Be prepared for those light bulb jokes to return. You know the ones: “How many (pick your favorite target) does it take to change a light bulb?” These chuckles will be returning because once again changing a light bulb will be “comically simple.”  Have you ever been faced with finding a replacement for this

40 Watt G-10Q Base Double Circline Fluorescent Bulb

or this?

27 watt Verilux Full Natural Spectrum Replacement Bulb

Knocked the smile off your face didn’t it? Well, thanks to our new Bulb Selector, a free application found at www.shadesoflight.com/SOL_bulb.php selecting the right light bulb for your light fixtures is once again simple!

Never again will you need to wrap up your defective light bulb, tote it into the nearest hardware store and hope you can find someone to sheepishly ask: “Do you have one of these?” Use our free application and you will be empowered with all the information you need including manufacturer and part number. With nearly 3,000 light bulbs in its data base, the Shades of Light Bulb Selector not only makes it incredibly easy to identify the correct replacement bulb, it can also help you identify newer more energy-efficient options.

Homeowners and lighting professionals alike will find this program easy to use thanks to the intuitive design of this copyrighted program. Shades of Light has designed the program to work nicely on desktop computers, iPads and other mobile devices. Find the free application at www.shadesoflight.com/SOL_bulb.php  save it to your favorites, and never again let replacing defective bulbs darken your day.

Mod Geometric Tufted Rug

,

This cover was all about earth-friendly yet fabulous! Being “green” and “eco-friendly” doesn’t have to be boring and I set out to prove that. I challenged myself to use either renewable, earth-friendly products or reclaimed and repurposed products only. What a fun challenge, right!?! The earth is full of beautiful color and natural texture from renewable resources that help our earth’s eco-system, and of course reusing old things that are headed to already over flowing landfills is “oh so green”! So I started with my inspiration from our beautiful earth to create the color palette of leafy green with warm tones of browns and beiges. The room was warm and inviting with all the natural texture and the cool green walls contrasting perfectly to create a feel that almost makes you think you are dining in a beautiful forest.

Eco-Chic

I chose all reclaimed wood for the furniture. Every item is made from 100% reclaimed wood and the coolest piece, the reclaimed Railroad Ties Bistro table, was my favorite find. The naturally aged texture of this wood is perfect and the unpolished marble top continues the natural look.

Reclaimed Railroad Ties Bistro Table

The Reclaimed Wood Bistro Chairs I loved so much I actually purchased them for my own home.

Reclaimed Wood "X" back bistro chair

I wanted to keep the texture flowing as I designed the light fixture for above the table. I picked hemp fabric to create the open-weave drum shade pendant. ,Unlike other plants used for fabric making, hemp is naturally eco-friendly because it requires no pesticides, herbicides or any other harmful chemicals to be grown and harvested. I loved the open weave of this fabric because it shows the bulbs, giving this pendant a cool industrial feel.

Hemp Netting Drum Pendant

I dressed the wall with driftwood framed mirrors, no trees harmed here! I picked our popular demi-john table lamp because of the color (obviously) but also because it is made from recycled glass, SCORE!

Driftwood Square Mirror

Demijohn Table Lamp

Finally, I wanted a rug that was not only eco-friendly but hip and cool. I designed our Concentric Stripe rug made from un-dyed wool as to not harm the earth and to keep the naturally beautiful hues of nature untouched. I made the stripes extra wide and chunky because fat stripes are all the rage! I fell in love with this rug and guess what; it also made it home with me!

Eco-Friendly Concentric Stripe Braided Rug

Not finished yet,  I wanted to carry our Eco-Chic style to the back cover as well to showcase our reclaimed style that Shades of Light has made extremely popular but also easily accessible for the home owner. We featured our reclaimed Rotor Pendants that are not only “green” but so industrial chic, a WIN, WIN in my opinion.

Rotor Pendant

Lastly, I chose reclaimed Vintage Patchwork rugs, vintage rugs that have been spared from the landfill to be stitched together to make large rugs. Now they have that sought after “worn” look of antique rugs updated in hot new fashion colors but at a fraction of the price!

Reclaimed Vintage Patchwork Over-Dyed Rug

I hope you find our Eco-Chic cover inspiring and decide to find ways to decrease your carbon foot print while increasing your style impact! Visit our website where we have an entire category devoted to “Green” products as well as our popular and ever changing “One of a Kind Finds” category where we feature all of our reclaimed lighting products, some of which I have found personally during my salvage yard explorations.

