do-it-yourself custom designed spaces – is incredibly innovative and a huge success. It has been featured in publications like Domino magazine, Lonny magazine, O at Home magazine, and the New York Times, as well as on some of the better known decorating blogs like Decor8, Design*Sponge, and Apartment Therapy. You were one of the first designers to offer an e-design service for clients who don't have the budget for full-service design treatment, who don't live near your office, or who prefer to implement the design themselves with your expert guidance. How did instant/space get started and how did it change the way you do business?

BETSY BURNHAM: Instant/space began when I first started Burnham Design and was building the business, I found I was having to turn down small projects - clients who only wanted one or two rooms done (in favor of full house jobs). It was frustrating because these were valid clients who appreciated my design sensibility and to whom I hated to say no to. I developed instant/space as a way to accommodate them and it grew and grew from there. It’s changed the way I do business not only because of the way it’s expanded my client base, but also because it keeps me on my design toes. We do so many rooms through instant/space, so quickly, that my skills have really been sharpened. I can lay out a furniture plan, select a palette, and make decisions about furniture pieces more quickly and efficiently than ever.
 
LAMPS PLUS: Can you tell us about any projects in the works that you are excited about?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: I’m working on the next phase/generation of instant/space.  It won’t be realized for awhile, but I think I have a really great idea.

LAMPS PLUS: How important is lighting to your design?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: Lighting is hugely important to me. Every night, I walk around my own house adjusting lighting in every room. It makes my family crazy. I work hard with clients to find the right mix of ambient lighting for each of their spaces.
 
LAMPS PLUS: What are you obsessed with right now?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: Contemporary art collections, fur throws, Uncle Eddie’s vegan cookies, and Pinterest. 

LAMPS PLUS: What is your go to paint color?

BETSY BURNHAM: Dunn Edwards’ Silver Spoon, a very pale blue/grey that looks terrific in both kitchens and bedrooms. 

LAMPS PLUS: What is your favorite furniture piece and why? 
 
BETSY BURNHAM: It may sound obvious, but I absolutely love parsons tables. As dining tables, coffee tables, desks, consoles…it’s a clean, timeless shape that can be dressed up or down and looks right in any decor.

LAMPS PLUS: What is your favorite design accessory?
 
BETSY BURNHAM: I can’t possibly only pick one. I love trays - from simple silver ones bedside to my favorite python tray that serves as an inbox on my desk. I also love baskets, Asian pottery, and I'm crazy about strands of old tribal beads.

LAMPS PLUS: What Lamps Plus products have been catching your eye?

BETSY BURNHAM: I love this porcelain crackle lamp, Chinoiserie chair, and set of whimsical oversize decorative jacks.

For more information about Betsy and her interior design services, please visit Burnham Design and Instant/Space.

Images courtesy of Burnham Design

Paris is a city of many moods and its flats and grand apartments reflect that. Think of it this way: When you dress for a changeable climate, you layer. The Paris look does precisely that with décor; it’s a style that suggests layers of time and, more important personal experience. It is a style that elevates the individual eye above any particular look or fashion. For that reason, mixing flea market finds and pieces of fine furniture is common. It’s a design gesture that says, I know what’s beautiful whether the price is high or low. It’s also a look that punctures any pretense and adds a welcome touch of whimsy.

Parisian interiors routinely mix contemporary and vintage art on their walls. Once again, the mixture suggests both the passage of time and an individual taste that stands apart from any particular era. The trick is to choose pieces that either complement one another in size and style—or act as dramatic counterpoints to one another. Anything in the middle risks looking muddled and thrown together. Your art, whether purchased from a gallery or salvaged from some thrift shop bin must look like it was chosen to reflect your taste.

One of the striking things about a Parisian flat often is the way they unselfconsciously blend drama with comfort—a single huge painting, often a portrait, beside comfortable furnishings that invite an afternoon of quiet reading. Side tables and a stack of oversized pillows add dramatic effect.

Don’t forget what an over-the-top chandelier, particularly crystal, can do for a room. It adds instant glitter with a hint of tradition.

Perhaps it’s the lingering influence of Louis XIV’s famous hall of mirrors, but nobody makes better use of mirrors than a Parisian. An oversized mirror can make a small space seem much larger or add an element of glitzy, high-style drama, when elaborately framed. Go the other way and frame simply—either with ebony or gilt—and you’ve got a chic contemporary look that seems to make everything it reflects worthy of contemplation. Add a candle or two and the room will come glowingly to life as the shadows lengthen.

