Before I share my favorite lighting with you, I must confess upfront that I realize most of these lights are white. I’m not sure whether I should apologize for this in advance but the truth is, I really like white pendants and pretty chandeliers with crystals (as long as they are vintage and not overly ornate), and I love clean and modern lighting that isn’t fussy or distracting from the overall decor too much. I’ve been trying to cross over to the dark side (ha ha) and grow to love bold, colorful lighting but I just can’t seem to do it. I usually go back to white, though black also works. I’m not exactly sure why I love white lights so much but you know, I just do and that is really my fancy explanation. I’m not sure if white lighting catches your eye but perhaps after this post I’ll make a white light lover out of you, too! Here’s my collection of lights…
The Patrick Townsend Orbit chandelier is my #1 favorite light in the world (top right and bottom left) I am dying to own this lamp (ever since it was released, I am sure Patrick recalls my emails!) but it’s not being made for the EU yet. Oh Patrick, please consider it! Also shown: Bertjan Pot Not Random light (lower right), Luncheonette pendant lamp from Anthropologie (upper left).
Here is dream light #2, this one is the 6-globe Branching Bubble by Lindsey Adelman (top). Umbu lighting on Etsy is rad and affordable.
Ahhhh, the Paper Chandelier by Moooi (my ultimate dream light for my entryway). Another nice pendant is the Moooi Random light.
Cargo Pendant (top left), a cluster light by Impressionen (bottom) and Lolita by Moooi (top right).
Modernica Bubble lights in any shape or size, though my favorite is the Cigar CC.
Tine K Lamp (top left) Solano by Zia Priven (top right), hand wrought chandelier from ABC Home (bottom right) and the Foscarini Cage pendant light for Diesel (bottom right, though the photo depresses me a bit).
Rie Elise Larsen pendants with fabric cords (a big trend here at the moment is fabric cords in multiple covers) and patterned accordion shades. Her white table lamp too (not shown, which I have).
Le Klint pendant 101 (top left), Teapot lights from Anthropologie (top right + bottom left) and the Relief Drip light from Jonathan Adler. While we’re at it, any light by Jonathan Adler makes me happy. I have the Giraffe lamp (not shown above) but need to get him rewired since he doesn’t work over here. I also need a new shade because mine was crushed when shipped over by my moving company. :( Eventually the giraffe will be up and running again, though! I miss him… Speaking of animal lights…
Miffy and a Rabbit Light — I have it on the floor in my office and yes I’m aware I don’t have children. It’s fun to have a bun bun!
Cornet Pendant Lamp by Tse & Tse (bottom right), Bulb by Sofie Refer (top right). MHY by Muuto (top right) and the Acquamiki Suspension lamp by Michele De Lucchi (bottom left).
I have many others that I love but this is a great snapshot of some of my favorites. Plus, in addition to all of these new lights I also LOVE lighting from the mid century and also chandeliers from 1920′s France. I have a two chandeliers in my home, both are French from the 20′s and I love them. I currently have a vintage floor lamp in mint green from the 50s and a 50s table lamp as well. I also like the massive paper globes that you get for a few dollars at IKEA, I see them in some of the smartest rooms and they always look great. The best look is to have several on the ceiling in a three season porch, it looks lovely! I also love twinkle lights (also called fairy lights) in big, clear vases displayed around the house, but only one or two, not in every room. I like natural wood lighting too — the Muuto Wood lamp sits proudly on my desk. My lighting taste is a bit eclectic and I love circles so I tend to love globes. I also like square or rectangular shapes as long as they have somewhat of a rounded detail on top. I like quirky lighting — especially cups and teapots but also bird cages. I love ANIMALS as lights. Giraffes, elephants, rabbits, dogs, foo dogs, owls…
What about you? What do YOU like when it comes to lighting?
(images: linked to their sources above.)
I think we could all use a little color inspiration today! I’m already seeing it in stores here, but mostly in pastel tones for Easter. I’m thinking we turn up the volume this year and make the pastel-filled Easter a bit more graphic and strong. Perhaps mix your pastels with some stronger shades of the same hue (pale yellow with mustard, for instance, adding in some black for strength). These colorful rooms from Swedish magazine Skona Hem may spark some ideas for you.
Do any of these looks excite you? Spot any corners that you’d like to try at home this Spring?
(images: skona hem)
I received some information about The Creative Finder and thought it could potentially be a good resource to share with those of you looking to either find or hire someone in a creative field OR if you want to find work or share your portfolio online. MySpace has become the spot for indie musicians to network, perhaps The Creative Finder will be a sort of MySpace for creatives? Only time will tell.