Check out all of our Green Products Here!                    OR                 Explore our One of a Kind Finds Here!

Eco-Chic

P.S. Worried about all the new light bulb regulations and want a better understanding of what is to come for our beloved light bulb in this new era of “going green?” Click here where our experts explain the upcoming changes and how Shades of Light will be there to walk you through the ever changing legislation while still offering lighting options that you will love and enjoy in your home.

Our Accordion Modern Swing Arm Wall Sconce adds functional and adjustable lighting to a sewing room makeover in the April 2012 issue of Real Simple magazine.

Accordion Modern Swing Arm Wall Sconce

1.In order to prevent shadows, lights should be placed over top of the work surfaces. A center of the room ceiling fixture can not do this. Every work surface needs to be lit: cabinet tops by under-cabinet lights, islands and sinks by hanging pendants, lanterns, or recessed lights, and the kitchen desk. Make sure the lighting is placed where your body won’t block it when you are working.

Canopy Glass Island Chandelier

Heritage Hanging Lantern

Colored Seeded Glass Pendants

2.Place hanging fixtures with multiple bulbs over eating tables. Several bulbs will always give you the maximum flexibility where you need it. Make sure the fixture is on a dimmer to allow for different functions (reading the newspaper, romantic dining, homework, etc.)

Downlight Kitchen Chandelier

Cherry Bar Chandelier

Create Your Look Island Chandelier

3.General or ambient lighting helps to fill in the gaps in traffic spaces. Recessed lights are great for this purpose. Put these on a dimmer as well to allow for proper light levels from cleaning to dining.

Square Adapter for Recessed Light

Magic Pendant Light Hardware

Trellis Linen Drum Shade Pendant

4.Accent lighting in the kitchen can include lights inside the cabinets (open or with glass doors), picture or sculpture lights, cover lighting, lighting above the cabinets, kickplate lighting under the cabinets (makes a great nightlight), or simply a fun or decorative wall sconce that is simply art itself!

Cone Pivot Shade Wall Lamp

Modern Classic Wall Sconce

In total, you should have at least 2.5 watts per square foot of incandescent light or the equivalent (or 40 lumens per square foot).

Clear Glass Globe Industrial

Mercury Glass Bulb Pendant

Rectangle Radiator Screen Pendant

Paris in the Springtime 2012

The centerpiece of our cover look was our Je T’aime chandelier. This elegant chandelier is aptly named because I love it! The heavily textured finish looks like an authentically aged antique, while the elegantly curved arms and delicate dangling tassels create an airy look. I also love it because it is so affordable at only $399!

Je T'aime Chandelier

We also flanked our Cherry Blossom Canvas Print with the matching Je T’taime sconces which also embody the sophisticated elegance of the chandelier.

Je t'aime Sconce

Cherry Blossom Canvas Print

The large Cherry Blossom Canvas Print was my inspiration for the color palette with its soft smoky blues and creams that reminded me of Paris in the spring. So I painted the walls the soft blue and chose our Robin’s Egg Blue and Cocoa Soumak rug to enliven this space with a fresh hue of blue that blended perfectly with the slightly deeper wall color. The rug carries the color palette to the floor perfectly and grounds the space.

Robin's Egg Blue and Cocoa Soumak Rug

I grounded the wall art with our Turned Leg and Vintage Wood Console Table which also has a finish that blends creams and blues in a distressed painted finish. The console is the perfect size for hallways or behind a sofa as it is not too deep but large enough to hold your décor or lamps.

Turned Leg and Vintage Wood Console

To keep the feel light and breezy, I chose two chairs with clean lines then upholstered them in a textured “linen-look” stripe that was inspired by vintage French burlap feedsacks. The cream with taupe gray stripe creates a subtle and clean accent. These chairs practically speak to you in French! Of course the French inspiration would not have been complete without including our Fleur De Lis Round Tufted ottoman.

French Feedsack Wingback Arm Chair

Fleur De Lis Round Tufted Ottoman

I hope you were inspired by our latest cover to keep things fresh and bring a little of your travels home with you to stay. Remember your favorite hotels, your favorite café, or any other favorite place or space and use that inspiration to recreate the look in your own space. Decorating doesn’t have to be hard if you use what inspires you!

