Euro Style Home Blog

Decorating With Area Rugs

Kirsten Grove — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

A major detail that creates warmth in any space is adding an area rug. Whether you are dealing with a living space or a bedroom space (among others), you will find contentment in your design by simply adding a patterned, colorful rug. It finishes a space perfectly and can make a room feel more cohesive. It also helps with space planning. It’s easier to place furniture pieces around a rug because you are aware of dimensions around you.

We see in the room above that a simple rug with soft colors and patterns easily transforms a space from drab to pretty. The rug also makes the green dining chairs pop.

Create a wow factor by adding a bright, patterned rug to your space. Photographer Jessie Webster chose to use a bright and bold rug in her dining room. It gives her neutral space enough color to add some lovely character.

This living space didn’t need alot of help being beautiful. That’s why I love how they chose a simple, elegant rug that doesn’t compete with the furniture in the room.

For my own bedroom, I chose a colorful rug and layered it on a solid gray rug. It has to be my favorite feature in my room. And because most everything else is neutral in the room, a colorful rug really works.

Happy rug planning!

Images: Apartment Therapy, Design Sponge, Uncovet, Simply Grove

Restaurant Design: Workshop Kitchen and Bar

Annie May — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I'm sure there was lots of brunching going on and some amazing restaurant designs discovered. Did anyone make it to Palm Springs or happen to try out the new Workshop Kitchen + Bar?

Soma Architects was called upon to transform the historic El Paseo Building into a fresh new architectural identity for Workshop Kitchen + Bar. The existing elements were strong and limited the possibilities, but Soma was sure to exploit them. The result is powerful and focuses on the height of these 27 foot cathedral ceilings.

The building is colonial on the outside and industrial-chic on the inside with the vertical design emphasized by tall concrete structures. Modern mini pendant lighting always makes a bold statement when used in multiples and in this case it fills the void and creates intimacy at the communal table. The central communal table is more of a public dining space and the booths on the right and left provide great intimacy for private dining. They are almost like little rooms of their own, don't you think?

The modern lighting stays consistent throughout. When repeating lighting, finding the perfect modern pendant light is crucial. This minimal design works so well with the height of the space as it continues to emphasize it. The modern dining chairs and barstools really blend into the environment throughout the space making them appear perfectly integrated into the design.

Either of these (below) minimal pendant lights would work great in the space.

Illuminations Vintage Ancient Bronze Ceiling Pendant

Industrial Cage 6" Wide Black Pendant Light

The concrete bar looks very cool and in Palm Springs something cool is all you need on those hot summer days!

Images: Soma Architects

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Get the Look: Bathroom Sconces

Caitlin Flemming — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

One of the trickiest tasks in any design project is sourcing good lighting – especially bathroom sconces. I’ve always been amazed at how few good choices exist. I’m constantly looking for options in all styles – modern, retro, traditional – but quite honestly there are never enough for me to choose from.

Barn Wall Urban Galvanized Outdoor Wall Sconce

Here at Euro Lighting there is an incredible curated selection of sconces. Today, I’ve put together a few of my favorites that I’ve used in bathroom projects - all of which I love.

Torch Deep Bronze 4 1/2-Inch-W Forecast Wall Sconce

Modern Chrome with White Shade George Kovacs Wall Sconce

Have you ever had trouble sourcing lighting for your bathroom? Do you have a favorite style of sconce at Euro Style Lighting?

Images: Style at Home, Skona Hem, Remodelista, New England Home

Newsworthy Endeavors

Cori Magee — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

As design lovers, we also like staying in the loop of other newsworthy endeavors (pun intended). Today is the 2nd anniversary of the final launch of the space shuttle Endeavor!

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Image: Dvice

Create a Fun House With Modern Design

Trina McNeilly — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

When you have kids you quickly realize that as much as you’d like to contain toys to one designated area it usually becomes a losing battle. Kids love to bring toys with them from to room. And, if your kids are anything like mine, they like to be wherever you are.

There is no need to fight it. The best thing to do is to just surrender and start making your house fun. Fun doesn’t mean turning your home into a giant playroom, it simply means using your imagination and adding interest. It can actually translate to less toys (objects) and more creative style and design.

