Much of interior design is modernizing – streamlining shapes and simplifying design to reflect the more casual contemporary lifestyle. But if there’s one space where opulence reigns – and rightly so – it’s the bedroom. A good bedroom set should have comfort and style in spades, and nothing does that quite like an antique design. Antique beds in particular make a bold,

For a long time now, crystal has been the go-to material when it comes to chandeliers. From a few teardrops to chandeliers made more of crystal than anything, crystal chandeliers are so ubiquitous that the “crystal” is practically implied just in the word “chandelier.” And there’s every reason for it – the beautiful optic quality of crystals makes them perfect f

To me, the biggest difference between traditional and modern lighting fixtures is innovation. Lovely as they may be, and often grand and stunning as they are, there isn’t a whole lot of variety in traditional lighting fixtures in shape, style, form, or material.  But with modern lighting, the sky is really the limit – modern designers embrace any and every type of light, no matter how

In a time where manufacturers are capable of resurrecting any furniture design from almost any point in history, it isn’t much surprise that some older styles are making a comeback. At the forefront in bathroom and kitchen cabinetry is a revival of the Shaker style. Shaker bathroom vanities in particular are finding a new home in warm, casual contemporary bathrooms, with their elegant combin

Yesterday I talked a bit about how well the color white works in modern design, especially win modern lighting fixtures. But it’s a topic near and dear to my heart, and one that I think is worth revisiting. So, if Part 1 was about light, shadow, and texture, today I’d like to talk about shape and motion. White lighting fixtures are daring, able to cram a whole lot of detail into a smal

I once had an sculpture instructor who insisted that all the projects we turned in were painted flat white. Why? Because flat white is the great equalizer: it shows every detail and every dent, every mark and every mar – it’s the true test of ability, and done right, one of the most spectacular displays of skill and artistry. It’s a philosophy that’s stuck with me ever sinc

LED shower heads are starting to pop up all over in modern bathroom design. These sleek fixtures light up when you turn on the water, casting a vibrant glow in an array of colors that can transform the inside of your shower into a modern statement piece or a relaxing spa getaway. But while LED shower heads are certainly a novelty, they aren’t only for show. How Do LED Shower Heads Work? LED

In American culture, the bathroom is a fairly utilitarian space: take a quick shower in the morning, brush your teeth, do your business, rinse, repeat. This is starting to change somewhat with the growing popularity of luxury bathrooms, but even so-called spa bathrooms are mostly seen as a place to unwind and get a little R&R. But luxury bathroom design offers a wealth of opportunities to crea

With newer kitchens trending more and more toward professional grade cooking appliances – especially large gas ranges – it’s more important than ever to have proper ventilation. Ducted range hoods improve indoor air quality, keep kitchens cleaner, and even help lower heating and cooling costs. Of course, not all models are created equal, and there are a few features to look for s

Far and away the vast majority of bathroom faucets look pretty similar – one or two handles, a standard spigot, and nothing really remarkable. Sure, some faucets are more beautiful and unique than others, but if you want to get something that will really stand out, you need to step a little ways out of the ordinary. Many modern bathroom faucets and vessel sink faucets are specifically design

The image of the classic English garden is probably pretty familiar to you: well kept hedges, colorful flowers, and whimsical stone paths, dotted with elegant wrought iron Victorian garden tables and chairs. It’s a scene that’s idyllic, pastoral, and (for better or worse) one that’s shaped the American garden. Now, of course some Americans tend more toward decks, grills, and outd

Home offices are something of a sacred space. For people who work from home like I do, it’s a buffer between your business and your family, a place without screaming kids or loud TVs. And it’s a place you can go that’s both more comfortable and professional feeling than your dining table. Working from home is tough, and having a place to go to work can make a big difference, but

One of my personal favorite design trends, and one that I’m pleased to be seeing more of, is the use of reclaimed materials and spaces. From furniture made of salvaged wood or metal parts to whole lofts made in converted warehouse spaces, I love a look that’s aesthetically old, textured, and rugged. I love old wood, iron, brick, and stone, and the sense of industrial modernism. But eve

You might think of white as being sort of a blah color – the neutral, the default, the blank slate. But when it comes to bathroom design in general and bathroom vanities in particular, white is one of the best and most flexible colors out there. It helps keep a bathroom looking clean, bright, open, and large, and unlike some wood tones, it isn’t limited to a single design style. In fac

A few days ago, my kitchen faucet started to drip. For most people, this would probably be a minor annoyance at worst. But it was dripping pretty steadily, and, in my stainless steel sink, none too quietly. Being the environmentally minded adult that I am, I put a big dutch oven under the faucet to catch the water to use for… something (I didn’t really think that far). The result was a