6 Strategies for Getting Organized in the New Year

The start of a new year is an ideal time to make - and keep - a resolution (are we sick of those yet?) to really get organized. Even if an Apartment Therapy-style "cure" is too grand of an aspiration for you, there are lots of smaller, more manageable ways to make the organization thing happen at home.

We found that these six simple steps are inspiring us to look around, clean up, and stay organized in 2010:

1. Take It One Room at a Time

There is nothing more daunting than trying to organize an entire house all at once. Break it down into smaller pieces, though, and it's not so scary. Start with an easy room - a guest room, maybe - and move on to bigger challenges (the hall closet - yikes!) as you gain confidence.

2. Beautify As You Go

Small changes can be just the thing you need to stay motivated. We incorporate very easy decorating in with our hardcore cleaning to stay motivated - it helps when the end result is something really pretty! For example, if you're rearranging a cluttered bookcase (like the one above) why not line the walls with fun wallpaper at the same time?

For that bookcase, we'd add the Avalon wallpaper in Light Spring Grass and Baby Blue:

A little paper goes a long way towards creating a fun - and organized - space.

3. It's Only 20 Minutes

Reorganizing an entire house, or even just a room, takes a while. If you've got a spare week to tackle it, that's great. But if you, like most people, have a lot going on, consider setting aside just 20 minutes a day to accomplish organizing tasks. You'll be amazed at what you finish in one week - and you won't even miss that time!

4. Toss, Donate, Store, Save

Be honest. You need to get rid of some stuff. It's hard parting with your things, though (especially those jeans you've had since college). We won't lie - saying goodbye is always difficult, but the process is a little less painful if you're very straightforward about it. In each room, create four piles. One to save, one to store, one to donate, and one to throw away.

As you go one, you're likely to get less and less sentimental, too - so consider reviewing the "save" pile before you finish!

5. Move Those Lamps

One great space-saving technique involves removing floor and table lamps and replacing them with hanging pendants. We love the way this red shade brings out the warm elements of the room below: But we might love the room even more if that lamp was gone. We'd replace it with a Marseille pendant in Brick Red, Burnt Orange, Hampton Blue and Blueberry:
We like the way the pattern ties together the cool blue of the tile and the warm terra cotta shades in the rest of the room. By eliminating that standing lamp, the room would feel just a little less cluttered.

6. Treat Yourself

Nothing motivates quite like a treat. Promise yourself something great - for the house, for your family, or just for you - and set a goal, such as "all the bedrooms reorganized." You'll be amazed what you can accomplish with that goal in front of you!

Do you have any additional organizing tips to share? Any success (or horror) stories? Please share them in the comments. And happy organizing!

[Photo credits: Bookcase and Room from Houzz.com. Wallpaper and Lamp from Alluminare.]

Design Trends for 2010: Weathered and Treasured

This week and next we're looking at some of our favorite design trends for 2010 (check out "have some fun" right here). Today's trend comes to us courtesy of the design folks at Sherwin-Williams, who have predicted a couple of cool new trends for 2010. Our favorite? They call it "treasured."Here's how they describe the treasured look:

"Treasured" is the third trend, where natural aging and weathering enhance the design. Jordan cites the Rough Luxe Hotel in the United Kingdom, where the original layers of peeling paint and ancient wallpaper are still visible on the walls. This "less-than-perfect aesthetic" also includes the use of distressed leather, vintage tapestries, found objects, and patina.

Pretty cool, right? We love the mix of luxe and rustic, the fading star-Grey Gardens aesthetic.

That's why we fell in love with the kitchen at the top of this post. It's modern in terms of technology- the stainless steel confirms that - but all that rough wood just looks like it has a story behind it. We'd pair it with a pendant lamp in a pretty print that might look old-fashioned, if it weren't for the very current color scheme, like the Suzani pendant in Cream, Blueberry, Light Spring Grass and Gray.

Sometimes we think that Paris has a corner on the "treasured" look. The city does, after all, lay claim to one of the greatest flea markets in the world in La Marche aux Puces. And where better to find items that bear that fabulous patina than at a flea market?