Photos from Elle Decor.

In a world dominated by tablets and electronic books it’s a miracle that people even want to have bookshelves in their homes, let alone use them as a focal point. Thankfully they do and even more exciting is that designers are finding clever and handsome ways to adorn and light them. Lighting in the home library has never been more exciting and several trends are creeping into just about every shelter magazine and blog around. Besides the obvious use for books, I think books create wonderful texture in a room and add an unmatched warmth. Depending upon your needs, the new look in libraries today are decorative wall sconces and seductive picture lights.

This room is covering all bases. This warm library enhances its bookcase with a handsome sconce, non-direct light from a picture light as well as the cozy fire and candles. Even without the warm glow of the candles, soft lighting and cloth shades bathe this room in a golden hue.

This traditional yet funky library combines study with play. Playful colors keep the room from appearing stuffy. I’m crazy about the shell-shaped wall light that has been used to highlight the books.    

This masculine wall sconce in a faux ostrich leather evokes everything glamorous about a traditional library. Mounted between bookcases, this sconce would add much needed light and style.

This neoclassical space functions both as a hall as well as library requiring less direct light to the cases. Bronze-finished wall lights adorn the wall above the shelves to cover double duty: lighting the overall space and offering some downward glow to the shelves.

This country library uses a similar design when it comes to highlighting their bookcases. Bronze finished picture lights are hung not only as functional sources of light, but to create a soft evening glow when the room is used for entertaining.

This unexpected bronze-finished swing-arm light could add just the right amount of traditional charm to your library cabinetry or even over the bed for reading.

Here is a brighter version of the wall mounted lamp. This polished chrome swing-arm lamp not only would look great in a library, but would be smashing in a white kitchen over the sink, desk or over cabinetry if you have the space.

I love how they have matched the picture light finish to the curtain rod and smaller accessories. 

If you don’t have room for mounting picture lights, the classic track light still looks good. If you feel your tracks are outdated, there are plenty of updated versions to use.

Spot lights in the ceiling are also another great idea if you don’t have enough wall space above your shelves. Don’t be nervous to mix contemporary lighting with a traditional interior. This room pulls it off. 

Other contemporary ideas for lighting bookcases include pin lights used on every shelf as well as interior shelf rope lighting that creates an illuminated glow on every shelf. The highlight of every library is that you highlight what’s important to you, be it books, photos or collectibles.

Images: Belgian Pearls, House and Home

Style Illuminated reader Beth and her husband Scott are newlyweds who just bought their first home - and are overwhelmed by the abundance of design choices that now face them. The main floor of their new abode is particularly challenging, since it's an open floor plan with the living room, dining room, and kitchen all visually flowing together. The house has great design elements to work with - glossy dark hardwood floors, light walls, and a gorgeous transitional kitchen, but the space definitely needs some color and a few design suggestions for it to really feel like home.

Beth's biggest dilemma is choosing a paint color for the main floor. "As you can see from the pictures," she says, "we need to paint the whole floor the same color. But the color must look good with the cabinets and be light to contrast the floor." 

As the house is now, the cool white living room walls don't flow well into the warm off-white tones of the kitchen - so a yellow-toned neutral paint will help bring everything together and allow the spaces to flow seamlessly into one another for a spacious and open look. My suggestion is to use the gorgeous tumbled marble kitchen backsplash as inspiration for the paint color, since it ties in many of the colors found in the house. Select the lightest-colored  tile and use that as color reference when selecting paint swatches.

Here are a few more designer tips to make this new house really feel like home:

Lower the chandelier above the dining table. A chandelier should ideally be hung 30" to 36" above the table. Dining room lighting is commonly hung too high - don't be afraid to lower your chandelier to create a more intimate atmosphere.

Add a slender sideboard or bar below the mirror on the dining room wall. A dining room storage piece will not only help provide a beautiful feature on the blank wall, but it will also create much-needed storage for dishware or barware.

Install under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen. An overhead fluorescent light does nothing to highlight the beautiful cabinetry and glossy granite counters! Simple under -cabinet lights will not only provide functional lighting for preparing meals, but will also create ambiance and feature the home's gorgeous finishes.

Readers - what color would you paint the walls if this was your home?  Do you have any design tips for Beth and Scott to help them transition into their new space?