Parisian Chic

The new law

The legislation is meant to improve the efficiency of lighting. The new law does not mean the old-style 100-watt bulb cannot be sold after Jan. 1, only that it cannot be manufactured. Most retailers are still selling the 100-watt incandescent bulb until supplies run out. Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, the traditional 100-watt incandescent bulb has to be more efficient. The 75-watt incandescent bulb is banned as of January 1, 2013, and the 60-watt and 40-watt on January 1, 2014.

The exemptions

Not included in the “ban” are candle bulbs up to 60 watts, rough service (outdoor shatter resistant), 3-way bulbs, colored bulbs (such as pink or yellow bug bulbs), appliance bulbs (stove & refrigerator), plant lights, black lights, and some heavy-duty commercial bulbs. If sales of any of these types double, then restrictions will be placed on them, including maximum wattage and single-pack packaging requirements. California and Nevada will adopt the new federal incandescent bulb standards in 2011 instead of 2012, but the phasing intervals must be maintained.

What are lumens?

Lumens measure brightness (watts just indicate energy use). The standard 100-watt incandescent bulb emits 1750 lumens of light.

What is the best replacement bulb for my 100 watt incandescent bulb?

1. The halogen hybrid light bulb is our top recommendation since it has both a halogen filament and an incandescent filament. Halogen bulbs are similar to incandescent bulbs, but they produce much more light per watt (about 28 percent more efficient). They contain no mercury like fluorescent bulbs and cost a fraction of what an LED costs. They provide a warm white light with a bit of the incandescent feel, are more efficient and cost a couple dollars per bulb.

72 Watt A-19 Frost Halogen Hybrid Bulb

72 Watt A-19 Frost Halogen Hybrid Bulb

Other alternatives include:

2. Pure halogen A bulbs (without incandescent filament): the 72-watt halogen lamp bulb provides at least the same light as the old 100-watt bulb but the light is “whiter”, meaning that you don’t get the “warm” yellow glow of incandescent but do get truer color. And halogen bulbs remain brighter than CFLs. Besides brightness, halogen bulbs are dimmable and warm up instantly.

75 Watt A-19 Frost Halogen Bulb

3. CFL: Even more efficient are compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs, are the spiral-shaped fluorescent bulbs that are commonly seen now). If you get the 2700K (see note c below) version in the A-bulb shape, it will look so much like the former 100 watt incandescent bulb, you can only tell the difference by its size (slightly larger than the incandescents they replace).

15 watt CFL fluorescent light bulb shape

13 watt mini spiral compact fluorescent bulb

Cautions: Make sure to get a dimmable version (if you use a dimmer) and they still do contain minor amounts of mercury.

4. Full spectrum “daylight” bulbs: These are a special fluorescent bulb with bright Natural Spectrum light to lift spirits, sharpen concentration and improve energy levels. They activate your body’s own energy enhancers to make you more alert and productive. (5000-6000K).  See Note C below to learn more about the “color” of light.

60 Watt A-19 Medium Base Happy Bulb

5. LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs: These bulbs have no dangerous ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths and are ultra-efficient and very long-lasting. The 14 watt dimmable LED A19 bulb is the 100-watt replacement but still costs approximately $40-$50 each.

5.8 Watts LED Regular Shape Bulb

Other important facts

a. None of the new bulbs are as inexpensive as the traditional bulbs that we are used to, but each of them, including the halogens, use less electricity and last far longer than the old bulbs.

b. Brighter is not necessarily better! Brightness becomes especially important as you age, when the lens in your eye becomes more rigid and then cloudier. When that happens, more light is needed to provide contrast. But most people prefer a lower-wattage halogen over the higher wattage CFL.

c. The color temperature of a bulb (how “white” or “yellow” the light appears) is just as important as the lumens that it emits.  Higher “Kelvin” bulbs emit a whiter light, whereas lower “Kelvin” bulbs emit a more yellowish light.  Whiter light will be in the 4000K-5000K range, bluer light is 6000K and up and 2700K is equivalent to the yellowish warm light you are used to from the incandescent bulb.

d. d. Other lighting terms: Radiance measures brightness released from the source and luminance measures brightness at the object. Footcandle is the amount of light of one candle on a surface one foot away.