Plus, Paris is home to rambling old decaying mansions with rooms like this one:

The room above is in a Parisian home that's used these days mostly as a movie set. Easy to see why, right? We love the look of faded luxury. It's almost as though you can see the years peeling away from that majestic mantle.

A space like that demands equally regal lighting. Our vote goes to a three-pendant lamp in Silver and Sage Modern Damask:

The treasured look isn't all about rough wood and damp chateaux, either. Consider this antique sugar chest, topped with a vintage cocktail shaker and a very bright, modern (and funny) painting:

The chest has definitely seen its fair share of use, but careful care has helped it retain luster that makes it a good match for bright colors and a fun, Jetsons-like mid-century aesthetic. (We admit, we're a little stuck on this sugar chest, since it's in our own dining room!)

We'd love to see the wall behind the chest papered in something just as bright and fun and with the same retro vibe as the cocktail shaker - something like Maven in Light Spring Grass, Caribbean Sea, Pink Berry, and Sand Dollar:The bedroom is a perfect place for a single piece of furniture that's both treasured and repurposed, like this amazing bed made from antique doors:
The bed is such a showcase piece, we wouldn't want to overwhelm it with lots of accessories. But wouldn't that warm wood, with all its age, look fantastic with a couple of Napa throw pillows in Cream, Hampton Blue, Light Spring Grass, and Dark Goldenrod:

We especially like the way the Dark Goldenrod picks up the warmth of the wood.

What do you think about this trend? Are there any pieces in your homes that fit the "treasured" profile? Please share in the comments!

[Photo Credits: Rustic kitchen from Apartment Therapy. Paris apartment, sugar chest, and wooden bed from Houzz.com. All product photos from Alluminare.]

Brown & Blue: Hot or Not?

As we mentioned earlier this week, we cannot stop talking about decorating with brown and blue. It's been holding strong as a trendy color combination for the past few years, but has its time passed?
Well, we for one still think it looks pretty nice. The wedding industry still agrees with us, too. Brown and blue are holding strong as popular wedding colors, with brides choosing flowers, decor, and dresses in sweet and bright shades of both. And at home - wouldn't the Duo pillow, shown above in Baby Blue and Classic Brown, look fantastic in a little boy's nursery? The shades are soothing and comforting, but still feel pretty hip.

But while the color combo isn't exactly out, it might be drifting toward the less trendy end of the scale, as yellows and bright greens take over blue's spot in the, well, spotlight, and cooler neutrals like grey bump brown off the scene. According to color experts from Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Pantone, 2010 will be all about those cool neutrals, yellows, and some surprising new shades.

If you love the brown and blue combination but want to update it, one way to do so is to brighten it up with a little bit if yellow. We like the Linoak on Seventh pendant in Baby Blue, Classic Brown, and a shot of Pale Buttercup:

We think it's got all the good things about the brown and blue palette, plus a little energy from the yellow.

But if you're not tied to brown and blue specifically, but like the muted + bright tone of the lamp, lavender and gray are great to play with. Here's the same lamp, still with Pale Buttercup, but adding Charcoal Gray, and Light Plumb in place of the blue and brown:

The lamp has the same vibe, but a slightly fresher feel. Perfect for 2010 (and beyond).

Gray and yellow alone are a great pick, too. One of the nice things about the brown and blue combination is that, depending on the specific shades, it can be energizing or calming - or somehow both at the same time. Gray and yellow have the same magical capabilities. We think Tribeca wallpaper in Bright Yellow, Silver, and Gray would be perfect to fall asleep to or to wake up to:

Of course, if it's still really blue you're after, all you need to do to freshen it up is to make sure your palette is bright...because 2010 is all about aqua and we love it. The Granted three-cylinder pendant in white and Caribbean blue is exactly why:

It's bright and fun and exciting. Beachy, but perfect for a winter white landscape, too. And most of all - it's blue.

Where do you fall in the blue and brown debate? Still fresh? Feeling stale? What colors say 2010 to you? Please share in the comments.

Color Trends: A Retrospective

We've had a bit of a color debate going on around Alluminare. Our big question? Brown and blue: hot or not.

But more on that (and other current color trends) later this week. We escaped from our modern day trend debate to take a little trip down memory lane. Today is all about color trends from the past. What they were, what they remind us of, and how they hold up today.

