Refreshing a Space One Item at a Time

Like most people, when it is time to refresh a room's decor I start with one or two elements. A new rug, a new light fixture, a new chair or two. While we like to believe that everyone has the funds to redo an entire room from paint to furniture to rugs to lighting all in one magically swoop, that is not most people's reality. I know Pinterest has us thinking differently. So until the decorating gods bestow us with an unlimited budget, I pulled some of my favorite current home pieces that could easily be swapped into many different spaces for a quick, but highly satisfying refresh. 

1. I am eyeing these pretty chairs for our kitchen. They come in a bunch of colors and I love the natural fiber seat. 

2. & 3. Love these two side tables. The gray (comes in other colors too) has such great texture and the x base option has great lines. Comes in white as well. 

4. This is a such a pretty oushak rug. 

5. A big reclaimed farm table that can adjust for bigger parties. 

6. These dining chairs are perfect for a kitchen and come in a ton of colors. A nice modern update to a windsor. 

7. A soft jute rug with a banding that comes in different colors. PB Kids, not just for kids rooms! 

8. Love the shape and slightly rustic feel of this chandelier. 

9. Love this black and white spindle chair. Comes in a stripe as well. 

10. Spendy, but I LOVE this coffee table. Storage and a coastal feel is a win. 

Any great finds your obsessing over? 

xo

Erin 

Chandelier Shopping

I have been talking about giving our dining room a refresh for quite some time. And I am starting to feel motivated for some reason. It is hilarious how you can live somewhere for years and put things off for so long. But I always tell clients, better to really live somewhere for a bit before you dive into projects. So I guess I am taking my own advice. This is the dining room currently. Boring. ha

All the furniture was Matt's great grandmother's (chairs new, buffet and breakfront not pictured) and those random things all over the mantel were from the holidays (old photo). All this place needs is a bit of paint (dark navy above chair rail), some additional moldings (under chair rail all painted white), a new light fixture, a great mirror for above the fireplace, and a big piece of art for over the buffet. Lighting is probably my least favorite thing to choose because like rugs, I torture myself with the decision. I actually love the fixture we have, but it does not go with the style of our home or the furniture (If interested in buying lmk). I have narrowed down the field for a replacement and thought you might be looking as well, so here are the options...

Some simple, but pretty pieces...

1. Really loving the lines of this Thomas O'Brien $735 (four finish options) 

2. Just enough curve on this one by Barbara Berry $945 

3. Simple but such a statement maker Anthropologie $1750

 Some more feminine, but not too ornate options...

1. Really love the rope like feel of this E.F. Chapman $895 

2. This is such a classic shape and I love the star One Kings Lane $1195

3. Not sure I want to do a shade again, but this is pretty. Bloomingdales $1170

4. The scrolling is so pretty One Kings Lane $1155

 And some other shapes that I love...

1.Such a unique shape, a little modern, but cool One Kings Lane $1399

2. This is the lantern everyone wants, always a good choice One Kings Lane $629

3. The round shape and shades feel very grown up One Kings Lane $1155

Clearly this is an investment, so I want to choose correctly. I will keep you posted when something gets put up. As for paint, that might have to wait until this Fall. Some fun projects to come that I cannot wait to share. 

xo

Erin 

Affordable Lighting Options

Lighting can be one of those changes that completely changes an entire space. The problem is that it can also be one of the largest investments in a space. I have been helping people not only with fashion styling services, but also home styling lately, (email me!) and most people just need a few pieces to tie their rooms together. Lighting options are usually one of my first suggestions. In an effort to keep everyone's budget in tact, I have rounded up some of the best lighting options that would be wonderful in so many rooms. 

1. This vintage lantern is so fun. Chairish $395

2. A client I helped just hung this above her dining table and it is stunning. Pottery Barn $399

3. A pair of these over an island would be so chic. Or down a hallway. Shades of Light $159

4. Beautiful shaped lantern. Shades of Light $279

5. Such a different take on the rustic look in this metal pendant. Lulu & Georgia $207

6. I have these lining my hallway. Pottery Barn $169

7. I am such a sucker for a lantern. This one has a vintage look without the huge price tag. Pottery Barn $399

8. This would look so great above a rustic farmer's table. Pottery Barn $799

9. It is hard to find a quality chandelier for under one thousand, this has a retro feel I love. West Elm $899

10. This is such a classic look and the mixed metals is fun. West Elm $319

11. Love the shape of this mid century vintage chandelier. Chairish $396

12. Worship the shape and the lined shade. Also comes in navy and gray. Shades of Light $319

13. The mix of wood and metal along with the shape makes this such a statement. Pottery Barn $399

xo

Erin 

Modern Lighting

I had the great privilege to receive my husband's grandmother's dining room set for our house. It is a beautiful set with dark wood finish, curved glass in the china cabinet, and tons of storage in the break front. It was actually her mother's and is in incredible condition. When trying to design the room around the pieces, I wanted to give it a more modern feel. I was inspired when I went to Sepia for lunch one day and saw these beautiful chandeliers covered in soft canvas shades. It was such a great way to have the elegance of a glistening chandelier, without the stuffy feel you sometimes get from antique lighting fixtures. The search took me to many stores online and in the city. Of course you can find the most magnificent fixture anywhere if you are willing to spend upwards of ten thousand dollars, which I was not. Not even close. This fixture that I found was perfect as it has two personalities. When unlit, you see just a shiny platinum shade with a few crystals hanging from the bottom. Once lit, you get the entire effect of a chandelier through a silver finished translucent shade. I found this at Lightology in Chicago, who also sells online and has a few different options in this style. Here are some more modern twists on classics that I scavenged for online.

Filament Chandelier from Restoration Hardware
Lucite Calais Chandelier from Z Gallerie
Chrome & Black Shaded Chandelier on Overstock.com
Exeter Glass Jar Chandelier from Pottery Barn
Glass Link Chandelier from West Elm

xo
Erin