S. Lewis

I’m a big fan of shabby chic decor – I like the look of weathered furniture, roughed up antiques, and flea market finds – especially in bathroom design. But if I’m being totally honest, a weathered white finish is a big toss up, with a very fine line between an aged finish that looks stylish and “found” and one that just looks beat up and dirty. As well as white usually works in a bathroom decor, chipped white paint isn’t always such a good look for a clean, water resistant space like a bathroom. Instead, I prefer the look of a weathered black finish – specifically weathered black bathroom vanities. Why Black? White has a tendency to gray or yellow and lose its luster with age, and while this might work in a larger, sun-soaked space like a living room or sun room, in a small bathroom it can make your design look smudged and dirty. Of course, a weathered white finish can be done well, but generally speaking black ages better, and is a lot more fool-proof. Typically, black won’t fade or change color, instead thinning or wearing away in some places to expose the wood beneath. Subtler Aging This produces a much more subtle appearance than you’d get from a white bathroom vanity. Rather than visible chips, cracks, and crackles, weathered black bathroom vanities are aged with a gentler hand. Finishes applied in a thinner layer and worn down produce blacks with a greater depth and a sense of layering, with lighter and darker spots that give the impression of a very old, hand applied finish. Most commonly, black finishes are worn away at prominent edges, which mimics the wear and tear of old, oft-moved furniture. Emphasis On Woodwork This wear-through to the wood beneath can also be used to emphasize the woodwork on a black bathroom vanity. While some weathered vanities are only distressed around the corners, careful designers will also wear away the raised edges of any detailed flourishes, from the elaborate floral carving above to the simple wood paneling below.  Because black doesn’t reflect light as well as white, solid black vanities don’t show detailing quite as well, but the added contrast of the exposed wood will help make fine details more vivid. A Little Bit Dressy Black is a bold color choice in any room. The dark color stands in sharp contrast to the light, bright spaces that are so popular in current home design, but that same contrast gives them a slightly modern, rather formal appearance. A single solid black piece of furniture like a bathroom vanity acts as a simple but assertive statement piece. Where white vanities have a sort of casual country vibe, black vanities produce a much more elegant atmosphere even paired with exactly the same decor. A Little Bit Casual On the flip side, enough aging can give weathered black bathroom vanities like this Adams sink chest a very cozy, casual quality. The color itself is rather formal, but the obvious wear and tear makes it look more like a piece that’s been reclaimed, repurposed, or inherited rather than dressed up for show. This is perhaps the best alternative to a weathered white for a shabby chic bathroom decor, as it combines the playfulness of a dresser-like design with the accessibility of the intentional wear and tear. Not Too Dark Black bathroom vanities destined for a highly modern bathroom tend to be sleek, glossy, and very, very black, maximizing contrast to create a daring modern style. But weathered black bathroom vanities are softened somewhat by their age, with less showy matte finishes that still have elegance and authority, but aren’t quite so edgy. A very lightly distressed black finish works especially well on transitional bathroom vanities, as the color lends them a contemporary feel while the aging, even without much woodwork, evokes a more classic vibe. What do you think of these weathered black bathroom vanities? Do you like a shabby chic decor, or do you prefer the modern edginess of a black vanity?

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S. Lewis

One of the most surprising trends I’m starting to see in both kitchen and bathroom design is a renewed affection for white. White walls, white tile, white cabinets – from whitewash to porcelain subway tiles, white has not only been given new life, but has seen a massive surge in popularity. This trend makes perfect sense alongside a design culture that heavily favors wide, open, clutter-free spaces, but a white on white decor isn’t without its perils. After all, it’s a fine line between white looking bright and clean and looking blank, bland, and sterile. So, here are a few smart ways to soften and warm up the white to make it work for your kitchen. Add Warmth The very most important thing you can do in a white on white kitchen is keep it from looking too cold. While sky blues and slate greys can be lovely (and even look great), it’s important to have at least one warm, sunny touch that brings out the cheery aspect of your white decor. My favorite way to do this is simple: with light wood, laminate, or wood tile flooring. A natural wood tone lends a homey quality to a white kitchen, and can make it feel more comfortable. For double the impact, consider adding a few pieces of wood accent furniture, or opting for light wood counter tops instead of granite. Shop Wood Look Tile: Color One of the biggest dangers of opting for a white on white kitchen is that it will simply look washed out. As with any monochromatic color scheme, too much of one color can be a little overwhelming, and can make the whole decor blur together. With white in particular, that can make your kitchen look bland and empty or even unfinished. To combat this, make sure your kitchen isn’t just white. Pops of bold color like a decorative accent chair, colorful kitchen range, or even fresh greenery or fruit look especially vivid and bright against all that white, and can create enough visual interest to carry the eye favorably through the kitchen. Shop Kitchen Ranges: Pattern Perhaps my favorite thing about a white on white kitchen is that small differences in pattern show up beautifully. Because white reflects light well (especially glossy porcelain tile), it shows off fine detail incredibly well. Pairing white subway tile in a traditional pattern with an inset of the same tile in a herringbone pattern above your kitchen range creates an elegantly accented backsplash. Using a darker grout or even a very small trim tile can help the pattern stand out more, but even a thin white grout line will show up beautifully. Patterned white tile combined with 1/3 beadboard, whitewashed plank walls, or even simply decorative cabinet fronts can add back some of the visual appeal lost by excluding color. Shop Backsplash Tile: Texture Similarly, adding texture is a great way to give a white kitchen a little more personality. While a weather-worn look isn’t for anyone, a slightly distressed white finish on your cabinetry can be incredibly charming. Exposed wood beams or reclaimed wood floors are another way to add a rich, tactile experience to a white kitchen, while aged antique drawer pulls or even lighting fixtures are an easy way to give a sparse white kitchen a rustic, old farmhouse style. Shop Knobs and Pulls: Contrast For a more formal look, try pairing white cabinets and wall tile with black granite counter tops, deep gray slate flooring, or very dark stained wood. Where pastel greens, blues, and yellows add a soft, springy touch to a white kitchen, deep grays, blacks, and dark navy blues create a much more sophisticated and modern appearance. This can emphasize some of the cooler aspects of a white kitchen (which can be good or bad!), for a look that’s more elegant than homey, with a slightly modern edge. Soften it up with fresh greenery or make it even more bold with a few pops of bright primary colors. What do you think of these white kitchens? Do you see them as homey and elegant, or do you prefer a little more color in your kitchen? Let me know in the comments!

Read full version: Five Great Ways To Make A White On White Kitchen Decor Work
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S. Lewis

Outdoor furniture has improved by leaps and bounds in recent years. New, innovative materials mean that high quality furniture is both more durable and lighter weight, requires less cleaning and will stand up better against weathering. But while synthetic wicker and powder coated aluminum are all the rage, there’s a reason that most furniture that’s left outside year round – like park benches and picnic tables – are made of wood instead. Authentic teak wood in particular is more naturally weather resistant than almost any synthetic material, and makes for outdoor furniture that can last as long as your home. Why Teak? Authentic teak wood (Tectona grandis) naturally has an extremely high oil content. This has a myriad of effects on the wood, many of which make it ideal for use outdoors. First and maybe most importantly, teak oil acts as a natural sealant, causing the wood to repel water even without regular maintenance or any finishing at all. The oil also repels bugs and prevents wood rot, and because the wood itself is very dense, it’s highly resistant to all kinds of weathering. Teak is also much lighter weight than the second most common all-weather material, wrought iron, and won’t leave rust stains on concrete. What About Color? A major problem with any type of outdoor furniture is that it can fade in sunlight. Bright colors go dim, dark colors get washed out, and light colors can gray or yellow. Unfortunately, teak outdoor furniture isn’t immune to fading, but it does have a dual advantage: it fades really beautifully, and is easily restored to its natural color. Teak outdoor furniture will begin to turn gray after a few months, and will fade to a rich silver-gray after a little less than a year outdoors. But although teak can lose it’s lustrous, rich brown color, it doesn’t lose its other beneficial properties over time. To maintain that deep brown, simply apply a fresh coat of teak oil once a year. Reapplying isn’t necessary, but will rejuvenate the original color and enhance the wood’s water proof qualities. What About Splintering? If you’ve ever sat on a wooden park bench or at a wooden picnic table that’s been outside for a couple years, you know that not all wood holds up all that well. Surface cracks and splits and even splinters occur if wood is left untreated, while a gummy surface can form if too many layers of sealant are applied without a proper cleaning in between. But while teak will develop very small surface cracks, it won’t effect the structural integrity of the furniture, and won’t continue to splinter. And because teak outdoor furniture doesn’t need to be sealed, stained, or painted, you won’t end up with caked on layers that don’t age nearly as well as the wood itself. How About Stains? Stains, especially grease stains, are probably among the greater concerns when it comes to teak outdoor furniture. Because teak is left untreated, it is somewhat more porous than a sealed wood, and can absorb spilled liquids. Grease can be especially difficult to remove. That said, a light sanding can remove most surface stains, and the great benefit of using an untreated wood table in particular is that while the stains will show in the short term, the natural change and aging of the wood means that they’ll fade away given enough time. Cleaning And Maintenance Because the natural oils present in teak outdoor furniture serve essentially the same task as synthetic lacquers, stains, and sealants, the amount of maintenance it needs is significantly reduced. As I mentioned before, the application of additional teak oil once a year will help maintain the original color, this isn’t necessary, and other than keeping the table generally free of spills and debris, teak outdoor furniture really only needs a good scrubbing with soapy water once a year. For a deeper cleaning, use a 900-1200 psi pressure washer or a light sanding to smooth out any problem areas. Long Term Durability As anyone with a deck or outdoor kitchen probably knows all too well, many woods that are used outdoors can be extremely high maintenance. But the natural density of teak, especially heartwood teak, and the high natural oil content of the wood make it ideally suited for use outdoors. While other common wood furniture may need to be replaced within a few years even with rigorous maintenance, teak outdoor furniture can be left outside year round in almost any climate with virtually no maintenance needed. The best part? Even if you do choose to reapply teak oil to maintain the original finish, there are no smelly, harsh chemicals – teak outdoor furniture starts and stays 100% natural and is made to last a lifetime. What do you think of teak outdoor furniture? What type of weather proof material has worked best – or worst! – for you? Not convinced that teak is right for you? Check out our full guide to outdoor furniture here.

Read full version: Teak Outdoor Furniture – An All-Natural, Weather-Proof Alternative
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S. Lewis

Adding a second sink is starting to show up on a lot of kitchen to-do lists. It’s one of those features that you probably wouldn’t even think to want if you hadn’t heard of it before, but makes so much sense when you do. Having a second sink, whether a small prep sink or a second full sized one, can solve a whole host of common kitchen annoyances. But before you give in to the instant-want for this feature, take a little time to ask yourself: do you really need it? Remember: Sinks Need Plumbing A secondary sink isn’t right for every kitchen, and in some cases can be a lot of trouble and expense for something you might not even use. Because even small sinks will need both a water supply and a drain line, this is a project that should only be undertaken as part of a larger remodel, and before you so much as start looking at a sink, you should consult a contractor about the cost (and feasibility) of plumbing the area you have in mind. Size Matters If plumbing can be run to your ideal spot, and you can afford to have it done, you should ask yourself what need the sink is going to fill – and whether or not the sink you have already does it. Second sinks work better the bigger your kitchen is; even in a moderately sized kitchen, it isn’t a big trip from one end to another, and while a secondary sink might save you a few steps while making your coffee in the morning, if there isn’t much space between the two sinks, it might not be worth it. For example, I’ve seen kitchens that have two sinks side by side, which seems unnecessary at best, while very large kitchens with two obviously separate prep stations almost demand two separate sinks. Who Does The Cooking? Where a two-sink set up really shines, though, is in kitchens that are frequently used by more than one person at once. For a family that cooks together or a couple that entertains, having only one source of running water can be a pain. Adding a second sink can allow two people to work comfortably in the same space without rubbing elbows. Though, again, this really works better the bigger the kitchen, as even a small sink can monopolize the counter space in a too-small kitchen. More Than One Work Area? Secondary kitchen sinks are great for a second prep space, but it’s important to figure out ahead of time where the prep space is and why you need it. For example, having a second sink on the far side of a large kitchen island makes sense – it allows the space to be used for prep and easily be cleaned up without forcing you to walk all the way around to get back to a sink. Separate prep spaces can also be nice if you have a dedicated baking station where you keep basic ingredients and appliances but don’t want to have to cross the kitchen to add water or wash your hands. Finally, if you have a very large, butler style pantry including a second sink in that space can save a lot of foot traffic. Will Just A Faucet Do? If your primary reason for wanting a second sink is that you don’t want to have to tote a heavy container of water around your kitchen, installing a second sink might actually not be the best option. If you often make large quantities of soup or pasta, installing a pot filler into the backsplash above or counter alongside your kitchen range is a much more efficient solution, as it allows you to fill pots, pans, and kettles directly on the stove. For those who want a faster, simpler way to brew coffee or tea in the morning, installing a second sink near your espresso machine or coffee setup can work, but adding a drinking water faucet to your primary sink, combined with a point of use water heater and an undercounter water filter can actually get you better water that’s hotter, faster. What About Entertaining If you entertain frequently, adding a second, wet bar style sink can allow you easily sit and serve drinks without having to leave your guests for repeated trips across the kitchen. Though this is a feature more commonly associated with a home bar than a kitchen, in a sufficiently large kitchen – either with a large kitchen island with multiple seats, or a kitchen with a separate eating nook – even a relatively small sink can add significant convenience for entertainers. What about you? What has you in the market for a second sink, and how do you plan to use it? Let me know in the comments!