© 2012 www.ShadesOfLight.com

Spun-Glass Spheres Chandelier

Jonathan Adler Ceiling Light

We are delighted our lighting products could be a part of such a great show!

Silver Gray & Gold French Medallion Oushak Rug

Surely our modern machine made rugs are better, right?  Well, not really. Aesthetics aside (and yes, I know that I am dismissing perhaps the greatest strength of these beautiful hand-knotted rugs) and truth be told, today’s modern technology has not enabled us to make a better-quality rug. The tightness of the weave on hand-knotted rugs gives them a “weight” and feeling of plushness that simply isn’t duplicated with machine rugs. Hand-knotted rugs simply lay better on the floor.  Inherently flame retardant, hand knotted rugs are naturally both difficult to ignite as well as self-extinguishing. Wool absorbs dyes more deeply, uniformly and directly without the use of chemicals.

Coral and Golden Sand Traditional Oushak Rug

Wool is more crush resistant than synthetic fibers, giving them superior durability. Hand-knotted rugs simply do not show the wear and tear of everyday use as quickly as their machine-made counterparts.  In fact, rather than deteriorating, hand-knotted rugs actually appreciate in value.  As time passes, the dyed natural fibers of a handmade oriental rug will age gracefully to a wonderful patina. This sheen, caused by use over time, is highly prized by collectors, and actually increases the value of these rugs.

Katrina Oushak Rug in Aqua, Sand & Butter Cream

Want a real treat?  Visit our antique rug category to view great examples of fine hand-knotted rugs. Interested in learning about a hot new trend? Take a look at our Reclaimed Vintage Patchwork Over-Dyed Rugs. These vintage Turkish Oushak hand-knot wool rugs are salvaged and then restyled into exciting new organic and charismatic floor fashion. These reclaimed patchwork rugs are over-dyed in current fashion colors for a fresh contemporary flair.

Reclaimed Vintage Patchwork Over-Dyed Rug

They are part of a fantastic kitchen makeover in an upcoming episode of The Worst Kitchen in America!

Dhurrie Diamond Soho Trellis Rug

Bohemian Market Dhurrie Rug

However, that has not always been the case. With the reputation of being affordable and rough, dhurrie rugs were relegated in the past solely to high traffic areas, kitchens, student apartments and the like. Certainly, not the stuff designers were likely to tackle! So obviously, the fabulous dhurries you are seeing today are not your mother’s old rugs.

Ironwork Trellis Dhurrie Rug

Coral Design Dhurri Rug

Quatrefoil Dhurrie Rug

What happened? Largely hand-loomed in India, dhurries or “dhury” rugs have as rich a history as any of their hand-knotted Turkish brethren. Dhurries have been long respected as the “workhorse” of area rugs with origins that can be traced all the way back to ancient Ajanta cave paintings. However, only relative recently have dhurrie rugs come to fully mature largely under the direction of the western design world. Highly regarded as a leading expert on rugs, David Black was at the forefront of this transformation with his London exhibition “The Underappreciated Dhurrie.” This Exhibition, held in 1982, went a long way toward helping the world recognize the exceptional beauty and practicality that dhurrie rugs could achieve. Having rediscovered the virtues of these rugs, the design world has done more than merely give dhurrie rugs its stamp of approval. The dhurrie weave was adopted and then practically reinvented. Today the tight, fine weave of the dhurrie allows for clean geometric patterns so coveted by style mavens. With these new updated designs and significantly higher quality materials, such as fine quality cottons and wools, the ancient craft now expresses a contemporary design sensibility that fits in perfectly with today’s decors.

Damask Vine Dhurrie Rug

Soho Dhurri Rug

Dhurrie rugs, long admired for their durability and cost effectiveness, have grown in stature and are now the perfect combination of fashion and practicality to match up quite nicely with our modern eclectic lifestyles. Today, dhurries are fashion “must haves” and can be found in a large variety of designs, from classic stripe patterns, now in updated colors…to more intricate graphic designs.

Dhurrie Ticking Stripe Rug

Regatta Dhurri Rug

Coastal Stripe Dhurri Rug

Modern Geometric Dhurri Rug

Grecian Maze Dhurrie Rug

As always, dhurries are reversible and easy to clean, making them so very practical for busy households and especially those with children and pets. True to their heritage, dhurries continue to be more budget friendly than most rugs. Combining their historic practically with this new design sense; all in all, dhurries seem to have come of age quite gracefully. For more information read: Nada Chaldecott in her book Dhurries: History, Technique, Pattern, Identification

Check out our  Hand Tufted Modern Leopard Print Rug in rich Chocolate and Latte and our Out of Africa Cowhide Rug in Black Zebra in the January/February Issue of Midwest Living!

