Style Illuminated

Unless you've just won the mega-millions lottery, one factor will always be a consideration when designing your space: budget. However, great expense doesn't guarantee great taste, and these easy budget decorating ideas will be your best friend for a stylish and livable home.

Much beauty can be created without much money; and in fact working with less forces you to think more carefully about what you value most. The result is a considered, cultivated interior that will be your retreat from the busy outside world.

Call on the concept of 'one' when you're working on a strict budget. This simple approach streamlines and de-stresses the process as well as keeps your spending in check. Setting a rule for one color throughout a room—whether that means turning your book spines inwards for a cohesive (and totally free!) library look, or sticking with a single hue for all your kitchen implements—ensures you're less likely to make impulse buys that aren't within your scheme.

Similarly, while a formal headboard has its time and place, a single large wall hanging plays the same role as a focal point and requires considerably less from your budget.

When it comes to art, a gallery wall with multiple framed pieces does look terrific, but the cost of assembling and hanging adds up quickly. Conversely, one large painting, a black and white photo, or a stunning piece of wall art makes an impact over a sofa or entryway console; and often the canvas is striking enough that you don't have to frame it at all.

The lesson? When you're working with budget decorating, think about all the ways you can make a strong statement with just one of something—and choose the best of that one that you can afford!

Images: Lamps Plus Guest Blogging Pinterest

I think summer is my favorite season of all.

Growing up, we summered every year on Cape Cod. We would walk along the coastline.....watching the sailboats drift by in the distance, listening to the squawk of the seagulls and watching the lobster buoys bob up and down with the drifting waves.

It was an oasis.

A true getaway.

I can still see the winding gravel road leading to the beach and its endless rows of jetties. When you rounded the bend.....you could hear the roar of the waves crashing against the shore and smell the salt air.

That winding road always took us away from the cares of everyday life......

....and to the beginning of a summer oasis.

Miles from the beach and looking to create an oasis?  Here's a few design ideas to create a getaway in your own back yard.

1.  Create a retreat

Create a retreat of your own with natural fibers and textures.

Add a natural fiber outdoor rug to ground your space and compliment it with stylish outdoor seating with texture like a set of rattan chairs or a reclining chaise lounge.

Relax with a good book and a cool glass of lemonade on a lazy summer afternoon.

2.  Add soothing colors

Nothing says summer like lemon and sherbet.

Create an oasis with fun pops of color using indoor/outdoor rugs and patterned pillows.

Light the way with colorful LED party lights or paper lanterns.

A colorful back porch is perfect for homemade ice cream while the crickets chirp as the sun sets in the sky.

3.  Relax under the stars.

Why not spend a lazy summer night with your guests under the stars?

Use a tent or a gazebo to create a backyard oasis, or on a clear night bring a table out under a canopy of trees.

Create a welcoming oasis with indoor/outdoor fabrics and pillows or a cozy throw.

Nibble on dessert by the light of decorative lanterns amidst the laughter of friends.

This summer.....as the days get longer and the balmy summer breezes float in....take time to enjoy every moment.

Relax and sip lemonade or make homemade ice cream or listen to the crickets chirping.

With a few simple steps, you can create a backyard oasis of your own.....

.....the perfect place to relish the lazy days of summer.

Photo Credit:  Photo 1:  Pinterest  Photo 2:  bhg  Photo 3:  bhg  Photo 4:  bhg  Photo 5:  Traditional Home

Late spring into early summer is when everyone starts thinking — BEACH! So whether it's an actual beach house, lake house, or just a fresh update to your own house let this beach home decor in 4 ways inspire you! With just a few easy pieces you can get your style of the "beachy look" in your space. A blue table lamp here, pillow there, and a quick piece of decor and a rug and you can transform your space to feel like you are on vacation.

These classic beach items take you away in a refined way. No trendy beach here!

Shopping Guide: Ceramic Sea Urchin White Table Lamp, Maritime Blue Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug, Safavieh Spice Beach Red Coral Fan Pillows, Decorative Taupe Coral Statue.

This calming blue, silver and neutral scheme would be perfect for a guest bedroom.

Shopping Guide: Resort Sand Dollar Aqua Blue Area Rug, Coral Wall Art, Silver Table Lamp, Gloss White Coral Bowls.

This coral table lamp makes a bold statement! Add a large shell decorative bowl and a pop of blue in the pillows and your beachy space will not be forgotten.

Shopping Guide: Arteriors Home Cassidy Coral Orange Porcelain Table Lamp, Quito Area Rug, White Clam Shell Decorative Bowl, Square Blue and Beige Stripe Throw Pillow.

For a more subtle chic beach feel, go with items that don't scream 'giant clam shell'! This palm vase makes the perfect addition without overtaking the space.

Shopping Guide: Coral Area Rug, Palm Ceramic Vase, Capiz Shell Accent Bowl, Natural Fossil Coral Table Lamp.

Traditional, calming, bold, and unique - these are just 4 of many ways to incorporate beach home decor into your space for summer.

