Guest Post : Metal Lighting

Happy Wednesday! Halfway through the week, hooray! Anyway, today, we are happy to have a guest blogger share some inspiration and trends in metal lighting. Enjoy!

Hi, all! It’s Mari here from Arcadian Home blog, a lovely place to find lots of decor inspirations. I’m so happy to be visiting Hepburn Interiors to share a guest post about metal lights that are both beautiful and functional. From appealing foyer lighting to stylish contemporary kitchen island pendants and everything in between, there’s a perfect metal light for every space, indoors and out.

Today, I’ve brought along images of eight spaces that show how beautifully metal lights can work in just about any design style. Please enjoy!

With twigs and vines, this metal hanging lantern is unexpectedly delicate. It’s a beautiful design choice to complement traditional wallpaper and contemporary built-in banquette–a lovely mix of styles.

From light and airy chandelier to heavy buffet lamps, the metal lights in this room offer a beautiful and intriguing study in contrast.

Contemporary white cone pendants with golden metallic linings are beautiful above a massive center island. What a wonderful eat-in kitchen!

In an inviting eclectic open living space, a black wrought iron chandelier gets a touch of glam with strings of glass beads.

Black metal shades and chrome arms create a cool wall lamp design that seems just right for this contemporary kitchen. I love the chunky open shelves for dishes.

Another twiggy metal chandelier adds a touch of femininity to the chic bedroom. The dark chocolate upholstered bed becomes the design’s focal point amidst the paler hues on the walls, floor and at the windows.

Wrapped in travertine, this bath is at once elegant and stunning in its simplicity. Contemporary brass wall sconces have the look of miniature torchiere lamps—quiet lovely.

Metal lights are perfect for outdoor spaces. This one adds drama and contemporary style to an intimate patio–a beautiful place for morning coffee, lunch with friends or leisurely dinner party after dark. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5| |6 | 7 | 8

What do you think of these metal lighting fixtures, and which is your favorite? Leave us your thoughts below, and be sure to stop by our website for more home decor, lighting, and interior inspiration – every day!

 

Thank you, Mari! I think this is a great reminder that a beautiful light fixture or chandelier is appropriate in any space!

Persimmon & Poppy : Accent Pieces

On a rainy, 60-degree January day in Indianapolis, I’m thinking ahead to spring. Looking to Spring 2013 color influence, pastels are definitely proving very applicable and beautiful beyond Easter eggs. But, among the pastels, there are other colors making their presence…. persimmon & poppy. Talk about adding some life and energy to a space!

 

 

Persimmon Floral Coasters from Gilmore Creations Etsy Shop

Poppy Metal Storage Bin from Crate and Barrel

 Persimmon Labyrinth Pillow from DwellStudio

Poppy Chest from Horchow

Persimmon Boka Lamp from Crate and Barrel

Poppy Red Dinner Plate from Anthropologie

Persimmon Zebra Tray from Furbish

Poppy Framed Chalkboard from Shugabee Lane Etsy Shop

Persimmon Tufted Spots Pouf from Nordstrom

Click on the images to learn more about the products!

Spectacular Sleeping Spaces!

The bedroom is often a space in the home that gets neglected.  It’s a private area that isn’t frequently seen by guests so it’s no wonder people might not put as much thought and work into the way it looks as they would pu into the rest of their home.  Color and unique pieces can add a bit of personality and life to the bedroom.  It could even help you turn this space into a soothing retreat or a refreshing resting place.   Headboards or lack thereof are a great place to start.  Let’s take a look at a few good examples!

Photo by Studio KW Photography. See more contemporary bedroom designs

As you can see, a headboard isn’t always necessary to add interest and personality to a bedroom.  The artwork and architectural details helps to define the space and serve as an anchor for the room.

Photo by J. Hirsch Interior Design, LLC. See more traditional bedroom designs

Sometimes the headboard is simply an upholstered, framed piece of wood that is mounted to a wall.  But doesn’t it look classy??

Lighting is an important part of design in any room of the home.  A chandelier is quite common in a dining room, but what about a bedroom?  It’s a perfect addition!  A chandelier adds interest and soft light to a cozy space.  Here are a few examples:

Photo by b+g design inc.. See more contemporary bedroom designs

Check out this neat cube-like chandelier!  It’s beautiful!  And it helps draw the eye up through the entire room.

Photo by SoCal Contractor. See more traditional bedroom designs

Chandeliers don’t have to be grandiose.  Look how they serve as lamps over these night stands!