I absolutely adore the idea of using something that is already in your home (or needed in your home) and making into something magical. The hidden doorway in the bookcase above is brilliant. What kid wouldn’t want a secret passage way in their home? And what adult wouldn’t want one for that matter?

Truthfully, this concept is all about keeping your style and grown up taste and simply adding in a few fun elements throughout. It can be as simple as adding a swing to your living room or using a play table as your coffee table. Although there is a swing and kids table in this living room there is nothing about this room that lacks style or is void of good design. It has a playful, modern and eclectic feel about it.

And, in area’s that are already designated for kids, why not go all out and build something like an indoor playhouse or castle, for that matter? This play castle works really well because it has great shape and is white which blends in with the rest of the room. It’s likely that the clean white modern style of this play area is carried throughout the home. Finding an element such as color or furniture style to carry throughout the home brings continuity.

Of course, if you have the ability (and room) to go all out than why not just go for it? I think this slide from upstairs to the downstairs is beyond cool. The stainless steel against the white walls brings a modern element to the space and the slide almost carries the look of a giant art piece.

Adding fun elements to your home is . . . fun. It’s a chance for kids to be involved and take interest in design and a second chance for grown ups to use their imaginations.

Images: The House Home, Milk, Aprill Aprill, Martilaiste

From Outfit to Interior: Sleek + Understated

Kelly Beall — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

There's nothing more attractive than someone who is comfortable in their own skin and their own space, it's just a fact. This jumpsuit from Piper Gore screams sleek and understated and it makes sense that our Ms. would surround herself with things that have a similar feel. Dark tones with a few pops of vibrant color and natural materials is a confident palette that doesn't have to try very hard to impress.

Ms. Sleek & Understated wants to add a little bit of light over her incredible concrete countertop. A few of these Caps Collection Mini Pendents add a contemporary look that doesn't distract, yet also brightens up the workspace.

A set of Zuo Marius Bar Stools add another pop of bright red to an island or bar top, while the metal stays true to the natural materials in the space she's created.

To keep the dining table interesting, Ms. Sleek & Understated has opted to use these Black Vinyl with Chrome Chairs for seating. Their comfortable shape makes long after dinner conversations a regular activity! They're also a breeze to clean if someone happens to make a mess.

A Brushed Aluminum Helix Collection Pendent adds a shimmer of light above the table, and adds a new texture to the mix of metals.

Ms. Sleek & Understated wants to carry this effortless look throughout her home, especially in the living room. She's opted for the Providence Modern Chrome with Black Tufted Zuo Sofa to add some style and personality to the space. So welcoming that it just begs for someone to curl up and read a book or watch a movie!

For a touch of easy elegance she's added the Arterior Homes Violetta Brass and Black Iron Floor Lamp. The vintage black finish on the shade and brass finished base is perfect for this easy to live in space!

Images: Pipergore, Casa Vogue

Lessons from the World's Greatest Lobbies

Brent Turner — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Let's face it...the mere act of walking through a grand space makes us feel, well, grand. A night at the opera, a wait in the airport or train station, an overnight stay in a hotel--in each of the world's greatest lobbies, we experience a connection to something bigger than ourselves.

There's just something to big-ticket public spaces that thrills and inspires. And there's a lesson to be learned too.

Within even the grandest lobby, there is an undeniable intentionality to the usage of space. Whether it's the Calatrava-designed Liege train station at the top of this post, or the Saarinen-designed TWA terminal in New York, floorplans are laid out to effect the logical movement of people. Spaces are sub-divided creatively to address a variety of tasks: encouraging relaxation, facilitating administration, inducing awe. Lighting is designed (and often adjusted throughout the day) to increase safety and add atmosphere.

The best thing about this? These same considerations can be applied to the home, no matter how small it is.

Do you eat, sleep and live in a single room? Create sub-spaces. Make sure the sofa or entertaining areas are easily accessible by guests. Keep a table and chairs close to the kitchen for an impromptu dinner party. For living room furniture, choose low-profile designs to "raise" the ceiling in small spaces.

Baby Anime Stackable Kids Armchairs

Does your bedroom double as an office? Use a swing arm wall light or adjustable floor lamp to shine light where and when you need it.

