The Copper Bubble

You've probably seen it all over pinterest...in every magazine or blog.....

So let me formally introduce you to the Tom Dixon Copper Shade.  

It's become a sort of staple in the design world. Want to funk up a space with a cool modern piece? 

Throw in a Copper Shade! 

Now you know.

images via Pinterest

Vendor Spotlight: Circa Lighting

Most people that work in the design world have heard about Circa Lighting. But for those of you who haven't....let me introduce you. It is a great online store that sells on trend pieces from different designers. The fixtures aren't particularly reasonable to your everyday homeowner but when compared to the prices we find at the Design Center they're a steal! I always suggest shopping here when we are in search of a timeless piece on the fly.  We get our fixtures quick (none of that 8wk lead time crap) and it's super easy. Now you know.

Here are some of my favs:

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Industrial Lighting

Industrial lighting fixtures have been a staple in design world for quite some time now and I still can't get enough of it! It's a style that screams effortless and chic all at the same time.

Images via Pinterest

Bedside Pendants

What do you think about using a hanging pendant light fixture instead of your traditional bedside lamp? It's an idea that I still haven't completely accepted. I think it works in really modern spaces and edgy hotels but I don't know if I could live with it in my own bedroom.  It is however, a great space saver - talk about freeing up some room on your nightstand (so I can stack even more magazines!). If I did give it a try, I would love to use brass Moroccan pendants that give off great shadows and romantic light - kind of like these:

Rue

This black one is also super stylish...

Sunset Mag via Desire to Inspire

Canadian House & Home

Home Goods Happy

I have to share my new found love for Home Goods.  I always thought it only consisted of cheesy trinkets and fake flowers (which it does) but it's so much better than that! I was in the market for some new table lamps and I found exactly what I needed at the local store.  At $50 bucks a piece I couldn't be happier!

Our new bedside lamps! The only thing I hate about these are the large, bulky finials.  Luckily I had simple brass finials that matched the shade hardware and swapped them out.

I didn't have a need for this lamp but I really wanted to take it home!

The lamp that now resides in my living room.

Vendor Spotlight: Hannah Nunn

I was going through my old files and found these amazing paper cut lanterns I found a while back.  Hannah Nunn is an extremely talented lil lady and she's come up with even more brilliant designs since I last checked on her.  My all time favorite are her "Fairy Lights" that can be customized for any occasion - if I ever tie the knot I am definitely getting a string of these! Can you believe she cuts these each by hand?! Craziness...

These would be the perfect night light in a little kids room or baby's nursery!

Brassy

Brass is one of those classic finishes that never seems to go out of style. It gleams and shines when new but has the ability to create a beautiful patina with age.  Lately I've been loving it in light fixtures.  There are so many options out there, whether it's traditional or lil funky (which is more my style) like these......

Michel Contessa via 1st Dibs

Gallery L7 via 1st Dibs

One of a Kind Antiques

Snob

Negrel Antiques via 1st Dibs

Pariscope Design via 1st Dibs

Shades of Black

I can't decide how I feel about black lamp shades.  They sort of defeat the purpose of a lamp...to give off light! Black shades solely direct light up and down without lighting the room as a whole.  But on the other hand they can create great mood lighting at night and play up the sophistication in a room during the day. What do you think?

Callie Jenschke

Celerie Kemble

Kate Simpson

Photos via Lonny

Elle Decor

Kishani Perera

Lamp Shades Galore!

When I received a request to do a post on lamp shades I thought - sure no problem.  Wow, was I wrong.  There are soooo many options out there I didn't know where to start!  This challenge came at the perfect time because I just picked up a milk glass lamp at the flea market and it desperately needs a shade.  It's been sitting on my nightstand for over a month without it's hat. The only experience I have with lamp shades has been through my work and our wealthy clients.  We usually spec out traditional parchment shades with a gold banding or a box pleated number, but when it comes to my own design sense I like things a bit more modern.  Not to mention the fact that they usually run around $200 and that is NOT in my budget! So I did the logical next step and dragged myself to Lamps Plus this afternoon. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised and found the perfect little white shade!

I pulled together the following shade inspirations from Lamps Plus and Shades of Light.  Both companies have extensive websites and (best of all) budget friendly prices!

Before you go shopping for a new shade be sure to follow these crucial measurements. If you don't have an existing shade to base your measurements off of I highly suggest bringing the lamp into the store to make sure you find the perfect fit!

Most lamps use the spider & harp fitting for their shades. It is important to keep in mind that there are different sized harps available - simply changing the harp size can put the shade in it's proper place to create a perfect fit.



Let's Have a Ball!

I was recently searching for unique light fixtures and I've come across a lot of circular pendant lights.  There are so many great options that stretch far beyond your basic paper lantern!  I think these are so fun, I just had to share.

Lotus Ball Chandelier by Graham and Green

Stamen by Niche Modern

Maskros by Ikea

Bud Chandelier by P&D Designs

Driftwood Orb Chandelier by Currey & Company

Let There Be Light

My boyfriend and I will be moving back into my old (bigger & better) apartment next month! For me, moving means another opportunity to express myself through the design of our space.  I have already said my goodbyes to the majority of our furnishings and I cannot wait to have a fresh start!  I have replaced my time previously spent on searching for apartments to searching for new items and accessories to fill our new home.

Today I found myself looking for new bedside lamps.  Currently we only have one and it's not on my side!  Here are a few of my favorites.

Ocho Lamp, Ironies

This is a bit out of my price range but I have placed it in my "one of these days" file.  I love the organic quality & gourd shape.  I can see it in a fabulous beach house...one of these days...

Small Gourd Lamp by Sandy Chapman

Muse Table Lamp by Barbara Barry

Jonsbo Ilsbo Table Lamp, Ikea

This lamp from Ikea is a steal at only $19.99.  It is definitely in the running for our new place!

Small Oval Lamp

The following three options from Crate & Barrel are modestly priced.