Remember, Remember The 5th of November!

I have to openly admit that I am a pyrotechnic lover! Yes, I am one of those who 'ohhs' and 'ahhs' every-time the night sky is lit up! Of course today is bonfire night in the UK, a day dedicated to remembering the plot, treason and attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament!

Of course now-a-days fireworks are used to celebrate just about everything and every occasion across the globe. Bringing the vibrancy and magical qualities of the patterns fireworks produce into your home is a great way to inject some zing into your home. Of course you could use photographs of actual exploding fireworks or create your own wall art, alternatively you could look out for fabrics which have been inspired by pyrotechnics and use them as curtains, cushions and duvet sets. Beautifully designed lighting in vases is yet another way of adding wonderful lighting effects in your home which are reminiscent of the trails of light left behind by fireworks!

If you're not into making your own soft furnishings there are some wonderful vibrant patterns and colours on the 'ready made' shelves of many high street and online retailers. The key in creating the illusion of fireworks is to have a black, night sky, back ground with vibrant contrasting patterns. Beaded embellishments will add the glittery sparkle beautifully!

Image: MocoLoco

Happy, Happy Birthday!

(lamps via: Decor 8 and chandelier via 1st dibs)

To me!! Yay!
I am one of those obnoxious persons who likes to tell everyone about my birthday! You know I want to wear a big button on my shirt that talks about it, or a birthday tiara. When I was a kid I never understood why I didn't get an automatic day off from school on my special day!
So, I am going to tell all of you about it today. Ha, ha! I am turning the big 34! It freaks me out a bit, because I've always imagined the threshold for being a "mature adult" as turning 35. Now I only have one year to really get my act together. Aahhh, I don't know if I'm ready!
To celebrate, I put together a wish list of gifts, for myself. I thought some of you might enjoy it also:)

(Top left: Billy Reid Bottom left: Nivaldo de Lima Right:Shrimpton Couture )

Terry Graziano

I would take anything and everything from this shop. It was a struggle to keep it down to only three!
Funny enough, this month also marks the second anniversary of my blog. I am reminded how much I have loved getting to know so many wonderful people via this site. I appreciate all of you who stop in to check on me everyday:) I hope to keep writing this for a long time and I hope to get to know all of you more and more.
So thanks everyone!

War Of The Worlds

Did you ever see that movie? The original one I mean, (don't get me started on my negative feelings about Tom Cruise!) These incredible light fixtures remind me of the alien spaceships, attacking the Earth. Remember that creepy sound they made? That movie was a family favorite at my house :)

See more of this Parisian restaurant on Dezeen.
P.S. I'm on my way to Round Top! More info later:)

Using White In Your Home

White and so chic this is the ideal hallway for me! Simplicity really is a matter of less is more in many styles of interior design and this is one of those designs where nothing more is needed, its striking simplicity speaks volumes!

Injections of colour are all in-vogue within the world of interiors, however white continues to be the most favoured of colours. purely because it look stylish on its own and even more stunning when a natural wood table on which a few objects, including plain table lamps, nothing fancy or flashy, are placed. Natural coloured flooring is used as a purely functional necessity and to make this design feel homely.

The great advantage of using white is that it looks good however old or new your home, unless you are trying to replicate a particular period of time, such as the Victorian era or before, then white is an excellent option. (you shouldn’t include brilliant white paint if you want authentic looks in Victorian homes for the simple reason it hadn’t been invented!)

Any room of your home can be predominately white, of course total white is also acceptable but needs to be used carefully and skilfully otherwise it can look very cold…think of snow and ice and you will realise what I mean!

Injections of any colour, pale pastel to vibrant neon will lift the coldness and turn your room into a chic and very stylish place to be!

For great interior design inspiration and image visit Decorology

Hues Of Yellow And Black Provide A Chic Room Style

What a delight to see beautiful pastel yellow colours complimented by black, it gives a rich gold effect without being over the top and ostentatious. The blend of colours brings a warm and very inviting feel to the room.

Even the simple touches such as the black piping on the cushion covers bring a sense of harmony to the room.

I adore the large mirror which is used to bring the illusion of more light and space into the room. Although there are no patterns as such this makes the focal points even more interesting. The modern table lamps with its trendy glass base and more traditional style of shade brings a delightful and impressive touch of chic style to the room. Even the yellow/gold trim on the little black table is so exacting.