Bernie Turbo Series Chrome Swing Arm Holtkoetter Wall Lamp

Do you have Michelin star ambition but a small kitchen? Make it a castle by hanging pots and pans rather than stowing them. Choose open-face cabinets or shelving to cut down on the confined feel. Use colors that increase the illusion of space. White can open a room up and charcoal can recede into the background,

Yes, large hotels do have the large square footage to impress. But just because you might not have it too, doesn't mean you can't still flaunt it. At home, a little space planning can go a long way.

Images: Beauty of Decay, Modern Art and Style, Home Design We Love, Digs Digs

Tomorrow's LED: A Lighting Revolution

Brent Turner — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

"Think Different."

Hasn't that become the de facto war cry of the digital age, ushered in ever so presciently in the early 90s by Apple Computer?

Well, thinking differently isn't just for the the geek chic computer set anymore. A recent article in the New York Times suggests that the lighting industry is in the midst of a Silicon Valley-like LED lighting revolution:

“Up till now we only thought — do I have enough light to see, to clean my room, to cut a diamond?” said Ed Crawford, a senior vice president of Philips Lighting Americas. “Now it impacts what I do, how I feel, in emotional ways.”

As cost continues to drop and quality continues to rise, LEDs (and their ability to replicate a wide range of colors), are leading the charge. In fact, colored LED lighting is being used to do everything from settling the spirits of frazzled Virgin America airline travelers (pictured above) to managing jaundice in newborns. It is, in a sense, much more functional than meets the eye. At the consumer level, some LED ceiling lights even change colors to suit the mood.

But lighting is getting smarter too. There are park lights that turn on only as joggers pass by, and street lights that can detect noxious gases. There are light bulbs that can be dimmed and color shifted, all through a mobile app. And soon, public lighting could be networked to monitor traffic or direct cars to vacant parking spots.

While the technology is still in R&D, consumers are already beginning to see benefits. Famed Italian designer Alessi recently released LED bulbs at a very eye-pleasing 2700K color temperature:

LED AlessiLux Silver Decorative Light Bulb

And energy-efficient LEDs have made solar powered path lighting (and the added safety and security they provide) a viable consumer option for years:

Pewter Solar Lantern Outdoor Landscape Light

The question is: what's next? Instead of wall lights, we may see interactive lighting that covers entire walls. Instead of remembering to turn off the lights, our homes may do the remembering for us. Whatever comes next in modern lighting, you can trust we'll be chasing it down.

Images: All Things Tech, Catch Brand,

Color Crush: White

Liz Stanley — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

All of the white that is being incorporated into rooms in magazines and blogs is seriously addictive. It’s so fresh and clean and easy. I love the idea of a mostly white scale living room with little pops of color here and there. That is pretty much my dream living room at the moment!

This living room is kind of perfect. It doesn’t have any kind of loud style and it’s not over the top decorated. It is just plain and simple white. It’s totally a space that you could work with and even redecorate when the time came without too much hassle. It could easily be made into an eclectic room with a combination of styles and patterns, or a more rustic or industrial space. I love a space that has the main essentials or foundation that you can easily build off of with the right pieces. This is that room!

Pascal White Chair, Possini Euro White Flower Pendant,

Perkins White Lacquer Wood Pedestal, Street Smart Accent Pillow

This chair is pretty popular, which makes it fun. The legs are amazing! And the white seat would go great with pretty much any cushion or throw pillow. The light fixture is pretty rad. It’s both modern and organic somehow, which I absolutely love. It’s a statement fixture without being too over the top. The stool would be fantastic for additional seating or even putting by the front door for an easy place to take off shoes. And the pillow is the fun one. Even though there isn’t any color, the bold black and white makes it really pop which is awesome.

Image: Residence Magazine

Decorating With Modern Coffee Tables

Kirsten Grove — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

One of the most important details that goes into decorating a living space is the coffee table. It’s a piece that can sometimes be forgotten but it’s one of the most important parts of the room.

When decorating an eclectic space, I love to use modern coffee tables. They can become the anchor to the space. When designing a minimalist space, it fits like a glove. This space (above) is a great mix of traditional and modern. The coffee table accents the sofa and chair perfectly.

This vibrant room (above) has lots of color and patterns happening. The simple white round coffee table isn’t competing with the rest of the space and looks super stylish against the other pieces.