Read full version: Do You Need A Second Sink? Examining The Trend Towards Two Sink Kitchens
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S. Lewis

Traditionally, apron sinks are smooth, wide rectangular sinks made of ceramic or porcelain, with an iconic front-facing bib traditionally associated with farmhouse design. But recently this type of sink has gained both popularity and variety, and is now available in a wide range of materials that work with more than just a cottage decor. If you’d like your sink to be a major focal point of your kitchen, an apron sink is an ideal choice – you just need to choose the right material to match your style. Fireclay Shop Fireclay kitchen sinks by Rohl: Fireclay is perhaps the most traditional choice for a farmhouse sink, and one that has come to the fore as porcelain sinks have fallen somewhat out of favor. Made of fine white clay and glazed and fired at very high heat, fireclay is extremely dense and non-porous, meaning that it’s very, very durable, and resistant to many of the common problems that plague porcelain like staining, chipping, acid, and heat. With a simple white finish, fireclay apron sinks have a beautiful, clean appearance typically associated with a cottage, farmhouse, or French country style, but simple enough to work with almost any decor. Copper Shop Copper Single Bowl kitchen sinks by Premier Copper: For something a little more elegant than the traditional white farmhouse sink, look for apron sinks made of copper. These are often artisan made, either with a simple hand-hammered surface or with a more intricate, stylized design on the front panel. These stand in sharp contrast to a plain white apron sink, with a rich natural patina and highly detailed surface that’s well suited to a more regal space, rather than the humble farmhouse. As a bonus, copper sinks are easy to clean, and the naturally antiseptic properties of the material means that germs won’t last on the surface of the sink for more than an hour. Shop Copper Double Bowl kitchen sinks by Premier Copper: Stainless Steel Shop Single Bowl kitchen sinks by Vigo: But apron sinks no longer need to be paired with an old fashioned decor, either a simple one or a more sophisticated style. In fact, stainless steel apron sinks are a highly modern choice, more reminiscent of a restaurant kitchen than one belonging to a turn of the century farm wife. Stainless steel sinks are often also quite a bit less expensive than other materials, but stand up well to rough and frequent use. Adding an apron to a stainless steel sink gives it a more polished, sophisticated finish, and a simple brushed or satin finish matches well with modern stainless steel appliances. Shop Double Bowl kitchen sinks by Vigo: Patterned Shop kitchen sinks by Herbeau: The most traditional apron sinks have a smooth, slightly curved rectangular surface,  but these days many sinks of every type of material are being made with patterned faces. Elaborate floral or other detailing, as on the copper sink above, is a great way to make the sink a major focal point of the kitchen, while a simpler trim around the face of the sink can echo molding or other architectural features in the kitchen. A farmhouse sink with a fluted face pairs very well with bead board or plank style walls, while a simple hammered finish on a copper or stainless steel sink will give it a more rustic style that works well with a ranch or cabin style. One Bowl Or Two? Shop kitchen sinks by Sierra Copper: Historically, apron sinks are single bowl sinks, designed for soaking and washing large quantities of produce or dishes. These large sinks streamline prep and cleanup in a kitchen that services a large family, which is why they’re still quite common in traditional fireclay sinks as well as  in the more culinary oriented stainless steel sinks. But large single bowl sinks tend to fill with water very slowly, and may not be the most efficient choice for a smaller family. Luckily, many apron sinks now come in two (and sometimes even three) bowl varieties, making it easier to sort and separate dishes or food rather than putting them all in a single basin at once. But Remember! It’s very, very important to keep in mind, though, that no matter what style your kitchen or material your sink, farmhouse or apron sinks are not just like your ordinary drop in or undermount sinks, and can’t just be installed into any average sized hole. For a farmhouse sink to work, you’ll need to install custom cabinetry (or a workaround, as with the fabric skirt above), including a notch cut out in front of the cabinets and counter top to accommodate the front. Also, because apron sinks can be very, very heavy – especially filled with water and dishes – you’ll need to build extra support underneath it to hold the whole thing up. Shop kitchen sinks by Whitehaus: What do you think of the resurgence in popularity of the apron sink? Do you prefer a more traditional style, or like some of the newer looks?

Read full version: Apron Sinks: Not Just For A Farmhouse Kitchen
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S. Lewis

Metal might not be the first material you think of when it comes to bathroom decor. It can be cold to the touch, and many varieties don’t hold up especially well in the face of moisture. So you might be surprised to learn that designers are starting to incorporate all types of metal into decorative bathroom vanities. More fascinating still, this isn’t even a trend exclusive to a chic modern design, but one that works well with a variety of styles and bathroom settings. Modern Bathroom vanities either made of metal, painted with metallic paint, or with metal accents are unconventional and a little daring, so it’s no surprise that they work exceptionally well with a modern decor. Designs cover a wide range of styles (some more unusual than others), but some of my personal favorites are the simplest: vanities that combine a sophisticated dark wood finish with mirrored metallic panels. This blend of simple lines and old fashioned elements is a great way to add elegance and detail to a modern space, dressing it up just a little without infringing on the simplicity of the design. Industrial One of the hottest up and coming style trends is the growing popularity of an industrial style. Combining elements of antique farmhouses and turn of the century warehouses, industrial design is a little old fashioned and a little weather worn, emphasizing reclaimed materials and a simple color scheme. Now, in other rooms, you’re likely to see pieces made with reclaimed wood or wrought iron. But since both are quite susceptible to moisture, look instead for something like this lovely Buchanan vanity, which is finished with aluminum and pewter, creating a lovely, weathered neutral gray that’s ideally suited for an antiqued, industrial style bathroom. Hollywood Glam On the other end of the spectrum are vanities finished with a soft, glowing metallic finish, like this Marilyn vanity. Done in antique silver and gold leaf, this vanity isn’t quite as bright and reflective as many more eye catching vanities coated in solid silver leaf, but has its own luscious glow that echoes the glamor of old Hollywood. Both subtle and showy, this type of vanity is perfect for a star-studded, dressing room style bath equipped with all the creature comforts. Rustic When you do see metal in a bathroom, it’s usually either aluminum or stainless steel or, occasionally, silver or gold. But one type of metal you might not expect is one that gives a very, very different look: copper. Copper holds up well in a moist environment as it’s resistant to rust and will actually develop a natural patina over time. Styles range from earthy, burnished copper tones to deep, aged browns, and make a lovely, natural addition to a rustic cabin or ranch style bathroom. Antique This might surprise you, but metal accents are starting to show up in antique bathroom vanities too. Stamped metal panels like those on the vanity above are a perfect way to add luxurious detail and contrast to an ornate antique style. In the same style category as vanities with exotic wood veneers or even textured leather accents, these metal accents echo the luxury and opulence of Victorian design, adding embellishments made of valuable materials wherever possible. Urban Chic Some of the most dramatic metal bathroom vanities are ones that are highly reflective. Typically made either of bright stainless steel or silver leaf, these vanities have a near-mirror quality polished to a high shine. This metallic finish applied to an antique design makes a dramatic statement piece for an urban chic decor, combining the opulence of old world style with the aggressively unusual appearance that makes for a striking modern design. This Boheme vanity is actually a great example, pairing a simplified antique table design with a dazzling silver finish to make an impressive statement piece. What do you think of these metallic bathroom vanities?

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S. Lewis

Many bathroom design trends are beginning to converge: bigger bathrooms, luxury master suites, an emphasis on simplicity and creature comfort. Taken together, they show a clear trend towards master bathrooms strongly influenced by spas and high end hotels. But even with the simple, open floor plan and emphasis on luxurious natural materials in mind, there are more than a few options when it comes to choosing the major fixtures for a spa style bathroom. Say No To Whirlpools? One area where spa style bathrooms in a home should differ from luxury hotel bathrooms is in terms of the bathtub. While big, jetted tubs are a popular luxury feature for someone on a weekend getaway, the reality is that people who can afford to have them installed in their homes often don’t have time to use them. But even though whirlpools are going out of vogue, remodeling a master bathroom without a bathtub can really hurt your resale value. Instead, opt for a smaller, decorative soaking tub and expand a separate shower as much as possible. Frameless Glass Showers As in a luxury hotel, shower curtains have no space in a spa style bathroom. Shower curtains are a perfectly acceptable (and, in some cases, preferred) option for a smaller bathroom, but large, spa-style master suites are all about open spaces, clean lines, and natural materials. One of the best ways to get this look is with a frameless shower enclosure. Huge, seamless panels of glass connected only by small hinges and brackets  make a shower seem huge and open, preventing water from splashing but leaving a full, unbroken view of the bathroom – and of the bathroom’s view. Open Showers Taking this desire for open spaces to the extreme are showers that are made with no enclosures at all. This type of shower needs to be part of a total spa style bathroom remodel, as you’ll need to position the shower head and drain and choose your tile to avoid doing damage to your bathroom. But, done properly, the effect is quite spectacular – water is allowed to fall totally barrier free, and drains down into the center of the room. This creates a true, steamy, spa-like atmosphere, but works best if you do the worrying about what will get wet during the early planning stages. Steam Showers On the exact opposite end of the spectrum are steam showers, which need to be fully enclosed and sealed to work properly. These are an excellent choice if you’re stuck with a recessed installation, as it’s much simpler to seal a single wall than it is to close off two or three. Steam showers are powered by steam generators that fill the closed space with steam, and are often equipped with seats so you can sit back, relax, and let the steam clear out your sinuses before you turn on the main shower. Steam showers are common feature in luxury hotels, but also come with a whole host of health benefits, especially for those with allergies or respiratory problems. Saunas Popular in other parts of the world for thousands of years, saunas are only just starting to show up in spa style bathrooms in the US. Saunas can be small enough to fit in a master bathroom or large enough to act as their own room in your home, and are typically made of wood that stands up well against heat and moisture. Powered with electric (or more modern infrared) heaters, saunas produce a high, usually dry heat that can help promote circulation and muscle relaxation. These work especially well with a very natural spa style bathroom. Built In Heating Finally, whatever type of shower or bath you choose, it’s definitely worth considering installing radiant heat into your floors. Heated floors are perhaps the most popular hotel feature popping up in spa style bathrooms, as they can take the chill out of an early morning shower without cranking up the heat in the rest of the house. Other features, like towel warmers and even towel warming drawers custom built into a bathroom vanity are quite popular as well, and heated towels especially can help round out the spa experience without ever leaving your home. Have you ever been to a luxury hotel or high end spa? If so, what features did you wish you could take home with you?

