No Small Task

Arrangement by Brad Ford

I have been working on my small home office/study recently and am currently researching lighting options. Although I sometimes do lean toward the traditional (a classic bouillotte lamp is one of my absolute faves), I can totally see the stylistic benefit of modern pieces. 



Bedroom by Barbara Wiseley


More specifically, I am focusing on task lamps and the way that such a decidedly modern lighting fixture can be juxtaposed with more traditional, or even rustic, interiors to create the feeling of a perfectly curated space.

Bedroom by Michael S. Smith



Bedroom in beach house of West Elm creative director, Alex Bates


Although, one must admit, they're quite at home in more contemporary digs as well...

JK Place Hotel in Florence designed by Michele Bonan

Home of Monelle Totah of Williams Sonoma Home

I love the wall-mounted lamps below. What a grand statement they make! Plus, they perfectly frame the artwork and save table space!

Home of Eccola owners Kathleen and Maurizio Almanza

Anthropologie is offering a similar look with their "Robson" sconce. I love its cool, streamlined, industrial look.

Anthro "Robson" Sconce



Photo courtesy of El Sabor de lo Antiguo blog


When chrome and polished nickel versions are used, they act almost as jewelry for the room, adding just the right amount of sparkle.

Living room by Vicente Wolf

How would you use this style of lighting in your own home?

Vignette by Ryan Korban

I love the combination of elements above: the classic Louis XVI-style sidechair, the mid-century mod dresser, the classic sculpture... those fabulous lamps! (Not to mention the presentation of artwork!)

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Every heart beats true 'neath the red, white, and blue

Bedroom by Sara Gilbane

Hello, all! I am so sorry for my long break in posting, but I have a very good (and very happy) excuse! My sister welcomed her second child, Lydia, a couple of weeks ago and I have been busy with babies ever since!

I wanted to do a quick post today, though, to commemorate my absolute favorite holiday that we celebrate here in the States: Independence Day! (Sorry to all my Brit readers out there!) Summer is my favorite season and the Fourth falls smack in the middle of it. Plus, it is a very laid-back holiday (aka, no presents to be bought or fancy meals to be cooked or extensive travel to be undertaken). It's about appreciating where you are and family, fireworks, and fun!

Bedroom by Sara Gilbane

So, what better color scheme to feature than good old red, white, and blue! How festive!

Living room by Lulu Powers

Rich, saturated color in a room by Miss Powers.

Seating arrangement by Meg Braff

Love all the chinoiserie accents in this space!

Home of Kate Spade - Photo courtesy of The Selby

Red heats up this corner of the Spade's home library...

Living area by Tobi Fairley

While Miss Fairley keeps this space cool with a paler, more turquoise shade of blue.

Design by Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Million Dollar Decorator's Martyn Lawrence Bullard goes traditional with toile, a grand piano, and a collection of blue and white china.

Home of Joaquín Sabina - Photo courtesy of Nuevo Estilo

A full and fanciful room in the home of Spanish singer Joaquin Sabina.

Sitting room in the J.K. Place Capri hotel by Michele Bonan

Isn't this room so crisp and classy, yet so bright and comfortable? Ideal interiors for a Capri getaway, I'd say!

Bedroom by Tom Scheerer

Classic Scheerer: cozy and offbeat. As usual, I love it!

Living room in Manhattan apartment of Sig Bergamin

Our final pics of the day are from the Manhattan pied-à-terre of Sig Bergamin. I love the irreverent artwork and wild combination of pattern here. Certainly the spirited and colorful interiors I would expect from a lively Brazilian!


Living room in Manhattan apartment of Sig Bergamin


I hope you all have a wonderful day (or holiday), wherever you may be!

Black and White

Design by Robert Couturier

I have to admit, I am a girl who is all about color, but, looking at these warm and elegant interiors, I can begin to see the benefits of such a bold color scheme.

Photo courtesy of Matters of Style blog

I love how cozy this room is, despite the graphic ottomans, rug, and toile-covered couch! (Isn't that Louis Philippe mirror above the mantel just gorgeous?)

Vignette by Windsor Smith

Creating bold yet stunningly glamorous rooms, Windsor Smith does not disappoint with this soft and gleaming vignette.


Photo courtesy of Nuevo Estilo


Melding modern and traditional pieces in this combination living/dining room creates a space that is breezy and fresh.

Photo courtesy of Nuevo Estilo

Living room by Kemble Interiors

I love the texture and scale of the pieces in this room: plush velvet, towering lamps, shimmering mirror, etc. Another example of how black and white can still be cozy.... but in a decidedly luxurious way, though!

Design by Michele Bonan for the J.K. Place Hotel

A final, shimmering example of how glamorous this color scheme can be!