Style Illuminated

As a former professional organizer (and self-confessed nerd), I love to get organized. But it's not always easy when you can't find the right product for the job! I've worked with clients ranging from national banks to corporate executives to stay-at-home moms, and on each project the same dilemma would inevitably come up - "I know what I need to make this work, but I just can't find it anywhere!". While there are a fabulous array of home organization products available, sometimes you have to think creatively to find a solution that fits your needs and your home. Here are some of my favorite storage ideas with repurposed and upcycled items: 

For the bathroom: ditch generic bathroom storage containers and opt for something with more charm and character, like elegantly adorned plant pots and embellished votive candle holders. Ceramic pots are perfect for holding cotton balls, toothbrushes, and toothpaste; while simple glass votives are the perfect proportions for cotton swabs, toothpicks, and floss. 

For the kitchen: think outside the kitchen! A bathroom towel rack serves as a shelf for storing large pots and pans, or as a rack for storing their lids (simply slide the lids vertically between the slats - the lid handle will stop them from falling through). To corral cell-phone and electronics clutter in family central, an adorable and practical wall holder may be just what you need. This clever DIY is made from a baby lotion bottle - find the instructions for this holder for charging cell phones here!

For books and magazines: periodicals and paperbacks need not be clutter! A couple of great repurposed ideas I've seen on the web are this window shutter-turned-magazine rack and a clever new use for simple spice racks.

For small spaces: sweet and unexpected, a birdbath makes a charming accent table without taking up a large foorprint. Place it next to your bathtub hold guest soaps and towels, or stand it next to your front door as place to catch keys. A small-scale chest of drawers works beautifully as a nightstand, and also as a place to hold toiletries and towels in a tiny bathroom that's tight on storage.

Do you have a great repurposed or upcycled organizing idea that you've implemented in your home? We'd love to hear about it! Share your creative ideas in the comments.

Image credits: HGTV, Make It and Love It, My Repurposed Life, and Shelterrific.

Looking for home decorating ideas? Check out our very own Shop by Room gallery of interior decorating pictures! If it's been a while since you visited the Shop by Room section of our website, we invite you to take another look. We've re-vamped our inspiration gallery and you'll find new ideas and helpful design tips for your living room, dining room, bedroom, and other living spaces from our savvy team of interior designers. Ready? Here's a preview of what you can expect to find in our gallery:

Living Room Decorating Ideas: From French Country to formal, from modern to traditional, our curated collection of living room decorating ideas is bound to inspire.

Dining Room Decorating Ideas: With our dining room decorating ideas you can create the dining room of your dreams - a space where you can't wait to gather with friends and family.

Foyer and Entryway Decorating Ideas: Your foyer is the first thing people see when they enter your home. Make your entrance a space to remember with our foyer and entryway decorating ideas and pictures.

Hallway Lighting and Decorating Ideas: Transform a narrow, small, long, or just plain awkward hallway into a stunning space with our collection of hallway decorating ideas.

Bathroom Ideas - Photos to Inspire: Mirror, mirror on the wall, whose bathroom is the best of all? Why, yours will be! Whether for kids or teens, the master bathroom or powder room, our bathroom decorating pictures will give you great ideas to get started.

Bedroom Lighting and Decorating Ideas: Create a cozy retreat that captures your personality. For fantastic bedroom decorating ideas and pictures, be sure to view our bedroom gallery.

Video and Game Room Decorating Ideas: Once you've been inspired by our video and game room decorating ideas, the toughest decision will be choosing between playing video games, board games, or card games in your great new space.

Kitchen Decorating Ideas: The kitchen is the heart of the home, and our gallery of kitchen decorating ideas and photos is full of fantastic inspiration for you to add heart (and style) to your space.

Home Office Decorating Ideas: Your home office need not be boring! Escape from bland filing cabinets and dull desks with our inspiring home office decorating ideas and pictures.

Head on over to Shop by Room and get great ides from our gallery of home decorating pictures! (And to keep track of your favorite spaces, remember to bookmark your favorite rooms or pin them to Pinterest.)

This month's designer must list picks are some of my favorite. If you are stuck in winter blues, add pops of bright green to your decor. Graphic designer and design expert, Jessica Comingore, is obsessed with botanical photographic prints and I couldn't agree more. Designers Jeff Andrews and Jennifer Dyer select fun lamps as their favorite must-have light fixtures.