Back in 1999, Serena Fenton published an article called, "Architectural Follies," in which she listed the most popular color combinations in school media centers and libraries from the 1960s through the '90s. As it turns out, those color combinations are good examples of the colors that ruled those decades. We couldn't help but check them out.

It all started in the 1960s, when avocado and harvest gold famously ruled the day, kitchens adopted a look that felt outdated a few years later. But how would it hold up today?

We actually like it. Green and orange feels pretty fresh right now, especially when it's punched up with white accents, like in this Brickell three-cylinder pendant lamp in cream, Army, and Pumpkin:

A few years later, in the early '70s, colors shifted to the primary section of the color wheel, when designers latched onto strong yellows, blues, and reds. We tried the combination out on a Commonwealth two-cylinder pendant in Bright Yellow, Blue Iris, and Classic Red:

The combination is fun for a kid's bedroom or playroom, but we find it a little strong for the kitchen (though using just two of the three colors would look great).

In the mid-70s, the look got a little funkier, with electric blue and Kool-Aid orange energizing interiors. We like the combination now, too. The Linoak pillow (at left) in cream, orange, and Wild Blueberry is a great modern look - fresh and fun and clean.

And then came the 80s - the days of pastel and wine and roses. In the early '80s, Fenton cataloged a great deal of gray with mauve and jade - we can just picture the early '80s wedding parties decked out in those shades.

We've modernized the combo, with a drum pendant in gray, Classic Pink, Tutu, and Forest:

We think the clean stripe saves it from looking overly saccharine, creating a lamp that would work in a variety of modern homes.

Of course, things didn't get any less pastel as the '80s progressed and Miami Vice, with all its linen blazers and candy-colored t-shirts, came on the scene. In fact, Fenton called the late '80s palette "Miami Vice pastels."

Even though the show went out forever ago, we think pastel color combinations never get old, especially not in little girls' rooms or feminine living rooms. The Granted pendant in Light Plum and Light Spring Grass would look just as perfect in any of those spaces today as it did during Don Johnson's heyday:

In the early '90s, girly shades were finally out, when interiors followed fashion with an emphasis on deep earth tones. They're still relevant, too, especially in traditional homes and masculine rooms, like libraries.

We love Beach Vine wallpaper in Rosemary and Ginger (at right) - it's warm and welcoming, and just as relevant today as it was fifteen years ago.




Fenton's research ended in the late '90s, with her assessment that pale citrus shades were all the rage. It's only been a decade, so we thought the combination might look dated, but as it turns out, we still love the look of lighter versions of sunny shades, like this Maven pendant in white, Pale Buttercup, Cantaloupe, and Light Spring Grass:

We think it hits exactly the right spot and is perfect for a sunny kitchen.

What are your favorite eras for color combinations? Any great color memories you've tried to recreate at home? Share with us in the comments.

Brighten Up Where You Sleep: Using Yellow in the Bedroom

By all accounts, 2009 has been the year of yellow. In December of 2008, the color mavens at Pantone decreed the sunny yellow shade "14-0848 Mimosa" the color of 2009. Around the same time, paint purveyors Benjamin Moore chose their St. Elmo's Fire 362, a bright lemony hue, as their breakout color for 2009. Everywhere we looked this year, yellow was the thing.

We've always been partial to yellow, especially in the bedroom. From a psychological perspective, that's no surprise - yellow is associated with optimism and happiness - and physiologically, it's the perfect color to wake up with, since it stimulates the nervous system.

But we mostly love it from a design standpoint. It's one of the most versatile colors out there, with shades ranging from soft and muted to bold and bright, and with undertones of cool green to warm orange and red. A quick look at the variety of shades of yellow available from Alluminare shows off just how wide that range is:

With all of those options, there are tons of ways to make yellow work in your bedroom, no matter what your preferred style. Here, we put together a few looks that showcase shades from different parts of the yellow spectrum:

From Subtle to Strong

Pale, buttery yellows are great for the bedroom, creating a spaces that are soothing and romantic, but not overly feminine. This room looks like a lovely place to fall asleep each night: We'd like it even better if the chandelier was switched out for an oval Ying Yang Paisley pendant in pale buttercup and croissant:

The natural colors complement the rest of the room, while the fussy pattern provides nice contrast to the simple rug.