Of course there is not a thing out of place, the books under the table add a real homely touch, while the reflection in the mirror enables the gorgeous floor length pale yellow curtains to be seen. This room offers such a peaceful feeling which could easily be replicated and makes a real change from seeing monotone black with white which seems to dominate many of the latest interior design styles.

With the mix and match of old and new one being one of this seasons interior themes; chic style at affordable prices seems to fit the bill perfectly here. Other great examples of gorgeous inspirational rooms can be found at Delight By Design

Clever Uses Of Table Lamps

This is a exquisite use of table lamps to light a piece of wall art. The idea of using two contrasting styles of lamps is a great way to add real interest to the area.

The entire shelf, wall art and objects marry together in a beautiful and visually appealing way. The concept of having personal objects used to create places such as these is a perfect way to draw on the natural beauty of each object and yet bringing them together so gracefully.

The light and shadows cast upon the wall art makes it come alive with the 3D visual effects bringing a sense of intrigue.

The use of white and cream to create wonderful living spaces is my humble opinion one of the easiest interior design concepts to inspire and recreate in your own home. If you can’t bear white you could also inject colour by having a similar arrangement in your favourite colour such as Delft blue porcelain pieces.

Collections of personal objects have been included within interiors for hundreds of years, the key point is to make them focal points which draw the eye with visual appeal and intrigue.

Use ideas such as this to show how to off set one piece against the other so that you don’t end up with a jumble and confusion. The difference in styles and height between the lamps are what make this idea work so beautifully! if they were matching the whole affect would be ruined!

For further inspirational design ideas visit Habitually Chic

New Uses For Aviator Sunglasses - Celebrity Lamp

Anyone have a few pairs of Aviators lying around they don’t want?!

You could take inspiration from Celebrity Lamps and turn them into a stylish shade for your table lamp! This is a great way to recycle the old lenses of your old sunglasses to give you a really hip lamp!

The lamp is made by incorporating forty pairs of Aviator sunglass which have been customised to fit around the circular shade frame. Supported by a slender chrome coloured stand and including a quirky switch made from one arm of the sunglasses, this table lamp makes me smile!- maybe because it reminds me of summer and warmth!

When not illuminated the lenses reflect their surroundings in a similar way to a fly’s eye, in a strange sort of way and when light up casts some wonderful shadows into the room.

I’m a firm believer in having various diffused lighting effects in a room rather than a bright overhead light. The inclusion of stylish table lamps is an essential requirement in all homes irrespective of their interior design style.

How cool would this Celebrity Lamp look in a bachelor’s bedroom, providing really chic style. Like all celebrities who wear Aviators, anyone who has one of these funky lights will not need many excuses to invite people to see and marvel over it!

Imagine the great colours combinations and lighting effects you could create to make a lamp such as these from different styles of sunglasses if you can’t lay your hands on any unwanted Aviators!

For further information on Celebrity Lamp and image source visit Surroundings

Well, Thanks Apartment Therapy!

On Monday, I wrote about different approaches to lighting a home painted in very dark colors.
As if on cue, Apartment Therapy posted a home that uses both natural lighting and dramatic artificial lighting.
I guess the 10 emails a day from them, paid off;)

Design Find: Bendant Lamp

Ooh, ooh! I'm loving this piece
for its color and its great price!
Find at Uncommon Goods (Brooklyn, not Austin).

'Lull' Light

The concept of this amazing light has 'blossomed' by the Norwegian design group Varmo 1 Kollstad 1 Buene. It works by a motor which has a timer attached. When it is time for sleep the light slowly dims and the petals of the light slowly close. In the morning the bud comes to life by reversing the action-the light comes on and as the bud opens the light becomes brighter. What a wonderfully relaxing and ingenious way to let your body clock know when it is time to sleep and when it is time to get up.

Lull, the apt name of this design, is a great way to get children into a good sleep routine from an early age. No more being afraid of the dark, as the light fades and the flower closes the room will gradually and gently become darker, rather than the usual 'shock' of being plunged into complete darkness. It may also be very useful for anyone who has problems drifting off to sleep or waking up.