 1. "I love the Robert Abbey Doughnut Floor Lamp in Antique Brass. I have used it for a client in the past. It's the perfect mix of glam and modern and can be easily used in a bedroom, living room, or office." - Jennifer Dyer

2. "Right now I am obsessed with botanical photographic prints. They are super simple, but make a really beautiful statement." - Jessica Comingore

3.  "I'm loving an avocado or chartreuse green at the moment. Maybe because it's so retro it feels fresh." - Caitlin Murray

4.  "I love the animal print ceramic urn table lamp because it combines a classic shape with a texture and color of vintage ceramics." - Jeff Andrews

Images: Jennifer Dyer, Jessica Comingore, Caitlin Murray, Jeff Andrews, Etsy member PopOColor, Etsy member MilesOfLight

Tangerine Tango was recently announced as Pantone's color of the year for 2102. Now that they've had a few weeks to work with it, what do designers think of this bold and vivacious color?

Sandra Espinet: "I actually like it and prefer it to last years “pinkish” color.  Tangerine is a usable accent color and it's a fun pop that can be used in many applications. It's a toned down version of red and it's a happy fun color. I use tangerine and like the 2012 choice."

David Bromstad: "Tangerine Tango is a fun, sassy color for 2012!  I suggest bringing it into your home first with accessories – such as pillows, warm winter throws, lamp shades, or other decorative accessories.  If you love the color and you are ready to take the plunge, I suggest pairing it with colors such as navy blue, white, black, taupe, beige and even purple!  You can create your own wallpaper effect with Tangerine Tango by creating a wall stencil, then using the color to create a bold, unique pattern on your wall."  

Jessica Comingore: "Love it (but definitely in small doses). I love accenting a room of whites or greys with pops of deep orange like this. A cashmere throw, a lacquer box, a piece of modern art -- a little bit can go a long way."

Jessica Colaluca: "Since the Honeysuckle curve ball last year, I have been weighing in on color of the year (I called Sulphur for 2011 last winter). I posted in November my call for 2012 colors on my blog (and you can read some reactions to the comments in it here). My opinion is that Tangerine Tango is a bit behind the curve (Flame Orange was such a big color this past autumn/winter). The bigger issue I have with Tangerine is that it is a great accent or secondary color, but doesn't carry "color of the year" usability."

Caitlin Murray: "With its simultaneous refinement and playfulness, I see Tangerine Tango working well on walls in a small room to create upbeat drama or as an accent color in a neutral space to add bursts of personality."

Thirsty for more juicy Tangerine Tango interior design inspiration? Check out some of our very own decorative pillows and our Tangerine Tango decor board on Pinterest! 

Image credits: Sandra Espinet, Jessica Comingore, David Bromstad, Caitlin Murray, Jessica Colaluca, and Lonny.

Erin Feher, Executive Editor of California Home+Design magazine, shares small space living tips because, let's face it, living in a big city means sometimes compromising on square footage. Erin loves her small home and makes no excuses or compromises for entertaining a large group of friends for dinner. Yes, living in a small home (Erin's is only 500 square feet) can be a big challenge, but with a few tips you can make the most out of your limited square footage.

LAMPS PLUS: What is your design style?

ERIN FEHER: Personality matters so much. There are dozens of styles I admire, but rooms that express something about their owners really does it for me. My own home is currently warm modern and collected eclectic - an industrial shell with warm colors, lots of wood, clean lines, and plenty of vintage and custom pieces you won't see anywhere else.

LAMPS PLUS: Where do you find inspiration?

ERIN FEHER: All of the gorgeous homes I'm lucky enough to explore while shooting for California Home+Design magazine, Pinterest, blogs, and inside friend's homes.

LAMPS PLUS: Right now I am obsessed with...

ERIN FEHER: Rooms with great, show-stopping art.

LAMPS PLUS: What do you see being the next big trend?

ERIN FEHER: Well, it's here at the moment - modern rustic. Reclaimed wood, chunky steel details and thick rope everywhere. Up next? Would love to see Neo-Midcentury. Those shapes we love in juiced up colors and reimagined silhouettes.

LAMPS PLUS: What do you think of Pantone's 2012 color of the year - Tangerine Tango?