Image credits: Behr, Beth and Scott

I know it’s cliche but it is Valentine’s Day. What if I promised not to post images of red roses, boxes of candy and puppies with red bows? Regardless of the day, red is an amazing color and can easily be worked into your wardrobe as well as your home. Today is all about inspiration, a few fun ways to improve your mood and redcorate your home with color and to show you how red interiors can razzle dazzle. Red, be mine!

Just because they are cute.

White doors are great, but a spicy red door is unique. When used in a traditional space like this, I am reminded of a timeless red jacket from a classic English hunt. I know it may seem avant garde but it’s truly timeless. The faux marble trim and base moldings make the door pop more than if the trim were pure white.

A punch of red with the use of curtains or this shelf is a great way to add energy to any space. 

You can also update old outdoor furniture with a rich coat of red paint. Turn some old teak into a fiery spot for a romantic smooch.

A saturated red like these chairs always looks good against a crisp white background. You can achieve this designer look with an old table by painting the legs a deep lacquered red. I would avoid painting the tabletop. The glass top helps to keep the room from looking like a fire truck.

This contemporary red swivel counter stool would look great in both traditional or contemporary kitchens and is a soft place to land.  

The red drum ceiling lights of this kitchen adds warmth to this modern kitchen. Always remember, you are in control of your space. If you want to introduce color but are not totally confident, take baby steps with accessories and lighting before you go “all out.”

I like how they kept the counter stools white to balance the red dining chairs. Too much of one thing can look over-the-top. Again, the white walls and dark floors temper the red pagoda-style chairs and red ceiling lights.

This bright red pendant shade is a good first step redecorating in red.       

Don’t overlook the details.

Another simple way to decorate with red. Most of the room remains white while punches of red in the cheerful table lamps and bench add visual energy. It’s a minor commitment with a big and bold effect. Happy Valentine’s Day and remember red is not only for hearts and bon bons.

Photos courtesy of Chinoiserie Chic, Desire to Inspire, agri-supply.co.uk

Karen and Guy Vidal run the design team Design Vidal, which is known for renovating and restoring historical homes and properties around Los Angeles. They have become the go-to expert for homeowners looking to restore their older beauty and apartment dwellers looking for a stylish and historically significant rental home.

There is definitely something special about living in an older home with lots of charm and character. Purchasing a home that needs a little TLC to return it to its original glory can seem like an overwhelming challenge. Therefore, I was so excited to meet Karen and Guy Vidal and get their expert advice on the biggest challenges and considerations when remodeling historical homes.

LAMPS PLUS: What are a few practical considerations you should pay attention to when purchasing an older property?

DESIGN VIDAL: It's important to do a thorough inspection so you have a good understanding of the condition of the systems (i.e. plumbing, electrical, roof, and foundation). Updating decrepit systems can quickly dwindle your budget, leaving less dollars for visual improvements.

LAMPS PLUS: What is a common mistake people make when restoring older homes?

DESIGN VIDAL: Doing too aggressive a remodel when a contractor that doesn't understand the charm and intricacies of an older home and who has no regard for the architectural value is a common mistake people make when restoring an older home. Many contractors we have worked with are looking for the easy way to do things. It's easier to replace old, ornate but damnaged base molding with new base molding. It's harder for them to repair the old molding. It's easier to replace old wood windows with new vinyl windows. But what's easier for the contractor, is not cheaper for the homeowner. It's often many times cheaper to do the repairs. Contractors often call us for referrals to people who can fix old up-and-down windows or for the name of a shop that sells vintage door hardware. All this effort will also yield a much more beautiful restored look. It is also about recycling old material and being environmentally conscious. We only partner with contractors who understand design.

LAMPS PLUS: What are the biggest challenges when renovating historical homes?

DESIGN VIDAL: A home that's been designated "historical" by a municipality or the state may have restrictions as to remodeling. The demands are often counter intuitive. For example, when replacing an exterior door the owner will want to match the others to preserve the historical look of the home. However, when we remodeled Groucho Marx's former 1936 bungalow in Santa Monica, the city insisted that the new door look markedly different than the rest of the house, to ensure that future generations can distinguish the vintage from the reproduction.

LAMPS PLUS: What is your favorite type of historical home to restore?