Read full version: Components Of A Spa Style Bathroom For Your Master Suite
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S. Lewis

Corners are always among the most difficult spots to decorate and, in my experience, ones that lend themselves all too well to inelegant solutions. You can’t comfortably hang art in a corner, most furniture doesn’t fit comfortably in a corner, and corner windows are more of an architectural feat than a go-to solution. Comparatively, it’s pretty easy to plunk down a decorative floor lamp or a plant in a corner and call it done, but if you ask me, with a little thought, corner decor can be a whole lot better. Corner Furniture? Perhaps the simplest solution to dressing up an empty corner is maybe the most obvious: just choose a piece of furniture that’s designed to fit in a corner. Of course this will work for some corners (and some types of furniture) better than others, but corner facing desks, corner chairs, and even corner sofa sectionals slightly offset from the wall all work to fill a space and won’t look awkward doing it. Store It I know from personal experience that it’s almost impossible to make two bookshelves meet in a corner. Custom, built in shelves? Sure. Shelves from Ikea? Of course – that’s practically what they’re made for. But almost any other kind of shelf sort of falls apart, no matter how pretty, falling solidly in the – you can do it but it won’t look pretty category. But that doesn’t mean that storage is (or should be) immediately out of the running in terms of corner decor. In fact,there are plenty of bookshelves (and other shelves) that are designed specifically to fit in a corner, either as a connector piece or all on their own. This not only maximizes the space if you’re building a wall to wall bookshelf, but also works well to add just a little bit of storage in a place you might not otherwise know what to do with. Display It Similarly, decorative corner shelving units or display pedestals make it possible to turn a boring, empty corner space into a perfect place to display some of your favorite small items. This can be anything from decorative jars to family photos that wouldn’t hang well in the space, or even plants, flowers, books, or any other small or collectible items you want to be seen. Because corners aren’t suited for much else, this type of corner decor is the perfect way to turn a blank area into one that showcases your personality. Make A Sitting Area Finding the right corner decor can be especially troublesome in larger spaces like a great room or large living room. If the positioning of your primary furniture (sofa set, entertainment center, game table, coffee table, etc.) leave a big gaping hole in one corner of the layout of your space, you need to think bigger in terms of the solution. One of my personal favorite options here is to create a small sitting area or reading nook. A single high backed chair facing outward or at a slight angle to the room can completely transform the space. Combined with a small accent table or decorative TV tray, this offers a perfect, slightly private spot to read, sip a cup of coffee, or listen to music. …Or A Game Space If you have slightly more room, you might even want to consider extending your corner decor to include two to four chairs instead of one or a small built in corner booth and table to create a cozy space for dining, drinks, or board games. A built in chess board is great for a chess enthusiast, while a slightly larger table is ideally suited for playing cards. In a large enough room, this type of set up will be spatially and visually removed from the rest of the room without making it look too crowded, affording an intimate setting while adding utility to a very large space. Screen It Off This might seem like a dramatic choice, but one simple way to fill out an empty corner is to simply screen it off with a decorative room divider. I would recommend this for a medium sized space – too small a room and a screen will make it seem crowded, while the extra space in a larger room could probably be better used. But in a medium sized space, a screen can round out and push in a too-large room while providing a beautifully patterned or colorful backdrop to the rest of your decor. Positioned well, you won’t realize how much (or little) of that unused space is partitioned off, you’ll just have a slightly exotic or outdoorsy touch to help fill out the room. How do you handle the empty corners in your home? Do you have a favorite type of corner decor?

Read full version: Living Room Corner Decor – Simple Ways To Decorate A Corner Of Any Size
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S. Lewis

It’s hard to keep a home clean, as anyone who has to find a way to do it knows. But as difficult and oftentimes unrewarding as cleaning can be, it isn’t impossible, and as with so many things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Practically speaking, that means targeting problem areas and furnishing them intelligently to prevent messes from accumulating in the first place. One of the best and most important places to do this is in an entryway or mudroom. Young or old, neat or messy, during any season of the year, I think the universal first instinct when walking through the front door after a long day is to unload anything you’re carrying and take off uncomfortable clothes. Year round, that means piled mail, keys, and newspapers, while winter months offer the double trouble of damp coats, muddy boots, gloves, scarves, and umbrellas. Having a place to put them, even if it’s as simple as hooks and shelves attached directly to the wall of your mudroom, is a good way to keep piles of coats from getting out of control. Shop Coat Racks: Having a shelf, a hook, and a cubby for every member of your family – especially if you live in a cooler climate – is a great way to streamline your storage during the winter season. But if you have enough room, it doesn’t hurt to cozy up your mudroom or entryway with a little seating. These can either be built into your wall or purchased as a single piece of furniture, and create a nice space not just to stow your winter clothes, but to sit and unzip and pull off your boots. Bonus points if the bench doubles as storage where all those coats can be stowed away in the off season. Prone to misplacing your keys? Consider hanging a key hook by your front door or the exit of your mudroom, with one hook for each member of the family. If you put keys up as soon as you walk through the door, it’s almost impossible to misplace them. Plus, if you make it a habit to grab them from the same spot every day, it’s a whole lot more difficult to lock yourself out. Key hooks with built in white boards or blackboards are especially nice, as they create a convenient place to leave concise messages the whole family is sure to see. Similarly, a coat hook with built in mirrors are nice for those who rush in and out of the house every morning. A smaller one is perfect for hats and scarves, and gives you the opportunity to check your reflection before you dash out the door. While it won’t do more than any other type of hook to help declutter your home, it can help you keep your appearance in shape and alleviate a little morning stress. If your problem is leaving trails and piles of mail wherever you go, you might want to consider adding a narrow table in your entryway or mudroom. A slim table won’t take up much space, even in a tight hallway, but will give you a dedicated place to put down your mail. A dedicated mail sorter might make things a little neater (though, personally, I dislike these since I suffer from an out-of-sight out-of-mind syndrome), but at the very least having a mail table will keep you from plopping down a stack of mail on your dining table or kitchen counter – or, worse, in multiple random areas and forgetting that it’s there. Shop Accent Tables: Shop Chairs by Uttermost: Mudrooms are typically at least partially separated from the rest of the home, but if your entryway isn’t, you definitely want to take that into consideration. Now, that doesn’t mean that many of these features don’t still apply; rather, that you might want to consider changing up the way they look. For example, instead of a bench or window seat style seating, look for a simple, small sofa and combine it with a decorative end table. This look will blend a little better with your living spaces while still offering the storage and utility you need to keep your entryway clean. What are some of the biggest problem areas in your home, and how do you keep them clean?

Read full version: Must-Haves For Keeping Your Entryway Or Mudroom Organized
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S. Lewis

There are two schools of thought when it comes to choosing a bathroom vanity. First is the belief that they should be more like kitchen cabinets – built in and designed primarily for utility. On the other end of the spectrum are those who believe that bathroom vanities offer a somewhat rare opportunity to personalize and dress up a space that’s frequently composed of fairly generic elements. For those in the second camp, style and unique design take precedence, and bathroom vanities are as much objet d’art as they are built for utility. How To Find A Beautiful Bathroom Vanity (In A World Of Boring Cabinets) Most bathroom vanities aren’t terribly interesting to look at. Now, this isn’t always a bad thing – many vanities are built for utility, while others are made to match a specific type of decor. But even very lovely, well designed pieces tend to have something of a sameness to them – similarities in size and shape, color and design, that prevent them from really acting as a focal point. To turn a bathroom vanity into a statement piece, you need to look for one that’s dramatically different. Shape An overwhelming majority of bathroom vanities are either rectangular or square in shape. From antique double vanities to the most compact wall mount vanities on the market,  90 degree angles are the default and then some. The corollary of this, of course, is that simply choosing a non-square cabinet is one of the simplest ways to make a statement with your bathroom vanity. Rounds and triangles are the most common alternatives, and even something as simple as this conical Leonie vanity will draw the eye and act as a focal point of the space. Shop Bathroom Vanities by Ronbow: Woodwork The use of real wood has started to go out of vogue in the furniture making world, and this includes bathroom vanities. Of course it’s still possible to find solid wood bathroom vanities, and many models are still at least made with wood frames, but many more are painted or made of MDF or particleboard. Few bathroom cabinets highlight the natural beauty of wood and woodwork. For a style that will stand out, look for bathroom vanities like this Legacy vanity with beautiful patterned wood veneers. Shop Bathroom Vanities by Avanity: Designs Bathroom vanities are occasionally painted – sometimes a solid color (and sometimes even a bright one) and sometimes with pretty little floral work or other antique-inspired detailing. But it’s rare to find one with a design that’s meant to draw the eye, and that can make all the difference. This La Cabana vanity is square and perfectly ordinary… except that the maple wood panels on front alternate in a checkerboard pattern which is brought out by a simple whitewash. There’s even a subtle checked design on the sides of the vanity, too, which gives this otherwise simple piece a delightfully playful signature style. Shop Bathroom Vanities by Sagehill Designs: Texture/Finish Very few bathroom vanities have textured surfaces. Now, sure, many of them have carved wood detailing along the legs and corners, and not a few use weathered paint or wood to add visual interest, but that’s not what I’m talking about. Rather, I’m talking about vanities that cover the front face with intricate raised pieces, either elaborate woodwork, or for something a little more modern, something like the vanity above, done with a raised, studded diamond pattern finished in a glossy black.  This stands out for its sheer uniqueness, and will draw the eye to its intricate detailing. Shop Bathroom Vanities by BellaTerra Home: Stylized Designs Ultimately, the best way to get a bathroom vanity that will work as a stylistic focal point of your bathroom is to look for one with a stylized design. That can be the strategic use of shape, color, woodwork, or really any other element that makes the vanity dramatically different from the norm. Take this Ka vanity; modeled after simple Japanese brush strokes, it has a totally unique aesthetic element that will put it at the forefront of any space it’s in – and it doesn’t look a bit like your average bathroom cabinet. Shop Bathroom Vanities by Xylem: What design elements are most important to you when choosing a new bathroom vanity?

Read full version: Dramatic Statement Bathroom Vanities To Dress Up Your Bathroom Decor
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S. Lewis

One of the most interesting up and coming new design trends is one that isn’t actually new at all – the re-emerging popularity of large format, full length mirrors. I realized recently that I haven’t had a built-in, full length mirror in any of the last dozen or so places I’ve lived. This is at least partly because, despite their usefulness, mirrored closet doors and such were very popular in the 80s and are now a little dated. But old fashioned freestanding mirrors (and genuinely old ones, but more on that in a moment) are making a big comeback, as they not only let you see your full body in reflection, but offer several unique design possibilities as well. Double Trouble Mirrors are often used in design in just about every room in the home because their reflective surface can make a space seem larger. Large, frameless mirrors can double a small bathroom, while statement mirrors can reflect sunlight and help brighten a space. Full length mirrors do both of these things and they do them well. A very large, well placed mirror can even create the impression of a doorway and a whole extra room, making your space feel much larger than it is. Window To The World Similarly, full length mirrors with stylistic panes can mimic the appearance of a large window or french door. Even if the view the mirror reflects isn’t an outdoor one, the faux panes and reflected light play a visual trick on the mind, making the mirror seem to be a source of outdoor light. This works especially well in spaces that get a lot of natural light, of course, but the look can work in just about any room, especially if placed against a darker wall, but reflecting one in a lighter color. Industrial Age One of the major sources of the surge in popularity of full length mirrors is the booming popularity of an industrial warehouse/farmhouse design. Slightly weathered paint and reclaimed wood and wrought iron are hugely popular materials, as well as industrial and antique fixtures like pulley lights and – you guessed it – full length mirrors. These are often made with aged materials, like weathered gold leaf or iron, or most often paint with points of wear-through or even a crackled or worn whitewashed finish. This turns the mirror into a weather-worn statement piece that works great with an industrial decor. Add An Antique Of course, more traditional full length mirrors with elaborately carved wood frames are regaining popularity as well. Lovely in a luxury bathroom or old fashioned sitting room, these mirrors are an easy way to add a traditional element to your space. Even in a more contemporary space, a mirror with an ornate antique frame is a nice, unexpected way to add a touch of traditional sophistication, no matching antique furniture needed. Make It Art One of my favorite things about full length mirrors is that, with a sufficiently interesting frame (whether it’s ornately carved or artistically aged),  it can act quite nicely as a piece of artwork. Because these large format mirrors are just coming back into vogue, they’re still rare enough to be surprising, and because they’re very large, they definitely draw the eye and act as a focal point of your design. That means that a single sufficiently decorative mirror can even dominate an entire wall without the need for other added artistic elements, dramatically simplifying your life if you weren’t looking forward to decorating a whole large wall. Make It Modern Finally, it’s worth mentioning that while the bulk of this trend is leaning towards old fashioned and antique mirrors, some modern designers have thrown their hat in the ring as well. Now, most contemporary mirrors are in a single (boring) rectangular frame. But if you look you can find full length mirrors in unique shapes, ones with really wild frames, or, my personal favorite, ones with a traditional design done in bright enameled colors. PolArt specializes in this last type of modern antique, with eye-catching designs that work especially well in an urban chic design. Do you like the look of floor length mirrors? Are you interested in them more for the style or the utility? Let me know in the comments!

