Friday, October 28, 2011

Guest Post - Set the Mood: Romantic Lighting

Hi, I'm Susi, a writer for Design Shuffle, a site that promotes designers and their projects from around the world. I'm so happy to be asked to guest post about romantic lighting today here at My Interior Design Diary. When setting the mood in interior design, lighting is a key element and your friend. Not all romantic lighting is dripping with crystals, but crystals do add that diamond-like sparkle that just says romance. Here are some of my favorite examples of romantic lighting. Enjoy!
1 Chandelier Design
A combination of lighting options is the best choice for romantically lighting a room. A sparkly chandelier on a dimmer, along with bedside lamps that have low wattage bulbs combine to create the perfect romantic lighting.
2 Chandelier Bedroom Design
If one chandelier is romantic, two are even better. Love the idea of hanging two small chandeliers flanking the bed for ambient and reading light.
3 Drum Shade Chandelier
I love these chandeliers with a drum shade enclosing a crystal chandelier. The lighting it creates is so soft and romantic.
4 Capiz Shell Pendant
This capiz shell pendant has a modern pattern that is romantic yet modern. This light would work in a bedroom, entry or dining room.
5 Pleated Lamp Shades
Pretty vintage boudoir lamps with pleated shades trimmed in beads are romantic and nostalgic. With a feminine feeling, these romantic lights would look pretty on bedside tables as well as a vanity, making them perfect for a shabby chic bedroom design.
6 Moroccan Lanterns
Moroccan lanterns cast a lovely, romantic light when hung next to the bed. A single lantern above each nightstand would be very pretty.
7 Pink Scallop Shade Design
Pink scalloped shades on the glass and crystal chandelier add a touch of Paris, which in my book equals romance. How intriguing that the shades are not on every light!
8 Bathroom Lighting Design
Don't forget romantic lighting for the bath or powder room. Wall sconces hung with crystals and small chandeliers are perfect romantic lighting choices for bathroom designs. [ Images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 ] Lighting is often the finishing touch on any interior! Get more inspiration from Design Shuffle, a social-media network that connects those with a passion for design and talented San Francisco interior designers, Boston interior designers and more!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Its all about Stripes

Lately , my new favorite geometrical pattern to use when designing a room has been the stripes. Being as much as on the walls or as little as on a throw pillow, stripes can immediately add drama and uniqueness to any space.

Not convinced? Here are some spaces that will definitely turn you into a stripes lover.

This Sarah Richardson design has stripes in many different parts of the room, which can be very busy, but the use of subtle , neutral colors makes this space relaxing.


I love this nursery. What makes it stand out is the chocolate brown and ivory stripes on the lower half of the wall.


Stripes in a transitional room makes it more than just a transitional hallway. Note that when the stripes are wide , the furniture should be minimalist.



Stripes in the least expected place takes the room to a whole new level.


This white simple room is tied together with the black and white accent stripes


This is a proof that stripes goes with different colors and patterns


Here are some more inspirational stripes.











Make sure to visit my blog again for more design talk.
Ruba