Dining Room Deux

Frank Panterio

One of the things I am currently working on is a dining room, and I am giving a lot of thought to the idea of two chandeliers above the table.
I love the idea of doubling the impact of the look of the light fixture.  Since I am crazy about light fixtures in general ~ if the room can pull it off, why not?

I also say, "Rules are more like guidelines."  I often times like over-scaled fixtures, but you do have to be careful about making sure everything is still visually balanced.  Take into consideration material, visual weightiness, style, etc.  There are a few rules of thumb that you can never go wrong abiding by...

via Casa Sugar

The size of the chandelier should be around 75% of the width of the table, or 12" narrower than the table.  Since I am using 2 chandeliers, I want one centered over each half of the table which in total will almost give me the width of one chandelier.  To make things slightly trickier, the table needs to visually look good extended (with leaves, if it has any) as well.  Taking that into consideration, I brought them in slightly, but they are still in balance.  Sometimes you just have to eyeball it.  I generally hang the chandelier about 32" to 36" above the table top.

I am really excited to see the outcome.  Why use one when two could work well?   Double the drama, double the fun.

Remember ~ Dimmers, always!

Denim Is Doing it ... Again

Hermes

Swimming in a sea of indigo or denim this coming spring is:  EVERYTHING.  From handbags to home decor, from scarves to slipcovers, the timeless, utilitarian textile is once again returning, and it feels as fresh as the day it was introduced.

Megan Rice Yager

Chanel

Inspired by Japanese textiles, these carpets are more like art underfoot, each telling a story

Madeline Weinrib

but ~ the recycled option at West Elm is awesome also.

If you want to be bowled over, you should see this midnight blue Baccarat chandelier in person.  It is drop dead to die for.  Denim dresses the shades, and if you can put it on a $40,000.00 chandelier, you can put it on anything!

Baccarat

Mui Mui

Look for a lot of layering ~

Nat'l Geographic store

J. Crew

Adding that washed (just not acid washed, not now anyway) appeal is like the 80's all over again ~ but more refined.

Kudos if it has a homemade hand or ethnic vibe

From inky blues to chambrays and dark washes, denim represents a sense of comfort.  It is a neutral that literally goes with anything, and has a fresh edginess.  There is a sophistication to this "new denim" look; a tidy and timeless appeal.

Wolfe Rizor

No interior is too "high brow" for the denim treatment

via Mark S Sikes

Jamie Drake

via Fresh Home

and seriously ~ it looks good on anything

Maison Suzanne

ANYTHING

Christian Loubatin

In The Mood for Love

We don't have to be hit over the head or literally have symbols of love in a space to create a romantic, sexy interior that promotes intimacy.

Frances Russell

We all know setting the stage for romance can be as easy as buying fresh flowers, lighting a few candles, and nibbling on aphrodisiacs, but living within a romantic interior is a 365 day a year decadent, delicious treat that anyone can enjoy and incorporate into their own home with a few simple additions.

Aubusson rugs always seem to grace the floors of romantic spaces.  I suspect because they have a French flavor, and anything French in feel, innately feels romantic.  Crystal chandeliers or objects that radiate light, and therefore create sparkle, help lend to the mood.  Sweeping views don't hurt either.

Simple pleasures are sexy

but this ratchets up the romance

Enveloped in the fabric gracing this canopy bed makes it easy to shine a rosy glow on romance 

Barry Dixon

This living room feels romantic to me because it looks lovingly curated.  Layered textiles, soft colors, ethnic touches, antiques, and collected groupings tell a story of a life well lived.

High thread count sheets and a bed you want to fall into feel fabulous

ph: Robert Trachtenberg

This bedroom is dark, sexy, and tactile.  That's totally romantic!

Lorenzo Castillo ph:Simon Upton

Anything that speaks to your romantic side, makes you feel good, nurtures you, and makes you want to share is good enough for me, and you?