In order for Lull to work effectively it would probably be best to use a blackout roller blind to prevent unwanted light coming into the room too early in the morning or when trying to get to sleep-as these would defeat the object of controlling the amount of light in the room.

Lull would be ideal for use all year, most particularly during the long summer evenings and early morning sunshine!

The design group consulted psychologist and specialist on sleep problems Dr. Staalle Pallesen during this wonderful lights conception.

For further information and image source visit yatzer

Susurrus Ceramic Sculpture/Chandelier

As much as I love all of the designs I include in my blog it’s not often that I actually say ‘I want one of those’. Today’s blog is the exception! I just adore this chandelier and have place in my home for at least one!

Susurrus ceramic sculpture/chandelier is made from hundreds of tiny bone china bells. Every bell is unique with its own distinctive shape and acoustic tone. The subtle variations in the sounds and shapes are produced by variations in the organic firing process. Although the bells are unglazed they are surprisingly robust while still retaining a really delicate appearance.



The name Susurrus comes from the Latin whisper or murmur, very apt for the delicate sounds made when the chandelier is gently set in motion.

There are variations available. Susurrus Lux comes complete with integral lighting provide by a 20W bulb skilfully concealed by a porcelain conical shade. The low watt bulb and shade provide the most incredible diffused lighting effects throughout the chandelier.

If you prefer to admire Susrrus just as a sculpture feature it is available without the lighting. What’s even more amazing is that Susrrus can also be used outside and looks stunning suspended from a large tree.

Although the Susrrus chandelier in the above image was made for a 5 star hotel renovation in Ireland, smaller or larger versions up to 5m in height and virtually unlimited width due to its modular construction can be made to order.

For further details and image source visit www.itemhome.co.uk

Pen Lamps

How amazing is this lampshade? My love of recycling everyday objects into interesting and useable objects has been ignited with this ingenious lampshade made from black biro pens.

I love the contemporary and stylish look it provides. It appears the pens are carefully suspended by there covers by thin pieces of metal at equidistant spaces which sway and move gently, similar to a glass or crystal chandelier.

The simplicity of such great design concept is great. Circular shaping offers the opportunity of this shade to fit onto a number of different lamp bases, with possibilities different sizes, including floor lamps. Red and black pens have also been utilised into variations of the lampshade, designed by the Madrid based design studio enPieza.

Yellow Bic pen casings with black lids offer a delightful orange glow and a gentle diffused light effect in both the single and four tied chandelier shades available. I assume pens of any colour could be used just as successfully. Original coordinating coloured end caps add to the overall visual effect beautifully.

This lampshade is stylish and very functional in my opinion. The transparent casing reflects the light beautifully and although these pens to appear to be full of ink I can see no reason why old used pens cannot be successfully substituted, as long as they haven’t been thrown around and scratched or the end caps chewed! Ink at various levels may add an interesting option, a great way to recycle pens in a positive and practical way!

Image source: www.reubenmiller.typepad.com

9-Light Candelabra

Designed by Corin Mellor, son of the infamous 20th century designer David Mellor, this 9-light stainless steel candelabra reminds me of tubular wind chimes with a beautiful modern concept in providing light at both the dinner table or for creating subtle lighting effects with a warm and graceful appeal in the floor standing option.

The candelabra is based on the Advent wreath which he designed for Sheffield Cathedral last year, it consists of 32 stainless steel bars with eight candle holders radiating out from the central stem with the ninth set slightly higher. The black granite base off sets the polished steel with its decorative anodized coloured rings beautifully against the white candles.

Corin designed and created these candelabra exclusively for 20ltd.com. There are only six editions of each size available so anyone wishing to bring a real touch of Christmas into their home will have to order pretty sharply!

The floor size candelabra would provide an intimate atmosphere throughout the year in either traditional or contemporary homes as the use of polished stainless steel has been handcrafted by 380 individual components. The table size is ideal for large dining tables made from surfaces which would further bounce and reflect the light, adding a whole new dimension to the piece each time the candles are lit.

For me there is a magical and almost mystical feel to these candelabra, the delightful warmth and reflection of the flames dancing on the steel bars is mesmerising, very relaxing and extremely peaceful.

Image source: www.davidmellordesign.com

Tom Raffield- Ash Pendant No.1

Tom Raffield, co-founder of Sixisis, has created his own company from which he has used the most beautiful local English Ash to create this unique sculptural light shade.

