Chic and beautiful lighting

I am a sucker for a beautiful lighting fixture but am always very nervous when faced with having to commit to one.  There are so many and most cost a pretty penny, so I'm always worried I will regret a very expensive decision.  So ever since we moved into our new home in June I have been gathering inspiration for when we are ready to change our lighting (which is high on my priority list)  I've decided that to build my confidence, I am going to start with changing out the hallway light fixtures since they will be smaller and less expensive than a chandelier for above our dining room table or a pendant for the master bedroom. Although it might not seem that big of a deal, hallways are one of the most used light fixtures in a home and are often left on, so they shouldn't be neglected.

It's important when changing out something that's going to be around for a while, especially if you have a small budget like us, to think about the style and decor of the rest of your home so that they tie into the design you've already started or will work if you decide to change your flooring, wall color, etc.

via belgianpearls

Something a little more elegant and classy is a much better fit for this space. The mix of modern and historical is great match for the rest of the home decor. If the light fixtures were any more traditional and flashy than these I probably wouldn't like the space as much.

via ruemag

Something more artsy and eccentric stands out in this space but still fits in with the theme of the home. This is a great example of having something that catches your eye but doesn't take away from the space.

via georgiandesign

Mixing and matching may be the best idea for hallways that are connecting multiple rooms. This works well with eclectic styles but if done correctly you can mix and match any type of home decor style. Keeping the light fixtures in the same family or "collection" but in different styles is the best way to achieve this.

via Margot Austin
I'm really loving the look of drum style pendant lights in the hall.  The slim console with a lamp is a nice touch and adds a cozy feel.

via Arcadian Home
Again, really liking the drum style pendants.  If you can manage, space ceiling fixtures about 8 to 10 feet apart in a hallway.

Add A Little Interest To Your Hallway

Since hallways aren't meant for hanging out, we tend to leave them out of the decor process. Here are a few ideas to bring your hallway a little more love:

via dustjacket

Add a touch of luxury with decorative molding. It's eye catching without taking up necessary space so it's perfect for small hallways and tight corners.

via Pinterest

Add decorative corbels or moulding for some character.
via Home Stories A to Z

Add a dynamic impact to your hall by adding a chair rail and painting one half a contrasting color.
via Pinterest

via houzz

Adding some floor to ceiling curtains can make the hallway feel more luxurious and grand. A beautiful light fixture makes the space seem well thought out.

Elegant and welcoming entryways...

I don't have an official entryway in my apartment, but if I did, I'd make it look like one of these beauties...

stunning
via Elle Decor

via Rue Magazine

great wallpaper

Love the giant clam shell
2 above via High Gloss

via Pinterest

have a great weekend everyone!

Beautiful entryways you haven't seen before

well...I hope these are new to you...





A close up of the hall above

Great magazine display!



via Casa Diez

The forgotten room

Boy did I get a little image happy with the hallways today! Lucky for you, and happy Friday! So, while a hallway might not mean much to most, the apartment i live in right now is the first NYC apartment I've inhabited that has an actual, real hallway. And nothing ads the finishing touch and homey detail than giving your hall a little love. Plus, you'll be putting that real estate to work!

Okay, so I think two important elements to make a long skinny hall feel like a cozy room is A. a welcoming lamp, and B. a runner or rug.

The hallway (especially an entrance) can make a great storage space for hats, umbrellas, walking sticks, shoes etc. Put all your loose possessions in coordinating bins or baskets to keep things tidy


*gasp* I love those mirrored understair cupboards! Two good things in one - mirrors to reflect light, and making the most of your space!

I'm a sucker for shoes lined up...and for puppies greeting you when you walk in the door.

My sister stacks her books like this in her stairs - I love the look


A narrow piece with shelves underneath ads double storage

again - not really a hall, but I thought the light treatment was nice

oh...that blue. Makes me think of Greece. I have that same red planner!

Okay - not really a hall - but I had to show you these stairs. I think it's kinda cool how they stripped down the paint to reveal the original wood, creating the illusion of a runner

If you have a piece that offers lots of storage like these drawers, it makes the perfect space to store hats, scarves, and other miscellaneous items.


A hall with a window presents the opportunity for a little nook to steal away.

So this is not something I would do myself, but I thought the image was really interesting - the hall is a mural in black marker.

What have you done or how have you put your hall to use? I'd love to hear your solutions!

via LivingEtc.

Ideas and Inspiration, Designer Portfolios!

Thought I'd help us all over hump day with my favorite content- designer (and interior photographer) portfolios! I hope you find something to inspire you, and excite you for the weekend - spent in your home, not the office.


Images via Fox-Nahem Design




I really love this room, it looks like a painting. Very compelling...
Images via Eric Cohler





Image via Windsor Smith



Oh don't get me started on those floors...



Spacious retro kitchen


A library in a hallway - notice all the window seats.



Love the pasta canisters, and the cabinet hardware




The botanical prints above the couch really make this room for me

Images via S.R. Gambrel