Have Fun with Lighting

I have a love/hate relationship with lighting. When it's done right, I love it. When it's done even a little bit wrong, I hate it. Let's not even get into how much most of it costs. It's easy to let lighting be an after thought when we're mostly so focused on furnishings and room layout. A lot of the time I have trouble even considering lighting until most of my room is put together. The good news is is that there is an endless selection of lighting styles out there to find a piece that not only matches your space, but can really take center stage and make a positive contribution to the room. You can make it a talking piece of your space or use it to add a little color!

via houzz

If you are starting from scratch and need to locate all of your lighting fixtures, there are tons or retailers online and with showrooms to find what you need. One example is homebase lighting. Homebase is a leading home enhancement retailer selling amazing finds for your home and garden. I particularly love their Habitat Lighting section!

I'm a sucker for lighting in unexpected places - like this chandelier over the island.

via House Beautiful

Between the options of ceiling fixtures, floor lamps, decorative lamps, pendants, and outdoor lighting the options can make the task of choosing daunting.  That's why I allow my room to make the decision for me.  Of course, if you find a lamp or fixture you absolutely love,  the room will follow.

Of course, your lighting doesn't need to scream either, a chic little piece can do it's job well in the background.
via Lonny

There are a few things to consider when selecting your lighting, like how much natural light is in the room, how much light you'll need at night, and where you will need direct lighting and ambient lighting. If you already have enough light in the room adding a fixture or lamp for decorative features can be a little more flexible. 

via BHG

You can really go dramatic in the dining room because you don't have to worry about people hitting their heads!
via Adore Home

Don't forget to be a little creative! You can get get a hollow glass lamp and fill it with something fun or meaningful. This gives you complete control of the final look and style for your space. Just because you need a little light in a room doesn't mean it has to be purely utilitarian - make it something worth looking at too!

via houzz

This post is in partnership with homebase.co.uk

Inspiring Home Offices

Since I'm now working from home full time, I'm experiencing first hand the importance of a home office with function and style. To achieve this, I've decided, I must peruse as many sites and magazines I can get my hands on! I suspect this post will be continued in future installments --

Color is so important but such a hard thing for me to get right. I wish I could though, because the right colors can be just what one needs - serene, invigorating, relaxing, etc.


So peaceful - I think I'd be able to concentrate with a workspace like this...

I love having my books and magazines at hand - and for that shelving is a must. I'm just going to have to learn to live without when I'm working while I travel


So cheery!
via House to Home

This office looks very efficient - I would also love to have ample - and multiple - work surfaces


via House Beautiful

A real office from an Apartment Therapy reader.

A little showcase of artist homes

Wow. What a long week it has been. On a whim I was looking at some artist house tours and decided to share. Have a great weekend!

Shelagh Stewart's bedroom



"Artists Vik Muniz and Janaina Tschäpe find happiness in a Brooklyn home that has morphed from garage to bachelor pad to bohemian family retreat"



"...painter Anne Becker's peaceful New York apartment with global style"


...of the two above images: "Elizabeth Chapin is not afraid of bright hues. 'I love candy colors, both in my work and in my house,' says the portrait artist, who shares a Victorian home in Austin, Texas" with her family.

images via Elle Decor

Kitchen Bliss

Do we all have shiny clean kitchens after clearing it out this weekend? I know you do...right...right? :) Well, if inspiration alluded you, here's a little more coming at you from our beloved Domino.

Who couldn't use wheels on their island!


This kitchen has my mother written all over it - lovely





I'd love to beable to come into this bright and sunny kitchen on weekend mornings






I don't know if I could do this...do you like bright kitchen cabinets?


This is the closest to the kitchens I've had in my tiny city apartments.

Beautiful bohemian style

I've always been intrigued by bohemian style because I've never lived my life that way, and the unknown always holds a certain allure. For me it's order, to-do lists, and check boxes. Not that one way is right or wrong, but finding a balance between living spontaneously and living on a schedule is something I've been striving for. These caravans are chock full of inspiration to help get the feeling at home.

















I love the chair and the striped bedspread


























Love this bedding

Images via
Les-verindes and Jean Bayol