Another important note about coffee tables is don’t over think styling them. Display books, candles, flowers and decorative accessories. Basically anything that is low to the table. Make sure it’s items you love and you want your guests to love and appreciate.

We’ve always known that coffee tables are a practical solution to set our drinks and feet on. Now we know that they are as important in design as they are for our TV dinners. Below are a few awesome coffee table options that will work in any space.

1. Abby White Coffee Table 2. Silver Glass Coffee Table 3. Dark Walnut Coffee Table 4. Natural Wood and Glass Table 5. Sabbatical Coffee Table

Images: Seventeendoors, The Design Files, Jordan Ferney’s Home via A Cup Of Joy, Femina

Schiffini: Modern Kitchen Design Inspired by Cinque Terre

Annie May — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Modern kitchen design is something that many people admire from afar, but don't actually get to explore the concept behind. You may love the simplicity of a kitchen, the unique shapes, or innovative materials, but how often are you able to capture the story behind the design and really have a true understanding and appreciation for the concept and place where it originated? I had the pleasure of exploring the 800,000 square foot Schiffini factory in Ceparana, Italy, and spending quality time with the wonderful Mr. Schiffini himself as he took us to his favorite places in Cinque Terre where many of the concepts for his kitchens originated.

Schiffini was established in the 1920s to supply nautical fittings to the Italian Navy dockyard in La Spezia (above). They later made their way into the residential market and became the first Italian company to introduce the modular kitchen. They continue to stand out as one of the best Italian companies for design and innovation.

The G-One kitchen (above) is made entirely of marine grade plywood and I bet you all can see where the inspiration for this kitchen came from! The soft curves and durable materials pay homage to 50s design while designer Giuliano Giaroli was able to transform these elements into a beautiful design of today. It's neither too retro nor too nautical, but a perfect blend of styles with the quality and craftsmanship to make this a timeless kitchen. The cluster of modern pendant lights floating above the island appear almost as if they are buoys hanging from a dock.

Jamie Young Petit Paro White 64 1/2-Inch-H Modern Floor Lamp

The soft curves and mixture of natural linen and white lacquer in this modern floor lamp (above) has a nautical influence with a sophistication and elegance that make it a timeless piece.

The next stop on the trip was in the incredibly gorgeous sea side town of Venazza (above) which deeply inspired the Cinqueterre kitchen that just happens to be Mr. Schiffini's favorite place. The steep cliff side is covered in vineyards and the waves crash freely into the town, creating something magical. The colors, smells, sounds and overall experience is something that's hard to even explain.

The concept behind the Cinqueterre kitchen (above) is the rolling waves of the sea. The handle represents the breaking crest of the wave as it's about to crash into the rocks. Each door is assembled by hand in the factory with such precision and detail. Designed by architect Vico Magistretti, the Cinqueterre is the first kitchen produced entirely in aluminium. This model is available in black and anodized aluminum as well as titanium and each one is spectacular in it's own way. There is something about the black mixed with the wood and copper top that sets itself apart from any other kitchen out there. After visiting Vernazza, the place where the concept originated, and watching the fine craftsman build each door by hand, I don't think there is anyway you can't appreciate every detail of this kitchen. It's like a modern work of art!

Jamie Young Gun Metal Modern Spotlight Floor Lamp

Finding pieces with history and a story are a great way to add character to your space, whether it be with a modern kitchen or even something as simple as a new modern lamp. The industrial floor lamp (above) could help you incorporate a little nautical edge into your own home don't you think?

Images: Schiffini, Annie May

The Bistrot: Restaurant Design Lights Up Bali

Annie May — Mon, 06 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

The Bistrot, a vintage Parisian restaurant design with industrial glam influences, is all the buzz right now in Bali! The imaginations of design team Zohra Boukhari and her husband Blaise Samoy created something that is powerfully stunning, simply elegant and a perfect mix of industrial and glamorous.

The modern chandeliers and industrial pendant lights hang from the ceiling like a large art installation. Adding a modern crystal chandelier to your industrial space is a great way to add contrast. Boukhari has a way with materials. The aged finish on this bar warms up the place drastically and allows the new millwork to blend seamlessly with the existing architecture.

