Lamps Plus Blog - Home Decor and Lighting Tips

Wedding Gift Ideas: Perfect Decor for the Perfect Couple

Anne Sage — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

With the end of June comes wedding season and its tricky questions of etiquette, how to dress, when to arrive for cocktail hour, and thinking of wedding gift ideas! A gift of home decor is always welcome whether the couple is joining households after the wedding or whether they have been living together for years. Many couples today register for gifts, but if you pay attention to the bride and groom's taste then any thoughtful present feels right.

Inspiration often comes from the wedding itself and can be a great way to honor memories of that special day! A couple that collects vintage may appreciate vases or table lamps with a handmade feel, while those who incorporate a more glamourous sensibility into their nuptials will like metallic or mirrored home accessories.

If you're celebrating the marriage of a pair who loves all things traditional, think of wedding gift ideas with damasks and brass that complement their florals and table settings. No matter what their style piece for their abode signifies wishes for future joy and blessings!

Shopping Guide: 1. Mail Sack Jute Throw Pillow 2. Rope and Glass Table Lamp 3. Hand Blown Glass Vase 4. Blush Metallic Floral Throw Pillow 5. Color Plus Mercury Glass Table Lamp 6. Polished Nickel and Glass Vase 7. Black Damask Throw Pillow 8. Brass Pineapple Table Lamp 9. Red and White Porcelain Lidded Jar

Images: Lamps Plus Guest Blogging Pinterest

Unique Coffee Table Ideas

KariAnne Wood — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Looking for unique coffee table ideas?

This is the place.

I'm so happy you and your coffee table dreams are here.

The coffee table is one of the most overlooked pieces of furniture in the home.

But today is its day in the sun.

Sometimes with coffee tables.....simple is the best.

Why not create geometric interest with two linear rectangles?

The modern lines of these tables create visual interest when placed next to the antique chair and vintage screen.

Why not re-purpose something that you already have?

Add casters to a pallet and distress for a one-of-a-kind piece.

Next, place throw pillows on the floor for an impromptu party.

Decorating on a budget?

Stack books and add a simple frame for a simple coffee table that's both functional and stylish.

You could also create a similar look with boxes or a grouping of stools.

Lastly, create a coffee table from an unusual material.

Here, a table created from birch logs creates a statement piece that would work well with any decor.

The logs frame a center wooden box for a rustic look with flair.

Looking for a few more unique coffee table ideas?

Here's a great collection of tables.....

....guaranteed to make all your coffee table dreams come true.

1. Geometric Glass Coffee Table 2. Carved Pine Coffee Table 3. Rustic Wood & Metal Coffee Table

4. Rectangular Rolling Coffee Table 5. Wood & Glass Coffee Table 6. Chrome & Glass Coffee Table

Photo credit: photo1: bhg photo 2: Apartment Therapy photo 3: Apartment Therapy photo 4: Apartment Therapy photo 5: bhg

Get the Look of Designer David Jimenez - Part 2

Meg Biram — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

After falling in love with a two-bedroom apartment in the Sophian on Warwick Boulevard in Kansas City, designer David Jimenez underwent a seven-month renovation of his new digs.

Recently featured in Architectural Digest, Jimenez's living space feels grand and expensive, yet he also manages to make it feel lived in. The light-filled space makes you feel like you can walk right in plop down on the chic tailored sofa, and pick up a book. Photo credit: Photography by Joshua McHugh, Styled by Howard Christian, for Architectural Digest.

Achieve the layered look of David Jimenez with this shopping guide: 1. White and Clear Glass Clementine Vase 2. Large Black Chandelier 3. Woman's Face Sketch II Print 4. Brass Black Parchment Shade Table Lamp 5. Large Gustavo Glass Vase 6. Howard Elliott Short Stepped Mirrored Pedestal End Table 7. Safavieh Paris Shag Rug 8. Safavieh Karsen Beige Linen Wood Club Chair 9. Arterior Homes Nelson Crisscross Acacia Room Screen 10. Safavieh Turquoise Sunder Needlework Pillows 11. Carrera Glass Accent Lamp (currently unavailable - shop similar glass and crystal table lamps here)

Love this design aesthetic? Check out part 1 of Get the Look of Designer David Jimenez.

Style School: Southwestern Decor

Anne Sage — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Southwestern decor has been popular for decades, and lately it's been enjoying an even greater resurgence in both fashion and home decor. But don't confuse today's take on the Navajo style with the silver and turquoise belt buckle motifs of the past. The latest interpretations feel fresh, clean, and contemporary—without so much as a hint of cowboy paraphernalia.

