October 26, 2017

Let There Be Porch Light

 

This is the story of a porch light fixture that was supposed to be an easy self-install last spring, but my 117-year-old house has something to say about that. Namely that the electrical needed revisited. No sooner had we removed the old fixture that it became abundantly clear that something was amiss – the grounding wire was charred and literally crumbled when touched and there were two black wires rather than one white and one black.

This is the end of any novice’s electrical work ability, and I’m not one to mess with anything that has the capability of burning down my house.

 

 

I had picked out a fairly low-profile three-light, energy-efficient, LED Vance outdoor fixture back on April 14th. April 14th. The heads swivel a little for light placement and I loved the modern-meets-traditional design of the piece.

 

 

Luckily an incredibly competent electrician was referred my way who was able to get the job done, as well as correct a few things that weren’t up to code. So maybe this was actually a blessing in disguise? Not burning a place down is always a good day in my book.

 

 

The LED lights are wonderfully bright and much improved over the old one-bulb fixture that had most likely been hanging up there for decades. And I not so secretly love how my little collection of decorative gourds are on display until all hours.

 

 

In fact, here are a few more gratuitous photos. I couldn’t resist adding geometric shapes with some paint pens to these two.

 

 

And I’d really like to turn that Hubbard squash into a crow’s face before October 31st rolls around next week.

 

 

I’ve also been wondering whether or not that butternut squash will last past next Tuesday so that I might cook with it? Only time will tell! Now let’s talk about how long it will take me to box in those scrollwork pillars…

This post sponsored by Lamps Plus. All words and opinions are my own, as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that help Design Crush create fresh content!

Posted In behind the scenes, lighting, living, my house, outdoors, sponsored post
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October 19, 2017

Trending: Emerald Green

 

Emerald green has long been one of my favorite colors and I’m so happy to see it’s having a moment this autumn! I love how interiors and fashion often intersect like they are for this trend and can’t wait to take advantage and add a few pieces in this rich, deep hue to my home and closet.

 

Deep Green Brick Wallpaper Mural // Camryn Suede Bow Flats // Doris Emerald Aluminum Tumbler

 

Emerald and Copper Print // Emerald Cabochon Ring // Emerald Coast Shower Curtain

 

Green Agate Coasters // Malachite Wallpaper // Orion Emerald Green Ceramic Accent Lamp

 

Nine Stone-Filled Hoop Earrings // Obi Velvet Kimono // Too Faced Melted Matte Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Wicked

 

Overdyed Naima Rug Swatch // Pleated Skirt // Skye Crushed Velvet Comforter

Posted In accessories, beauty bag, floors, house and home, jewelry, kitchen, lighting, living, paper goods, prints, series, shoes, style, walls
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September 19, 2017

Arco Table Light

 

The Arco Table Light is designed by Chicago-based sculptor Arielle Pollock. Inspired by gemstones, the top and bottom halves of Arco are made from a translucent PLA that creates a lovely diffusion when lit, emitting a glow that’s creates a calming ambience. The table light is made by Gantri, using an unique 3D printing process that combines advanced machine-engineering and meticulous hand-finishing, all done in the Bay Area.

 

 

 

Posted In create, house and home, lighting, living
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September 7, 2017

Spacapan

 

A few months ago I had the chance to hold one of Margaret Spacapan’s perfectly shaped half-dome bowls, she had to talk me into it because I can be a klutz and they looked so delicate. I marveled at how it felt in my hands and kept thinking about how a human had created this thing. All of Spacapan‘s sculptures and forms with function are completely without flaw and attract me like a crow to something shiny. But for the time being I’ll just have to settle for the hope of someday owning one of her bowls.

Shop SPACAPAN

 

 

 

Posted In create, glass, house and home, kitchen, lighting, living, sculpture
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August 22, 2017

Rethinking the Dining Room

Matte Black and Brass 3 Arm Chandelier // Tiger Stitch Rug // Jupiter Pink Marble Serving Board // Mid-Century Modern 67″ Buffet Cabinet

The dining room is my favorite room in the house, for a few reasons – it feels the most complete decor-wise, it’s the best interpretation of my own personal aesthetic, and it’s usually the cleanest. (I’m nothing if not honest.) I love that when I’m entertaining it’s the place we all tend to congregate, so I want it to feel comfortable but I’m also not opposed to visitors thinking I know what I’m doing when pulling together a space.

 

Serena 60″ Dining Table // Subtle Tie-Dye Napkin Set // Copper Top Flatware // Clement 42″ Brass Mirror // Echasse Vase // Moroccan Spanish-Style Wine Glasses

You can check out the current-ish room design here and here, but I’ve been thinking about how a large round table might change the dynamic. Of course that got my mind spinning with the possibilities of an entire room redesign! Because my dining room is painted such a light color – and that isn’t something I’m anxious to change – I’m daydreaming about filling it with some darker materials like walnut wood, leather, and brass.

 

Simple Black Candleholders // Boccia Decanter // Gage Dining Chair in Tanner // Large Porcelain Serving Bowl // 12-Piece Speckled Dinnerware Set // Serena Bar Cart // Acacia Print

I’d balance all of those heavy tones and weights out by keeping the tableware and serveware in check with lots of glass, ceramic and porcelain, and lightly colored marble. This large acacia print would anchor everything together and bring a nice dose of nature into the decor.