These are just a few ideas to get the creativity flowing.  What else would you add to spice up for bedroom?  Happy designing!

Sectional Sofas : Dos and Don’ts

Sectional sofas are fickle pieces of furniture. They can be very practical and fit well in a family room. Many times, they are sadly misused and not properly placed; a pet peeve of mine! Thus, I gathered a few examples of what to avoid and how to use a sectional in an attractive setting. Maybe this is a post to share with a friend with sectional sofa issues!

Family Room design by Kendall Wilkinson Design

DO: This plush sectional works well in this space. The back of the sectional is a lower profile. This is important to avoid the sectional visually taking over the space. It is also longer on one side and shorter on the other. This still provides additional seating, but it keeps the sofa from swallowing the room whole!

DON’T: This is an example of a sectional sofa swallowing the room whole! It’s simply too much furniture, yet there is only 3 pieces: one sofa, one very small ottoman and a modest end table. Each side is equal length, which directs your eye right to the corner of the sofa (lovely blue pillow collection).

Family Room design by Kendall Wilkinson Design

DO: When a sofa takes up so much space horizontally, it is best to prevent it taking up space vertically as well. A lower height sofa back is the solution. The asymmetry keeps you from focusing on the corner. The vast amount of windows keep a feeling of openness, which is important in a room with a sectional.

DON’T: The back of any sofa is not particularly attractive. A console table would be an excellent solution when the back of a large sofa is exposed. Though, I don’t think any console table can compete with this sectional. It is simply too massive for the space and makes the room feel much smaller. Two separate seating options would break up the space.

Living Room design by Tom Stringer Design Partners

DO: A clever twist on a typical sectional. Many sectionals have the chaise option which makes for some good book reading and lounging! It still provides comfort, relaxing and gathering of family. The placement of the sectional keep the windows exposed. Visually, this sectional works perfectly. Now I’m going to go get an afternoon cup of tea and pretend I’m lounging on this sofa!

Click on the photos to learn more about the designs!

Trend : Modern Wallpaper

Looking back to December, I wrote a post, Stuck On You, about adhesive wallpaper. That is the creative wallpaper for those who may be afraid of commitment or simply rent their current living space. I revisited the idea of wallpaper this week during our local business professionals meeting in Franklin, Indiana. Dick Harmening, owner of DH Advertising, asked us if wallpaper was making a come back. Many of the kind businessmen at our meetings aren’t familiar with modern trends. So for Dick and others who can’t see beyond wallpaper of the 20th century, here are some modern wallpaper trends!

Powder Room design by Elizabeth Reich

A simple, clean graphic print is perfect for a powder room. When using graphic prints, you must consider the size of the space and the print, itself. Using this wallpaper on the walls works well with the wainscoting to provide a contrast against the print and a place for the eye to rest.

Dining Room design by Emily Johnston Larkin

Graphic wallpaper can be used on a single wall to create a very dramatic impact. Paired with the chartreuse dining chairs, it is very modern and glamorous. 

Living Room design by Matthew Craig Interiors

A seamless blend of styles. The wallpaper in this space brings a modern feel without being loud or dramatic. It compliments the lines found on the patterns in the glass door panels and windows.

Living Room design by Hudson Interior Design

A subtle textured wallpaper can help a room feel comfortable. Especially in a space with many hard surfaces such as the fireplace, wainscoting and flooring.

Family Room design by Rachel Reider Interiors

Another example of textured wallpaper. Brings a very warm feeling.

When thinking about what to do with your walls, consider wallpaper! It has come a long way in the past years. It can make a space go from ordinary to charming! It was hard to select just a few inspiration photos to share, so I encourage you to contact us for more ideas!

Click on the above images to learn more about the designs!

All Aboard: Nautical is in!

Have you noticed that the ocean seems to be popping up everywhere you turn?  From anchors and navy and white stripes to starfish and old maps, the nautical look is definitely on trend!  It’s a classic look that has made a comeback in fashion and design.  Check out some of these great examples.  What would you sail away with?   

The Bare Wall in Your House

Not sure what to put on the large, bare wall in your home? For the people who cannot make up their mind, this blog post is for you! Multiple pieces with similar patterns, styles or colors can look stunning when placed together on the same wall. Have fun with it!

Kitchen design by Atmosphere Interior Design Inc.