Well I don’t know about you, but it is at this moment I always feel most inspired to start reinventing my decor. I might rearrange the furniture, pick a new paint color, or add some new pops of color to enliven my space. It is with this positive attitude about the New Year and fresh perspective, that I designed our latest catalog cover. I named it “Red Hot Style” because here at Shades of Light we have dubbed 2012 the year of color! This look is about adding edgy details and fresh color to classics that embrace a sophisticated essence.

I began with classic pieces with an edgy update for the space like our ever-popular Springfield Linen Shade Chandelier

Springfield Linen Shade Chandelier

The shiny polished nickel and modern drum shade update on an otherwise traditionally shaped chandelier. Our entire Springfield collection makes this look an easy transition from room to room as well.

Springfield Sconce

Springfield Linen Shade Bath Light

Springfield Linen Shade Ceiling Light

Then I layered in more classic lookls like our crackle Procelain Triple Sphere Table Lamp which sits on our Quatrefoil Marple top side table. The neutral hues of creamy whites and the soft curves strike a contrast with the shiny metal to perfectly transition from classic to modern without even blinking.

Crackle Porcelain Triple Sphere Table Lamp

Quatrefoil Marble Top Side Table

Our beyond classic Louis Regency Arm Chair updates the look with its creamy white wooden frame and solid charcoal gray upholstery.

Louis Regency Arm Chair

To finish the look I wanted to really make a statement of modern edge. I chose to create a graphic chevron rug but with the unexpected twist of shag. This city chic look instantly grounds the space and says no fear for the New Year!

Chevron Stripe Shag Rug

Not to go unmentioned, my choice of wall color really brings this look to completion. The hot red is the perfect hue, not too orange and not too harsh! It is rich and deep yet still fun and fresh. It is the kind of color that draws you in, enlivens you and raises your spirit!

Red Hot Style 2012

I hope our latest cover inspires you to embrace a new edgy style for 2012, with hot colors, updated classics, and a no fear attitude for the New Year!

Big. Bold. Graphic

Prints are back! Geometric prints and bold florals continue to dominate rugs and pillows (and thus lampshades)! They are trending towards more abstract. Silhouette prints and white on one color background for a fresh perspective. Grecian motifs (Greek key, Corinthian columns, arches) grow in demand.

Ironwork Trellis Dhurrie Rug

Retro Honeycomb Drum Shade Pendant

Amy Butler Vibrant Damask Rug

Ethnic Eclecticism

Ethnic prints such as ikat, susani, shibori (tie-dye effects), and paisley lend a worldly quality to home furnishings. Done in blues and in a larger scale to update the look.

And southwest patterns are making more appearances in rugs and upholstery.

18" Ikat Drum Shade

Suzani Side Arm Chair

Color

Once again, color was everywhere…and I mean vibrant reds, purples, yellows, and fuchsia.

Sizzling Colors Geometric Ceramic Table Lamp

Convertible Ceiling to Wall Color Pop Sconce

Outdoor or Indoor Summer Trellis Hooked Rug

Modern Spindle Table Lamp Base

Neutrals have not gone away:

Not to forget the hot updated neutrals: latte, bronze, and warmer grays.

Silver Gray and Gold French Medallion Oushak Rug

Mary McDonald Metropolitan Leopold Sconce

Pale Slate Blue & Beige Antique Oushak Rug

Wavy Stripe Dhurrie Rug

Vine Tibetan Hand Knotted Rug

Modern Art Dots Hand Knot Rug

Gray Mottled Urn Table Lamp

French Gray Wire Basket Chandelier

16" Trellis Linen Drum Shade

Vintage French Gray Console Table

Eco natural ingredients

Natural wood, stone and burlap are taking on modern shapes. Leather is embossed with bamboo, tree trunks and reclaimed wood are used for table and lamp bases, and semi-precious stones are put on display. Eco fashion goes back to natural elements with feathers, shells, twig, and bark.