The decor style of the Southwest can be traced to three main sources: the region's natural resources such as red clay and pine; the Spanish influence of tiles and hand-painted ceramics; and the traditional woven patterns of the Native Americans. Today's version of Southwest style layers these elements using a more subdued approach to color and embellishment than we've seen in the past.

To get the Southwestern decor look, incorporate plenty of texture with materials like raw wood, leather, and animal hides. Patterned area rugs and colorful throw blankets provide vibrant accents. A cluster of cacti or succulents in a terracotta planter lends a cheerful presence that won't require as much maintenance as other indoor greenery. Lighting in natural materials and finishes brings in earthy texture. Most importantly, keep a casual vibe throughout. If you can sit back and imagine yourself relaxing around a desert campfire beneath the stars, you're on the right track!

Shopping Guide: 1. Distressed Wood Mirror 2. Yellow Table Lamp 3. Cow Hide Pillow 4. Landscape Wall Art 5. Exotic Floral Tapas Plates 6. Terra Cotta Cactus Garden 7. Red Kilim Area Rug

Images: Lamps Plus Guest Blogging Pinterest.

The Wonderful World of Woven Pendant Lights

Erin Hiemstra — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

A great way to add a gorgeous natural element to a room is by adding in woven pendant lights. These beauties are everywhere right now! They're even showing up in unexpected places like the bedroom where they make such a great statement piece hanging over the bed! I'm just dying to get my hands on one!

Woven pendant lights come in all shapes and sizes, but I say, the bigger the better! Usually woven from a natural grass, like seagrass, they really bring an exotic, global flair to the room. I love the idea of hanging it really low and off centered off a bench or a chair as an alternative to a traditional reading lamp!

This bedroom would be pretty boring without a statement chandelier. Again, it's unconventional to put woven pendant lights over the bed, so get creative! Hang it by a pipe in an industrial space for an instant wow factor.

Image credits: Forlab, Via Pinterest, Via Pinterest, Via Pinterest.

Inspired by New Zealand: Nautical Decor

Allison Rosenberg — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

I am lucky enough to get the opportunity to travel to many interesting places. The latest stop on my globetrotting adventures is Auckland, New Zealand, a city on the coast with a booming coastal culture. A city with a huge emphasis on the boating culture, it is no surprise there was a big nautical influence in the architecture and decor of Auckland.

Below check out some wonderful views of the city and some stylish home decor to help you bring a bit of Auckland, New Zealand to your home.

In Auckland, the beautiful colored waters surrounds the city, and you better believe it is celebrated. The city has one of the largest yacht cultures in the world and has spawned dozens of champion yachtsmen and sailing competitors. Port holes figure in to the cities architecture and salvaged buoys serve as unique outdoor pendant lights and planters.

Translating this effortlessly coastal chic home decor and design is easier than you think. Taking design elements of the style like stripes, blue and red hues and nautical vintage-inspired home accessories. Below are some gorgeous nautical room scenes and accessories that any design savvy home maker can reinterpret in their own space.

Shop the look here: Nautical Pillows, Rope Table Lamp, Ship Bookends, Barnacle Sculpture, Wooden Buoys, Signal Flag Framed Art

All Images: Allison Rosenberg, Pinterest

Colorful Patchwork Pop Style

Robert Levine — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Anything goes when it comes to patchwork pop style. While patchwork pop may look totally haphazard, there is a method to this madness. I see it and describe it as Sixties Pop meets Woodstock Hippie.

Although it appears that items are simply tossed together like a giant salad, Patchwork Style is still a style. You can’t cheat it! Broken down flea market furniture and paint by numbers art will not look stylish no matter how many times you try to convince yourself.

Furniture must still be first rate and never too worn. After all Pop, is defined by fresh and crisp color. Color can come not only from furniture but by lighting as well. Whimsical chandeliers can infuse color into a room as can replacement shades.

The Hippie portion of this look can be introduced through textiles and floor coverings. Woven and colorful rugs can help define your room and is a good backdrop for monochromatic furniture, whether white or saturated with color. What I like about all of these rooms is that they exhibit unique and quirky objects but don’t look junky because they are placed in clean and simply painted white rooms. Everything has it’s place and doesn’t fight with the other one-of-a-kind objects.