DESIGN VIDAL: I can honestly say that I like working in all styles of homes. When we started, we remodeled and designed quite a few California Bungalows, so I have a soft spot for those. Our own home is modern; coming from the East Coast and when I was growing up, you didn't see anything modern. When I moved to Los Angeles, I felt like that was the style I wanted to experience. I started collecting eclectic Mid-Century pieces - the quirkier the better. When Guy and I designed our own house, we did an interpretation of modern with retro details, but livable and functional for our family. I love the challenge of working in so many styles; often I might be doing a Spanish, Craftsman, and modern all at the same time! It can make shopping for smalls kind of confusing because you're pulled in so many directions, but overall it's exciting. It is like playing dress up!

LAMPS PLUS: In general, what paint colors work best in Spanish and Craftsman homes?

DESIGN VIDAL: I love color and I feel like paint is one of the easiest changes to enact with the most immediate impact. I work primarily with Benjamin Moore paint and I'm lucky to have a great local paint store - Jill's Paint in Atwater. Having people who know what they are doing and care about the results makes a huge difference in the whole painting process.

There is a color deck called "Affinity Colors" that is right on. I have favorites that I mix in, more based on my client's preferences and what mood we are trying to create more than whether a home is Spanish or Craftsman. If you go into Jill's Paint and ask for a gallon of "Mascarpone," they will probably ask if you are working with me! That's my go-to white. It manages to be both creamy and bright, which is hard to pull off. Especially in older homes, a white that is too stark is jarring. In Spanish homes, especially if they have the old casement windows and they have been painted (often white), it would be cost prohibitive to try and strip them and sometimes you need to do repairs that would show if you tried to stain the windows. I fake a dark wood trim by painting them brown. It makes a huge difference in the overall vibe in trying to pull out the character. People are afraid of painting brown because it is an easy color to get wrong - you know what I mean! I like Oxford Brown - it's dark and rich, not too much purple or yellow undertones. In Craftsmans, I like warm earthy tones. Greens are nice and right now I'm pulling towards more blue-green shared rather than the sage greens that were so popular. I like Tranquility and Wind Chime.

LAMPS PLUS: When furnishing a classic home, do you stay consistent with the style of the home or do you mix styles?

DESIGN VIDAL: Furnishings are tricky - no one wants to walk into a period home and feel like they are walking on a set. Plus, it is not really practical because we live differently today and have different expectations of a sofa, for instance. Overall, we are larger than in the 1920s.

My guideline is that anything that is built-in should look seamless with the the house. If we make a new opening, the moulding should match the existing trim, etc. Built-ins should look original. Tile can have a vintage feel in terms of both what tile and how it is installed. Actual furnishings are different; the best look is a mix of vintage and modern pieces. For example, mixing a great sofa that is really comfortable and well made with a vintage coffee table. Family pieces that are handed down that don't necessarily match your style, pieces picked up on a trip, something you found at the side of the road - these are all elements that should be welcomed into any home.

Lighting is a great way to set the tone for your home. In a Spanish or Craftsman home, the lighting styles are so specific, it is nice to add some variation. For example, I remodeled a Craftsman kitchen and we opened up to the dining room and used beautiful school house pendants in the kitchen, but juxtaposed with a Nelson Bubble light pendant over the dining room table. In another Craftsman, we used Mica lights throughout, but incorporated some deco pendants that they had picked up years earlier and had stored in their garage. Also, if I am designing a Spanish, I often like to use an exotic element - a Moorish fixture works nicely.

LAMPS PLUS: How do you approach the lighting scheme when designing a space?

DESIGN VIDAL:  Generally I avoid recessed lights, except in a very specific situation, say in the kitchen for task lighting. With lighting, it is about form and function. You want the lighting to look a certain way, but you also need to make sure you have enough light. Dimmers are key, that way you can control the intensity. I also personally like specific control. For example, if I have a bathroom with a center fixture and two sconces by the medicine cabinet, I will have two switches - one for the center light and one to control the scones by the medical cabinet.

I also look at factors like ceiling heights, furniture placement, and functionality. Older homes do not have nearly the amount of lighing that we are accustomed to today, so it is a balancing act to figure out how to add lighting and still stay true to the home. Sconces are more common in older homes and often when we are rewiring we will uncover j-boxes that have been buried in the walls over the years and we will make them live. I also may add sconces, especially in living rooms where you don't necessarily want overhead light and in the bedrooms next to the bed for reading. I like to look for opportunities to add drama with the right fixture - drop a large pendant in an entry or high stairwell or pendants hanging from the ceiling on either side of the bed.

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

DESIGN VIDAL:

Casa Seville Collection 23" High Outdoor Hanging Light

Schoolhouse Button 12 3/4" Wide Old Bronze Ceiling Light

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