Orlagh Murphy, Illustrator, Ireland
For now, have a look around and tell me what you think. There are not many portfolios on the site yet but let’s hope they’ll grow because the potential is there. The only problem I see is that it doesn’t seem to be curated so it could become difficult for companies to use this site if it is not curated somehow — I think that is the main reason why so many companies work straight through agents to find talent, this work is all done for them. Perhaps The Creative Finder can think of a way to make it work long term.
About The Creative Finder, “The Creative Finder is a global directory that targets businesses looking to hire professional creatives such as illustrators, photographers, designers, and art directors…. it is also a platform that allows creatives to manage their works and maximize their exposure towards decision-makers across all industries and countries, via both online and offline channels.”
Alli Coate, Illustrator, USA
You can find the work of stylists, photographers, illustrators, music composers and more on this site AND if you are a creative looking to network, why not join (a basic account is free) and see what happens? Spread the word if you feel this site could be helpful to you and your friends, too!
(images: the creative finder)
Is vintage industrial a style that interests you? If so, you’ll like this find. I found out about HKLiving just yesterday after buying an industrial pendant light from them at Die Wohngeschwister in Hamburg. HKLiving is a home collection offering everything from lighting to furniture and interior accessories and is owned by Dutch designer Emiel Hetsen along with his partners Saskia Wesselius and Sander Klaver. Emiel launched his company in 2008 and along with product design, he also has a background in selling antique and vintage furniture and by the looks of his collection, his background resulted in a strong, cohesive collection. HKLiving has appeared in several European design magazines, you can see a few spreads below from VTWonen and Skona Hem.
What do you think of this look? These products are not offered yet in the US, though I’m sure you can find similar products at stores near you and I can bet that you’ll be seeing this look more and more in the states — the vintage industrial look is a big trend here.
If you like vintage industrial but want to mix some elements of it in with your own style to create a look, you can go a few ways with it, try these ideas:
* Go clean and graphic — Minimalistic with bold black as an accent, a large metal initial on the wall, chalkboard paint in the dining room, industrial stools at the bar in your kitchen. This look is mostly black and white with a shot of bold color if you wish. Orange is a nice accent and can be brought it by placing a bright orange metal chair at your desk or an orange vase on your table. Floors can be painted white, black or if you are lucky, natural hardwood that is original and a bit rough around the edges. Polished concrete is another option.
* Go country by bringing in pinstripes in black and white for your fabrics along with creamy white (with a yellow tone) mixed with your bright whites (which often have a blue or gray. Add some pastel color – a pale mint wooden cabinet for instance. Mix in original vintage elements like an old wooden farmhouse table, a farmhouse sink for the kitchen, etc. along with your faux vintage pieces. Style with fresh flowers (pink roses, white peonies or lavender for instance), layer blankets on your bed and mix the patterns of your linens, buy a comfy sofa (brown leathers or white linens work nicely), and add wicker baskets as storage for that pile of magazines near your favorite chair.
* Go bright and have fun by adding in patterns (try gray stars or petite floral prints) and bright colors like red, blue and pink. You can bring in a pink Smeg fridge and colorful Cath Kidston wallpaper. Add a vintage industrial light over your dining table in bold yellow. Paint a crate bright red and use for storage.
* Go the natural route by bringing in lots of warmth and texture with reindeer furs and cow hides (cruelty-free or faux), driftwood and branches in vases. Think “rustic” and natural. Mango wood tables, a whitewashed coffee table, comfortable seating that you can sink into, vintage industrial furniture like black metal lockers for storage or crates on wheels as a bedside table. This is purely optional, but you can bring in some ethnic accents into this look — silver Moroccan poufs, a white wooden tea table with silver metal tray, etc.
There are other ways to use vintage industrial items in a way that suits you. You can even mix and match some of these ideas above, for instance the natural and rustic style can work nicely combined with the country look. With clean and graphic, you can add in some country elements to make it a bit French flea market-esque.
Note: Don’t only go faux or else your home risks becoming a Faux Chateau, a slang term right up there with McMansion that my friend Laurie uses to describe the interior of a home that has all reproduction pieces in it and nothing genuinely vintage or antique. Mix your faux pieces that are beautifully made and look very authentic, like those at HKLiving with those that are actual vintage pieces that you found at a flea market for best decorating results. This is what I do and it works for me and hopefully can work for you, too. :)
What about where you live, do you see this look creeping in or is it already popular?
(images: hkliving + herzlich wohnen)
Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Google +
Flickr
LinkedIn