Hemp Netting Drum Pendant

Reclaimed Wood Buffet

Eco-Friendly Concentric Stripe Braided Rug

Teak Wood Urn Table Lamp

Vintage vibe meets modern

Mirrored finishes have gone from antiqued to clean and contemporary.

Parisian vintage has become a timeless classic.

“Made in America” is being featured everywhere.

Retro-inspired furniture and lighting seem to be on the rise.

Industrial lightens up:

Wood finishes moved from the dark side into the light, and painted surfaces took a neutral stance in pale grays and white. Industrial fixtures are reinvented in shiny metals for a more sophisticated stance.

Industrial Luxe Cone Pendant

Industrial Wooden Folding End Table

Industrial Saucer Sconce

Industrial Galvanized Bucket and Pipe Pendant

Industrial Work Light Clamp Desk Lamp

Industrial Retro Semi Flush Ceiling Light

Clear Glass Globe Industrial Pendant

Glam goes sophisticated:

Gatsby-inspired glamorous design, lavish fabrics, and stunning “jewels” with trendy accents, spurred on by the re-release of the movie. Diamond-encrusted furnishings and designs reinvented so well by Mary McDonald.

Mary McDonald Regal Swag Table Lamp

Mary McDonald Hollywood Glam Sconce

Mary McDonald Regal Swag Sconce

Artsy Origami Inspiration:

Asymmetrical designs and 3-D art forms are showing up in lighting, furniture and fabric designs.

Modern Twisted Twig Sconce

Laser Cut Geometric Sconce

Soft Contemporary

Brush strokes and soft contemporary art forms dominate the market. Curves on upholstery and furniture soften up the austere squared shapes of last year.

Multi-purpose furniture was everywhere: coffee tables that open to desks, islands that have folding leaves, tables that fold to store in closets.

The new rules are to mix and match with what you already own! Layer, balance and display your treasures!

Next year, it’s all about tangerine. Pantone, the design world’s authority on color identification, today announced its much-anticipated color of the year for 2012 —Tangerine Tango, a dramatic reddish orange with a positive energy and warmth. Although it can be intimidating at first, this attention-grabbing orange is a surprisingly flexible hue.

Chevron Stripe Shag Rug

Sizzling Colors Geometric Table Lamp

Tibetan Hand Knot Starburst Rug

Rattan Cage Floor Lamp

Our Elegance Crystal Swag Chandelier stole the show in a Barn Party article in Southern Lady Holidays special collector’s issue!

Our Terrace Silhouette Dhurrie Rug in Lemon Chiffon, Modern Spindle Table Lamp Base, and Carnival Wonderland Lamp Shade were all featured in an article about The Ultimate Bedroom in Storage Magazine ( A Better Homes & Gardens Special Interest Publication).

Bath Dreams 2011

Whether the goal of your bathroom remodel is resale or you are updating for personal use, lighting is one of the most important elements to consider in these makeovers.  Obviously, you need good “task” lighting in your bathrooms (make-up, shaving etc.) but these days people are putting more into their bathroom remodels. They are putting their own personality into these rooms as well.  Master baths, guest baths, even half baths are being decorated in concert with the rest of the house. For relatively little money you can make your bathroom look really special by making it personal.

In creating my “Bath Dreams 2011” theme for our current catalog, I wanted something luxurious yet simple.  The dripping crystal chandelier  and matching dripping crystal wall sconce  express perfectly the mood I wanted to create. They look fabulous and they give me my “layers of light” which as you know, is so essential for a good lighting design.  And while these lights look so undeniably rich, they are actually exceptionally well priced!

Dripping Crystal Shade Chandelier

Dripping Crystal Shade Sconce

Continuing on with this theme of a dream bath that was luxurious, simple and uncluttered, I added just the barest of essentials:  a fabulous hand-knotted Ousak rug (link).  This rug has all my spa colors: turquoise, a soft sand color and a buttery cream color. Not only is this rug gorgeous, it is luxuriously plush and feels so good under foot. It is just about the only thing that could get me out of this dream bath!

Katrina Oushak Rug in Aqua, Sand and Butter Cream

I added a very beautiful and versatile Zen garden stool and to help me relax, a water inspired painting by a local artist, Fran Reidelbach. I finished things off with my favorite oversized soft towels under the watchful eye of my guard dog! And now I am oh so ready for a good relaxing soak!