Here's how to get the look of colorful patchwork pop style at home: 1. Red Velour Lounge Chair (currently unavailable - shop simiar red contemporary chairs here) 2. Glossy Yellow Side Table 3. Scatter Giclee Shade 4. Liora Manne Visions II Ikat Diamonds Red Area Rug 5. Fizz Collection Polished Chrome Chandelier 6. Vicart II 16" Wide European Contemporary Wall Art

Photos: ECLECchic.

Lighten Up with a Summer Lighting Makeover!

Anne Sage — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

With the official first day of summer just around the corner and temperatures already soaring in many parts of the country, it's only natural to crave lighter, brighter decor this time of year! Many summer interiors switches seem obvious—changing flannel bedsheets for crisp linens, swapping heavy draperies for sheers—but this year consider an unexpected update to your warm weather decor with table lamps in seasonally appropriate finishes.

Look to your favorite summer vacation spots for ideas. The beach, with its reflective waters, hot sands, and waving grasses, makes for perfect inspiration. Glass table lamps have an airy personality and some even open at the top to allow for accents like shells or small souvenirs to be displayed. Ceramic lamps offer an earthy presence and evoke the feeling of the sun on your skin. Finally, coastal lamp shades and bases in rattan and jute have a distinct natural sensibility. Not only is new lighting high impact for low effort, it allows you to introduce a little texture and a lot of imagination to your summer decor!

Shopping Guide: 1. Shaped Glass Table Lamp 2. Cloche Fillable Glass Table Lamp 3. Clear Seeded Glass Table Lamp 4. Tagine Terracotta Table Lamp 5. Textured Pottery Table Lamp 6. White and Terracotta Table Lamp 7. Jute Table Lamp 8. Woven Shade Table Lamp 9. Woven Rattan Table Lamp

Images: Lamps Plus Guest Blogging Pinterest

Home Decor Trend: Craftsman Style

Robert Levine — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

The Craftsman style is a home decor trend steeped in history. Today’s version is somewhat of a melting pot combining true Craftsman Style as characterized by Stickley and Tiffany designs with Prairie Style and Art Nouveau.

This popular design trend, ideal for bungalows, has been featured at Lamps Plus with an entire Craftsman style decorating section offering everything from furniture to traditional outdoor lighting to decorative items to lamps.

You can’t miss a Craftsman home as there is usually a deep front porch designed in period style. Rockers are key as are rich metal sconces. Some folks like to use mica lamp shades which create a warm glow, but just know that they don’t throw off much light. If you must paint, darker greens and plums look good and reflect nature.

The Craftsman interior can be varied as I stated above, but regardless of the elements you include, it’s all about using interesting textures to create a cozy feel. Craftsman design celebrates nature in may forms, from the most natural materials like wood, leather and copper to nature depicted in carvings, fabrics and lamp shades. This space is successful because the woods are deeply burnished and rich and the copper and bronze are weathered exhibiting a forged look.

Craftsman style translates from living spaces to kitchens and bathrooms beautifully. Just remember to stick with natural wood and hammered bronze or oil rubbed hardware. When it comes to lighting, leaded fixtures and Tiffany-style chandeliers for the dining room work best.

Shopping guide: 1. Bronze Mission Style Tree Outdoor Wall Light 2. Florals Set of 3 Wall Art Pieces 3. Mission Style Oak Finish Slat Back Rocker 4. Recliner (currently unavailable - shop similar Arts & Crafts style seating here) 5. Quoizel Alhambra Tiffany Table Lamp 6. Pendant Chandelier (currently unavailable - shop similar Craftsman style pendant lighting here)

Photos: This Old House.

Do You Have a Juju Hat?

Erin Hiemstra — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Juju hats have officially made a comeback in modern spaces and their impact in a space is not to be ignored! The traditional headdress makes for an impressive piece of wall art and brings great texture to the room! I'm particularly loving the juju hat in white feathers. It pops on a dark wall and balances a white wall and neutral room so harmoniously! Let's take a look!

The juju hat comes from the African country of Cameroon. They are a symbol of prosperity and usually worn by dancers during tribal ceremonies. Juju hats are made of feathers and grasses, meant to mimic the beauty and free qualities of a bird in flight. Can you just imagine how breathtaking a traditional Cameroon ceremony must be?!

I love the idea of a traditional headdress as a piece of statement art. The softness it brings to a room, especially a bedroom is just gorgeous! So, what do you think of decorating your home with a juju hat?

Image credits: Via Pinterest, Via Pinterest, Via Pinterest, House and Home, Design Gratis.