On the bolder edge of the yellow spectrum, this room (which belongs to Turquoise designer Vanessa de Vargas) plays up yellow accessories for all their worth. We love the bold rug - it would wake us right up - and the modern take on the oh-so-British "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster:We love sitting areas in bedrooms as a general rule, and there's something especially inviting about this one. It begs for a couple of friends, a glass of wine, and a marathon session of dress up in preparation for a big night out. You know what we think would really pull that area together? A two-cylinder Manhattan pendant in Caribbean Sea and white:

Turquoise and bright yellow make a great pair and are ideal for any fun, energetic space.

From Green to Gold

Yellows really show off their undertones, making them even more versatile in home decor. They range from positively lime to deep, rich and gold - and there are a million points in between. We've chosen a few favorite spots along that spectrum to highlight:

Chartreuse can be a hard color to pull off anywhere, but we love how these yellow-green walls work in this preppy bedroom:A fun print on the bed and fantastic pink table lamp give the whole room a burst of energy. We'd make the room even more of a blast with a small Signature Bubbles pendant in Margaritaville, Bright Yellow, White, and Pink Berry: We think that space would be absolutely perfect for an energetic teenage girl, or as an extra room in a lively beach house.

Moving down the undertone spectrum, we've been seeing more and more "true" yellow paired with soothing grays (and even some lavenders). To our eye, this room just begs for a splash of strong yellow color: To get there, we'd replace the clear hanging globes with several small staggered pendants in a somewhat fussy print, such as Traditional Damask in white and Bright Yellow:

Pairing the yellow with white keeps the pendant from overwhelming the gray, and the pattern adds a touch of softness to a fairly masculine space.

Finally, all the way at the opposite end of the spectrum from green, yellows with orange and gold undertones create a beautiful, rich shade that works everywhere from dramatic Parisian apartments to bright San Francisco flats:We'd go a step further with the color in this space, matching the goldenrod bedding with a big pendant in Mimosa and Burnt Orange Signature Leaves: The lamp's strong colors works perfectly with the bold artwork, while the simple pattern of the pendant won't overwhelm the room's whitewashed walls and furniture.

What does yellow make you dream about? What are your favorite shades, or favorite uses? Share them with us in the comments.

[Photo credits: Muted yellow bedroom and gray bedroom from Apartment Therapy. Vanessa de Vargas room and Gold bedroom from Houzz.com. Chartreuse bedroom from Decorate and Renovate. All lamps from Alluminare.com.]

Hot, Hot, Hot: Red in the Kitchen

Last week, we were all about spicy, citrusy oranges in the kitchen. This week, we're kicking the heat up another notch, finding ourselves inspired by hot peppers and hot chef tempers. That's right: we're in the mood for red.

There's no doubt that red's a powerful color. It's the color of love, but also the color traditionally associated with courage. According to scientists, it increases blood pressure, makes people breathe quicker, and speeds up metabolism. Great for kitchens - and diets, too.

Red is bold and exciting and not the least little bit shy. As a result, people are sometimes hesitant to experiment with it at home. But don't let red scare you - especially in the kitchen, the center of energy in many homes. Whether you embrace the bold or take comfort in neutrals, a little (or a lot of) red could be just what your kitchen needs. Check out the red in some of our favorite inspiration kitchens:

Traditional Meets Eastern

This kitchen is great - we love its efficient organization and cool black-and-white-and-glass motif. With its heavy moldings and sleek, dark cabinetry, it pulls together the best of traditional and modern design:We think it's missing just a little something, though - that extra accessory that stands out so much it ties the whole look together. That something just might be a narrow love pendant in classic red and silver:Here's why we liked this particular fixture: it's the perfect size (not too small, not too big), the Asian motif draws out the space's clean Eastern lines, and the red adds the energy that the original kitchen is lacking. It makes the prospect of cooking in that space a lot more fun.

