Lighting Is The Key To Creating A Perfect Room

http://lookbook.elledecor.com/Dining-Room-Eclectic-Going-for-Baroque/id209

http://www.kellywearstler.com/

Often times we assume that as long as the art, furniture, and layout of a room is well thought out, than our rooms will be glamorous. That assumption is only half true. Lighting is the key to creating a perfect room. Beautiful furniture alone will not save your room. Buy a great chandelier or a fabulous lamp. I for one hate recessed lighting and fluorescent bulbs. Not only does recessed lighting and fluorescent bulbs strain your eyes, but they also make you look and feel tired. Lighting contributes to the overall success of a room. Be bold when buying lighting for your home. Don’t just choose some chandelier or some lamp. If your buying a lamp, mix up the shades. Buy an orange lamp shade on a lamp with a white base, or buy a turquoise lamp shade for a lamp that has a gold base. The biggest injustice you can commit when buying lighting is following trends and not taking risks. Every light you place in your home must be meticulously thought out. When using overhead lighting such as a chandelier or pendant be sure to add a dimmer. Dimmers create different moods depending on the time of day, plus they are a great energy saver. Each light should speak for itself, but work collectively. You can add as little or as much lighting to your home as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do.

http://www.elledecor.com/image/tid/5879?pause=0&page=8

Guest Blogging: Arcadian Lighting

Hi everyone! I’m Jessica, a writer for Arcadian Lighting, a website with a wonderful selection of affordable lighting fixtures and interior design inspirations every day! I’m delighted to be guest posting for Blog About Design because I'm going to be sharing beautiful interiors that feature exposed closets. Whether you have very little closet space or you want to display your favorite pieces of clothing, exposed closets are a cool way to stay organized. I hope you enjoy!

An exposed closet is perfect for a room with a crisp, minimal design aesthetic. The clothing adds plenty of color and pattern to a simple all-white layout and creates a beautiful, personalized focal point.

This round clothing rack is such a stylish way to create an exposed closet. The rack is easy to reposition and makes a cool piece of furniture.

A row of wall mounted coat hangers transforms this wall into an open closet modeled after clothing shops. The pale blue wall color and sparkling chandelier are excellent touches.

The rustic open closet helps keep the loft feeling spacious. Dark neutrals and deep, rusty reds add a particularly masculine feel to the room, as well.

An unused fireplace in the bedroom makes a cool, unexpected place to hang clothing and display accessories. The black and white print and glitzy dresses are such a classic, glamorous combination.

Floor-to-ceiling shelving for shoes and simple clothing racks show off an especially glamorous fashionista's wardrobe. A sparkling pendant light overhead and striped rug underfoot are stylish touches.

This exposed closet proves what a shame it would be to put such bright, colorful clothing behind closet doors. The mix of vintage pieces and bold patterns is simply charming and beautiful.

A whole wall of clothing adds instant style and personal flavor to this room. The clothing racks even provide plenty of room for a workspace as well. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8



Which of these exposed closets is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! And be sure to stop by Arcadian Lighting for a wonderful lighting fixture to brighten your closet space beautifully!

The Tori Tori Restaurant

© Paúl Rivera

Yesterday, I had the honor of being featured on La Dolce Vita, with this architecture post. Located in Polanco, Mexico City, the Tori Tori Restaurant is absolutely remarkable. Together the Rojkind Arquitectos and Esrawe Studio, teamed up to design a restaurant that centered on Tori Tori's Japanese cuisine. The façade of the building is constructed of steel plates, and meant to resemble natural ivy as it climbs the exterior of the restaurant. (ABOVE) The lighting used on the Tori Tori Restaurant makes a big statement. The deep blue highlights the façades brilliant angles. The façade reminds me of a spider web, with each steel plate connecting to create not only a building, but also a piece of art. (BELOW 1) The entrance of the restaurant is unlike any you will come across. You can tell by how thick the doorway is, the quality of the materials used to construct this structure. Walking into the Tori Tori Restaurant puts you into a different mood. (BELOW 2) A closer look at the façade, shows the brilliant colors the lighting has created. Orange, Pink, Blue, Purple, Red, Black and Fuchsia creates a stunning contrast against the trees outside. (BELOW 3) I love the dark colors used inside the Tori Tori Restaurant. They allow the blue façade to make a statement inside. Painting your ceiling a dark color is a great way to add drama to any space. (BELOW 4) A different view of the façade, highlights its unique corner. The Tori Tori Restaurant is a perfect example of modern Japanese Architecture. 

© Paúl Rivera
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© Paúl Rivera
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© Paúl Rivera
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© Paúl Rivera
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Entry Vestibule’s Are My Favorite

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/architects/features/2011/03/in_her_fashion_slideshow#slide=1

http://www.elledecor.com/decorating/articles/fifth-avenue-jewel

The first room one sees when entering your home is the entry vestibule. Make it pop. Don’t make your entry vestibule just a hallway. Add a rug, a table and some great lighting. When guests visit you, they will be amazed by your home just a couple steps in. Entry vestibule’s are my favorite, because unlike living rooms which require a sofa or a dining room which requires a table, entry vestibules can have anything. Try adding mirror to your entry vestibule, especially on the ceiling. Glass will make a usually small space feel bigger. If you want to paint the ceiling a dark color feel free to. Painting a ceiling a dark color will visually heighten the ceiling. One home I visited had a green striped ceiling in the entry vestibule. If you have more space in your entry vestibule add a couple chairs. Flowers and unique pottery will give your entry vestibule a more eclectic feel. The key to designing a successful entry vestibule is adding what you love. You can add as little or as much to your entry vestibule as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do.

http://houseandhome.com/design/estate-foyer

Geometric Shapes In Concrete

© 109 Architectes

The strong clean design of the Université Saint-Joseph, in Lebanon, is designed by 109 Architects & Youseff Tohme. "This new campus takes a contextual approach, integrating physically, culturally, and historically with Beirut’s urban tissue. Conceptually an urban block with sculpted voids, the building’s hollow spaces define six autonomous blocks and construct multiple viewpoints across Beirut, connecting students to their dynamic setting. The voids also generate a street-level meeting space, which flows fluidly to the top floor in the form of a massive staircase. It concludes at a landscaped terrace overlooking the city. Light is a vital element in oriental architecture and one that shapes its style and identity; the campus exposes alternate light qualities through Moucharabieh-inspired perforations and a polycarbonate volume. Such manipulation presents a striking contrast in filtered light and luminescence. A stylized random-opening treatment is a snapshot of the Lebanese War, lending a poetic glimpse into the reality of destruction and violence." (ABOVE) The concrete stairs work beautifully with the structure and are both grand and command attention. Each window has its own unique shape, which gives the structure character. In addition, the varied window shapes, break the rigid lines of the structure. (BELOW) Another view of the structure, reveals different shapes, behind the shapes on the facade are windows. 

© 109 Architectes

Create This Look In Your Home:

Whether you buy these items or ones at a cheaper cost, the key to recreating the look of the Université Saint-Joseph in your home is to bring in patterns and shapes, and neutral colors. Patterns and shapes can be brought in through rugs, lighting and wallpaper. Neutral colors can be brought in through tabletops, sculptures and furniture. The 1990s "Sole" chair by Atelier Fornasetti is from Holly Johnson Antiques. The unique lithographically printed design, resembles the stairs and columns of the first photograph. The 1970s concrete plaster African side table by John Dickinson is from Coup d'Etat. The side table resembles the structure as a whole, because of the concrete material and clean form. The multi-arm chandelier is from Rewire. The chandelier resembles the shapes on the facade of the second photograph. The wires that connect the base to the lights resemble the white fence featured at the bottom of the second photograph. The mid 20th century vintage Swedish rug is by Marta Maas Fjetterstrom and from Nazmiyal. The clean pattern, color, and variety in shapes, all resemble the structure. How do you feel this look resembles the structure? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

 Quote: (109 Architectes)

Holiday Decorating: Festive Spaces

http://www.thewhitecompany.com/christmas/create-the-look/ideas-for-a-stunning-christmas-tree---/

Christmas is ten days away, and at my house preparations are underway. I always love this time of the year, as I am able to see many of my relatives.  This year, I will be hosting a family party and I am very excited. For this edition of Holiday Decorating, I have decided to focus on different spaces. (ABOVE) I really like this living space, it's warm and inviting. Placing your Christmas Tree in a wicker basket is a great way to avoid a mess. When placing lights on your Christmas Tree, be sure to start closer to the trunk and work your way to the outer part of the tree, this will create depth. If you are not planing on lighting a fire in the fireplace, place candles either inside or outside of the fireplace. (BELOW 1) Combining silver, white and gold, looks great during this time of the year. (BELOW 2) The chandelier above the dining table is very festive. The small lights around the wreath are a great touch. I find the table very simple and elegant. This table welcomes in the holiday's, however, it is not overdone. This type of table set up is perfect for any home. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.   

http://www.thewhitecompany.com/christmas/create-the-look/the-magic-of-candlelight---/

http://www.thewhitecompany.com/christmas/create-the-look/ideas-for-a-winter-white-christmas-table---/

Nature Meets Design: The Jellyfish

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com

Nature has a strong influence on the way I design, because of its constant change and unexpected beauty. The Jellyfish Cotylorhiza is a magnificent creature. Its burst of color is both beautiful and unexpected. As it sits just beneath the surface of the Mar Menor coastal lagoon, it captures the magnificent light of the sunrise. As beautiful as it may look, the Jellyfish Cotylorhiza can give you a nasty bite. The photographer has beautifully curved the surface of the water as to mirror the curve of the Jellyfish's body. (BELOW) Whether you buy these items or ones at a cheaper cost, the key to recreating the style of the jellyfish in your home is to bring in purple and different shapes. Purple can be brought in through rugs, furniture and paint. Different shapes can be brought in through tabletops, sculptures and lighting. The impeccable 1960s, purple Vistosi discs chandelier is from Venfield. It resembles the tentacles of the Jellyfish. The purple 1980s Vladimir Kagan swivel  armchair is from Talisman. The curved form of the armchair resembles the curve of the purple tip of the Jellyfish's tentacles.  The pair of Beranek 1970s glass vases is from Mary Ann Lembo. The unique form of the vases resembles both the movement of the water and Jellyfish. The mid 20th century Scandinavian rug is from Nazmiyal. The rug and Jellyfish posse similar colors. What do you love about these pieces? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.   

Create This Look In Your Home:

Simply Inspired: Living Rooms

http://lonnymag.com

My first Simply Inspired series is all about the Living Room. The Living Room is one of my favorite rooms, it's a great place to just relax and unwind after a hectic day. The following Living Rooms have Simply Inspired me! (ABOVE) This Living Room is traditional, with the hint of the unexpected. The console table under the TV has a great stripped pattern. I really like the fluffy bean bag chairs, they are very sophisticated despite their casual form. The chandelier looks as if it is floating, defiantly one of my favorites. In addition, how could you not love the brilliant John Dickinson wood end table. The ceiling in this space is also quite unusual as it has different angles. Overall this space works for me because it is clutter free, has unexpected touches, and is glamorous. (BELOW 1) Normally I do not like wall murals, however, this one works for me. It is simple and elegant. The chaise lounge in this space is very traditional as are the arm chairs. Overall this space works for me because it is elegant, simple, and the mural gives the space an element of surprise. (BELOW 2) The arm chairs in this space are perfect, as is the small end table in between the two arm chairs. I like how interior designers Celerie Kimble and Anna Burke, applied wallpaper to the column to the right of the photograph. Overall this space works for me because it is chic, casual, and looks mighty comfortable to rest in. (BELOW 3) The light fixtures in this space really work. I am a huge fan of well lit rooms and this space does not fall short. The stone side tables add great texture to the space. Overall this space works for me because it is has great lighting, good symmetry, and unique pieces. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do. 

http://www.wallmuralsart.com/full-wall-mural-uniqueness-house/classic-wall-mural/
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http://lonnymag.com
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http://www.angiesilvy.com/ASP2011/galleries/elle.htm#
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The Key To Owning A Great Bedroom

http://www.thefashionface.com/2011/10/geometric-goddess.html

http://www.vogue.com/vogue-daily/article/vd-web-extra-more-photographs-of-kelly-wearstlers-home/

Your bedroom is your sanctuary. At the end of the day you open your bedroom door in hope of relaxation. Keep your bedroom clutter free. The cleaner your bedroom is the better, open spaces make one feel calm and collective. If you have the ability of having a desk in another part of your home, do so. A desk in a bedroom automatically triggers the feeling of work. Own a great bed. While some like having a softer mattress, others opt for a firmer one. You want your bed to be a place for relaxing dreams and good sleep. Finding the right mattress is the key to owning a great bedroom. Make sure you have good lighting. Before I go to sleep I always love to sneak in some reading time. A good lamp or a wall lamp next to your bed is ideal. Don’t place a TV in a bedroom. Reading a magazine or talking with your partner is much more rewarding. With technology always around us it’s good to take a break from it. You can add as little or as much to your bedroom as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do. 

http://lookbook.elledecor.com/Bedroom-Traditional-A-Glamorous-Renovation/id989

A Countryside Escape

© mancini enterprises

Located in the South-Indian countryside, with sweeping of the nearby holy mountain, this home is a stunning escape from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. The compound is comprised of three separate structures that are situated around landscaped gardens, and forests. It was designed in 2009 by Mancini architects. (ABOVE) The modern design stands out, but still has a way of blending into its natural surroundings. The thick flat roof is made of wood. I love all the natural boulders and how they fit into the landscaping. (BELOW 1) The main home is made of stucco. I am a huge fan of the unusual shape of the home. The exterior walls are not flat, but rather angular. (BELOW 2) This separate structure is raised and has views of the grounds below. The wood shutters are absolutely wonderful as they provide both privacy and ventilation. (BELOW 3) The pool house features a large overhung roof. At night the pool looks gorgeous with all its lighting. Rather than being tiled around the pool the owner preferred to have it grassed so that the area has a more natural look. What do you think of this South-Indian countryside home? 

© mancini enterprises
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© mancini enterprises
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© mancini enterprises
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Space's I'm Loving: Part XXV

http://www.desiretoinspire.net

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's clean, simple design, and neutral color palette   

Even though I love Kelly Wearstler spaces, I do enjoy a clean, and simple space from time to time. A space such as the one above feels relaxing to come home to and does not play with you mind. The neutral color palette adds to this simplicity. If the furnishings were crazy colors, the space would have a very different feel. The pop of color from the painting gives the space some life and warmth. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://www.elledecor.com

Why I Love This Space: I love the contrast between the vibrant pieces and accessories minimalist architecture   

The architecture of this entry vestibule is very minimalist. Parallel lines are the core of this space. The furnishings and accessories in the space, however, are very vibrant. Each piece is super ornate and very detailed. I love the contrast between the architecture and pieces. I hate when a space is predictable and this space is certainly not. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://www.lonny.com

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's staircase, lighting, and exterior door   

This entry vestibule is quite different from the other one featured in this post. This space has a very Moroccan feel. The staircase is what gives this space that feel. Each step has a different pattern. This works well in this space, because the space itself is painted white and is simple architecturally. In addition to the staircase, I'm a big fan of the Gothic/Arabic light fixtures. These pieces work well in the space. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://www.vogue.com.au

Why I Love This Space: I love the furniture and accessories in this space, and overall coziness   

When I first saw this space, I was immediately attracted to the furniture and accessories. My favorite pieces are: the vase, sofa, mirrored console table, bust (look in mirror), and the mirror. These pieces all have a strong beauty. Overall I find the space to be quite cozy. The proximity of the furniture to each other is what gives this space that feel. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

 

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