Spring and summer are bursting with color, and it's the perfect time to embrace unique color ideas for kids rooms! I've created three different color schemes that are at once playful and sophisticated, so settle on a palette and get to work sprucing up your kids' spaces.

Yellow and gray or black isn't the most obvious color combo for a kid, at least it wasn't before Jenna Lyons created the oft-photographed nursery in her former Brooklyn townhouse. The black wall and striped ceiling just take some paint and patience to achieve. It works for girls too, as you can see in this refreshing bedroom spotted on an Apartment Therapy house tour. (Remember that butterfly wallpaper from that kitchen in Domino?) A fanciful upholstered headboard echoes the movement of the wings, and a subtly-patterned comforter adds even more interest. Interior images: Jenna Lyons; Apartment Therapy. 

Shopping guide: 1. Charleston Screen  2. Dandelion Print Chair  3. Butterfly Art  4. Striped Ceiling Light  5. Trio Moderne Bedside Table  6. Zuo Wilco Side Table  7. Zebra Print Cow Hide Rug  8. Robbie Shelving Unit  9. Jezebel Radiance™ Glass Pendant  10. Tufted Velvet Chaise  11. Point Round Ottoman

Turquoise and green works just about anywhere. Both these bedrooms happen to be for girls, but with slight tweaks can be adapted for boys. Furniture with clean lines is paired with fabrics with strong graphics. Artwork and colorful table lamps add curves. Interior images: Reed & Delphine Krakoff's Southampton home in Elle Decor; Katie Ridder. 

Shopping guide: 1. Faux Leather Kids Chair 2. Butterfly Wings Pillows 3. Florin Rug 4. Morning Dew II Art 5. Surya Trellis Pouf Ottoman 6. Paul Frank Stackable Storage Cube 7. Possini Euro Darby Glass Pendant (currently unavailable) 8 Lava Lamp 9. Shirred Velvet Headboard bed (currently unavailable)10. Kiwi Green Suede Pillows 11. Zuo Phante Kids Chair

Coral and turquoise is often seen in coastal decor, from guest rooms to dining rooms. Here, the hues are softened, and used in girls' bedrooms, making it easy to add in pale pink pieces you may already have (or that your daughter insists upon). Interior images: Visible Proof; Kelly Wearstler.

Shopping guide: 1. Hidden Treasures Accent Table  2. Keep Calm and Carry On Art 3. Stacy Garcia Ceiling Light  4. Annabelle Linen Chair  5. "Je T'aime" Jeweled Wish Candle  6. Jamie Young Glass Table Lamp  7. Capiz Shell Metal Branch Wall Decor  8. Chevron Rug  9. Microsuede Slipcover Bed  10. Surya Tiger Pattern Pillow  11. Surya Timora Throw 

Yellow and charcoal, turquoise and green, coral and turquoise - these are all unique color ideas for kids rooms that go beyond the typical pink and blue. What's your favorite combo when decorating for kids?

The modern mix design trend reflects the way we live today. No longer are we saddled with having to create one “look,” rather it’s all about creating an eclectic mix of design elements to reflect our varied interests and taste. The notion of mixing many elements is a modern idea and Lamps Plus has devoted and entire section to lighting and furnishings that capture the modern mix home decorating style.

Much of this trend borrows from the 1960s and 1970s among others. I love the introduction of chrome seating and references to classic geometry. Additionally, picture lights that were once only seen in stuffy libraries have been spruced up, refinished in crisp tones and are now the rage in most any room of the house where you want dramatic, direct light.

The modern mix design trend can also capture the golden age of Hollywood. Art Deco shapes have been revived, and like the lighting above, have been reinterpreted with new finishes and fresh details to make them relevant in today’s home.

Lighting designs steeped in classic 1950s shapes are also back, having been transformed into truly modern light fixtures. I love how the mod 1950s style floor lamp above pops against the very modern color palette of cool gray. As long as your shapes, colors and scale are harmonious, you can’t go wrong.

Photos: La Dolce Vita, Ashley Goforth Design.

In my second installment of the Colors for Summer Decorating series, we will focus on scorching hot red decor. (We previously talked about yellow decor for summer.) It is so easy to incorporate bold summer reds into your seasonal decor routine, either in lighting, accessories or colorful outdoor furniture.  A pop of red is sure to inspire a sizzling backyard fiesta!

As patriotic and American as apple pie, red decor accents signify those long hot days of summer.  Unlike sweet, cheerful yellow, mixing in bright, bold reds for the summer adds a 'wow' factor.  Whether planning one party or accessorizing for the entire season, mixing in red patio furniture, serving trays, potted plants and accent lighting brings a fun, festive feel to any space.  Check out how to incorporate bold red lighting, furniture and accessories in your home below - and don't forget an outdoor ceiling fan to keep cool.

Shopping guide: Adirondack Chair, Coffee Mugs, Throw Blanket, Accent Pillows, Birdcage Pendant Light, Table Lamp

Red or yellow - which is your favorite color for summer decorating?