A piece of true craftsmanship which looks as stunning during the daylight hours when natural light permeates through the coils and woven twists as it does when the energy saving soft glow giant light bulb, which Tom supplies with every commission, is switched on. The visual effects highlight the natural colouring of the wood magnificently while offering a soft, subtle lighting effects.


Tom is renowned for his designs using sustainable woods. To create the light shade he steams green, unseasoned wood to provide him with the flexibility to bend, coil and weave the strips into this fabulous design. His low energy manufacturing methods are truly remarkable, he uses only water and local wood, any wood waste goes to a local smoke house to cure fresh salmon and mackerel.

I really like this piece of practical sculptural art. This particular piece has a 60cm diameter, however, different sizes will be made on request, contact@tomraffield.com

I believe Tom has costed his work at low prices, Ash Pendant No.1 is only £250, making he work very affordable as well as genuinely unique.

As Tom has called this Ash Pendant No.1 I sincerely hope he is going to produce numbers two and three very soon!

Ash pendant No.1 was recently unveiled at Liberty of London and is currently available to see at the Re Design Lighten Up travelling Exhibition which began in September this year.

Image source: www.tomraffield.com

Martin Showroom Lighting.

Today, I'm feeling inspire bythis amazing lighting from Martin Showroom. Found via Apartment Therapy.

Modern Lamps: CharlieDoes.

I'm drooling over these lamps from Charliedoes. The photographs are by Josh Knoll.

Call Me Crazy, But Now I Like Brass.

If I wasn't the one writing this statement, I would never believe it. ME? Liking brass? I'm the one who has made people get rid of their brass objects anytime I could! But now, I can't seem to keep my eyes off of it. Just this week, I was at my favorite thrift store, and couldn't resist picking up these brass items. First, I was attracted to the four floral drawer pulls. Their color and shape was so wonderful, I just had to have them. Plus, its not often you can find a set of pulls for a reasonable price. The second photo, is of brass chimes. I thought they were rattles at first, but they weigh about 5lbs. each. The funny thing is, I looked at them and then put them back down. Right after that, a woman walking by picked them up. So, of course you know what happened next. As soon as she put the chimes back down, I ran over and grabbed them. Now, what am I going to do with these finds? Well, I haven't figured out that part. I'm just glad I didn't come out with all the other brass items I saw. Why am I liking brass so much? (I would like to clarify, that I like antique brass...no shiny stuff from the 80's) I think a lot of it is the retro feel, which I love so much. Also, its just so different from everything thats out there. The good thing is I am not the only one who is smitten with brass. Here are just a few cool and modern brass details.

The Jonathan Adler sconce is so sophisticated and fun at the same time. It reminds me of something you might see in a chic, 1960's movie. In the same room, I would love to add this vintage Baker coffee table from 1st dibs. I actually saw a table just like it recently, and loved its sculptural qualities. Finally, also from 1st dibs, I found this 1970's "Skyscraper" chandelier. I like it because it doesn't read as "70's" only. It would look just as great in a more traditional setting; to me it also has a "Craftsman" quality.

Trapeze Light.

I made up the name of trapeze light. Its actually called a Suspension lamp, but it reminds me of a trapeze, so that's what I'm calling it. There is such a delicate balance to all the parts. What a conversation piece.
P.S. I forgot where I found this lamp originally. Sorry.

Add Some Glitz and Sparkle to Your Home.

Most of us have heard of the idea that every great room needs "jewelry" just as every great outfit does. I couldn't agree more. I love adding sparkle in varying amounts wherever I can. The room above is from Ochre. Their beautiful custom chandelier compliments the muted colors and matte finishes.

Above:1.Coco Mirror from Ochre 2.Barstool and Lamp from Mondo Cane
Above and below are a few examples of a modern take on sparkle for a room.
Below: Design by M Design Group

If your style is more classic, check out the fabulous room from Albert Pinto. An amazingly talented designer, Pinto balances many types of finishes that result in a luxurious yet inviting room. Below are pieces I love that would give some glamor to almost any room.
1.Lamp from Paris Hotel Boutique 2.Chair from Oly Studios 3.Painted sideboard from Jimmie Martin