Shiny and Glamorous

Red lips are all the rage on the red carpet these days - and there's a reason why that carpet's red, too. Red is naturally glam. Choosing red cabinets is a bold move, but one that really works in this glossy, gorgeous space:We'd like the room a little better, though, if there was more lighting over the island! We'd let the red cabinets shine on their own, but accent them with something equally glamorous, like this trio of skinny, sexy pendants in black and white zebra:

It's 21st century glamour, all the way.

Girl Power

Though it's traditionally considered an aggressive color, small doses of red can actually appear very delicate. Consider this kitchen. As it stands, it is more than a little bit delicate and feminine. In fact, its cotton-candy pink motif is downright Barbie-fied:That said, it appeals to the little girl in us, but we'd add some red accessories to eliminate some of the kitchen's "fluff factor." For example, these traditional damask pendants in aurora red and white are a perfect match, and would give the space a little more of an air of sophistication:

Because the shade has just a tinge of pink in it, it really works with the room's feminine decor, but because it's strong, it helps balance the super-sweet pink.

Nearly Neutral

Red walls sound very bold, but thanks to brown undertones, tan hallway walls, and wood floors, this kitchen's overall look is anything but shocking. In fact, it feels fairly neutral (especially compared to the glossy, glamorous kitchen with the red cabinets):We love its homey, lived in look - it seems like a kitchen where a family could really come together. We'd like it even more if the lights over the island were swapped out for a big, boxy pendant like the kingston pendant in classic red and sand dollar:

We love the way the boxy shape and design echoes the artwork in the hallway, and that the colors tie the hall and the kitchen walls together.

There are a million ways to make red work in the kitchen. It works on the walls, as lighting, on tablecloths and dishes, and even in the food (nothing's quite like a big bowl of spaghetti with tomato sauce!). What's your favorite way to use red in the kitchen?

[Photo credits: All kitchens from Houzz.com; All lamps from Alluminare.com]

Spicing It Up in the Kitchen with Orange

There's no two ways about it: orange is a bold color. Even toned down shades, like cantaloupe and goldenrod, are pretty saucy. Fortunately, we like saucy. After all, what could be more appropriate for the kitchen?

Science agrees with us, too. Orange tends to stimulate mental activity and energizes by increasing the oxygen supply to the brain. Plus, it's associated with healthy food and it boosts the appetite - perfect for anytime you need a little kick to get cooking.

Fortunately, though orange is a striking color, it's not a one-trick pony. Whether your tastes run modern, traditional, girly or sophisticated, there's a way to incorporate the color into your kitchen. Try these on for size:

The Modern Kitchen

This understated Scandinavian kitchen is stunning in its clean modernity - but wouldn't it be boring without the shot of color those pillows add?We'd love to see the space further brightened up with a Duo pendant in cantaloupe and mimosa:

The colors add vibrancy and the simple design wouldn't distract from the room's sleek lines and commitment to minimalism.

The Retro Kitchen

OK, we have to admit that orange sometimes makes us think of all things '70s. The Brady Bunch, Barbie campers, those so-hideous-they're-cool (almost) puffy vests? Yes, we get it. But there's a gentler side to 70's retro, too, and it's one we've embraced in our own kitchen. Check out our orange and green kitchen tools: You know what would look amazing with those? A Tribeca pendant in cantaloupe, sage, and light spring grass:
The colors aren't so over-the-top that they recall the avocado and goldenrod nightmares of the past, but they've got a great retro vibe.

The Feminine Kitchen

For whatever reason, orange isn't usually thought of as a particularly feminine color. It's just a little too aggressive. But strong shades of orange combine fabulously with shocking pink and more subtle shades are great with a whole host of pastels.

We think this kitchen, in all its Tiffany-blue glory, is a great example of how to use orange accents in a girly space:In addition to the colors, we love the marble countertops and the pretty tiled backsplash. We would love to femme it up a little more with a Roma lamp in cantaloupe and sand dollar:

The pattern recalls Laura Ashley comforters, but the colors prove that this lamp is all grown up.

The Sophisticated Kitchen

Speaking of grown-up, it's hard to imagine a kitchen more sophisticated than the one in designer Miles Redd's old apartment. Redd admits that he rarely did more than mix a cocktail in his kitchen, but who needs food when you have black walls and outrageous mirrored countertops? Oh yes, and amazing orange accent pieces:
We think Redd's kitchen would look even more glam lit by zebra pendants in mimosa and silver:

Silver dresses up softer, yellower shades of orange quite nicely - and nothing says Hollywood glamour quite like animal prints!