It's All About Yellow

KariAnne Wood — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

This summer....it's all about yellow.

What is it about yellow?

The color of sunshine.

The color of a tall glass of lemonade on a screened-in porch on a lazy summer day.

The color of spring flowers in the meadow dancing on a spring breeze.

The color of joy.

Here are some easy ways to make a splash this summer by adding a little yellow into your home decor.

1. Just a drop

A little pop of yellow brightens any room.

Add yellow in textiles or small pieces that are easily interchangeable.

Brighten a dark corner with fun yellow home accessories or a small piece of furniture like a yellow upholstered ottoman.

2. Toss it

Charge up a neutral room with brightly colored decorative pillows in a variety of patterns and colors.

Add texture with throw blanket or a vintage basket filled with your favorite magazines or books.

Draw the eye to a focal wall with a mirror in a vibrant yellow hue.

3. Light it Up

A current trend is bold color choices for lamps.

A vibrant Color + Plus floor lamp makes the perfect statement accessory.

Lighten up a side table or entry way with a pair of bright yellow lamps paired with a dramatic shade.

4. Sleep on it

Yellow makes a statement in a bedroom when paired with contemporary graphic prints and a delicately scrolled headboard or a colorful folding screen.

Create storage at the end of the bed with an upholstered bench in a cheerful print.

Add a pop of color to the walls with simple yellow picture frames.

So this summer....it's all about yellow.

It's sunshine and lemonade and a field of flowers.

It's vibrant and sunny and vivid.......but the best thing about yellow?

It has the amazing ability to bring out a smile.

Photo Credits: Photo 1: Thistlewood Farms Photo 2: bhg Photo 3: Martha Stewart Photo 4: Martha Stewart Photo 5: Sarah Richardson Design

Bathroom Updates with Accessories and Lighting

Meg Biram — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Bathroom updates are easier than you think! Give your bathroom a little boost with a few accessories, lighting and simple pieces of furniture. We've found three dreamy bathrooms to give you some inspiration:

CLASSIC STRIPES: The editor of Rue Magazine, Crystal Gentilello, made a statement in her narrow toilet room by adding dramatic black and white stripes with classic lighting and decor. (Photo by Emily Anderson featured in Rue Magazine.)

Shopping Guide: White Faux Calla Lily in Glass Vase, Scents of Sicily Lipari Ylang Ylang Black Soy Candle, Queen Ann Antique Black Oval Wall Mirror (currently unavailable - shop similar black oval wall mirrors here), Madison Black and Chrome Wall Sconce.

FEMININE MONOCHROMATIC: So maybe a giant mural on your bathroom wall isn't your cup of tea, but you can always include framed artwork and other accessories to give it some style. Bathroom updates with monochromatic color schemes always feel spa-like to me, and you can add feminine details in the accessories and lighting (like the nail heads on the ottoman and the pattern in the rug). (Photo by Ron Royals featured in Rue Magazine. Styling by Lisa Sherry.)

Shopping Guide: Shoreline Antique White Wall Mirror, Faux Leather Vanilla Storage Cube, Loloi Beige Area Rug, Asian Wall Art.

MINIMAL BEACH: Not one for clutter, this minimal bathroom evokes a beach feeling with the grasscloth wallpaper and roped accents. With the white and tan theme, you are sure to feel relaxed. Mini pendant lights with crystals bring just a hint of sparkle. (Photo by Emily Johnston Anderson featured in Rue Magazine. Design by Heather Garrett.)

Shopping Guide: Zuo Spring Lumen Stool with LED Glow, Encircled Crystal Pendant, White Finish Wood Leaning Shelf, Petra Smoked and White Glass Vase

Red, White, and Blue Front Porches

Marni Katz — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Putting together a patriotic porch is easier than ever with the multitude of available outdoor products, from rugs and furniture to lighting and fans. With Memorial Day just past, and Independence Day around the corner, red, white, and blue front porches are an obvious way to pay homage to this Americana color scheme. While this palette often reads as traditional, we also curated a collection of contemporary products that will mesh well with a more modern abode, and still have you whistling Dixie.