Bordeaux Collection Bronze Chandelier

Pops of glam are really what make this industrial space unique. It's been carefully curated with beautiful furnishings, antiques and artifacts from around the Indonesian region, and mainly from the owners’ private collection.

Izabella Chrome with Clear Crystal 12-Light Chandelier

And eclectic selection of table lamps are displayed on the wall like an art installation. How great is that?! See, a great table lamp can be used for anything!

Each element in the space looks as if it has it's own story to tell. The warmth and character in The Bistrot gives off a magical feeling and I'm sure the food is as magical as the interior. How does " Grilled Blood Sausage with Caramelized Pear or Citrus Cured Salmon with Watermelon and Herbed Feta" sound? Now we've all got one more reason to visit Bali, not that we need one!

Images: Yatzer

Get the Look: Kitchen Nook Lighting

Caitlin Flemming — Fri, 03 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

It doesn’t take much to make a kitchen nook feel warm and inviting, but the lighting might be the most important element.

These adorable kitchen niches are usually small in scale, only being about to fit a small table. Yet, they maximize space by turning an awkward alcove into something useful. I remember using mine in my childhood home growing up to do projects and homework while my mom cooked dinner. Plus, there is something so peaceful about waking up and going to the kitchen to enjoy a warm up of coffee in your sunny nook.

St Charles Clear Glass Jamie Young Ceiling Pendant

Need more inspiration? I've rounded up three breakfast nooks that I absolutely adore and paired lighting that you can get for your own kitchen nook.

Bling Collection Convertible Robert Abbey Chandelier

If you don’t have a built-in nook in your kitchen (I certainly don’t, living in San Francisco), try to make one for yourself by adding a small table in a sunny corner of your living room or another empty spot in your home.

I currently use our bay window to achieve a “sitting area” feel and it’s my happy place to sit and enjoy myself.

Possini Euro Zuri Glass Mini Pendant

I hope these nooks have inspired you to create your own!

Image Sources: Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Elle Décor, Remodelista

Color Crush: Aqua

Liz Stanley — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

There are so many fantastic colors out there and I love most of them. Lately I have been crushing pretty hard on a long time favorite, aqua! In all of its various shades, whether it be of the bluer, the greener, the darker or the lighter varieties. I love them all! I think aqua makes for a fantastic accent color for a room. On a lamp, a tray or even on a wall, it’s all good in my book.

This image inspires me and makes me want to paint an entire room aqua. That deep aqua that makes you want to curl up with book or a record and bask in the color.

And this couch is just perfection isn’t it? I also love the slightly lighter aqua statues on the table behind the couch. A fun pop of color on another great pop of color. Does it get any better? The whole room is awesome. All of the colors play well off of the couch which is of course the focus of the room. How could it not be?

1. Estelle Teal Large Round Wood Tray 2. Isla Aqua Satin Nickel Pendant Light 3. Aqua Stripe Swing Arm Desk Lamp 4. Zuo Repulse Outdoor Aqua Blue Bay Chair

I would love any of these aqua items for my home. The color is funky and bright which is something my place needs! I especially love the glass light fixture. It would look fantastic above a dining table. And the tray would be perfect for so many things. To serve drinks to your guests, to display some keepsake items, or to even just hold your pocket kick-knacks like your keys. The chair looks like it would be an awesome patio chair for summer grilling and the striped lamp is just too fun for words. I would literally put it in any room of the house.

Images: Kendal Wilkinson, HGTV

How To: Style a Modern Entryway

Victoria McGinley — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

No matter where you live, it's never a bad idea to put a little thought into the entryway or foyer of your home. After all, it's the first thing you see when you walk in the door everyday, and it's the easiest way to make visitors to your home immediately feel like your space is welcoming, polished, and put together.

Madero Espresso Console Table, Amber Swirl Ruffle Glass Bowl, Golden Voyage Gray Glaze Uttermost Wall Mirror, Modern Brushed Steel Mini Droplet Table Lamp, Chrome Finish Ceramic Cone Ottoman

Today, we're imagining a masculine, stately foyer, put together on a budget.

By combining this structural console along with a gold, geometric mirror, you already have a great base for a strong, statement making entry. Adding accessories like this simple chrome lamp, a garden stool, and a glass bowl finishes things off with a flourish!

Image: The Everygirl