This look is quite simple, but it gives you the main idea. All of the prints are the same size with the same colors. When you need to fill up a large space, this is an easy and safe solution. I must point out the black chandelier pendant light!

Living Room design by Centsational Girl

These prints were simply photographs taken in the blogger’s garden and enlarged to fit the frames. Such a simple way to create your own look and personalize your space.

Living Room design by Laura U, Inc.

Getting a little more adventurous, this collection stands out boldly against the wine grape wall. Notice the trio of colors in the prints: gold, black, white. Let your creativity flow when you select the variety of prints while sticking to a color grouping.

Dining Room Inspiration from Houzz member Becky Harris

This is a clever solution for an odd-shaped wall. You can fill in the gaps and angles on the wall with art or prints, big or small. Perfect!

Living Room design by KuDa Photography

Perhaps you have a collection you would like to showcase, such as tribal masks and heads? Never thought I’d see the Barcelona chair paired up with tribal decor… There’s a first for everything!

Click on any of the above images to learn more about the designs!

Refurbished Objects: Trash or Treasures?

I’ve fallen in love with reclaimed objects as art, furniture, etc. It’s a great way to add a conversation piece to any room in an environmentally friendly way! I found a great school wall map from the 60’s that has a new home above my sofa in the living room. It looks fabulous and adds a lot of fun but subtle color to the space. I love it! Happy repurposing!

Photos courtesy of: apartmenttherapy.com, Sweet Magnolia Way Blog, thebrooklynhomecompany.com, and It’s Written on the Wall Blog.

Trend : Velvet

Thank goodness for velvet. Whether it is a delicate trim on a pillow or the whole sofa, velvet brings sophistication, beauty and most importantly, texture. Velvet is continuing its journey into the runways of Fall 2013 collections. Here’s a look how it works perfectly into modern, upholstered furniture:

Alexander McQueen’s Pre-Fall 2013 collection used quite a bit of velvet throughout. This was one of my favorite looks. Others included simple accent trim and larger garments of the heavy material. Perfect inspiration!

Custom Pillows by Pulp Design Studios

These custom pillows showcase the different uses and looks of velvet. Pillows are an easy way to add a trend to your home, especially when they look this good.

Dining Room design by Oakley Home Builders

These dining chairs look comfortable enough to stay for dinner, dessert and an evening drink. This space is quite simple,  naturally the eye is drawn to the texture and color of these chairs.

This is the Sonia Chair from Neiman Marcus. I long for an accent chair in a bold velvet! Paired with that gold end table, this chair adds so much life and party.

Living Room design by jamesthomas, LLC

For a large piece of furniture in complete velvet, this color is a wise choice. It is subtle and works perfectly at adding warmth and soft texture to a space filled with sleek, chrome accents.

Click on any of the above images to learn more about the designs!

Good Morning and Good Night

Every day, there is one space in our homes we visit the first thing in the morning and last thing at night. The bathroom! This space can influence and dictate how the day will begin. It can also determine how well you will relax before crawling into bed. Clearly, it is important your bathroom is clean, organizing and well designed! The details of the bathroom will bring the space together.

Bathroom design by Atlanta Interior Designer Niki Papadopoulos

I feel clean and refreshed just looking at this vanity! The Tiffany-inspired blue and white combination provide a fresh, wake up call in the morning, yet encourage you to relax for the evening. The right bathroom color palette is essential!

Bathroom design by Justine Sterling Design

These tiles and chrome accents give this bathroom a polished feel. It makes me feel like I need pin my hair in place and make sure my shirt is ironed! That’s a good way to start the day, I must say.

Bathroom organization is vital to beginning and ending each day with a clear mind. A clutter counter top will lead to a cluttered mind. Clear away the clutter and organize with these classic, simple canisters from Crate and Barrel. 

Here’s a new product from Kohler. A shower head with all the beauty and technology of Kohler, plus a bluetooth wireless speaker. Let the shower singing begin! Now I know what Laura needs for Christmas!

Don’t forget the towel bars, racks and hooks. They are the finishing touches to your bathroom. This Lugarno train rack from Restoration Hardware is an excellent solution for shared bathrooms or when you prefer extra towels on hand. Also, be sure to invest in quality bathroom linens to pamper yourself!

Complete your bathroom with a small floral arrangement. Bringing a natural element into the space relaxes the mind and puts it at ease. Clip some blooms from the spring garden. Until then, this soft and gentle faux hydrangea bouquet from Pottery Barn will do the trick.

Click on any of the above images to learn more about the products!