Bright Idea

I'm in the market for some new lamps in my living room. When I do lamp shopping, I love to go around to local antique and second-hand shops, and look at sites like Etsy.com and Craigslist. I love to have one-of-a-kind lamps in a space, I think they just add so much character to a room. That being said, I of course have some favorite retail options! Here are just of few of my favorite lamps off the shelf and under $150...

Mack Table Lamps from Crate and Barrel, $89.95

I love how simple these lamps are, they really could fit into any room! The colorful cord can play up the lamp, or the sleek white cord keeps the lamp in the background. Either way, the simplicity of the lamp keeps it from never going out of style!

Malpais Lamp Base from Anthropologie, $128.00

This gorgeous lamp is the perfect balance between earthy and modern. I adore the glazing on this lamp base which makes each one unique and have a vintage, one of kind look! The colors in this glaze are neutral enough but can also be pulled out for more of a pizazz in your room.

Owl Table Lamp from Target, $39.95

This adorable little lamp is a steal at this price and is full of design power!

Contemporary Brown Grooved Table Lamp from Lamps Plus, $49.98

This lamp has an old soul, and that's what I like about it! It may be called a "contemporary" lamp, but I believe that it could work in any room setting. The natural wood base and slightly modern shape is perfectly paired to make for a beautiful lamp.

Industrial Task Lamp from West Elm, $69.00

These task lamps are so beautiful and I absolutely love their vintage look. The colors allow you to pick something more classic like the polished nickel or black or super fun with the colors available. As my "office" selection, these are the best! I love these so much that I have one in my home office.

Shine on!

Ellenor

The Cat's Out of the Bag...

Since I did a post on my favorite dog home decor items, it's only far to show some love to our feline friends...

Berkley Illustration has some of most favorite art! I love the whimsical portraits he does of animals... just look at these fabulous felines!

This perfectly poised Tall Cat by Jonathan Adler would look great in any home! The lines of this sculpture captures the elegance of your cat with a modern aesthetic.

This adorable Cat Mug available at Fishseddy.com has matching drinking glasses and a bowl for your kitty.

And of course, when you can't find just want you want hire someone to do it! Bark Pet Photography can capture your adorable kitty so that you can make your own personal and unique artwork for your home.

Purr,

Ellenor

Who let the Dogs... IN?!

If you're like me, you love your pooch! Well, it seems that we are not alone. Dog decor has been incredibly popular over the last few years and here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate your furry friend into your interiors...

The Hound Pillow Cover and the Appetizer Plates above are both new items from West Elm featuring the art of Scott Lifshutz

Jonathan Adler always has amazing pieces featuring animals. I just LOVE this little Doggy Figurine... so poised and handsome!

Best In Show Wallpaper by Osborne & Little... I can't wait to use this somewhere in my house! The dogs are actually flocked so the paper has an amazing texture and modern look.

Just as the name says, these Buddy Pillows by Serena and Lily are the perfect salute to your loyal friend.

Another great idea is to make your own dog decor! Bark Pet Photography is a great way to do this. They are a wonderful pet photography company that captures the spirit of your pup and then can help you make it into a gorgeous and unique piece of art for your home!

Now, go hug your pooch!

Ellenor

She Said it Best: Collections

"If you are collector, let other people share your pride and joy. Don't sprinkle your collection out of sight in a meaningless jumble. Notice how groups of small objects, when they are well arranged, become important and effective. Remember that repetition is a form of emphasis. Collect what you will, but see to it that you arrange your hobby to its best advantage."

- Dorothy Draper, Good Housekeeping

Happy collecting!

Ellenor

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July everyone!! Lets celebrate our freedom from making a red, white, and blue color scheme scream patriotism. Sometimes its just a beautiful color combo...

Above rooms by designer Toby Fairley for the Richmond Show House

Photo from Coastal Living

A wonderfully modern take on red, white and blue

Enjoy your holiday!

Ellenor

Purple is as purple does

Monochromatic rooms are a challenge that many shy away from. To me, this is what makes them so fascinating. They are the rare jewel that, when done successfully, can really shine!

What is a monochromatic room you ask? Well, the definition of "monochromatic" is one color; and so a monochromatic room would be one that is made up entirely of a single color. The problem is, designers usually don't like to limit themselves to a single color... there are just too many good colors and combos out there! This makes finding a true monochromatic room very difficult. However, in the world of interior design there are almost monochromatic rooms… rooms that are made up primarily of one color and accented with just one or two extra colors (usually these are neutrals such as white or black). For our case, these almost rooms is what we’ll be referring to when discussing “monochromatic rooms.“

So, how does one pull off a “monochromatic room?” The key is to play with patterns, textures, shades, and finishes/sheens of the same color. By playing with these different variables of the same color, you keep a monochromatic room from being monotonous. Take a look…

Designer David Kaihoi

Between the stimulation of red and the calmness of blue lies the color purple. Purple is known for its opulence and as a regal color in history and still represents power and wealth in Japan’s culture today. It is viewed as a color of mystic qualities and can be greatly influenced by it the color of its base. Purple is a favorite among the more eccentric personalities and can encourage creativity upon those who view it.

In interior design, shades of purple make for a calming room. When paired with other colors, this color can also be vibrant and uplifting. A chameleon of the color world, purple will be exactly what you want to get out of it.

Designer Amanda Nisbet

A jewel of a color.... amaranthine, amethyst, aubergine, eggplant, grape, lavender, lilac, magenta, mauve, mulberry, orchid, periwinkle, perse, plum, pomegranate, violet, wine, wisteria

Designer Jamie Drake photo from Elle Decor

"But, luckily, he kept his wits and his Purple crayon." -from Harold and the Purple Crayon (1955)

Have a great day!

Ellenor

Feelin' blue?

Monochromatic rooms are a challenge that many shy away from. To me, this is what makes them so fascinating. They are the rare jewel that, when done successfully, can really shine!

What is a monochromatic room you ask? Well, the definition of "monochromatic" is one color; and so a monochromatic room would be one that is made up entirely of a single color. The problem is, designers usually don't like to limit themselves to a single color... there are just too many good colors and combos out there! This makes finding a true monochromatic room very difficult. However, in the world of interior design there are almost monochromatic rooms… rooms that are made up primarily of one color and accented with just one or two extra colors (usually these are neutrals such as white or black). For our case, these almost rooms is what we’ll be referring to when discussing “monochromatic rooms.“

So, how does one pull off a “monochromatic room?” The key is to play with patterns, textures, shades, and finishes/sheens of the same color. By playing with these different variables of the same color, you keep a monochromatic room from being monotonous. Take a look…

Designer Tobi Fairley, photo from House Beautiful

Designer Mary Mcdonald

Among both men and women, blue is the most common “favorite color.” This could be because psychologically blue is representative of the most important needs in our life: water and air. It could also be that the color blue is associated with trustworthy, dependable, and committed personalities as well as being a calming and soothing color. Because the color brings our excitement level down, blue is often associated with melancholy.

The color also holds high popularity in interior design. Because of the wide range of blues available, it has the ability to go classic and traditional, or completely modern. This large spectrum of blues available also makes it a great complement to most colors.

Designer Alexandra Angle, photo from House Beautiful

Designer Valerie Smith, photo from House Beautiful

The many moods of blue... Aquamarine, azul, cerulean, cobalt, Colonial blue, cornflower, cyan, delphiniums, denim, indigo, lapis, navy, Prussian Blue, powder blue, robin's egg, royal, sapphire, sky

Don't be blue, we'll talk soon!

Ellenor