Read full version: Full Length Mirrors – A Trendy Statement Piece For A Contemporary Home
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S. Lewis

Choosing artwork for your home is probably one of the most personal decisions you’ll make in terms of your overall design. After all, the counter top, floor, cabinets, and even the paint you choose will still be there when you leave. What you choose to hang on your walls is really the mark you choose to make on your home. But if you’re like me, deciding just exactly how to dress up your walls isn’t always easy. A big blank wall (especially a white one) can feel a little looming, so if you’re feeling intimidated, here are a few simple ideas to get you started. A Series Shop Wall Art by Uttermost: Picking out and hanging a single painting isn’t particularly complicated. Sure, you want to find one you like, that’s the right size, with good colors, but if it comes that easily to you, you probably wouldn’t be reading this. Personally, I’m not a big fan of very large paintings, but often the space you need to fill with artwork is pretty big. One of my favorite solutions to this problem is, rather than using a single large painting, to use several smaller paintings or photos with a common theme. Buildings, bugs, and flowers are popular if you buy a set at once, but this is easily DIYable, too – just find a half dozen matching frames, fill them with coordinating photos, and hang them in neat rows. A Collage If a neat rectangle of photos is a little too rigid for your taste, consider hanging a collage. These can be made with frames that match or not, with pictures that match or not, in any shape or arrangement. This is an especially great layout for family photos, while a variety of decorative frames can give you an artistic look all by themselves. If you choose to do this yourself, arrange the pictures (or paper cut to the size and shape of the pictures) on the floor and on the wall before you start hanging. That way, you can get the layout you like without a whole lot of practice holes. Frame It Of course, not everything you hang on your wall has to be art. Photos and paintings are great, but don’t let a pre-concieved notion of what wall art is hold you back. Simple bargain bin photo frames can hold old book covers, couture shopping bags, handkerchiefs, pressed leaves or flowers, or just about whatever flat object you can think to put in them. Remove the glass, and you can easily frame more exotic items – teacups, costume jewelery, seashells, or any other beautiful object you’d like to display but don’t want to leave on a surface collecting dust. Go 3D In the same vein, not even all commonly accepted “art” is flat. In fact, tactile, sculpture-like wall hangings are becoming quite popular. From exotic carved wood panels to highly modern metal and wire sculpture, the variety of what you can hang on your walls isn’t nearly as limited as you might think. Found objects are especially popular – like driftwood, old road signs, decorative dishes, or even wall planters, increasingly walls are being treated as a surface rather than a flat plane. Add A Splash Of Color If you happen to have white walls and want to keep them (or, for renters, have to keep them), one of the best ways to warm them up is with wall art. A very large format print or painting hung in the wide open space above a sofa can compensate for the blankness of the walls and even act as a sort of accent wall. Better still, if you use the color (or colors) in the painting throughout the room, the white walls can even seem warm and canvas like, making pops of color stand out cheerily by contrast. Double Your Space Shop Mirrors by Uttermost: While paintings, photos, and even framed objects are great ways to express your personality, hanging up a decorative mirror adds both style and functionality to a room. Regardless of the size, mirrors play nice visual tricks that can liven up your design – making a small room seem larger, reflecting a key decor or architectural element, or, for a really large floor mirror, even creating the appearance of an added room or doorway. What kind of wall art are you looking for? Do you just have one persistent blank wall you want to get rid of, or are you in the middle of  a major decor overhaul? Let me know in the comments!

Read full version: Six Simple Ideas For Choosing And Hanging Wall Art
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S. Lewis

As kitchens move to the forefront of home design, homeowners are starting to have a little fun with the space – specifically spicing up the color palette. While French country and farmhouse style white kitchens are still quite popular, it’s becoming more common for these simple designs to be enhanced with bright, colorful decor. Some designers are going even bolder, with walls and counters in a rainbow of colors. But if you’re looking to just add a little splash of color to perk up your kitchen, there are a few simple ways to do it. Showcase Your Range Shop Kitchen Ranges: Currently, the prevailing wisdom in kitchen design is that most of your appliances should be hidden – the more hidden, the better. This is reflected in everything from refrigerators to trash compactors being designed not just in neutral colors, but with panels to match the surrounding cabinetry. The one big exception to this is the kitchen range. While other kitchen appliances are blending into the background, ranges are starting to stand out, with bold, primary finishes that add a vibrant pop of color and can bring even an otherwise completely neutral kitchen decor to life. Colorful Chairs Shop Bar Stools: One of my personal favorite ways to liven up a kitchen or dining space is with colorful chairs. Now, usually having more than one piece (or one very large piece) of colorful furniture is something of a no-no, especially in a semi-formal setting like a dining room – a bright orange table, for example, is a really bold choice. But bold, brightly colored dining chairs or bar stools are a great way to add personality and pizzazz without overwhelming your space with color. Modern plastic chairs create a casual vibe, while vintage pieces add a nice retro flair (and can easily be mixed and matched). Bright Backsplashes Shop Backsplash Tile: Tile backsplashes have become hugely popular both in the kitchen and the bathroom. While many of them come in a rather neutral palette (white is, of course, the most popular), they also offer an excellent opportunity to infuse your kitchen with a little color and personality. A single, solid colored miniature accent wall can make a bold statement, while a mixture of multiple tile colors is a nice playful touch. Just be aware of the size of the tiles and the number and variety of colors – too-small tiles or too many colors can make the wall look busy and actually make your kitchen look smaller. Make A Kitchen Island An Accent Shop Kitchen Islands: Want to add color to your kitchen but aren’t quite ready to go for those spring green cabinets? A great middle-of-the-line option is to add the color to your kitchen island instead. A bright island will create a bold contrast against simple wood or white cabinets, livening up the space without flooding it with color. This is an especially good option in a slightly smaller kitchen, where the island can act more as a statement piece (and maybe go with you when you move), so the cabinets will neither be too customized to your taste nor so colorful that they make the kitchen seem smaller. Eye Catching Lighting Shop Island Lighting: Thinking of replacing some of your kitchen lighting? This is an excellent opportunity to add a little pop of color. I find red milk-can style lights especially charming in a primarily white, farmhouse style kitchen, but depending on your decor, really any colorful pendant light will work. Solid colors work best, and the effect is nicely amplified when the light is the same color as other decor items (large or small) scattered throughout your kitchen or dining area. Bright blue pendant lights are nice on their own, but with a matching vase, tea kettle, refrigerator magnets, and so on, it becomes a really lovely installment. Bits And Bobs Speaking of decor, if you like to change up the look and feel of your kitchen frequently, it might be better to avoid many of the options I’ve mentioned here. Why? Because they’re difficult to replace when you want to. Instead, rely on smaller items to give your kitchen some sparkle – like a colored glass soap dispenser,  dish towels, a small piece of colorful statuary, colored plates stored in an open plate rack, and so on. For an even easier to change look, consider adding fresh flowers or greenery, or even setting out fresh fruit that corresponds with your color scheme. What are some of your favorite ways to add color to a kitchen? Do you prefer a simple coat of paint, or do you like a look you can change on a whim?

Read full version: Creative Ways To Add Color To Your Kitchen And Dining Area
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S. Lewis

Typically, bathrooms with dressing tables are big bathrooms with custom made cabinetry. Most pre-made bathroom vanities, even larger ones, are made of solid continuous cabinets without the interruption needed to be able to sit and apply makeup comfortably. That said, there are a few workarounds if you’d like to have a permanent dressing table, but aren’t anxious to have a complete set of custom cabinetry built for the privilege. Table Style Bathroom Vanities Shop Bathroom Vanities by Cole and Co: The simplest way to merge the functionality of a bathroom vanity and dressing table, especially in a small bathroom, is to opt for a table style bathroom vanity. Something like this Clarissa vanity is very basic, nixing the cabinet storage in favor of wide open leg room – a must if you want to be able to pull up a chair. This particular vanity is part of a larger collection and comes in several widths, making it a good choice for a smaller space. Although you’ll have to find some way to make up for the lack of cabinet, it’s incredibly simple to pull up a chair and use the vanity as a dressing table without any further construction. Very Wide Vanity Wider bathroom vanities work even better. This Lyle vanity has the same open base that makes the vanity easy to sit in front of, but offsets the sink leaves a stretch of open counter space to one side, meaning there’s a little more room to spread out hair care products, makeup, and toiletries. This vanity also has more storage in the form of a small cabinet that can be rolled out and used as seating in a pinch. Of course, this set up wouldn’t work particularly well with the mirror shown – you’d likely want a large, frameless mirror for maximum usability. Shop Bathroom Vanities by Virtu USA: More Traditional Cabinet Style Though they tend to be few and far between, there are modular pre-made cabinets designed for a larger bathroom that include dressing tables. Though these are only a step or two away from custom cabinetry, because each piece is manufactured individually (only to be assembled to your specifications once it gets to your bathroom), large modular vanities can be much less expensive than the “real thing.” Sagehill Design’s extensive Cottage Retreat collection is a good example, with several configurations that allow for a bridge or makeup station between the various parts. Shop Bathroom Vanities by Sagehill Designs: Wall Mounted Vanities? Wall mounted bathroom vanities can also be used to create a makeshift dressing table, but doing so requires some care. Because these bathroom vanities can easily be mounted at any height, it’s not terribly difficult to mount one at a height that’s both comfortable for standing and sitting. That said, this will only work with vanities that are relatively short, or that have very thin counters that extend from the main body of the vanity. Otherwise, either your knees will be bumping the bottom of the vanity, or your arms won’t comfortably rest on top while sitting. Shop Bathroom Vanities by Iotti: Build A Bridge Shop Bathroom Vanities by Xylem: For thicker wall mounted vanities, look for modular designs with pieces made to bridge two or more vanities together. Again, you’ll likely need a non-standard mirror for this to work well, but a simple bridge is a relatively inexpensive addition that can give you just enough space to sit between two larger vanities. Essentially, this creates a wide double vanity with a dressing table in the middle, without the expense of having the cabinetry custom made. Extended Counter Tops Shop Bathroom Vanities by Robern: As I mentioned before, wall mounted vanities with counters that extend out to one side are ideal for use as dressing tables. Something like this bronze vanity from Robern offers not only a full sized vanity for storage but, with an extended counter top, a rather roomy dressing table. And again, because wall mounted vanities can be installed at any height, they’re easily matched to your height preferences without a whole wall-length cabinet built to match. Which of these options appeals most to you? Are you trying to add a dressing table to a smaller bathroom, or are you just looking to get a sleeker, more modern style than most custom cabinetry offers? Shop All Bathroom Vanities:

Read full version: Six Bathroom Vanities That Double As Dressing Tables
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S. Lewis

Every bathroom has a mirror, but not all bathroom mirrors are created equal. Some are framed and others frameless, some with built in storage, lights, or other features, and many more without. But with so many choices, it can be a little difficult to know which one is right for you and your bathroom – and all too easy to opt for a pre-packaged mirror that might not be the best fit for your needs. So, before you buy, consider all the types of bathroom mirrors out there to be sure you choose the best type. Frameless Bathroom Mirrors Popular in high design, especially in larger bathroom, frameless mirrors take up all the space on the wall above your vanity, from the top of the backsplash all or nearly all the way up to the ceiling, and often all the way across the wall horizontally. Frameless mirrors are made of a single large piece of glass, and so can be quite expensive, but offer the fullest reflection of any type of bathroom mirror. They don’t have any storage, but can help make a bathroom seem much larger than it is, and can easily be used by multiple people at once. Framed Bathroom Mirrors These simple, relatively small bathroom mirrors are the type that are frequently packaged with pre-made bathroom vanities. Designed to be hung at face height, they offer much less coverage than a frameless mirror, but will get the job done. Framed bathroom mirrors don’t come with any storage (though framed, recessed medicine cabinets offer much the same look with included shelving) but often have a sort of homey appearance to them. They also work especially well in pairs, with one mounted over each basin in a double sink vanity. Decorative Framed Mirrors Technically decorative framed mirrors are just framed mirrors, but rather than simple rectangular wood frames, these feature elaborate carved wood details or painted accents, sometimes in unique shapes. Decorative mirror frames are often packaged with traditional or antique style bathroom vanities to help coordinate the wood work between the two. Stylish art piece mirrors can also be purchased separately to dress up a simple modern decor. Storage Mirrors Storage mirrors are becoming more popular in modern bathroom design, and can frequently be found packaged with efficient modern vanities. Essentially, these are a compromise between framed mirrors and medicine cabinets, replacing a simple rectangular frame with ledges for storage, small cubbies or shelves, and even small hand towel bars. The storage component doesn’t block the bathroom mirror, of course, and is typically made out of the same material as the vanity (like a frame). It also allows for over-the-sink storage without having a large swing-out door like a medicine cabinet. Medicine Cabinets The old stand by of bathroom storage, medicine cabinets are seeing a resurgence in popularity after going out of vogue for many years. Medicine cabinets are simply a mirror-fronted cabinet that can either be mounted to the wall above your sink or recessed into it, providing a bathroom mirror and hidden shelved storage in one. Medicine cabinets with mirrors built inside the door and behind the shelves can be a little more convenient, and in addition to being used as a primary bathroom mirror, they can also be mounted to an adjacent wall for added storage. In addition to the resurgence of standard medicine cabinets, many models have gotten a high-tech makeover as well, with luxury features like built in TVs and sound systems, as well as built in outlets and cold storage for a spa-like luxury experience. Shop Medicine Cabinets by Robern: Backlit Mirrors (And Other High Tech Bathroom Mirrors) Medicine cabinets aren’t the only bathroom mirrors getting a high-tech makeover, with backlit mirrors especially becoming hugely popular. These are bathroom mirrors with lights installed either directly behind or right into the surface of the mirror, so they shine directly outwards on your face, eliminating the unsightly shadows cast by overhead lights. These can either be purchased pre-made or custom built, depending on the size of the mirror and lights you want. And, yes, even a standard mirror can be used to incorporate television screens that you can watch while you bathe or shave, but that blend right back into the mirror when they’re turned off. Shop Bathroom Vanity Sets by Iotti: What’s the most important feature to you when it comes to buying a new bathroom mirror – size of the mirror, amount of storage, luxury, style, or something else?