Classic Porch Shopping Guide: 1. Howard Miller Tide Mate III Clock 2. Outdoor Tropical White Ceiling Fan 3. Barn Wall Urban Galvanized Outdoor Wall Sconce 4. Veranda Maritime Blue Indoor/Outdoor Rug 5. Indigo Blue Outdoor Pillows 6. Anchor Silhouette Art .7. UNO Chili 4-Piece Place Setting 8. Antiqued Wood and Metal Console 9. Glacier Blue Wine Goblets 10. White Clam Shell Bowl 11. Galvanized Steel Tub 12. Judith Edwards Designs Buoys 13. Sailing Ship Coat Hanger 14. Willis Rattan Hurricane Lantern 15. Monterey Wood Adirondack Chair

Sleek Porch Shopping Guide: 1. Stratus Collection Indoor-Outdoor Wall Sconce 2. Rachael Wide White Lantern Candle Holders 3. Town and Country Bird House 4. Entity Brushed Nickel Damp Location Ceiling Fan 5. Moray Seagrass Area Rug 6. Zuo Wire Chrome Dining Chairs 7. Picnic Time Metro Collapsible Vista Basket 8. Zuo Wilco Dining Table 9. Whale Silhouette Art 10. Zuo Xert Modern White and Glass Serving Cart 11. Glacier Blue Polycarbonate Margarita Glasses 12. Zuo Copacabana Outdoor Modular Seat 13. Zuo Copacabana Outdoor Ottoman 14. Zuo Pup Red Kids Chair 15. Zuo Drop Stool 16. Textural Cool Blues Pillow 17. Puzzle Outdoors Ottoman

Which of these red white and blue front porches is more your style - classic or sleek? Either way, your outdoor space will be decorated in style.

Photos (clockwise): Pottery Barn; Better Homes & Gardens; House to Home; Coastal Living.

Americana Style Home Decor

Robert Levine — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Americana style home decor is not just one single “look.” Classic Americana can encompass everything from traditional Colonial spinning wheels to the 1950s diner. Needless to say, the range for Americana home decor is varied, whimsical and singularly American!

1. Picnic Time Old Glory Bamboo Cheese Cutting Board 2. Chapman Collection Pendant Chandelier

Naturally anything designed with an American Flag can be considered Americana. I think, however, if you are going to decorate with the flag that you should opt for an antique version. Please don’t hang up a crisp, new nylon flag and think it’s fabulous. Stick to weathered and old-looking. Speaking of old, I love the look of pendant light fixtures that echo the look of log cabin design. What could be more American than Little House on the Prairie?

3. Silver Tin Stars Wall Decor Set of 3

The hearty pioneering “cabin” look can also be characterized by old metal stoves, punch pie tin panels and woolen blankets. This rough-hewn look celebrates a no-nonsense way of life with just a hint of embellishment.

4. Punched Bronze Metal Star Wall Decor Set of 3 5. Vintage Treats Giclee Clip-On Set of Four Shades

Another way to pay homage to America is by exploring the notion of freedom. Stars and stripes are a great theme as is our love of free enterprise, shopping and advertising. Using old advertising signage is a fun way to explore our past. This look is fabulous in mud rooms, kids rooms, rec rooms and country houses. An inexpensive way to add this look is to decoupage classic labels on replacement lamp shades.

6. U.S. Map License Plate Metal Wall Art 7. Uttermost Vintage License Plates Wall Clock

Who can forget Happy Days? The 1950s diner is quintessentially American. This look brings back the beginning of post war energy, expansion, travel and love of the open road. Playful license plate decor references the era and infuses some fun - which is exactly what Americana style home decor is all about.

Photos: Atlanta Homes, House of Turquoise.

Color Palette Inspiration: Summer Citrus

Anne Sage — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Color palette inspiration is everywhere! This is the first summer I've spent living in Southern California, and a new discovery seems to wait around every corner. From the heady scent of garden roses that fills the air to the blue skies that seem to stretch cloudlessly forever, there's something about this part of the country that sets my imagination running. Last weekend I happened upon a cozy bungalow in my neighborhood, the yard full of orange trees dripping with fruit. The house was a muted shade of avocado. A purple jacaranda tree bloomed riotously in the background. I simply had to snap a photo of this summer citrus-inspired home!

I have since walked past the house so many times that I had to indulge myself with a summer color palette inspired by the scene. Tangerine and lime look modern with accents of black, brass, and wood—just as cracked pepper and olive oil augment a citrus salad in June. Sprinkle colorful lighting and home decor elements in pistachio or mint on top and you'll create a feast for the eyes!

Shopping Guide: 1. Nectarine Apothecary Lamp 2. Eucalyptus Woven Seat Folding Chair 3. Bronze Finish Oval Mirror 4. Outdoor Leaf Pattern Pillows

Images: Lamps Plus Guest Blogging Pinterest