Euro Style Home

There is something to be said about the combination of stylish wallpaper and modern lighting. This pairing is often the very thing to take a space from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s easy to see how mixing really great lighting and a pretty pattern is appealing and welcoming to all members of a home. 

Clearly, there are many different ways to implement this look. I love the approach of not taking the wallpaper from floor to ceiling (shown above), but leaving some open space which, in turn, makes room for the light fixture to stand out and shine. And, choosing a modern fixture in a traditional silhouette is such a great idea.

If your wallpaper is bold in either color or pattern, than opt for a simple pendant light. This way, the light doesn’t have to compete with the pattern. Instead, it pops out and compliments the wall like a beautiful accessory.

Have you ever thought about being so bold as to mix pattern upon pattern? Somehow all of the mismatched wallpaper and textiles seem to match just right. A patterned drum shade pendant blends right in with layers of pattern found all over a room. I love this bohemian space that, instead of looking busy, somehow manages to evoke a relaxed look.

Wallpaper (and pattern) doesn’t always have to be busy or overwhelming. It can be simple, monochromatic, interesting and not overpowering. If this is the look you like than why not consider a brightly colored lamp for a pop of color or added interest?

If you aren’t sure where to start when decorating or updating a room than I suggest starting with pattern and great lighting. It will liven things up in an instant, adding a creative style that both parent and child will equally adore.

Images : The Boo and The Boy, Design Sponge, Ikea Family Live, Ikea Family Live

The first thing that your visitors will see when arriving to your home is the entryway. It should give an immediate wow factor for your home. And it also should reflect your personality. Entryways are a hard space to design. Mostly because you want it to feel natural and not too cookie cutter. I’ve found a few entryways that will spark creativity for your own home.

The entryway/hallway that we see above is sleek and super attractive. Benches are great for providing seating when someone has to remove their shoes. That floor lamp is a nice creative touch, paired with the minimalist art.

For a more simple, small space entryway, take tips from this space. I love the wooden knobs on the wall. It’s modern and gives lots of room for hanging coats, hats and bags. Also the stool gives just enough seating and is perfectly paired with the art piece above.

A pop of color always adds character and personality. Try painting the inside of your entryway door a bright color. Also wow your guests by adding a beautiful pendant light above.

This last look is clean with lots of fun details, including the awesome lighting and equally awesome flooring. And can we talk about that built in bench? Perfection!

Images: House To Home, Design Sponge, Curbly, Micasa, Design Sponge

Crossover between creative fields is inevitable. Music influences film, which influences fashion, which influences home design and decor. It's not always obvious and it's not always literal, but as we move forward culturally, we carry creative influences into every corner of our little worlds.  

Looking at what's breaking this summer in music, we've noticed that the vibe is a throwback to vintage mod and new wave...and we can't help but wonder how that will cross over into contemporary design.

First, let's start with our summer playlist: 

Rush Midnight (pictured above):

If a lovechild between Billy Ocean and Haircut 100 was actually possible, dance-inducing pleasure popsters Rush Midnight would be it. Enough said. Too much said, really. 

Savages:

Bratty and brash, Savages wrap the post-punk energy of Patti Smith into a well-coiffed, contemporary package.    

Deer Hunter: 

Washy and atmospheric indie rockers Deerhunter have always been good for summer lazing and listening, yet their most recent and raucous record, Monomania, is a much more assertive soundtrack, perfect for a lively and well-lived summer season.

Haim:

Three sisters from the Valley in Los Angeles, the women in Haim were born and bred to be the pop stars they are. Their hit "Don't Save Me" is a throaty John Waite-esque anthem chronicling the heart's desire for co-dependence and the independent spirit's need to rebel against it.

The National: 

Everything cools down at some time or another (even hot summer days) and The National have been providing that soundtrack for years. Poetic, measured, a touch dark and, as always, hum-along-able.

Now let's look at a handful of like-minded designs:

Clockwise from upper left: Tech Lighting Silver Glaze Aqua Glass Satin Nickel Pendant, Tech Lighting Fire Satin Nickel Cobalt Glass Mini Pendant, Possini Euro Darby Red Glass Pendant Light, Set of 2 Wishbone Y Natural Wood Side Chairs, Howard Elliott Z Mirrored Accent Table

Colored glass pendants are easy to match the vibe of your summer playlist. Mirrored accent tables and furniture definitely capture the mod mood. But is there really a correlation between music and design? Does one influence the other, or are they both just players in a greater cultural trajectory? We're not sure, but one thing's for certain: 2013 promise to be yet another good looking and listening summer.

Images: Sterogum, Juno, Kick Kick Snare, Paste

Good design doesn't need to be relegated to indoors and it can most certainly be just for fun! We've rounded up some awesome modern design in outdoor spaces. Whether you're a parent or just a kid at heart, you'll love these. 

This 20,500 square meter park is located in Sydney, Australia. Designed with the land rather than against it, this fun space has several surprises and activity points.

These might be the coolest tree houses we've ever seen! The color palette is really fun and modern.

Kids of all ages enjoy this skate park and who wouldn't, it's visually stunning!

Images: The Cool Hunter, The Contemporist

Clients always ask whether or not they should invest in ceiling lighting for their living room – I personally think it’s a must. It’s just as important as dining room lighting. A statement chandelier or pendant that centers the room will make the room and you can plan furniture around the lighting you choose.

Possini Euro Arlo 15 3/4" Wide Chrome Pendant Light

Try something different, a modern chandelier set against traditional furniture can completely update a room. If that doesn’t strike your fancy and you want a touch of glam in your life but nothing over the top, choose a chandelier like the Robert Abbey version at the bottom.

There are hundreds of directions you can go in and I’ve rounded up four that have been popular amongst clients recently.

Chrome Modern Industrial LED 56 1/2-Inch-H Chandelier

Orbital Weave 19 1/2" Wide Rust Metal Pendant Light

Bling Collection Convertible Robert Abbey Chandelier

Whether you go for traditional, industrial or modern – overhead lighting is a choice you should make for your living room.

Images: Coco + Kelley, Simply Grove, House Beautiful, Elle Decor