 

Mara Marble + Copper Trivet // Carter Salt Cellar // Dawn Glass Pitcher // Graydon 8″ Antique Brass Hurricane // Cast Metal Trivet

Candlesticks and hurricane lanterns, along with that beautiful three-armed chandelier, are all I’d need to set whatever mood I’m going for – moody and dramatic or light and bright. I’d say the look of this reimagined room might be called Casual Industrial Modern and I’d happily welcome it into my home!

Posted In floors, furniture, house and home, lighting, living, walls
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July 14, 2017

7 Extraordinary Lamps

The Dewy Floor Lamp and Dewy Table Lamp are blown frosted glass domes meant to evoke the feeling of early morning. The frosted glass references morning dew and the new day with its delicate light, while the dome shape is an attempt to keep the light trapped inside like the cozy bubble of the day’s first light and all its promise.

 

The MRND Lamps trio are a a tribute to master still life painter Giorgio Morandi. Each is a modern reinterpretation of the bottles he focused on often in his work, in this case they’re taken off the canvases he used and brought into the 3D world with soft colors and textures.

 

The MILO lamp is made of handblown glass and intended to either be suspended or set on its base. The uniqueness of this piece – and a smaller version – is that it’s meant to house a plant. The interior planter come in three finishes that juxtapose nicely against the glass and greenery.

 

The Elmetta Smart Table Lamp has a great silhouette with a fresh look and an anodized aluminum shade available in silver, black, red, blue, and green. Its convenient handle makes it easy to move if necessary.

 

HALO is a blown glass table lamp emphasizing the circular fluorescent light positioned at its center. It’s open top design gives the silhouette a vase-like feel that’s sure to appeal to mid-century enthusiasts. HALO is available in a rosy pink, watery blue, and clear glass.

 

The Bub Table Lamp is simply designed with function in mind. Part objet and part lamp, the olive tinted blown glass piece is a study in bare essentials that’s sure to play nicely with whatever your decor style might be.

 

Lollipop is a collection if table, floor, and pendant lights made from amorphous glass shapes in various colors. Each relies on a metal rod for support and structure, giving the lamps the look of their namesake.

Posted In house and home, lighting, living
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June 14, 2017

Alphacrete

 

Seletti is forever full of surprising, satiating designs – like Alphacrete. Concrete and glass are used to form the letters of the alphabet, brightening living spaces while also sending a message. Use the letters on their own or create words, these guys are designed for both indoor and outdoor use and can either be hung or stand upright.

 

 

Posted In house and home, lighting, living
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June 9, 2017

10 Days of Design Crush Anniversary Giveaways: Day 7 Lamps Plus

 

Ten years ago this month I started Design Crush as a place to gather inspiration for my day job as a graphic designer, and five years ago it became my full-time job. To thank you all, as well as highlight some of my favorite sponsors from over the years, we’ll be hosting ten days of giveaways in celebration of ten years of this little site that could.

 

Sayner Black and Antique Brass Swing Arm Wall Lamp Set

Lamps Plus, the nation’s largest lighting retailer, has a rather deceiving name – because the Plus is quite impressive as well. Working with them over the years, I’ve added several pieces to my own home from several of the different lines Lamps Plus houses under their proverbial roof. And over the course of time a few lines began to separate themselves as I found myself going back to their pages when I was in need (or want) of something new.

 

Helene Ceramic Table Lamp

So, I thought I’d share my two favorite Lamps Plus brands with you.

First let’s talk about lighting since that’s what they’re known for, my favorite being 360 Lighting. What really draws me to this line is the breadth of their design offerings, which leans in the bohemian, mid-century, industrial direction. Table lamps, floor lamps, wall lamps, and pendants, they’ve got it all and in finishes that I’m drawn to like a moth to a flame. I have a pair of the Helene Ceramic Table Lamps above on the nightstands in my bedroom and love the texture they bring to the space. Lately I’ve been eyeing a replacement for the arc floor lamp in my living room and keep coming back to pharmacy lamps as a possible option. The Dawson below is number one on my list, and you really can’t beat the price!

 

Raleigh 17-inch Oil-Rubbed Bronze and Antique Brass Pendant

 

Dawson Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp

 

DelRay Bay Outdoor Accent Chairs Set

Now, let’s get on to the plus because it’s just as fantastic. Doing a quick inventory of my home I realize I own a bench, a bookcase, an armchair, two dining chairs, and a throw pillow from Lamps Plus. And that’s just on the inside! I may love the outdoor pieces even more, two of which are from Teal Island Designs. A few years back I picked up a set of red DelRay Accent Chairs (above), and they adorned my front porch before moving to the back deck this year to act as extra table seating. This spring I took full advantage of the current wicker trend by adding two Hyacinth Accent Tables (below) to the porch for plants. (More to come on that in the next week!) Teal Island’s pieces are made to be used, meaning they can take some wear and tear. Such an important quality when it comes to furniture that’s going to be exposed to the elements.

 

Kai Water Hyacinth Indoor-Outdoor Accent Table

 

Fletcher Adjustable Back Adirondack Chair

 

La Jolla 5-Piece Wicker Sectional Soft with Firepit

If you’ve seen something you’d love to add to your own place, or want to browse Lamps Plus a bit, you’re in luck because they’re kindly giving one reader a $250 gift card! Check it out, there are 22 ways to enter but only 48-hours so get going!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Posted In behind the scenes, house and home, lighting, living, outdoors, series, shameless plug, win it
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