Read full version: Bathroom Mirrors – Framed, Frameless, or Functional?
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S. Lewis

Kitchen islands are among the most desirable features in kitchen design today.  You practically can’t open a magazine or flip on HGTV without a designer or homeowner gushing about their new custom island. But if you happen to have a smaller kitchen, you’re probably feeling a little out of the loop. After all, islands aren’t for small kitchens, right? Well, it turns out, that might not be the case. Small kitchen islands can be a wonderful improvement to a storage-limited kitchen, you just need to be careful to choose the right size, shape, and placement. Clear The Aisles Shop Kaco Kitchen Islands: First and foremost, any island should be a natural part of the kitchen it’s in. That means you shouldn’t expect to cram a huge luxury island into your tiny kitchen, and just because an island can fit doesn’t mean it should. For a kitchen island that you can use comfortably, you should have at least a 36″ walkway on all sides of the island, more if multiple people use the kitchen at the same time. As well, even if you technically have the space, you should always opt for a smaller island rather than a larger one that will block an important thoroughfare. Be Aware Of Appliances Not only should you account for your need to move around in your kitchen, but (just as important but much easier to forget) you should make sure you’ll be able to fully open the doors of your refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, trash compactor without bumping into your new kitchen island. And being just able to open them to the inch isn’t good enough either -  you want to be able to actually get into your appliances without being crammed against or dodging an oversized island. Don’t Block The Triangle The most compelling reason NOT to have a kitchen island in any size kitchen, but especially in a smaller one, is that they can be a little obtrusive if you find yourself continually having to walk around them. But this is a problem that’s easily avoided with a little care and attention. Every kitchen has what’s known as the work triangle, the three points being your refrigerator, your stove, and your sink. Figure out how you move between these three spots, and make sure whatever island you install doesn’t interfere with it. A long, thin island might technically fit in your kitchen, but if it’s right between your sink and your stove, you definitely aren’t going to be happy having it there. A round island would allow you to move more freely while still offering you a secondary prep space. Shop Kitchen Islands by Hardware Resources: Don’t Just Think Size Of course the main consideration in choosing a kitchen island for a smaller kitchen is its size and shape. Too big or poorly oriented and it might not even fit inside your kitchen at all. But size really shouldn’t be the only consideration – you also need to think about what kind of storage you want it to have. Open islands are nice for basket storage, shelves are great for cookbooks or wine bottles, and closed cabinets can extend your pantry storage or even offer room for more small appliances. Whatever you choose, it’s important to use the space to fill the need of whatever your kitchen happens to be lacking. Focus On The Prep When home design shows talk about kitchen islands, they’re really talking about entertaining hubs – islands with a sink and range and seating for four or more, Benihana style. But if you have a relatively small kitchen, that probably isn’t right for you. Focus on the most important thing: adding prep space. Small square or circular islands with built in butcher blocks are perfect for this, essentially adding a floating cutting board to the middle of your kitchen and allowing you more room to set down and chop up ingredients, preferably in the center of your work triangle. What About Seating? Now, in a small kitchen you probably won’t have enough room for a full breakfast style kitchen island with seating for your whole family. But with a little creative designing, it’s entirely possible to incorporate one or even two seats without taking up much space. For a custom kitchen island, consider incorporating a counter top that extends a few extra inches off the side of the island on one or two sides. Or, look for a pre-made island with an open base where you can store a small bar stool or two when they aren’t in use. Either way, this makes a pleasant place for breakfast for one, a place to take phone calls, jot down notes, or just sit and read while waiting to rotate baking sheets. How big (or small) is your kitchen? Do you mostly want a kitchen island for style, or are you craving more counter or cabinet space?

Read full version: How To Make Kitchen Islands Work In A Small Kitchen
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S. Lewis

For a primary or master bathroom, type and amount of storage is often a main concern in terms of choosing a new bathroom vanity. Even (or especially) in small bathrooms, efficiency and functionality are extremely important. But the priorities and considerations for half bathrooms and guest bathrooms is a little different. There’s less that needs to be stored, and space is often at a premium. For a guest bathroom or powder room in particular, you want a vanity that’s attractive and versatile enough for company, but that takes up as little space as possible. In a half bath, powder room, or guest bathroom, chances are you aren’t going to need to store a hair drier and electric razor or bottle of shampoo the way you would in a full bath. In fact, you probably won’t need to store anything beyond a bar of soap, spare towels, and a few extra rolls of TP. I actually really like minimalist vanities like the one above – bare bones but well designed, with enticing colors and patterns. Between the towel bar and spare shelf, it’s simple to artistically arrange the necessities in a whole lot less space than a traditional bathroom vanity. Shop Legion Furniture Bathroom Vanities: One summer I sublet the second floor of a house that had been converted into flats. It was a lovely space, with one exception – the only bathroom was a half bath with a bathtub and shower head crammed under the gabled roof. You could easily touch all four walls with your arms extended, and nearly all the floor space was taken up by a big, unsightly cabinet style bathroom vanity. You Cannot. Imagine. what I would have done to get my hands on something like this Marina vanity. At less than 16 inches wide and a mere 10 inches deep, it’s pure efficiency, offering all the utility a just-that-small bathroom needs while leaving space to add much needed shelves on the side. Shop Vigo Bathroom Vanities: In fact, in some bathrooms having a vanity that’s shallow is even more important than having one that’s narrow. This Enjoy vanity is on the wider side for a half bathroom, but about half as deep as an average cabinet style vanity. That means it physically takes up much less space while also offering storage that’s more easily accessible. Granted, there isn’t counter space for much more than a bar or bottle of soap, but the two drawers and small cabinet more than make up for it. Shop Iotti Bathroom Vanities: I particularly like the Abba vanity from the Wyndham Collection because it’s ideally suited for a guest bathroom. With a clear spa/hotel inspiration, it offers four separate smaller drawers to allow guests to easily store small personal items, and two shelves that are the perfect size for rolled up towels. Some guests (myself included) can be a bit squeamish about digging through a larger bathroom cabinet, and having the essentials – towels and bath tissue – where they’re easily visible is a great way to make them feel more comfortable in your home. Shop Wyndham Bathroom Vanities: This Catalina vanity from RonBow is an even more extreme example of the same idea: shirking a large cabinet and drawers entirely, it offers only a single open shelf beneath the sink. For a guest bathroom, this says there’s nothing off limits. In a powder room, it offers just enough storage space for the basics while freeing up quite a bit of floor space, which can make a very small half bath feel a little less crowded. Shop Ronbow Bathroom Vanities: If open shelves leave something wanting in terms of private storage for your guests, bathroom vanities made with a single large drawer offer a nice alternative. Most traditional cabinet style bathroom vanities waste the space immediately below the sink because it’s occupied by both the sink and the plumbing for the faucet. Vanities that have above-counter sinks and faucets with streamlined plumbing offer a large, U-shaped drawer that’s sectioned off on the inside and ideal for storing small items, like spare toothbrushes or bars of soap. You’ll likely need a separate towel storage and a toilet paper stand, but your guests’ intimate items can be kept private. What’s the most important feature for you in the new bathroom vanity for your guest bathroom, half bath, or powder room? Are you most interested in size, style, or storage? Let me know in the comments! Shop All Bathroom Vanities:

Read full version: Alternative Bathroom Vanities For A Half Bath Or Guest Bathroom
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S. Lewis

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, elegant statement piece that can help recreate a little old world style and luxury. Anything But Basic Shop Beds: Bed frames run the gamut from almost invisible in their simplicity to hugely ornate and decorative. They all serve the same purpose: to elevate a mattress to a comfortable level and give it a sturdy, supportive base. But antique bed frames go a step and beyond and then some, including not only a headboard and baseboard, but also often elegant features like deep, sleigh style sideboards, elaborately carved platforms, or decorative posts that enhance the luxury style of the bed. Emphasis On Woodwork What primarily distinguishes antique beds from any other sort of decorative bed frame is the degree of ornamentation in the design. There are plenty of beautiful headboards out there, from simple conventional wood designs on the contemporary end to faux snake leather and Swarovski crystals on the highly modern end. But antique beds are easily distinguished by their elaborate, intricate floral carvings and highly detailed designs. This four poster bed is covered with wood carvings from head to toe, with a special emphasis on the posts, and has the regal air of the furniture used by the European aristocracy. Highlighting Natural Wood In addition to the carved detailing, antique beds are often made to showcase exotic, expensive woods. Mahogany and cherry are both traditional choices, and create a rich, lustrous appearance. Admittedly, contemporary versions are more often made to look like they’re made of expensive wood than they are actually made of expensive wood, (since mahogany is harder to come by for most of us than it would have been for upper class Victorian designers!), but often include beautiful wood veneers that ultimately give the same sophisticated look. Color Options? That said, for all the emphasis placed on wood and woodwork in antique design, you do have options beyond a simple choice of wood tone in what your antique bed frame will look like. PolRey in particular offers a wide selection of bench-made, hand-finished antique replica furniture that’s available not only in the traditional oak, mahogany, and walnut finishes, but also pearl, ivory, and gold enamels with delicate hand painted detailing. This makes for a softer, more feminine antique bed that’s a better match for bright, well-lit spaces and lighter decors. Using Antique Beds To Enhance A Modern Decor While platform and sleigh style antique beds aren’t entirely all that different from more contemporary designs (though obviously with a whole lot more detailing), four post antique beds very clearly have their roots in an older time. Originally popularized in the medieval Europe, four post beds once supported either a wooden or cloth platform (or canopy) and could be enclosed with curtains on all open sides. Now canopy and four poster beds are merely decorative, as they aren’t particularly needed for warmth or privacy. Still, a four post bed can be used quite effectively to accentuate the height of a tall room and lend a regal air to an old world design. Complete Antique Bedroom Sets It probably comes as no surprise that many of these ornate, ornamental antique beds come as part of larger bedroom sets. After all, carved detailing is difficult to match under the best of circumstances, and a luxury antique bed would look a little out of place with an otherwise modern decor. To that end, most antique beds come paired at least with a night stand, dresser, and mirror, and sometimes an antique armoire or second dresser, making it simple to get a complete antique bedroom design. What do you think of antique beds and bedroom sets?

Read full version: Ornate Antique Beds And Bedroom Sets For An Opulent Old World Style
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S. Lewis

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 for ornamentation, and brings out the best qualities of electric and natural light. But even the simplest machine made crystals – to say nothing of ones that are entirely made by hand – can be extremely expensive. Glass chandeliers offer a more modern alternative that’s much, much more affordable, without sacrificing much of this sophisticated traditional style. The Difference Between Glass And Crystal In truth, the crystals on a crystal chandelier are actually made of glass – but it’s glass that’s fortified with lead oxide or other compounds.  The elements mixed into the glass have a whole lot of scientific effects, but in essence they make the glass sparklier and easier to shape, so it can be cut into the familiar reflective prisms. Regular glass chandeliers are typically made of loops or globes of glass rather than crystals, but while they do reflect light, they don’t refract it as well – meaning, essentially, they aren’t quite as sparkly. Shop Lighting Pendants by Zuo Modern: The Cost Of “Hand Made” It isn’t only the additional material that goes into leaded glass that makes it more expensive – it’s also an issue of labor. Most heirloom quality crystal chandeliers are made with individually hand cut crystals produced by master artisans at a handful of companies from around the world. It’s part of their signature stamp of elegance and value, especially in an era of machine-made products. But even glass chandeliers with each piece made by hand, like this gorgeous Solexa chandelier, are much, much less expensive than their crystal equivalents because they don’t require a proprietary “recipe” for the glass mixture or chemical coatings commonly applied to lead crystals. Shop Lighting Pendants by Elk Lighting: More Shimmer Per Square Inch With the exception of very large chandeliers, most heirloom quality crystal chandeliers are decorated with a few teardrop crystals hung from a metal frame rather than primarily with crystals. This is because the sheer complexity and material cost of building a tall chandelier with many large, long crystals make them prohibitively expensive. Of course they exist, but the difference between crystal and glass can be thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Glass chandeliers offer a more transparent design at a much lower cost, without all the cast brass ornamentation of very traditional chandeliers. Live For The Loop Another advantage of glass chandeliers is that while leaded crystals have a strict prism structure, pure glass can be formed in a variety of shapes without diminishing its appearance. One of the most common shapes used is a simple loop, linking or even knotting drop-shaped strands of glass to one another. Again, this allows for a chandelier that showcases the glass pieces rather than ornamental brass arms. This also creates a seamless sheath of glass around the bulbs, meaning that each piece catches more light than a traditional crystal, making up somewhat for the difference in clarity, refraction, and dispersion that characterize lead crystals. Shop Lighting Pendants by Nuevo: Unique Designs Not all glass chandeliers are made to resemble their crystal brethren – and in fact this is part of their appeal. Draped crystals are lovely, but they are somewhat limited in terms of shape. Beyond limiting how they can be hung, this even limits the possibilities of the overall style of the lighting fixture. Modern glass chandeliers and pendants can have wildly unique designs, from a thin, feathery fringe of tiny wisps of glass to a cascade of glass baubles or even a totally unique molded glass shape designed specifically to catch the light. More Modern Appeal Finally, while crystal chandeliers can definitely work in a modern decor, it’s a very bold choice that has to be pulled off with a skillful hand, and creates a look that’s much more chic and upscale than the average homeowner might want. Some glass chandeliers offer a playful twist on the classing design, toning it down, streamlining it, and making it new to better match a contemporary home. Others  shirk tradition entirely, creating a new, sophisticated artistic design with both feet in a modern style. If you’re looking for a new twist on a classic design, or just a way to save while building a sophisticated look, glass chandeliers offer a stiff competition to more traditional crystal. What do you think of glass chandeliers? Are you looking for a very modern chandelier, or a way to incorporate a classic style into a contemporary space?

