Island Pendants

Island Pendants are as much about style as they are about ambient or task lighting.  More then ever family and friends love to gather in the kitchen so we want this room designed and decorated as thoughtfully as any other room.  Island pendants are a focal point in the room and add a touch of style.  They can also be an inexpensive way to add impact to the room.  There has been a comeback to industrial and retro style lighting and they are here to stay because their timelessness.  Here are some of my favorite choices among many..


A simple, clean option especially at an inexpensive price..

West Elm Glass Jar Pendants

Another very inexpensive option that adds style and with different sizes to choose from.. 

Ballard Designs Eldridge Pendant  

and the Ballard Designs Eddie Pendant 

For something with more of an impact and of larger scale.. Restoration Hardware has so many great island pendant options to choose from but here is one of my favorites..

Restoration Hardware Maritime Pendant

And yet another great source is Schoolhouse Electric for the retro look from glass, to striped milk glass in multiple colors, to factory pendants..

Schoolhouse Electric

I love this eclectic pendant from Circa Lighting.. 

Circa Lighting Hicks Pendant

This Drop 2 adds a Mid Century and clean look to your kitchen.. it works with both traditional and modern kitchens..

DWR Drop 2 Pendant 

And lastly, for a beautiful and strong impact..

CB2 Siren Pendant

Bookshelves

Books are a great accessory and bookshelves can be a cool way to integrate them into the room.  Traditionally, they have been used in the libraries of homes but today you see them decorating many rooms in a fresh, modern way.

I like the built-in, floating shelves shown below.  This room has a bit of an eclectic mix that works although I would have chosen a different rug and would either lose the door or paint the door and trim the same color as the shelves..

another modern version of floating shelves..

Extending the orange paint to the shelves gives this room a sharp look.  Also, notice the hanging mirror on the shelves; a hanging mirror or picture is a common decorative detail that designers add..

Ladders are another decor element that is added when it can work aesthetically and functionally..

Decorating the back of the bookshelves either by adding a paint color or wallpaper is an inexpensive way to add a special interest to your room..

A fun way to add them to a corner in a guest room by using a contrasting wall color and bold accents to tie in the shelf organizers and bedding..

Black Doors

I love the look of black doors with neutral palettes. It is a clean, modern look that gives the room a little extra style.  You do not have to match the trim to this color as the door can stand alone and this will give the room a beautiful focal point.

A Dorothy Draper syled door looks great in black and makes the hardware pop..

Another great Dorothy Draper styled door with no other black in the room and this totally works..

I love the combination of the black, white and brown with the accent of lavender..

The black doors add to this eclectic interior although I am not a fan of the chandelier. I do like the unexpected, curved bench and round table..

The simplicity is striking here although I would change the rug..

And don't forget the kitchen..

Painted Floors

One always thinks about painting the walls but why not consider painting a floor?  Granted this is not for every home but painting the floor can add a strong decorative element to a room.   I like to think of painting a floor when the room needs a little character or to give it an unexpected edge.  

Be aware that painting floors are more difficult than painting walls as you are dealing with different floor types and also need to consider furniture and foot traffic.  I recommend hiring a professional but here is a link from Elle Décor to get a sense of how it works and if you are handy enough to do yourself:  Elle Decor

Polyurethane is also something to consider.  It is a clear coat that can be used as a protective layer over the paint.  Be sure to know what finishes (flat, semi-gloss, etc.) are appropriate for the paint, the polyurethane and the floor type and for the look you want to achieve.

Imagine these spaces below without the painted floor to see how they give the room character.

Here are some floors tastefully done:

Painting floors a simple white or black can work beautifully as well..

Lastly, here are some kitchens that while they would be great with typical wood or stone flooring, have been painted successfully..

Modern Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a great way to make a strong impact in a room and today there are many modern designs to choose from.  I love wallpapering an entry, a powder or a dining room with a powerful paper.  Choosing these rooms is a good way to not risk getting tired of the design but, hopefully, if you pick one you love you will have it to enjoy for years.  Here are some of my favorite sources..


One of my favorite places to shop for wallpaper is Walnut Wallpaper in Los Angeles.  They have a great selection to choose from.  I love this color combination...

Schumacher is another that I go to often..

and I love the Imperial Trellis in any color...

Graham & Brown has a great selection to choose from..

Kreme is another great source..

Flavor Paper is a wallpaper company in Brooklyn that does everything from floral, funky, to digital.  Great for turning images into wallpaper..  Here is one they did for the singer, John Legend..

and here is an image from their award winning showroom...

Modern Interior Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are a great way to add a divider between rooms giving you more flexibility and multi-function to a space.  It is a interesting way to join an en suite and gives the sense of continuity between any room when open.  There is also an advantage when you do not have the required space to open a swinging door such as smaller hallways and narrow spaces.  Functionality aside, sliding doors can be an integral part of a room's decor.  It can add a great focal point to a room or hallway; a touch of creativity that gives that room or hallway an edge.  From contemporary to rustic, check out some of these I have gathered and get creative with one of your rooms!

I see this as a great divider for an en suite bedroom and bath..

I love the dark smoked glass as a dramatic, sexy effect or even masculine with the right finishes..

Clean and sleek.. cool with a thick flokati or shag type rug..

and here...

The height and scale of these massive doors are strong, beautiful and bold and I love the low, long handle..

adding the frosted glass give the sense of transparency while maintaining privacy..

same for here.. this also gives a sexy edge to the bathroom.. although I would have carrera marble or high gloss in white for this bath..

I like the contrast of materials on this door.. it gives interest without weighing down the wall..

I love the high gloss and bold color for contrast here.. great statement someone made here..

Not a fan anything here except the concrete and door but another example..

A great way to conceal a washer/dryer.. or a pantry..

I like the black, white and wood contrast here.. a nice balance..

and again here..

and lastly, look how great this robin's egg blue looks here... love it.