All Images: Summer Accents Pinterest Album

Ceiling fans are coming back into style. Words I’m not sure I thought I would write or say a few years back. I must say I have been converted to the functionality and style of fans - plus it doesn’t hurt that they cool things down on a sweltering day.

Summer is almost here so it may be time to consider upgrading existing fans or adding them to lower energy bills. The ceiling fans from Lamps Plus cover a wide range of popular features like remote control and energy efficient models. However, as a designer, I’m more concerned about how they look!

Tropical style ceiling fans are chic in warmer climates and in veranda settings. I would probably use them when ceilings are high as the blades tend to be larger and may look “de trop” in smaller rooms. Also, tropical fans with lights create a casual atmosphere and allow you to enjoy the outdoors at night.

Modern fans offer a sleek version of the old classic. The more aerodynamic styling makes them on the one hand disappear and on the other so aesthetically attractive you want to stare! Look how fabulous they look even when the decor is not minimalist.

The classic ceiling fan is timeless. I would, however, match the color of the fan to the ceiling as seen in the images above. If you want the look of a bygone era, this is the fan for you.

Retro style fans are so cool they’re hot. OK, seriously? Taking the look of an “old school” tabletop fan and converting it to a ceiling model is genius. I couldn’t love this design more and secretly wish my central air would falter so that I could buy one.

Ceiling fans aren't limited to the indoors either - a stylish outdoor ceiling fan is the perfect addition to a covered porch, patio, or sunroom. 

Photos: Habitually Chic, House of Turquoise.

No matter what your decorating style, there's room for a little leopard or cheetah, zebra or giraffe. Treat animal prints like a neutral and work within your existing aesthetic when you incorporate these decorating ideas —a vast range of options exists for every design sensibility. 

I've always had a soft spot for animal prints in home decor. Not only do they offer an ideal balance between restrained color and eye-catching pattern, they're also surprisingly versatile.

Channel feminine glamour with animal accents on Hollywood Regency pieces; traditional silhouettes get an energetic update with safari-inspired upholstery; textured elements like printed linens and dyed hides add depth to earthy interiors.

If you're trepidatious, start with with inconspicuous details like a transitional table lamp style with a leopard-lined lamp shade;  or a single animal-print throw pillow. Once you've dipped in your toes, don't be surprised to find yourself feeling fearless. Animal prints have a way of taking you for a walk on the wild side!

Here's how to introduce animal prints into your home decor: 1. Antiqued Silver Glass Lamp 2. Zebra Back Arm Chair 3. Zebra Faux Leather Tray 4. Animal Print Armless Chaise 5. Black Faux Suede Clear Glass Table Lamp 6. Birch Bark Table Lamp and Zebra Stripe Lamp Shade 7. Tiger Print Cowhide Rug 

Images: Lamps Plus Guest Blogging Pinterest

Quick home decor updates should be inexpensive and liven up any room. Most of us don’t have the funds for major room redecoration, so here are some simple ideas that will have a huge effect on your home without breaking the bank.

Adding a hot pattern can modernize any room. Love the trellis wallpaper, but rent? Treat yourself to a decorative patterned pillow and get a similar look.

A hot new look is to add old school fixtures to bookshelves for a dramatic lighting affect. Have and old bookcase or hutch that needs a face lift? Why not paint the old monster and mount a pair of chic swing arm wall lights or picture lights at the top to highlight books and collectibles. Plug-in fixtures work best as you can drop the wires behind the case (you may need to drill holes in the back to snake the wires through) and voila, instant chic.

Could adding new shades to bedside lamps and sconces be an easier update? I think not. New lamp shades can personalize a room and make it look designer done.

Pendant lights are all the rage over islands, but what about swapping out the old overhead light in your kitchen. Most of us have a dated flush mount or fluorescent box which are far from attractive and should probably be changed. Assuming you have the ceiling height, try to opt for unique pendant light fixtures for your kitchen.

A hook and a dream is all you need to visually expand a tight space. Mirrors are also a wonderful way to add light to dark corners and halls.

Floors and ceilings are often times neglected. Adding a cool zebra rug will add texture and movement. Another great feature of zebra rugs is that they hide minor messes.

Follow these 6 tips to give your lackluster home decor a quick update. Happy decorating!

Photos: A Perfect Gray.

Decorating inspiration is everywhere. Your environment can really influence your design choices. I love to throw outdoor dining parties that amplify the environment we're in. I'm completely smitten by this outdoor dining table. The wood paneling feels warm and inviting while the use of white place settings and succulent centerpieces feels modern and fresh.

This is a look that anyone could easily recreate. With just a few key elements you can transform your deck {or even indoor dining room} into a chic and trendy space that feels young and exciting for the summer months! The key is to mix modern pieces, like the wire chairs with more rustic pieces, like a wood table for a perfect balance. And don't forget the importance of mood-setting outdoor lighting and designer landscape lighting fixtures to create an ideal ambiance.

Shopping guide to get this outdoor dining look: Succulent Arrangement // Stratus Collection Sconce // White Steel Dining Chairs // Surya White Gardens Pillow // Maritime Hanging Light

Image credits: JL Designs.