ERIN FEHER: I love it. Right now I'm into hues that are turned up just above the spectrum of your standard primary colors. So blue that's slightly electric, yellow that verges on neon and red...or tangerine, that almost glows. This definitely qualifies. The sweater I'm wearing right now is a tan cowl neck that looks like the bottom half was dipped in a can of bright tangerine.

LAMPS PLUS: You and your husband live in a 500 square foot condo in San Francisco. What is your advice for making the most out of a small home?

ERIN FEHER: Stay organized! And...get rid of things you don't need. Life is so much more lovely with less.

LAMPS PLUS: What is your biggest challenge living in under 1000 square feet? What was your solution for overcoming your biggest challenge?

ERIN FEHER: The fact that some things you need just take up a lot of space - like a full size bed, dining table, and sofa. The solution was to customize. Our bed used to take up almost our entire room until we built a loft. I needed a table to seat at least ten for entertaining, so Danny made us a removable leaf for the table. We found a sofa that lets us store guest linens, winter coats, and other less frequently used items underneath.

LAMPS PLUS: What are a few tips for entertaining guests in small spaces?

ERIN FEHER: Remove excess furnishings and accessories. We even pull our rug when we are expecting guests of ten or more. It just makes the space feel more roomy. Coffee tables and shelves that aren't already filled with decorative items, books or magazines ensure people will have plenty of places to set their drinks.

LAMPS PLUS: How does lighting affect small space living?

ERIN FEHER: Lighting makes a huge impact. Our place has an industiral vibe, so it came with big fluorescent wall lights. Sometimes you actually need that much light, but usually a combination of the numerous pendants and table lamps will do and make for a much more pleasing environment. And...because you can only live with so much in a small space, every piece has to pack a punch. Each fixture has personality and stands on its own as a design item, as well as being functional.

LAMPS PLUS: What are your top three ceiling lights from Lamps Plus?

ERIN FEHER:

Vertigo Large Pendant Light

Jonathan Adler Havana Nickel-Black Pendant Chandelier (no longer available)

Argento Antiqued Glass 10 1/2" Wide Corbett Pendant Light

Images: Courtesy of Erin Feher

Interior designer Jenika Kurtz bought her first house a little over two years ago and took on a major renovation project fixing up each room. Personalizing her house was very important to Jenika and over time she has been adding small touches such as throw pillows, personal pictures, DIY window treatments, etc. to add her own personality to the design. Jenika's own home has become a showcase for her work as an interior designer. She uses it as an example to show how you can personalize your own home.

LAMPS PLUS: Moving into your first house is very exciting. What is the first step for personalizing your new home?

JENIKA KURTZ: As funny as it sounds, installing window coverings. It was the perfect way to soften, make the space feel like home, and infuse each room with a bit of personality.

LAMPS PLUS: Hiring and working with contractors can sometimes be overwhelming. What are some tips for simplifying the process?

JENIKA KURTZ: The number one most important thing to have is a good rapport with whoever you work with. It is essential for both you and your contractor to have a very clear understanding of one another. This leaves little room for misinterpretation and the more you trust someone and feel the lines of communication are open, the more successful the project will turn out.

LAMPS PLUS: Complete home remodels can overwhelm the budget very quickly. What are some quick remodeling fixes that are easy on the checkbook, yet have a big impact?

JENIKA KURTZ: Paint! Whether it's a rundown looking room, kitchen cabinets or piece of furniture, paint is an easy, quick, and inexpensive way to transform the look of something.

LAMPS PLUS: What are some tips for personalizing your home through paint?

JENIKA KURTZ: The possibilities are endless. Don't be afraid of color or, as mentioned previously, using it on things other than walls. For the more adventurous, try painting a wood floor that you think might need replacing. Instead of spending a couple thousand you only have to spend a couple hundred and it gives you a completely new look.

LAMPS PLUS: What are some factors to take into account when selecting drapery?

JENIKA KURTZ: Definitely consider what kind of statement you want your drapes to make. If you want other features in the room to speak a little louder than choose a fabric that's a solid or has a subtle texture. If you want to notice the drapes more, then choose a fun color or pattern. It is about balance.

LAMPS PLUS: It is the small details in the home that give the design "the finish." What are a few ideas for incorporating smaller accessories into the overall design?