What's your favorite way to use orange in the kitchen? Any tips for how to make it work? Leave a comment!

[Photo credits: Modern Kitchen from Apartment Therapy; Retro Kitchen from Houzz.com; Feminine Kitchen from Apartment Therapy; Miles Redd Kitchen from New York Social Diary; All lamps from Alluminare.com]

Combining Decor in Bathroom and Bedroom

We have heard people say that matching your master bathroom to the decor in your master bedroom is a great way to bring unity to the space. We think that's a great idea and we know what we're doing this weekend!



A great way to bring life into your bathroom (and a great option for incorporating colors from your bedroom) is to bring in a light fixture. Not one of those ordinary bathroom fixtures you pick up at the hardware store either! This bright Pendant Lamp in Caribbean Sea matches the tiles perfectly and will add much needed light in the bathroom.

If your bathroom is what you're designing first (or simply just like better), try taking inspiration from your bathroom to decorate your master bedroom. We are really inspired by these bright glass tiles in the bathroom; and thought this Parkside throw pillow in Caribbean Sea and Charcoal Grey was a great match.

Following in those same footsteps, curtains are usually a must in any bedroom. I chose this custom Parkside fabric in the same colors, just smaller print for the curtains. All you need are a few yards and you'll have great looking curtains that match your throw pillows and bathroom.

Pendant Lighting in the Bedroom

The other day we were having a talk with a close friend about lighting for her bedroom.  She was saying she wanted to get matching table lamps for her bedside tables, because that seemed like the easiest route.  We interjected and showed her a few options that we now want to share with you.



We really like the idea of using pendant lights for the side of the bed.  They will provide enough light for reading and will free up some space on those smaller bed side tables.

For the first room, I chose to go with a White Linen drum pendant because there was already so much red and green.  The White Linen will brighten the room when lit, but won't be over powering.  The white also helps play with positive and negative light, which is always an eye catcher.



The second room, I chose to go right along with the colors in the room.  The drum pendant fixtures in Commonwealth don't overpower the room; they serve as functional accent pieces!

Lighting Your Home: Yellow

Yellow can be a real challenge---too bright, and you're regretting it every day, too mellow, and you're finding ways to bring in that pop of yellow you were hoping for. Lighting your home in yellow is one of the best ways to bring in the yellow, and still keep your sanity.

Benjamin Moore's Weston Flax is a brilliant shade of yellow. It is pale, yet still delivers. I happen to love it. We have a shade of yellow called "Pale Buttercup" that pairs well with Benjamin Moore's Weston Flax. To punch it up, pair the Pale version with the standard "Buttercup", as we did below. Happy days are returning, the popularity of yellow in the home is proof. :)

Here are my quick picks for yellow lighting. Try any of these in your home or restaurant when your design calls for yellow.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="100" caption="Home Lighting in Buttercup Yellow Tulip Print from UK designer Rachel Cave "][/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="100" caption="Home lighting featuring Buttercup Yellow Stripes"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="100" caption="Home lighting featuring Buttercup Yellow Damask from designer Jen Furlotte"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="100" caption="Home Lighting in Buttercup Yellow Mod from designer Libby Unwin"][/caption]

Crave: Mod Rooms

I've been coming across a lot of Mod inspired rooms lately, and I'm getting a little jealous (and inspired!) I may not have been born until after the Mod era, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate it.

We've recently added 'Mod' to our custom materials section; and I'm in heaven. The colors, the shapes, the sizes- oh my!  Our custom design StopDrop would look great in a Mod themed room (shown above).  It's a great design to mix with stripes, and flowers.

The great thing about Mod design is it's all about the colors and shapes.  You can go as big and bold as you want.



Our Tulip design (shown above) would look right at home in this Mod/Asian inspired bedroom.  Pendant lights look great above 4-poster bed frames.  this Mod/Asian inspired bedroom is another great examples of how great Mod themed rooms can be; you really can get as creative as you want with it.