Read full version: Ditch The Crystal – Beautiful, Budget-Friendly Glass Chandeliers
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S. Lewis

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 unusual or even wild the design, and use them to turn a utilitarian light socket into a stunning, artistic focal point. Spiral pendants are one great example of this. With sinuous lines and a totally unique shape, they’re definitely eye catching, and anything but ordinary. Uniformly Irregular Traditional lighting fixtures are overwhelmingly uniform, if not outright symmetrical. Classic crystal chandeliers are designed with tiered, radial arms, while even most pendant lights are pointedly made to match, with lights hung at the same height an equal distance apart from one another. Spiral pendants chuck all this convention to the wind, varying the height of each light and the spacing between them to form a descending spiral of lights. Shop Lighting Pendants by Zuo Modern: How Many Lights? What I particularly like about spiral pendants is that even the style itself is quite versatile. I’ve seen ones with as many as a dozen lights down to as few as three – it all depends on how grand the style and how large the space. Ones with dozens of glass globes catch the light and are reminiscent of more traditional spiral chandeliers, while simple three-light spiral pendants like the one above simply offer a fresh, slightly asymmetrical twist on the conventional three-light pendant. Shop Lighting Pendants by Landmark Lighting: How Tall? Of course, how tall a spiral pendant is depends a little on how many lights it has – a 3-light spiral pendant is going to be a lot smaller than one with 6 or 8. Even so, the height varies between fixtures with the same number of lights as well; while 3-light fixtures tend to hover around a foot tall, larger fixtures can range anywhere from four to eight feet, depending on the distance between each light and the distance from the highest light to the ceiling. Shop Lighting Pendants by Eglo: Small Spaces, High Ceilings Of course, there are more reasons for these changes than pure style. Modern design is more prevalent in urban spaces than rural ones, and urban spaces tend to be on the smaller side. By extension, a grand, five tier entryway chandelier might look lovely in the foyer of an old Victorian home, but might very well not even fit in an upscale urban loft. If you have decently high ceilings but not an unlimited amount of floor space, spiral pendants are an excellent alternative to a more traditional chandelier, as they’re very tall, but also typically compact in width. Making A Table Ornament Even without high ceilings, spiral pendants can still make a lovely statement piece – you’ll just need to be sure not to put one where you might walk into it or bump your head on it. With a lower ceiling, consider placing a spiral pendant over a table – either a dining table or a coffee table or game table. This allows the lowest light to hang just above the center of the table, so the lights seem to cascade down onto it, but well out of the way of anyone sitting or walking past. Sassy Spokes Shop Lighting Pendants by Nuevo: While most spiral pendants are strung up on thin, transparent threads, a small subset of them are built with much smaller lights fixed to much larger, thicker spokes. Rather than the sinuous, gravity-free appearance of other spiral pendants, these have a heftier, more masculine appearance, reminiscent of a basket weave or wheel. Like pulley lights, these are better for a slightly industrial style rather than a posh and polished urban chic. What do you think of spiral pendants?

Read full version: Spiral Pendants – An Elegant Modern Style For Your Home
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S. Lewis

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 combination of sturdy construction, simple lines, and warm wood tones. What Are Shaker Bathroom Vanities? The Shakers were am ascetic religious group that immigrated to America in the 1770s. Among other things, they were brilliant craftsmen and furniture makers. Their furniture reflected their way of life: it was simple, functional, and made to last. Though many more ornate and decadent furniture styles have come and gone since then, Shaker style furniture – including Shaker bathroom vanities – have made a major comeback in recent years. Their simple lines and high functionality matches nicely with a modern design and an overall more casual mentality. Shop Kaco Bathroom Vanities: Simple Lines Perhaps the defining characteristic of Shaker bathroom vanities is their simplicity. Made with simple lines, clear angles, and sturdy planks of wood, Shaker design is not complicated, but it’s immediately identifiable. Typically, cabinet doors are framed with a raised rectangle of wood ornamented with very simple circular door pulls. Shaker bathroom vanities are primarily wood bathroom vanities, where the wood itself is really allowed to shine without any other ornamentation. Shop RonBow Bathroom Vanities: Locally Sourced Materials Like furniture made during the American Craftsman movement, Shaker furniture was made locally and by hand, with an emphasis on natural, locally-sourced materials. Contemporary Shaker bathroom vanities aren’t often made by hand (very little furniture is these days, unfortunately), and can be made from material from a variety of sources depending on the manufacturer. But even with the changes of the last 250 or so years, Shaker furniture still emphasizes the woodwork, showing off the grain and warm honey colors that stand in sharp contrast to modern espresso brown MDF. Shop Hardware Resources Bathroom Vanities: Comfortable Country Design In fact, because Shaker bathroom vanities put such a strong emphasis on natural materials and vibrant, golden wood tones, they make a very nice contrast to similarly minimalist vanities in a more modern style. While modern design is often a bit cool and even sterile, Shaker bathroom vanities add warmth and rustic country style comfort to a contemporary space, while still maintaining the sleek, polished finish and smooth straight lines of a more modern aesthetic. Shop Sunnywood Bathroom Vanities: Durable Shaker Design One of the hallmarks of Shaker furniture is quality construction. Now, if I’m being honest, Shaker design was so good and had such a powerful influence on the way furniture is made today that you’d be a little hard pressed to find furniture that isn’t made with similar solid jointing. But even still, Shaker furniture in general and Shaker bathroom vanities in particular are really designed to last. If you don’t know much about furniture making, be sure to look for cabinets that feature dovetail jointing at least in the drawers if not in the entirety of the vanity, as this method ensures added strength and durability. Shop Legion Furniture Bathroom Vanities: Old World Style For A Contemporary Bathroom In modern design, there are really two camps: those that are going for a sleek, chic, urban decor, and ones that hearken back to a simpler, more natural time.  The latter shows up in many ways, from Asian inspired bathrooms to luxurious spa designs and even outdoor bathrooms. Shaker bathroom vanities fit well in this camp, since after all the design is from a simpler time and based on furniture used by people that lived simpler lives. I especially like this look paired with other natural wood or stone accents, and lots of open white space to create a clean, slightly rustic look. Shop Avanity Bathroom Vanities: What do you think of Shaker bathroom vanities, or Shaker furniture in general? And when it comes to a modern design, do you prefer yours with a hint of city or a little old world country twist? Shop All Bathroom Vanities:

Read full version: Shaker Bathroom Vanities For A Contemporary Bathroom
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S. Lewis

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 small space almost purely by virtue of the simplicity of the color, and the sculpture-like quality of white makes for some amazingly statuesque designs. Makeshift Motion This Millennia white lighting fixture is actually very simple: it’s made of stacked, slightly offset triangles of white metal with a bulb inside. But the design creates a spectacular sense of motion – almost like a mobile, despite the fact that the shade itself is stationary. The way the light shines through the cracks between each layer enhances this sensation of motion and depth, while the juxtaposition of the lines creates the illusion of curves. The result? A modern pendant light that’s both incredibly simple and extremely eye-catching. Shop Lighting Pendants by Zuo Modern: Repeating Parts Similarly, this Twirl pendant is made of dozens of repeating half circles stacked and wound around a central pole to create a gorgeous spiral reminiscent of a seashell. Each individual piece of this white lighting fixture is spaced close enough together to create the illusion of a solid object, but also left just far enough apart to allow a little light to slip through. The result is a beautiful contrast of light and shadow, the impression of movement (it reminds me abstractly of a pinwheel or wind sock), and above all, incredibly unique – perfect for a creating a modern space, especially if you want to try a white-on-white design. Shop Lighting Pendants by Nuevo: Make A Statement With Shape One of the greatest things about white lighting fixtures is that white shows every shape and every curve, highlighting edges and folds dramatically in a sharp contrast of light and shadow. Some of my favorite designs use simple repeating textures like this spectacular Meringue pendant, which glows from within when turned on and catches shadows when left off in natural light. More than most types of lamps, and certainly more than any other color, white lighting fixtures offer an extremely tactile experience, with every detail shown as the light filters through different parts of the light differently. Lights On And Lights Off This Cerebro pendant is a close cousin of the Meringue, with tighter looped folds that look almost like ruffles. Here, the light is pictured off, but in full view of natural light from a pair of french doors. The effect makes this white lighting fixture extremely bright, while the “dark side” shows off the rippling, ruffly, (brain like?) texture as it gradually falls into shadow. White lighting fixtures in general and modern pendants like this one in particular become a central statement piece in any room you put them in, drawing the eye whether they’re turned on or not. Manipulate The Shape Observative readers may have noticed that where white lighting fixtures bend inwards, they appear brighter, while outer edges are darkened. Well, smart designers take full advantage of this fact and play up the edges and indentations to full effect. This Intergalactic pendant goes even a step farther, spacing each of the round slices of the lamp just far enough apart that they actually cast shadows on themselves. That way, not only does the “eye” of the light seem to glow, but the carefully arranged shape has a double appearance of depth. Go Bold White lighting fixtures have the freedom to be a whole lot more bold than most other designs. Because ostensibly a white fixture can blend back into a white background more than, say, a lamp done in neon orange and butterfly polka dots, they can get away with a lot more without actually looking busy. This Jacques pendant is nothing if not wild, with dozens of stacked acrylic disks, but because it’s done in white, it manages to work. Rather than looking busy, it looks almost statuesque, but also extremely modern – a statement piece that manages to be both subtle and bold. What do you think of white lighting fixtures? Is this very modern design something you’d like to see in your own home? Shop Lighting Pendants:

Read full version: White Lighting Fixtures (Part 2) – Having Fun With Shapes
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S. Lewis

I once had a 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 since. Flat white catches shadow and light equally well, showing beautiful shapes even with an ostensibly simple design, and there’s no better display for it than a modern white lighting fixture. Ditch The Traditional White Lamp Shade The typical yawn-fest lamp shade is usually white or off white. But while you can get some creative designs in the traditional shade-shape (and some very pretty textures), where white lighting fixtures really shine is where they break the mold. This Yoshimi pendant, for example, takes the idea of a conventional cylindrical lamp shade and explodes it with 18 tiny lamp shades on a starburst of asymmetrical arms. Not only does this create a totally unique look while it’s turned off, when it’s turned on, it makes for a spectacular play of light. Shop Lighting Pendants by Nuevo: Double Down Similarly, this Caresse pendant puts tradition on its head by utilizing dozens of miniature conical shades in a variety of shapes and unique designs. Like traditional lamp shades, they cover individual bulbs, but the similarity stops there. Each tiny shade is individually shaped and crafted, some with tiers or swirls, some with scallops, pin-sized holes, or flared or narrowed bases. Essentially a mobile, this fixture is playful, a little tongue in cheek, and artistically gorgeous, with each individual “shade” catching and flinging out light and playing up the shadows cast by its comrades. Deconstructed Lamp Shade It’s my personal belief that modern design is best when it takes something traditional and iconic and makes it new.  That can mean anything from a modern riff on an antique to something like this brilliant Orba pendant. Though it’s actually made of metal, the semi-concentric loops of material look very much like a very large lamp shade was cut to ribbons and reassembled. The look is utterly cutting edge, but with just that hint of familiarity that means you won’t need a wild design to make it work. Let Shadows Rule… Traditionally lamp shades are intended to, well, shade lamps – that is, to help normalize and soften the harsh glare of a bare bulb while still allowing it to light up a room. But this functionality is easily achieved without such a utilitarian design, and white lighting fixtures can be daringly modern while doing it. Not only does white glow beautifully when lit from the inside, but areas that aren’t lit directly do an excellent job of picking up shadows. This very white Asparagus pendant, placed on a white background, maintains its eye-catching figure by contrast of light and shadow, creating its own shape by where the light hits it, whether the bulbs inside are on or not. …And Light Play If you’re having trouble picturing what such a light might look like turned on, this Photon pendant from Zuo Modern is another lovely example. Here again, the light and shadow give shape to each curved piece of this white lighting fixture, creating beautiful shades of light and darkness simply by using a color that would otherwise be described as plain. Better still, even when the bulbs are turned off, the artistry of this contemporary chandelier will still show through as ambient natural light plays on the individual pieces. Shop Lighting Pendants by Zuo Modern: Have Fun With Texture Of course, one of the most fun ways to enjoy white lighting fixtures is to play not just with shape but with texture. In the same way that a rough textile lamp shade can be more visually arresting than a simple satin pleated one, choosing a rough white material is a great way to dress up the simple color. This Opulence string lamp and its ilk are a common but stylish example, creating a web of depth and texture that functionally shades the bulb while allowing small, gossamer peek-throughs that are sure to captivate. What do you think of these stylish white lighting fixtures? Do you like the play of shadow and light on white, or do you prefer your lights a little more substantial, dressier, or just plain more colorful? Shop All Lighting Pendants:

Read full version: White Lighting Fixtures – A Simple Way To Get A Modern Look
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S. Lewis

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 shower heads contain small LED lights dotted in between the spray nozzles. But while LED faucets for kitchen and bathroom taps often rely on batteries to power the lights, LED shower heads are almost always hydropowered. That means the water moving through the shower head itself is what illuminates the lights. One cool side effect is that the brightness of the lights depends on the intensity of the water, meaning you can get the ambiance you want simply by altering the flow. Shop LED Shower Heads: Visual Temperature Gauge Some LED shower heads have only one color setting, but the vast majority have at least two if not four or more. In many cases, these colors are triggered by a change in the temperature of the water flowing through them. This gives you a visual indicator of the temperature of the water, and, like a more traditional thermostatic valve, can alert you if the water reaches scalding temperatures. Unlike a true anti-scald valve, an LED shower head won’t turn off if the water rises above a certain temperature (usually in the neighborhood of 120 degrees F), but the light will begin flashing red, alerting you to the danger. Multitude Of Colors LED shower heads that have more than two color settings (though the most common are red and blue for cool and hot) can give you an even more precise indicator of the temperature levels of the water you’re about to step into. Those from Sumerain come in green, blue, purple, red, and flashing red, in order of increasing heat. If you like your shower a specific temperature, LED shower heads offer a great visual guide to get it exactly the way you want it without any danger of freezing or burning yourself. Shop LED Hand Shower: Chromotherapy In addition to offering a pretty cool style and unique safety options, color-changing LED shower heads can actually be good for your health. Various colors and especially various colored light have been shown to have a positive impact on mood, and by choosing a shower head that can produce many multiple colored lights, you can help set your mood for the day right from your morning shower. Of course, this is a little more difficult with a shower head where the colors are linked to temperature, but models where the color can easily be changed offer a simple way to introduce color therapy into your morning routine. DIY Installation What’s especially nice about LED shower heads is that while they offer a whole lot more technological punch than your average shower head, they aren’t any more difficult to install. Without any external power source or any other odd parts, installing an LED shower head is as simple as unscrewing the old shower head, cleaning the shower arm, and screwing on the new one. The water flowing through the shower head will provide the light, and long-lived LED bulbs should last for the life of the shower head. Part Of A Larger Shower System While LED shower heads are easily installed on their own, they also make a nice addition to a larger shower system, and work well as part of a custom shower. Because many LED shower heads are rainfall shower heads, they can easily be added as a secondary or even tertiary shower head, in addition to a standard and hand-held shower. If you’re planning on building a custom steam bath, LED shower heads also blend quite well with built-in chromotherapy devices that install directly into your shower wall. LED shower heads offer a great combination of style, comfort, and safety, a sleek and beautiful option for a modern spa bath, while staying in the same general price bracket as other luxury shower heads. What interests you most about LED shower heads – the style, the safety, or just the novelty? Let me know in the comments!

Read full version: LED Shower Heads – A Simple Luxury Addition For Your Bathroom
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S. Lewis

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 create a space that’s not just good for encouraging peace of mind, but actually promotes good health. To get the most of a major bathroom remodel, here are a few features and fixtures to consider. Hydrotherapy (Bath) Whirlpool bathtubs are a mainstay of luxury bathroom design, but in addition to being a go-to marker of style, they’re also good for your health. These high-capacity water and air-jetted tubs are similar to ones used by professional athletes and physical therapists to help ease tense and sore muscles, improve blood flow, and enhance physical mobility. For someone with back or joint problems, spending time in a hydrotherapy whirlpool tub can genuinely improve your day to day comfort levels and even your mobility. Shop Whirlpool Tubs: Hydrotherapy (Shower) Of course, not everyone has time to fill a hundred gallon tub full of water and soak in it. But while soaking can help take some of the pressure off sore joints, a hydrotherapy shower built with multiple shower heads and body sprays can help relieve muscle pain by creating a deep, all-over massage. Hydrotherapy showers also have the added benefit of steam (even if they aren’t true steam showers) which can help relieve sinus pressure. Hydrotherapy showers can be anything from a fully designed 360 degree custom shower to a simple shower panel, so long as the water sprays reach a majority of your body. Shop Shower Panels: Chromotherapy Science has shown that various colors have an effect on mood – blue is calming, yellow is energizing, and so on. Chromotherapy uses this effect to enhance the relaxing and revitalizing aspects of your bath or shower. Now, chromotherapy is rarely used on its own – that is, there aren’t a whole lot of luxury bathrooms soley lit by color-changing LED lights. But they are frequently included in other luxury bathroom fixtures, like whirlpool tubs, steam showers, and even designer shower heads. Because of the way light interacts with water, when the LEDs are on, all the water is illuminated, producing a relaxing glow in the color of your choice. Shop LED Shower Heads: Aromatherapy Of all the health beneficial luxury bathroom features mentioned here, aromatherapy is probably the most familiar. If you’ve ever used a bath bomb or scented bath salts to help unwind, the basic principle is there: like color, various scents can have a powerful effect on mood. Lavender is relaxing and citrus energizing, while other scents have physical effects, like eucalyptus, which can help open the sinuses, peppermint, which can enhance memory and alertness, and jasmine, which can reduce stress and anxiety. Both steam baths and many towel warmers incorporate essential oil aromatherapy into their design, allowing you to fill your shower or bathroom with mood, mind, and body-enhancing scents. Shop Towel Warmers: Steam Or Heat Therapy Both steam and heat therapy have been used around the world for thousands of years, from the Roman baths to Nordic saunas to Native American sweat lodges. Each uses a combination of heat and steam to promote circulation, clear the sinuses, and remove toxins from the body. Standalone saunas and shower-integrated steam baths both offer myriad health benefits, and are rapidly gaining popularity in North American home design. Combined with chromotherapy and aromatherapy (and even hydrotherapy, in a steam shower), a steam bath or sauna can give you the intense relaxation of a spa right in your own home. Shop Sauna Rooms: Bidets This might seem a strange addition to this list, especially to American readers, but bidets are starting to gain acceptance in high end luxury bathrooms in the States. In other parts of the world, they’re much more commonplace, and there are more than a few arguments to be made in their favor. Bidets (or high tech toilet seats attached to regular toilet) provide a more thorough and gentler cleaning without the irritation associated with rough toilet paper. For anyone with bowel problems, bidets can provide immediate relief; for those with limited mobility, they can provide a degree of independence in terms of personal hygiene that regular toilets simply can’t offer. And because bidets are completely hands-free in operation, they can even help prevent the spread of bacteria. Plus, you’ll never have to buy toilet paper again. Shop Bidets: What luxury bathroom features are you looking for? And how do you like to pamper yourself?

Read full version: Six Luxury Bathroom Upgrades That Are Good For Your Health
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S. Lewis

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 specifically, but XtremeAir range hoods definitely come out at the front of the pack. Ventilation Type First and foremost, the best range hoods are ducted range hoods that vent outside – XtremeAir’s specialty. A good kitchen ventilation system will pull heat, smoke, steam, and grease away from the cooktop and keep it from ever escaping into the kitchen in the first place. Ideally, the ductwork should be as close to the exterior of the home as possible, and make as few 90 degree turns as possible to aid the flow of grease and moisture-laden air. In some cases, of course, installing new duct work isn’t possible (or at least prohibitively expensive). Ductless or recirculating range hoods aren’t as powerful as ducted ones, but high quality ductless range hoods with multiple layers of filtration are the next best thing, and can remove a majority of odors, toxins, and grease, but won’t do much to reduce moisture or heat levels. Shop XtremeAir Range Hoods: Filter Type The great bane of range hoods is that because they suck up grease, they inevitably get filled with grease that can be very difficult to clean. Each manufacturer has their own way of trying to combat this, from centrifugal blowers to the simple mesh aluminum filter. But aluminum filters get clogged very easily and are notoriously difficult to clean. XtremeAir offers stainless steel baffle filters – a feature that’s standard in industrial kitchens and is becoming quite popular in home design – which are much, much easier to clean (they’re even dishwasher safe), and collect grease more efficiently.  Because of the way they’re designed, hot air that moves up through the ducts causes the grease to melt down into the baffles, reducing buildup inside the ducts themselves, while offering a more finished appearance on the kitchen side. Power For maximum efficiency, the power of a range hood should be matched to the surface area of the range it’s covering at a rate of about 50 CFM per square foot of cooktop, or about 300 CFM for a 36″ range. Of course, for higher heat and smoky, smelly, steamy cooking, more power means better ventilation. XtremeAir offers 900-1200 CFM range hoods suited for a restaurant quality kitchen, an ideal pair for an professional style range. Typically the range hood should be about the same size as the range, but a slightly wider range hood gives better coverage and a more professional culinary look. Intuitive Controls Good controls should be both easy to use and intuitive to understand. Historically, range hoods have had analog controls – a simple on/off or hi-low-off switch or a power level dial. But these days controls are more often LED panels, either with push buttons or an integrated touch screen. XtremeAir’s controls, both touch and button press, allow greater control over the performance of the range hood, offering a wider range of power levels. XtremeAir’s range hoods also come with an auto-on feature that will activate when it detects smoke, as well as a timed auto-off, filter clean reminder, and a basic timer and clock. If possible, test out the controls before purchasing – all the features in the world aren’t worth much if it isn’t obvious how to activate them. Construction (Including Noise Levels) Even the best range hoods on the market don’t do any good if they’re never turned on, and the noisier the fan, the less likely it is to get turned on. Many range hood fans operate at just slightly higher than the normal level of human speech, meaning it’s impossible to hold a conversation at a normal level while it’s on. Many manufacturers have their pet solutions for this problem (some of which work better than others), but XtremeAir’s solution is simple: reduce the sound by improving the quality of the range hood overall. They use only commercial grade 19 gauge stainless steel in the bodies of their range hoods, with a seamless construction that, combined with their quiet blowers, helps reduce noise levels. Lighting/Design Range hoods are an important source of task lighting in the kitchen, casting bright light directly on the cooking surface. But newer designs are also aesthetically pleasing, providing light that’s attractive as well as functional. Especially in an island installation, decorative range hoods can function as island lights or even chandeliers, with a beautiful decorative appearance rather than the stereotypical big metal box. If lighting is an especially important consideration, look to see what type of bulbs are used (XtremeAir uses bright LED lights) and whether or not the range hood has a night light feature or multiple light settings. What are you looking for in a range hood? Shop All Range Hoods:

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S. Lewis

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 designed to look unique and unusual to make your faucet a design focal point of your bathroom. One of the best ways to do that is to incorporate LED lights. What Are LED Faucets? LED technology has been creeping into faucet design over the last few years, both in kitchen and bathroom taps as well as in shower heads.  The latter has proved incredibly popular as a component of a chromatherapy shower, while the faucets are becoming more common in modern design. But what are they exactly? Simply put, they’re faucets with very small LED lights are built into the tap which turn on when you turn the water on. The light then bounces around inside the water, turning the whole stream whatever color the lights happen to be, creating a colorful glow every time you turn on your faucet (though the effect works best in low or no light). Shop LED Bathroom Faucets: Why LED Faucets? I’ll be honest – I first saw these more than a decade ago, built into a novelty drinking fountain at Disneyland. You pushed the button to start the flow of water, and a glowing, color-changing rainbow of liquid came out. It was both surprising and fun. But you might be wondering how that translates to a modern bathroom. Well, probably you aren’t going to be dazzled by a seemingly magical fount of rainbow water,  but the novelty factor remains. LED faucets – especially luxury waterfall faucets like the one above – look incredibly unique, with parts designed to light up from within as well as illuminating the water. These lights are still rare enough to be surprising, which means that in a guest bathroom, an LED faucet is a great way to thrill your guests without a large scale remodel. Heat-Sensing LED Faucets That said, LED faucets are good for more than just the novelty. This might sound silly to say, but one of their more important functions is actually safety. LED taps and shower heads alike are often triggered by temperature in much the same way an anti-scald valve works. That is, when the water is at or above or below a certain temperature, the lights change color, changing the color of the water, usually blue for cool water, purple for warm water, and red for hot water. Very hot water will cause the LED lights to flash red, letting you know the water is too hot without you having to burn your hand to check. A Rainbow Of Colors The most basic LED faucets come in a simple red/blue to indicate temperature. But newer models offer a wider range of colors, both used to reflect various temperatures and for simple display. Of course, LED faucets are limited to the colors that LED lights can produce, but as technology improves there’s been a noticeably better variety in color. Sumerain’s LED faucets have at not only the traditional red, blue, and purple, but also green, while LEDs in general atr more rarely able to produce orange, yellow, pink, and white as well as a few shades of blue/green. No matter what the color, it penetrates the water as it flows, illuminating it from within; if you fill up a sink, the light will even stay in the water there, giving it a colorful glow. Chromatherapy Faucets As I mentioned earlier, another major use for LED faucets is chromatherapy. Science has proven again and again that exposure to various colors has a noticeable impact on your mood, and multi-color LED faucets take full advantage of this fact. The effect is more noticeable in LED shower heads, perhaps, but running your hands under a beautiful font of crystal blue or shimmery yellow water is a great way to enhance your mood and brighten up your day. When LED faucets come with more than one color light (and the colors aren’t linked to temperature), you can usually change between them with the touch of a button, allowing you to choose the sort of mood you want to set. Hydro-Powered LED Faucets It’s important to note that there are two types of LED faucets: ones that are battery or electrically powered and ones that are water powered. The former need to be hooked up either to an outlet or to a battery pack in order for the lights to work, and the back up batteries need to be replaced usually once or twice a year. Hydro-powered LED faucets are ever so slightly much more environmentally friendly, using the force of water passing through the tap to power the light so they don’t need any kind of back-up power. Either way, be aware that while LED lights do last a long time, they don’t last forever, so make sure you have at least a few spares on hand. What do you think of these decorative LED faucets? Do you like the modern look, or do they speak to your inner child?