JENIKA KURTZ: Choose accessories that mean something or make sense. For example, place a colorful ceramic bowl that you picked up on your last vacation at your entry to hold your keys when you walk in. Put a cookbook of your favorite cuisine on a stand on your kitchen counter. Personal is always better.

LAMPS PLUS: What is your advice for updating and personalizing the home's exterior and landscape design?

JENIKA KURTZ: Be thoughtful. The exterior is an area that people don't often think needs to be "designed," but it is hugely important. When planting trees, shrubs or bushes you should consider color, scale, and proportion just as much as you should with the interior furniture. Before you start, make a plan and draw in areas with points of interest. Always remember lighting as well.

LAMPS PLUS: What is the best process for designing your home's lighting scheme?

JENIKA KURTZ: First consider function then consider levels. I always like to have at least two or three levels of light. Level one would be the functional light; maybe you add recessed lighting that gives you an overall wash of the space. Second would be hanging or flushmount decorative fixtures. Third would be floor lamps and/or table lamps. All should be dimmable so you can play with different moods for different activities.

LAMPS PLUS: What are your favorite table lamps from Lamps Plus?

JENIKA KURTZ: The following table lamps are all transitional and clean with a fun vibe that could work in a number of spaces.

 Moderne Brushed Steel Finish Table Lamp (no longer available)

Blue Calliope Linen Giclee Paley White Table Lamp

Robert Abbey Odelia Night Light Glass Table Lamp

Images: Jessica Comingore

A home office or creative workspace is quickly becoming an essential room in today's home. Whether used as an office for a freelance business, as a creative space for craft projects, or as a homework station for kids, having a dedicated space for productivity helps everything function and flow in the best way possible! Here are my favorite tips for creating a workspace that's organized, practical, and beautiful:

1. Work at a practical desk. Determine what your needs are, and invest in the proper desk. Would a large desktop enable you to spread out and work more effectively? Does having filing cabinets within reach make managing your business easier? Will multiple drawers for storage keep your craft clutter at bay? 

2. Customize a unique workspace.  If you can't find the workspace and storage pieces you need, it might be time to get creative and customize your own! This two-person homework station is brilliantly simple - a dining table is cut in half and mounted to a freestanding shelving unit.

 3. Close the doors on clutter. Even when organized, a desk can look busy and visually cluttered. A large armoire desk with doors enables you to quite literally, "close the doors" on your workspace. An armoire like this is particularly beneficial when the room needs to serve two purposes, such as a bedroom and office.

4. Introduce bright white furniture. Lighten up a heavy, traditional office with light and bright furniture. A more modern take on the home office, a workspace like this is cheerful and inviting - whether you're using it for scrapbooking or accounting.

5. Organize with colorful accessories. Gone are the days of drab, industrial office supplies! Since you're going to need a desk lamp, clock, and filing system anyway, choose beautiful home decor items to add some personality to your workspace.

6. Make your space beautiful.  Why not have a luxury pillow on your desk chair, fresh flowers in a vase, or even a crystal chandelier in your office? It's the little details that give your office a personal touch and turn it into a space that you'll want to stay up late and work in.

What's one thing you've done to create the home office or creative space of your dreams?  

Image credits: One Little Word, Better Homes and Gardens, Oh Happy Day, Scrapbook.com, Decorpad, and Decor8.

Interior designer Lisa Ferguson is the founder of Decor Mentor, a "collaborative, educational online community for interior design pros and consumers".  Lisa and her team of designer mentors are seasoned professionals who know the ins and outs of the design world, and have come together on Decor Mentor to share their expertise.

The Decor Mentor design experts have written dozens of blog posts answering homeowner questions and reader dilemmas, and one question that many readers ask is how to choose the correct size of area rug for a room. Choosing the right-sized area rug can be tricky, so Lisa has created these handy visuals to give homeowners a sense of how different sized area rugs will interact with their furniture and suit their spaces.

Before you go shopping, be sure to read (and memorize!) Lisa's Designer Tips to Remember:

+ 8-16″ of hardwood around perimeter of area rug is optimal
+ Area rug edges and corners in major traffic flow areas will be annoying and dangerous
+ A minimum of the front legs of furniture should be on the area rug, put preferably all furniture legs should be on the area rug for a more pulled together and professional look
+ Measure your minimum and maximum sizes before you go sourcing
+ If your optimal area rug size is not standard, consider having broadloom banded [it's affordable, with lots of choices!]