(Images: PorterHouseDesigns.com, Blog.BaxterDesignGroup.com)

Inspiration from Animal Themed Children's Rooms

It seems like themed rooms have sort of fallen off the map in the past few years; but I still really like them for kids rooms.  I've never met a child that didn't have a love for animals (or animal print!)

I found this awesome wallpaper covered ceiling fan that I thought was genius!  Ceiling fans are notorious for being eye-sores, but when covered in an animal print for a kids room; well, i think that's a recipe for success!

If you don't have a ceiling fan to cover, you can always use our custom wallpaper in Giraffe on the walls.  The wallpaper will be a bold statement and also serve as a learning lesson.  Each time your children enter their room, they'll recognize each print and which animal it belongs to.

Another great idea for an animal themed room is by using our new Love Dogs 2 print.  This dog themed design (all proceeds from the sales of this print go to the Kauai Humane Society) looks amazing as a pendant lamp and I really love the idea of pillows too.  I can imagine the lamp right above the bed in this super cute dog themed kids room!


(Images: GreenPeaNursery.com, Raftertales.com)

Asian-Inspired Lighting

Asian-inspired lighting is a difficult thing to define: is it pagoda-shaped lights, is it rice-paper, is it colorful or muted, can you have an Asian-inspired look without changing all of your furniture? Asian-inspired lighting is simple: it is based on the idea that your home is the source of your prosperity and serenity. Our Bamboo pendant lamp adds modern Asian-inspired beauty.

What Asian-inspired is not: The Asian-inspired home is not about placing Buddha statues all over the place and burning incense. It is not about those little “lucky bamboo” plants (which are not actually bamboo, but most often a member of the Dracaena family—e.g., a tropical house plant). It is not about fake “antique” Chinese lacquer chests full of old junk (a vendor once told me they beat the chests they import with chains before putting them out on the floor so they look more antique).

What is Asian-inspired decor? The Asian-inspired home is a place of peace and of prosperity. Peace is a given: if Home is not peaceful, you simply will not be happy. Prosperity is a more interesting word to look at. Home is the center of life: your prosperity is affected by the state of your home. Think of prosperity as something beyond money alone: prosperity is being thriving. Your home should be the home of someone that is thriving—someone who is living well, thriving, and has peace. By extension, the lighting used in Asian-inspired environments must be peaceful and inspiring of prosperity.

Now, the time for the shameless plug: this is why I love our lights. So many lights you find in stores are full of doo-dads that serve no purpose except to throw off visual distractions. Our lights simply light —with a calm, simple peacefulness that makes you feel good. If you're looking for modern Asian-inspired lighting, look to us first---we'll take good care of you.

Visit our Asian Lighting page where you can browse the latest designs our customers are creating for their own homes.

How to Select a Base for your Custom Lamp Shade: Floor Lamps!

Last week I touched on pairing custom lamp shades with table top bases. The great thing about the three shapes Alluminare.com has for sale, is that they can all be used in table and floor lamp form. That's the great thing about using classic items in the home.

I chose to pair the 24 inch Drum Lamp Shade with a modern chrome plated intertwined steel tube base. The intertwined steel tubing mimics the drum shape of the shade, and really works well together. The shade is shown in Modern Circles in Black & White. The steel tubing helps accent the simple Black & White color palette on the shade.

Next, I paired the 20-inch Oval Lampshade in Brickell with a tall glass cylindrical base. I'm so inlove with this pairing, because it's so chic and modern. Trust me, I know this look isn't for everyone, but for those daring folks out there, it'll be dynamite. I love the blown up Brickell print, and I chose the color because blues and greens also go great with clear glass.

Lastly, the 12-inch Square Shade in Parkside is so chic and classic and would look great in just about any home. It's versatile in color and shape; it'd fit right in in a modern or country home. The tall, sleek, brushed aluminum base is perfect for a square shade. And the 12-inch square shade is a great mirror image to the 6 inch square base.

Staff Pick: April's Pendant Light

This week's staff pick
April ordered this pendant light shortly after we announced it. We saw this order come into our systems and just knew we had to share it with everyone as our first staff pick----we thought that April's use of color was bold, bright and confident. Susan will post her interview with April later this week. In the meantime, here it is: