NYIGF Home and Gift Show !!!

I just got back for The New York Home and Gift show and as always, I saw an amazing collection of home decor. It is definitely a place to get recharged with new and exciting ideas for creating a beautiful home.  It is also where I realized what my next home decor favorite would be on our countdown.

#9 favorite PILLOWS

Pillows to me are a "no brain er" in home decor.  They are easy to find and come in a vast variety of shapes, sizes, styles and PRICES. What all pillows have in common though, is the huge impact they make in decorating a room.

Check out a couple of beautiful pillows I saw at the show.

These were incredible!!!!

I love anything in crushed velvet.

I actually took this picture because of the chair for a client

 but these simple pillows were just perfect for this chair.

I also opened accounts with several home decor companies. Here are a couple that  carry wonderful pillows.

Sachin + Babi: bedding company:

I love the blue with the gray in this pillow.

Bliss Studios:



Square Feathers: (very fun pillows)

Can't wait to share more about my trip but right now I got to get to Molly's basketball game.

I am in the process of opening several new accounts so if you see something you like, need a certain finishing piece or just want to look. just contact me and I will be glad to help.


Take care,
Stacy







Exterior Light Ideas



The exterior lighting of a home can enhance the beauty of your property, improve safety and security and allow for more outdoor entertaining.

Source



 "Decorating rules" would say to coordinate the style of your exterior light fixtures with the style of your home.

Source

 Mission style lighting works well with Art and Craft style

 homes because of its straight edges and clean looks.

 A  Colonial style home looks very inviting with copper,

black iron or glass “stagecoach” style lighting fixtures.  

Source

Sleek, geometrical shaped fixtures work well with a more Modern home.

This is all true, however, I also really enjoy mixing different styles. 

Source

Source

The contemporary lighting fixtures on this home 
enhance the more rustic exterior features.

Your home should be a product of who you are and what you like. In my opinion, don’t let “decorating rules” totally influence your decorating vision. Styles came about because one person had the courage to go against the trend and do what they loved. You never know you could be the one to create the next style.





Take Care,
Stacy

 

For help with any decorating needs pleae contact me and ask about my design services.

Interior Light Ideas

 I thought I would pass along some interior lighting ideas and then wrap up the weekend with some exterior lights tomorrow. 

   A beautiful Italian glass ceiling light I found in an antique store. I bought for $150. 

 It hangs in the tray ceiling of my bathroom.

                                   

I found this old floor light in perfect condition at a consignment store.

 I bought it for $50. What an incredible find!

It looks perfect with this table and lounge chair in my bedroom

This chandelier I found in an antique store that was so packed you could hardly move. The women who owned the shop could not possible know what inventory she had. I was able to bring this home for $200. It hangs in the tray ceiling of my bedroom.

Simple, but so pretty.

Definitely makes a statement.

Making a statement with your light.

I love the industrial look!

What a simple but great light for a girls room.

What a great light. It makes a statement but is soft and romantic at the same time.

Wouldn't you love to sleep in this room!

A simple light but works well in this room.

These lights are the finishing touches of this kitchen.

The crystal chandelier softens the modern lines of this room.

Beautiful sconces.

Airy lanterns are great for light colored entrances.

Beautiful latern.

Love the crystal chandelier in front of the mirror!

What a beautiful fun room. Perfect chandelier.

What do you think?

New friends, make sure you look at the first two posts for my helpful lighting tips.

Take Care,

Stacy

Lighting Tips

What Should I Pick ?????

Walking into a lighting store can be a bit overwhelming. There are SOOOO many different colors, shapes and size lights that it is really hard to visualize just one in your home. Should I go dramatic and make a statement or should the room be simple or romantic? Should I spend that much on this one light or find something less expensive? Cost of lighting is definitely an eye opener and adds alot of stress on the buyer to make sure they pick the right light.

Hopefully, these tips will help decrease a little of that stress.

1. Before going to the store decide on your lighting BUDGET and stick to it. Determining how much you want to spend before you go will eliminate choices before you ever enter the store.  As soon as you arrive find someone to help you or even call ahead and schedule an appointment. Explain to them what you are looking for ( ceiling light, fan, chandelier, sconce, etc.)and your budget. Tell them you only want to look at lights within your budget. (THIS IS IMPORTANT) If they start to show you lights outside of your budget this is not the store you want to buy from.
2. Decide on the function of the light in the room.  Do you want it to be a focal point in the room or do you want it to go unnoticed? Is it the central lighting or is it just an accessory? How will the lighting effect the mood of the room? The answers to these question will help you in deciding the color, size and even budget for you light. Answer these questions BEFORE going to a lighting store.
3. How do I know the correct size of a chandelier for a dining table?
   A general guideline is to choose a chandelier that has a diameter equal to one-half the width of the table. The general appearance of the chandelier must be taken into account, too; that is, if it is a light airy piece it may be slightly larger than the standard.
4. How low should a chandelier be hung over a dining table?
   Generally there should be 30" between the bottom of the chandelier and the top of the table in a room with an 8' ceiling. If the ceiling is higher, the distance between the bottom of the fixture and the table should increase slightly. Remember that the chandelier should provide light for the table, but not be so low as to block any one's line of vision when they are sitting at the table.
5. What guidelines should I follow in choosing a chandelier for a foyer or other room?
   Add the room dimensions together. If the room is 14' by 16', add 14 + 16. The answer is 30, which means that your chandelier should be approximately 30" in diameter. Again, remember that other factors such as the height of the ceiling may influence the proper size
6. How high should I hang a wall sconce?Generally, sconces should be placed on a wall 60" from the floor

One last tip that I want all of you to remember, expensive does not mean perfect.  Some of my favorite lights in my house were bought at consignment stores, auctions, on ebay, and on craiglist. To me, these are the perfect finds, because they arrive to you with a story.

Here are some examples of lights I bought on auction for well below retail cost.

great for over a mirror in a small powder room

perfect for a covered porch

beautiful in a bedroom

A little side note:

When I was little my parents took my brother,sisters and I antique shopping ALOT ( I actually really enjoyed it).  As we went from shop to shop, my mother would find something she liked and  begin to make up a story about the item. She would make it all seem so magical. As a kid I thought all these stories were true and now I know not only was my mother trying to keep us entertained but she was creating a story from a feeling she got when she picked up the item. Any way, they are great childhood memories but my point is, real finds like that can instantly give you the mood you want to achieve.

I hope these tips have been helpful.

Anyone interested in any lighting or home decor from the websites provided in the first post please contact me and I would be glad to help.

Take Care,
Stacy


Please send me a comment about your lighting experiences and great finds.

Count Down of Favorite Home Decor

#10 Favorite:

LIGHTING !!!!!! . All kinds, old, new, antique or modern, I love them all.  In my opinion, lighting can make or break a room. Along with color, it sets the mood of a room. Therefore when budgeting for a remodel or  new construction, please don't skimp on the lighting. Take the time to think about what works best for your room and how it will make you feel. Believe me you will notice the difference.

 Here are a couple of my favorites.

by Currey and Company

by Eloquence

by Currey and Company

by Circa Lighting

by Circa Lighting

by Circa Lighting



What's your favorite home decor?

Take Care,
Stacy


If you need help creating a home that makes you SMILE, contact me about my design services.