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..