I can see the Light !!!!

Oh, how things change. Lighting, lamps, sconces, chandeliers, pendants, etc....they are uber important to any room, hallway and home. I remember back in the 80s when my mom would buy her lamps at Bradlee's or the Christmas Tree Shop --- for under ten dollars. I didn't say I bought them there, but when thinking about lighting and the cost of lighting, shoes pop into my head. I know you are thinking that's odd, but the perfect lamp can be like those Manolo Blahnicks (yes I googled it for the right spelling) pumps that go with your ultimate black dress. Oh so important, but up until a few years ago I’d be the person wearing the really uncomfortable shoes from Payless and think I looked great.
The last couple of years I’ve put some thought and money into light fixtures for my house and I think it makes a huge difference. It’s hard for me at times to convince a client that the $300 lamp is going to give them $300 worth of "WOW!" versus that $29.99 knock off from Home Goods.
I’m not saying that they have to be Jimmy Choo’s or Manolo Blahnicks ,but how about somewhere in between.
Check out these images and see if you too can see the light!
P.S. I don't own a pair of Jimmy Choo's or Manolo Blahnicks, but I have graduated from Pay Less!

image 1 betsy brown. image 2 kelly mcguill (restoration hardware floor lamp and Barbara Cosgrove table lamp).Image 3 kelly mcguill office( restoration hardware desk lamps). image 4 kelly mcguill bedroom, vintage lamp with metal shade .image 5 kelly mcguill living room Husdon table lamp http://www.hudsonboston.com/. image 6 nate berkus -O magazine. image 7 Stephen Knollenberg designs. image 8 living etc.image 9 restoration hardware( my second favorite source for lighting).  image 10 http://www.hudsonboston.com/ my absolute favorite source for lighting.

I'd like to thank the Academy

I’ve wanted to say that for a really long time. Actually, I’d like to thank Jessica at 24 corners http://24corners.blogspot.com/ ,for awarding me with the “Stylish Blogger Award”. I feel very honored.

Now, I’m supposed to share 7 things with everyone…Ok, here goes:

I worked as a sales rep for a brick company for ten years.

I got into flower arranging when I worked for a wealthy client who had amazing gardens. She asked for fresh flower arrangements every day.

I straightened my curly hair for the first 20 years of my life.

I hated garage sales and flea markets as a kid…oye, what’s up with that???

I watch the “Real Housewives” but don’t tell anyone.

I’ve been married to Matt for 22 years…double oye . He likes to say, "it feels like 20 minutes…..UNDER WATER”.

I really do have OCD….but It doesn’t make me obsessive about my house…You should see my closets and drawers…

And that last point brings me to another point….Did you pick up the March issue of O at Home…One of my favorite design people, Peri Wolfman has an article titled”Queen of her Domain” Talk about OCD….She is so cool, so talented and I wish a bit of her organization obsession would rub off on me….Check out these images…

Now as I pass the torch...I'd like to award this to Steve at  An urban cottage  http://anurbancottage.blogspot.com/ .Not only  does Steve have amazing vision, but he  can do the stuff himself.....How cool..I nominate him for HGTV's next design star...

and Ness at  Marley and Lockyer for being incredibly kind and thoughtful and kind and did I mention kind... http://marleyandlockyer.blogspot.com/ And last but not least I'd like to nominate my dear friend and interior designer,Tracy of http://whitedovebynest.blogspot.com/ Tracy just started a new blog and I know for sure that it will be amazing...just like her..

  

thanks Jessica

Sister Act...Lu and Ellie

I come from a long line of very talented women. My Mom, Lula belle ( as I like to call her), actually her name is Lu Farrington has always been my idol…she’s a tough act to follow; as I like to say to everyone.  Her sister Ellie…aka “Auntie Ellie or Addie” is another one of my design icons that I so look up to, in design and in life.  The two sister's are incredibly amazing people and I can’t imagine my life without them. First, let me say that they both have such unique tastes; very different styles, but very livable homes.  Their spaces are so welcoming to anyone and everyone…Both of their homes have graced the pages of magazines, and when you see the images it’s easy to see why.    

first 5 images are of Lu and Paul's  house ... remaining 4 images are of Ellie's house

WHAT'S SO WRONG WITH NEUTRAL

WHAT’S SO WRONG WITH NEUTRAL?


In the February 2011 House Beautiful ,they feature a one day living room makeover. The house is located in Westport, Connecticut and the owner is a young, beautiful retail executive. The very talented Healing Barsanti http://www.hbhomedesign.com/ orchestrated the makeover. By now, most of you know that I’m a “less is more” gal and I’m all about neutral….with punches of color and lots of texture. I’m also not one for dissing anyone’s work or dissing anyone…I hate conflict. But, I can’t help but think that there is WAY too much going on in this space…The rug…I’m not a fan, is  WAY too busy. The hardwood floors in this space are gorgeous….The purple….I’m not a fan of this either(with the blue) and the art work on the mantle….To me, and it’s just my opinion, there is too much pattern in this space and just too much…I do love the furniture placement , if you check out Healing Barsanti’s website , they have amazing beautiful spaces that really pull together a room…I’m just not sure about this one..

Image 1: After
Image 2: Before
First three images from House Beautiful , photography by Francesco Lagnese. Last image from Healing Barsanti's website