Large Zen Garden Stool

So go ahead, make yourself a dream bathroom!  Make the bathroom look more spa-like and less utilitarian. Do it for yourself, creating an oasis that you can escape to after a long hard day; or for your guests because let’s face it; most of your guests are going to ask to use the bathroom eventually!

Real Simple Magazine featured 3 of our products (Mod Flower Drum Lampshade, Clearly Modern Glass Table Lamp, and Modern Drum Burlap Shade) in their November 2011 issue in an article entitled Doable Decorating : Shade Trade

Our Naturally Superior Twig Chandelier looked great in Renovation Style’s Fall 2011 issue in an article on Cabin Style.

We are so glad to have you stop by. If this is your first time on our website, please feel free to explore our wide range of exclusive products created by our in-house designers. The “make your own designer-look pendant light” is a great way to get a designer shade chandelier at a reasonable price!

This Old House has arranged with Shades of Light for readers to get a 15% discount on the Euro Fitter Retro Honeycomb Drum Shade featured on page 84 of the October 2011 issue. Use the code TOH15 when you order and enjoy a great look at a great price!

We also offer over 20 choices in shades to fit the electrical cord shown in This Old House Magazine (see our Pendant Shades under the Lamp Shades category) as well as pendant hardware to fit standard washer (spider) lamp shades. We also offer pendant shade hardware (PE09048A) to take higher wattages (2 bulbs) and a diffuser to soften the light and hide the bulbs.

Click here to read the article on ThisOldHouse.com!

Check out our Modern Spindle Table Lamp Base in Grass Green featured in Better Homes and Gardens September 2011 issue

What is City Chic and how do you get the look? Terms like this are tossed around by design gurus all the time and may seem a little intimidating to your Average Joe. So, I thought I would help you out with some inside designer perspective on the topic.

City Chic 2011

City Chic is the name for our latest catalog collection and the look is defined by a global style with a “well-traveled” eclectic appeal finished with clean lines and classic touches. Picture the apartment of a world-traveling city dweller who has collected beautiful elements from their travels and combined them with a classic and clean foundation to keep the look sleek and not busy.
So the question still remains, how do you create this look in your own space? Let me walk you through a few quick steps that will put you well on your way to City Chic and that much needed update you have been wanting for your home.

1: EDIT! I am sure you have some prized collections of your own that you have picked up from traveling, memorable holidays, etc… but the key is to not display ALL of them ALL the time. Edit your collections down to a few pieces at a time and rotate them out to keep things fresh. This step is a quick easy dash through the house with a box to store your edited items away, EASY RIGHT?!?
2: Think CLEAN AND CLASSIC! Your foundation of furniture in the room should be proven design elements that never go out of style. For instance our City Chic cover featured a basic black console with clean lines and a very faint Asian appeal.

Asian Inspiration Wooden Console Table

I chose this piece because of its classic style that can transition from room to room and trend to trend with ease. Also on the backcover of our City Chic catalog you will find the same look in the bathroom with our simple black Demilune Storage vanity.

Black Demilune Storage Vanity

The idea is to keep it simple!
3: Add some Global Appeal! Maybe you are saying to yourself this is great but I am not a world traveler! Well that is ok because we have brought the world to you with our City Chic collection. Add our “Out of Africa Cowhide” to your space as a simple scatter rug for a bold graphic element that will bring your space to life! Or add our natural Long Horn table lamp which combines modern metallic Polished Nickel with Mother Nature’s unmatched beauty in the natural horn. The soothing grays and whites in the horn add a spa-like environment that will sooth the senses! There are tons of globally inspired products on our website to choose from in all prices so you are sure to find something to complement your space!
4: Let is Shine! Our shiny polished nickel lighting adds the “jewelry” to your space and will bring the look together just like your favorite pair of earrings makes your outfit complete! Our “Pencil Arm Modern Chandelier” is the perfect sleek chandelier for this look with clean lines and an exquisite nickel that shines like glass!

Pencil Arm Modern Chandelier

We also added our Starburst mirror for another shiny element on the walls.

Starburst Mirror

Then we took the look to the bath with our “French Twist Sconce”

French Twist 2 light Sconce

It is all about adding that finishing touch of metallic sparkle to the room that would otherwise feel flat and dull!
Well, I hope these quick tips help your update your space and give you some insight into the elements of a “City Chic” space and I truly hope you were inspired by our latest catalog collection!
Until next time,

Katrina