Lighting by Jonathan Adler

While watching a movie called Columbus Circle on Netflix this Christmas I noticed that some lamps and accessories in Selma Blair's apartment were Jonathan Adler's designs. While I am not generally a huge fan of his 60's mod look, he does make some beautiful lighting!! Here are some examples of his interiors that are nice and some of my favorite light fixtures.

Santa Barbara Retreat

This home is on the market for $57,500,000.00 in Santa Barbara, California. It has over 20,000 square feet of living space and 360 degree views. It's quite breathtaking and has rooms for formal living and casual living.  I think the rooms speak for themselves but if the new buyer needs a designer...I am available!

Dot to Dot

Polka dots are fun and whimsical. Incorporating them into interior design can be tricky. Color and scale are very important when using polka dots. Large scale polka dots in primary colors look child-like and dramatic while smaller scale dots in subdued tones give a more sophisticated look. Of course you can mix and match these combinations and end up with child-like sophistication! Here are a few examples of polka dots that I love!

Repurposing Items for Interior Design-Guest Post

Edward Stuart is an art and decoration enthusiast as well as a writer for  http://www.canvasgalleryart.com/. He frequently blogs on the topics of art, art history, design, and home decor.

Decorating a home is a process that never really ends. With the challenge of combining form and functionality, home design really is an art in itself. The best pieces are always those that perform a function and look good while doing it. Here are a few items that do just that.

Lamps

Light is an important aspect of any room, but lamps and light fixtures can also add a design element to a space. By painting the base of a normal desk lamp, you can add a pop of color to your workspace. You can use any kind of rope or coil to create a unique hanging chandelier. Bottles and jars are great for hanging light covers. If you really want a conversation starter, try this Globe Lamp from indulgy.com

Wall Hooks

For a creative coat or purse hook, you can take pretty much anything that is durable, bend it into a  hook shape, and then mount it on your wall. Some great options include kitchen utensils and tools such as wrenches.

End Tables 

        

Tables are great because they can be decorated in a million different ways. You can cover them with a table cloth, add a doily and call it good. You can paint a table any color you like, even add a geometric design, and have a great splash of color or note of elegance in your room. Or, you can repurpose items such as barn doors, old suitcases, and barrels. 

Mirrors

Mirrors can add depth to a room, as well as show off all of your other design features. If you put them in a creative frame, their usefulness is stretched even further. Embed your mirror in a fancy picture frame, an old window pane, or even, as shown below, tennis rackets. Always be careful when cutting glass, or have a professional do it. Be sure to sand the edges to reduce risks of cuts.

Decorating a space has its challenges, but there are a lot of different ways to bring your personality to your home. Make a list of items associated with your interest. If you’re into music, see what you can do with retired instruments or piano benches. If you love to cook, kitchen utensils and pots and pans can serve all sorts of functional and decorative purposes. You are only limited by your own imagination.

Something Different

Focus Fireplaces were developed by a French sculptor named Dominique Imbert. They are so distinctive and graphic they are really more of an art piece than a functional utility! They are obviously perfect for modern interiors but I do think they could work well in a rustic setting as well.

Tartan

According to Merriam Webster Tartan is defined as: a plaid textile design of Scottish origin consisting of stripes of varying width and color usually patterned to designate a distinctive clan. For me Tartan is a masculine pattern that brings to mind cold winter days and huge wood burning fireplaces. However, Tartan can be used in a variety of ways. If the color palette is changes from dark greens and blues to soft lavender and cream it becomes very feminine. I thinks it's a great fabric anytime of year but particularly amazing in the winter. Here are some photos to inspire you...

Butcher Block Countertops

I have been researching butcher block countertops for a client and really like the way they look! However, I am concerned about using them on the island where there sink is. Being that water is the enemy of wood I have a hard time believing that water won't ultimately win over time and that the looks will fade. I have used butcher block before but never in such close proximity to water. After looking through various photos I seem to be in the minority. Here are some examples of kitchens with butcher block...with and without sinks.

Dandy Candy

Yesterday I was shopping and got thoroughly distracted by all the candy out for Christmas. Even though I design with neutral colors and add touches of the bright stuff...I am soooo drawn to candy colored rooms. It's so fun and innocent and I think it just makes me feel like I got the golden ticket and I'm in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory (the original NOT the new one!!) Could you live in a candy colored room?