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!

I want a.....

..... Canopy bed! Yes, I want one so bad I can taste it. I just don't think any other kind of bed can conjure the romance and coziness that a canopy can. I am currently obsesseing over the Charles P. Rogers "Campaign" bed above. I love its clean, simple lines and how it is reasonably affordable. You could really take this bed in any style direction you wanted. 

Bedroom by Maryland designer, Stiles T. Colwill

Anyway, it got me searching for designs featuring canopy beds that skirt traditional style (like that above) and create spaces that are more eclectic, playful, modern, or whimsical.

In the room above, Angie Hranowsky uses a traditional canopy style, but mixes it up with festive fabrics and Moroccan-inspired octagonal tables. In the bedroom below, Hranowsky uses a funky chrome bed, suzani-type coverlet, and mod lamps to create a more modern air.

I love the picture grouping and plush bedding in this bedroom by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard. The glittering candelabras add to the opulence in the room, yet offset the masculine feel.

Home of designer Windsor Smith

Whether gleaming and luxurious or minimalist and masculine, these beds work everywhere!

Room and Board bed as used by Michael Rosenberg 

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Timothy Whealon knows the style range of canopy beds, taking a more eclectic approach in the room above by matching a traditional bed with layers of stripes and lucite side tables. In the room below, Whealon keeps it prim and proper, with an almost British colonial feel, by using a canopied day bed, richly textured fabrics, and a steamer trunk coffee table.  

I just love the dreamy quality in this design by Katie Ridder. Perfect for a bedroom, don't you think!

Another supremely talented mix-master, Michael S. Smith, creates cozy and comfortable interiors in both of these bedrooms (above and below). I love the mix of fabrics he uses in his projects. There is always so much texture in them: velvets, leathers, linens, and silks! Embroidery and rich weaves abound!

Here is one last glamorous sample of these romantic beds for the day, this one in a room by Vicente Wolf. I love the contrast of the modern, metal canopy with that gilded, upholstered headboard. So fabulous! Pale, simple bedding and a comfy slipcovered bench give the room a serene mood, while the bed canopy and wall panels give it a linear feel and cozy orderliness.

Here's to a fabulous bed (hopefully one is in my future) and a luxurious night's sleep!