To view and download all of Lisa's area rug size guides, visit the following links: Living Room Area Rug Size Guide, Dining Room Area Rug Size Guide, Queen Bed Area Rug Size Guide, King Bed Area Rug Size Guide, Twin Bed Area Rug Size Guide, and Double/Full Bed Area Rug Size Guide 

Images courtesy of Decor Mentor.

Here's a little good news for your Friday morning: two months from today is the first day of spring! (Hurrah, there's an end to winter in sight!) Back in December, Lamps Plus's stylish buyer and tastemaker Veronika Haddad shared hot holiday tabletop trends and her top gift recommendations, and now she's giving Style Illuminated readers a spring 2012 home decor trends preview:

Peacock (above):  Peacock is luxurious, opulent, and regal. The peacock trend can be interpreted literally (think peacock feathers and bird motifs) or stylistically by incorporating furniture and accessories in rich jewel tones of teal, aqua, ultramarine, and bronze.  

Spring Garden: This look is all about bringing the outdoors in. A wrought-iron gate becomes a graceful kitchen chandelier; a ceramic garden stool becomes a chic living room end table; and floral motifs adorn accessories and artwork.

Green with Orange: Green is perenially fresh and lively. This spring, add a bright and cheerful contrast to green with accents of orange. This color combo looks espeically chic when paired with bronze.

Parisian Flea Market:the look of gracefully aged French antiques has been a hot trend for a while, and continues to influence home decor this spring. Infuse your home with a little European style with show-wood furniture, crystal chandeliers, gilded picture frames, and well-worn accents.

What's your favorite spring home decor trend for 2012? How will you implement these current styles into your interior? 

Image credits: Layoutsparks.com,Rosemary on Flickr, The Paris Apartment, and all products are from Lamps Plus.

Keeping your kitchen organized does not mean a gut renovation. In fact, clever kitchen storage can be achieved inexpensively if you follow the three simple tips: reuse, repurpose and recycle. Normally, I am merrily talking about glorious interiors and how to achieve them, when you may be wanting some practical advice about home matters that don’t cost a thin dime. You’re in luck today because I love finding ways to feed my obsessive need for organization for next to pennies. 

1. REUSE

One easy way to stay organized for less is to use clear canisters. Not only are they easily washed and used for just about anything, they stack beautifully and allow you to see how much is left of a particular item. No more pulling out the old box of cereal to see that your teenager has left a meager amount of corn flakes. On a design note, I love the wallpaper on the back of the pantry. Why not keep things bright and breezy as well as organized. Make sure pantries are well lit. With kitchen lighting, it  is critical to making sure you see what you have and need, not to mention to see when things get a tad dirty and need a good cleaning.

Did you ever think of the many uses for a tension rod? Forget about hanging a limp shower curtain from one of these beauties. I am in love with this idea...use them for vertical storage for trays, platters and cutting boards. Genius. 

2. REPURPOSE

When was the last time you saw a pegboard outside of a garage or basement? Of course Julia Child used it in her own kitchen so it must be top drawer to use in ours. Funny enough, I’m not even discussing the pegboard, it’s the fisherman’s basket, a creel, that caught my eye. I love how they have used baskets on vertical space to add storage in this kitchen. Country, charming and totally functional.

Another great idea for maximizing kitchen storage is as basic as a nail and hook. If you are challenged with drawer and cabinet space, there is no shame in hanging pans. I also happen to think these wire baskets are so chic. To me, making merchandising your kitchen to look like a store brings me joy.

Country wire baskets are perfect to hold everything from fruits and veggies as well as napkins, silverware and dishtowels. The handle makes them perfect for transporting items from kitchen to dining room or outside.

3. RECYCLE

We all have drawers that are filled with a jumbled assortment of random things including  saran wrap and foil holders that can clean take off a digit if you’re not careful. One interesting idea is to take an old cereal box, cover it in decorative paper and use it to hold those kitchen essentials that usually take up valuable horizontal drawer space.  

Another chic storage idea is to recycle old filing cabinets used in old print shops and general stores. As you can see, they make one-of-a-kind extra storage for those with limited space and budgets. Go forth and organize!

Photos courtesy of Pinterest, Martha Stewart.