Loving the Mix

One of the most common phrases that we hear in the Lighting Etc. showroom is, "I don't want it to be "matchy-matchy"..........  the next most common phrase we hear is "there are too many choices" - LOL!!
Funny, but people really do say both in the same breath!!  :)

Back in the day, (we won't say what day because I don't want to give away my age)....... the average homeowner only dealt with a couple of design choices and basically they were:

Traditional or Contemporary

Brass or Chrome

With the availability of information and options from both the internet and design TV - the average homeowner now has the ability to develop their sense of design at a much deeper level:

Contemporary

Eclectic

Minimalist

Old World

Retro

Rustic

Shabby Chic

Traditional

and Transitional - just to name a few........

And lighting is right there, every step of the way, to allow you the design elements of your dreams!  Today we are Blessed with a plethora of choices and those choices can be mixed to create a unique composition for each and every home.

The hard part for many people is being able to envision from showroom display or artwork, to actual placement in their home........  This is where you have to "trust" your professionals :)

 A prime example is the Veil series by ET2.  At first glance it may seem as if it can only be used in a contemporary setting.  It is a very current design - transitional and clean.  When viewed in a catalog or online it can be hard to think that it may have a broader range of applications....... 



ET2 Veil



This is where you have to trust what you like!!  :)

This fixture added the perfect amount of fun and whimsy that this beautiful kitchen needed!!  It allowed the homeowner to truly put her personal stamp on the space!!  Exactly what she wanted!!

Another example of current design in a traditional setting is the Carabel series by Fredrick Ramond:


Carabel by Fredrick Ramond

 

It can sometimes be hard to imagine introducing a "current" design into a space with traditional bones.  This is where "Loving the Mix" can truly be inspiring!!  Embracing the layers of color, form and texture can truly bring a space to life!!  But you have to see beyond the "cataloged" picture.

Last but not least is one of the current favorites of many in the lighting world.  The Orb!!
This particular orbital chandelier adds the elegance of crystal in a traditional draping inside the frame - allowing the fixture the ability to play a whimsical role in a traditional setting.

Axis by Capital Lighting

 Not only is the style of the fixture a step away from the "norm" for this space but the "Winter Gold" finish allows the light to truly shine in the space!!  By having this lighter color above the dark wood of the dining table the space truly opens up with the light!! 

These are just a few examples of mixing various design styles, elements and finishes.  I guess what I hope you will take from this post is that YOU need to love YOUR space - because at the end of the day......  You live there :)  Don't be afraid to take a chance - Don't be afraid to try something different.
This is why there are soooooo many choices :)


Thanks so much for the "read" - Have a Blessed Day!  And we will Light It Up again soon!!
Be Blessed!!
Denise
 

A Spring Fling With Habitat For Humanity

As we come into Spring - We all get that urge for a Spring Fling :)

In most cases the "flinging" refers to the lightening up of items in our homes......  it is a time to clean house, maybe update and freshen things up.  It is also a new opportunity to help someone else in the process.

Many times, we have clients in the Lighting Etc. showroom who are in the process of a remodel - so what exactly does that entail????  You may be updating your cabinets, appliances, hardware, lighting, etc.  Our homes are a reflection of who we are, and that reflection can change over the years....  Also, if you have recently bought a pre-existing home, you may have fallen in love with the property itself and the construction of space, but it may not reflect your taste in the finishes and design elements used.

It is often that the items that we are replacing are still functional, but may just not be the design that we wish to have for our homes.  Those functional elements can be a Blessing to someone else!!

A few years back we developed a relationship with Habitat For Humanity through their "ReStores".  What exactly is a "ReStore"?

Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials, and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price.  Habitat for Humanity ReStores are proudly owned and operated by local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, and proceeds are used to build homes, community, and hope locally and around the world. 

This is a perfect opportunity to "give back" - if you are in the middle of a remodel or planning one in the future - allow yourself the opportunity to Bless someone else - Instead of putting those old items at the curb - or attempting to sell them on Craig's List - donate them to the Habitat For Humanity ReStore!!! 

Happy Spring Flinging everyone!!!

Thanks so much for the "read" - Have a Blessed Day!  And we will Light It Up again soon!!
Be Blessed!!
Denise