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S. Lewis

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 outdoor kitchens with bench seating. But if you love the look of that English garden with pretty lace-like tables for an afternoon tea, it’s easier than ever to get it without sacrificing modern convenience. Wrought Iron Vs. Cast Aluminum Shop Outdoor Dining Sets by Caluco: Speaking historically, Victorian garden tables were made with wrought iron – that is, all of those intricate loops swoops and curls were all made by hand and hammer. The result was beautiful, ornate, and very durable, but also extremely heavy and not exactly immune to rusting. While wrought iron garden tables won’t turn rust red (after all, the same material is used extensively in exterior architecture), if exposed to water over time they can stain your concrete. But modern tables are most often machine made from extruded or cast aluminum, which offers similarly beautiful designs, but is extremely lightweight, rust proof, and often powder coated to resemble wrought iron. Better For Bad Weather One of the biggest trends in outdoor furniture in general is a move towards more weather resistant materials. The aforementioned powder coated aluminum, resin wicker, and woods like teak that are naturally more water and weather resistant are quickly becoming the norm. But for a Victorian garden table that’s meant to be left out in your back yard year round, you really can’t beat aluminum. It requires almost no care and doesn’t need to be covered in the off season. In fact, unless you live in an area with very polluted air or a salty seaward breeze, it should only need a simple wipe down with soapy water or diluted vinegar at the end of each season to keep it looking like brand new. Shop Outdoor Sitting Sets by Caluco: All-Weather Cushions Shop Outdoor Chairs by Caluco: Okay, I’ll admit: putting cushions on your fancy garden chair definitely isn’t a traditional move. But, if you plan on spending any amount of time actually sitting in them, adding cushions can definitely make the experience more enjoyable. Real Victorian garden tables and chairs were often left uncovered and uncushioned because they were left outside in cold, rainy weather year round. But if you’re looking for the perfect patio furniture, competition is stiff when it comes to comfort. Many manufacturers of all styles of outdoor furniture, including Victorian garden tables, are starting to use Sunbrella fabric for upholstery and cushions. This miracle fabric repels water, resists stains, mold, and fading, and is all around pretty tough and easy to care for. While traditional Victorian garden tables aren’t terribly comfortable, with Sunbrella cushions they’re definitely moreso, and add a nice pop of color and a bright pattern to your garden set. Tea For Two If you don’t particularly need a lot of seating (or don’t have a lot of space), you might want some more compact patio furniture. Small, bar style Victorian garden tables are great for this, especially if you want to integrate seating into the landscape of your garden. The sturdy cast or extruded aluminum construction means they can be placed comfortably just about anywhere and left there year round, offering seating without taking much space. Plus, the pretty loops and whorls of the design will add that touch of old world elegance to a blooming, vining garden. Put the table in a spot of sunshine and you’ve got a lovely place to enjoy a cup of tea with a friend. Go For A Garden Party The most traditional Victorian garden tables are designed to seat four. Easily placed on a deck, brick or stone patio, right in your garden, or even in a  sun room, these tables are an elegant way to seat a small group. Adding cushions to the chairs makes the setup a little more colorful and comfortable. Models with a glass top covering the intricate tabletop can be better for regular dining, offering a smooth, stable surface for cups, plates, and flatware that’s also a little easier to clean. Fun For The Whole Family Most outdoor dining sets that are designed to seat six or more are, in my experience, usually made of wood, either in the style of indoor dining tables or more like park benches. But simple plank style tables simply don’t have the flair and pizazz of Victorian garden tables. If you want to feed a crowd, but still want to keep the wrought-iron style, something like this Florence 7 piece dining set can give you the best of both worlds. It isn’t quite as petite and dainty as the traditional round tables, but it will give you style in spades and likely weather better than a wood table. What do you think of these cast aluminum Victorian garden tables? Is the added modern convenience enough to get you to try out an old world style?

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S. Lewis

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 it’s important that you design that space well. If you’re only just starting to consider converting a room or basement into a home office or are just trying to find a better way to work, the very first thing you want to consider, and the first piece you’ll need to buy is an office desk. Not Much Room To Spare Personally, I have the great gleaming luxury of having a separate room for my home office. Granted, I do 100% of my work at home, and the space doesn’t come without sacrifices elsewhere, but all things considered, I’m pretty lucky. Plenty of people who work from home have to make due with a whole lot less. But if you’re able to claim your home office for tax purposes, it’s important that your “office” space be obvious, distinct, and used exclusively for your work. So if you don’t have much room to spare but do a significant portion of your work from home, start with a smaller office desk like this Soprano writing desk and put it in a less traveled part of your house. The amount of space you claim might not be huge,  but using a real desk that only you use rather than a dining table is a great first step to making your space feel more professional (and meet the IRS’s qualifications). Shop Office Desks: Simple Setup Personally, I don’t have a lot of gadgets. My computer is the lifeblood of my office, and so much of my work is done electronically that I don’t have much need for filing cabinets or printer stands or other add-ons you’d expect to find in an office building. Chances are, this is true for you, too, if you do only some of your work from home. If this is the case, you might not need a particularly elaborate office desk, especially if you’re working with a smaller space. Heck, a good friend of mine turned a walk-in closet into an office (or “cloffice”) by sticking with a smaller piece of furniture. The Corner Office If you do tend to work with a lot of paperwork, have multiple laptops running at once, or have to use a typewriter (yes, this still happens in some industries!) as well as your computer, you probably need an office desk with a little more surface space. One of the best ways to maximize surface space while minimizing the footprint of your desk is to opt for a corner desk. These L-shaped desks extend out in either direction along two walls, butting right up against the corner so you can sit in the middle without taking up your whole room. Plus, many models, including this Z Deluxe office desk set, can be purchased in pieces and shoved together, allowing you to get a desk as long or short on either side as you want, as well as choose the position of the keyboard tray, monitor stand, and any other add-ons you want. Gadgets Galore If you’re more of a multi-device type, with a printer/scanner/fax machine, three line telephone, desktop, laptop, two monitors, and an iPad, you probably want an office desk that’s large, flexible, and filled with storage. Look for a wide desk with drawers, adjustable shelves, or other storage. A shelf at your feet is a good place to keep a subwoofer if your job involves video or audio editing, while raised shelf on the back or one corner of the desk is a plus (though not a must) for raising your monitor (or second monitor) up to a more comfortable viewing level. Modern office desks with modular add-on features are a great choice, as they can easily be added to or altered based on the changing needs of your home office, while something like this foldaway desk is great for keeping your office supplies organized and hidden away when not in use. Divide And Conquer Okay, so this desk isn’t technically a desk, per se – if we’re getting real specific, it’s meant for a home bar. But I’m listing it here again for those of us that don’t have a full sized office. I’ve seen these used in kitchens as breakfast bars and entryways as mail holders, with some models where the desk folds entirely away into a flat wooden panel on the wall. Either way, these act as a room divider, allowing you the desk space (if not always the privacy) you need in a much, much smaller space. And because the storage is conveniently on the wall, you won’t have to worry about your stuff being disturbed in passing. The Stop Gap If you really really need a place to work at home, but there really really isn’t any space to make it happen, you can always opt for the least worst alternative: a laptop tray rather than a full sized office desk. Now, these  don’t need to be any more sophisticated than your average TV tray, though there are compact desks designed specifically for this purpose. Special laptop trays typically have wheels and can, on occasion, be raised and lowered. Either way, this type of desk offers a sturdy replacement for an office desk in a petite size that will hold your laptop at a comfortable working height while you’re sitting – in a chair, on the sofa, or wherever. If you typically work on the couch, a laptop tray will keep your laptop from overheating (and probably improve your posture!), and is much more comfortable to use than your average coffee table. TV tray styles can be easily [...]

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S. Lewis

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 even if you don’t have the luxury of living in a beautifully redone waterfront warehouse, this is definitely a look you can get – and pulley lights are one of my favorite ways to do it. What Is A Pulley Light? Pulley lights are pendant lights based on antique industrial and farming fixtures. They’re made with one or more pulleys, usually one counterweight, and a very long, winding cord. Now, while all these gears and oiled metal parts have all the industrial vibe you could want, they’re also quite functional. The pulleys allow the light to be moved up and down and even side to side, while the weight keeps it in place wherever you position it. That means even a simple pulley light can be used both for full-room lighting and close up illumination, like a reading lamp. Shop Pendant Lighting by ZUO Superior Task Lighting Shop Pendant Lighting by Landmark Lighting The mobility of pulley lights makes them an ideal choice for a variety of different areas. They work well as pendants over a table where you both eat and work, in a living room near a reading chair or game table, or – my personal favorite – as a kitchen island light or island pendant. I particularly like these simple farmhouse style pulley lights from Landmark Lighting, because they have a handle built into the milk-can style shades, making them easy to pull up and down, either lighting your whole kitchen or zooming in on a prep area. Add two or three and you can not only light a whole island, but get some incredibly flexible lighting. Quirky Designs Pulley lights usually come in ones and twos for the simple reason that weights and counterweights are easier to manage in singles and pairs. But even so, there are a multitude of designs out there, ranging from simple sleek pullies to more unique and quirky designs, like this expandable, squishable line of spring-rings or the scissor style extension pendant below. If you like the industrial look (or, let’s be honest, if you tend a little towards the steampunk) pulley lights are a great option, as it’s easy to find inventive, whimsical designs to fit your personal taste. Have Fun With Your Lighting This variety and playfulness of design is maybe what I like most about pulley lights. This Emerald lamp from Zuo looks like something straight out of an ACME box, with a scissor-style extender that would be paired with a giant boxing glove in a cartoon, but manages to be strangely elegant. With a variety of bits and bobs, twirls and loops, and surprising balances and counterbalances, pulley lights not only come in a great range of styles, but are consistently unique from any other type of light, even among the most unique modern pendants. Pulley lights offer a playful statement piece with some of the gritty, reclaimed, industrial style that works so well in a modern loft. Decorate Your Workspace While large pendant lights are usually placed over large, built-in pieces of furniture in fixed, central locations in your home, pulley lights work exceptionally well in work spaces, like drafting tables, work benches, or the like, especially if you do live in a high-ceilinged loft. This Agate pendant is one of the pulley lights that moves both up and down and side to side, meaning that just a light touch of the handle can help direct the light across your workspace without taking up any space on your desk or hanging too low above your head. Sick of the light? Just push it up and out of the way. Need a better look at something? Pull it right back down and toward you. Plus, the lean, simple lines are equal parts art and architecture, meaning they’ll blend aesthetically as well as functionally with an artistic workspace. Not Just Pendants If I’m being honest, though, I have to say that my favorite pulley lights might not be the traditional pendant-style ones at all, but something more like this pulley style floor lamp. Designed to swivel, raise, and lower, this is both aesthetically delightful (equal parts gritty industrial and pure playful fun) and more flexible than most any other floor lamp you’ll find. Like a hybrid of old fashioned swing-arm lamps and modern arc lamps, the light can shine a decent distance away from the base, offering you greater, more flexible illumination farther away from your outlets. What do you think of these pulley lights?

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