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New Favorite: Shades of Light

May 28, 2010

I discovered this site while searching for a light fixture for a new client, and it's now one of my favorites! A lot of lighting sites sell the same stuff from the same major manufacturers, but Shades of Light sells some unusual styles as well as a large selection of rewired antique fixtures. They also feature a well edited collection of furniture, mirrors, and rugs (including antique rugs with an heirloom patina). You can subscribe their free print catalog if, like me, one of your favorite hobbies is kicking back with ink on paper.

Pricewise, this site runs the gamut, with the antiques at the high end but a lot of really stylish pieces at bargain prices. Here are some of my favorites with ideas on how to use them. Have a Happy Memorial Day weekend, and take time to honor those who've served. —Diane

This antique urn fixture would look stately in the foyer of an old house or unexpected as a bedside lamp.

This delicate antique balloon fixture could be the centerpiece of a chic nursery.

It's hard to find a unique swing-arm lamp. Enter the arc wall lamp with convertible wiring and simple style for only $188.

Take a guess, I dare you. $1,000? $2,000? Nope, this 26"-wide retro-modern beauty is just $350. Perfect for a sleek space that needs a dramatic statement. (I'll go so far as to label it a Dwelement Style Steal!)

This star chandelier conjures images of casual feasts outdoors. I can see this hanging over a rustic table on a porch or in a farmhouse kitchen. It's discounted from $399 to $139! Grab it before I do.

This bubble sphere table lamp (vaguely Jonathan Adleresque, no?) can be found under the category "Dorm Decor." I don't know where they went to college, but this is seriously more stylish than anything I had in my dorm room. The price, however? Perhaps within the reach of even a student: $99.

The perfectly faded colors in this antique hand-knotted Turkish Oushak rug could inspire an entire room design.

This repro ice box–turned-island is right at home in a rustic modern kitchen.

Lean this lovely hint of architecture in a room that lacks it. The arched window mirror could transform a room.

Like all posts on Dwelement's Room for Inspiration, this post is not sponsored You get the real editorial deal here!

See, just like that, I found the good stuff. I can do it for you, too, with an eye for your specific taste. Whether you need a single piece or a roomful, I've got the eye and the sources to find exactly what you love. Just email me.

TAGS: shades of light favorite online sources designer antique reproduction lighting furniture mirrors rugs vintage light fixtures rewired refurbished

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DIY Resource: interior-design-tutor.net

Feb 17, 2010

Some of my clients choose my services because they enjoy doing work themselves but need help establishing a vision to create a space that's uniquely their own. Whether because of budget or personal preference or the simple joy of seeing your own work enhance your life, DIY has its appeal. My eDecor Plans give you a complete plan for the look of the room, making the DIY part that much easier.

But if you want to design a space yourself from scratch, it can be hard to find inspiration and simple information in one place. There are so many books, magazines, and websites on the topic of interior design… where do you start? I discovered interior-design-tutor.net and began an email discussion with its author/owner, Scott Kuhns. Scott maintains the site as a sort of clearinghouse of interior design information, aimed at the do-it-yourselfer who needs basic knowledge and inspiration to design their own rooms.

The site teaches DIYers how to apply good design principles to their own ideas to create spaces that fit their style. The articles on the site are well organized by category so they're easy to find. There are 23 categories for specific rooms and techniques, plus a handful of additional categories on formal design education and helpful resources. Scott's personal, down-to-earth writing style makes the information easy and fun to read.

You can also subscribe to Scott's free e-zine called Interior Tipster. It's filled with highlights of the new content on the site and arrives about once a month. —Diane

TAGS: scott kuhns interior design tutor basic decorating principles tips

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Find: Lee Valley Hardware

Jan 29, 2010

{Short & Sweet Friday}

I happened upon this online/mail order hardware store while looking for a sleek solution for hanging flower baskets on my porch. I knew I'd never have to face another white plastic atrocity when I found these at Lee Valley. Then I started browsing and finding other things I loved at reasonable prices, like all this great stuff (click to enlarge):