My Thoughts on Traditional Island Lighting

(via Pinterest)

I love the look of a beautiful light fixture (or two or three) above a kitchen island. There are so many design choices available to suit any decor style.

Below are just a few of my favorite options for island lighting in a traditional kitchen setting.

A double swag fixture with large drum shades looks simple and elegant.

(via Pinterest)

A single chandelier is the perfect compliment to a small center island.

(via House Beautiful)

Two matching chandeliers add a beautiful touch of glamour and sparkle.

(via House Beautiful)

A trio of classic, cage pendants look sharp and stylish in this family kitchen.

(Beckwith Interiors)

Timeless black lanterns are one of my favorite lighting options for a white kitchen.

(via BHG)

Another personal favorite of mine is the etched glass urn style light fixture.

(via Style at Home)

Glass bell jars offer an unobstructed view of the elegant cabinetry beyond.

(via BHG)

Simple glass orbs look lovely hung in triplicate above this stunning marble island.

(via Pinterest)

With so many striking options to choose from, it's easy to add your own personal sense of style with some beautiful island lighting.

What is your favorite type of island lighting?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

My Thoughts on Hardwood Floors

I love how hardwood floors add instant style and character to a home.  When we built our house five years ago, hardwood floors were an absolute must.  I don't regret that decision, but I do regret my colour choice.  I would never, ever choose a dark floor again.

Dark hardwood shows every speck of dust, every smudge, every footprint, and every little ding.  I want a floor that looks great all the time.  That's why I'm leaning toward a medium toned hardwood floor for our next home.   

       

Perhaps a hardwood with a subtle variation in colour, to better hide daily wear...

In a tone that offers the same warmth and elegance of a darker floor...

Or, maybe a hardwood with a slight, greyish cast...

Or, better yet, a wide plank floor in a rich walnut...

Perhaps a warm neutral that would complement my existing mahogany furniture...

But would still create depth and impact in a space with a soft, light colour palette.

For me, the beauty of a deep, dark hardwood floor is outweighed by the fuss and maintenance required to keep it looking pristine.  For my next home, a medium toned hardwood is definitely the way to go.

Do you prefer a light, medium or dark hardwood floor?  Which tones appeal to your own personal design style?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks to all of you who've patiently stuck around, even though I haven't been able to post for a while.  I'm anxious to catch up and see what's been going on in Blogland!

 

Timeless and Traditional Living Rooms

I've been fighting with the furniture arrangement in my living room for almost a month!  You can view my latest shared attempt HERE.

No matter what I change, add, remove or repurpose, the room just doesn't 'FEEL' right. 

I know it's because I'm trying to 'make do' with what I already own.  I can rearrange my existing furniture a hundred more times, and I'm still not going to be happy with the outcome.

I'm seriously tempted to purchase a few new pieces of furniture, but before I do, I need to decide if I should take this opportunity to also make some changes to my current decorating style.

Each of these warm and elegant living rooms speak to my first true love; TIMELESS, TRADITIONAL DESIGN.

Although these spaces are more formal than my own living room, they still feel beautifully soft and inviting.  This timeless style is definitely worth considering.

Will my new and improved living room be a little more CLASSIC and a little less CHIC?  At this point, your guess is as good as mine!

~ Wendi ~ xo

Stunning Architecture: Staircases and Foyers

(via Neuvo Estillo)

In many traditional interiors, the front foyer and main staircase are designed to share the same space.

The seven images below illustrate how exquisite ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS can help create a truly grand and gracious first impression.

{1} An elegant and softly lyrical ballustrade...

(via The-Design-Pages)

{2} A magnificent limestone fireplace...

(via Coastal Enterprises)

{3} A lovely, 'Juliet balcony' inspired second story landing...

(via Conspicuous- Style)

{4} An exquisitely detailed, cantilevered staircase...

(via BHG)

{5} Handsome, tailored millwork and stately columns...

(via Ciao-Newport-Beach)

{6} Soft white trim against a deep, ebony banister...

(via Conspicuous-Style)

{7} Soaring transom windows and richly stained french doors...

(via Ciao-Newport-Beach)

Which of these stunning ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS appeal to your personal design aesthetic?

For more on this topic, read my design story:

Traditional White and Dark Wood Staircases

Traditional White and Dark Wood Staircases

(via Better Homes and Gardens)

Staircases are a prominent and striking feature in a home.  Those with painted white risers and dark stained treads and handrails are a trademark of traditional and elegant design.

The gently arched doorways in this lovely foyer enhance the silhouette of the curved staircase with its classically turned balusters and softly rounded, bottom stairs.     

(via Lux Furniture Design)

Balustrades with squared newel posts and unadorned spindles are well suited for a home with a more transitional design style.

(via Pinterest)

This gorgeous central staircase is layered with a soft and simple wool runner, effectively muffling the sound of footsteps as well as protecting the finish on the treads and risers.

(McIntyre Capron Architects)

The home of Jennifer Lopez is soft and sophisticated, its long, sweeping staircase accentuating the feeling of quiet, gracious elegance.   

(via Veranda Magazine)

Rich, cherry hardwood floors blend seamlessly with dark stained newel posts and handrails, highlighting the beautiful white millwork found throughout this stately home.

(via Better Homes and Gardens)

Delicate white spindles emphasize the soaring height and second story balcony in this grand and gorgeous space.

(via Archzine)

The crisp, linear profile of the staircase and panel molding allows the dramatic chandelier in this stunning foyer to take center stage.

(via Charm-and-Design)

I love the striking contrast of a white and dark wood staircase.  It's a timeless design element in a traditional home, destined to beautifully endure the test of time. 

 

Striking the Perfect Balance with Symmetry

Caldwell Flake

I've always been drawn to the structured and serene appearance of symmetrical design.

Perfect symmetry is characterized by the positioning of identical objects on either side of a vertical axis, with each half being an exact mirror image of the other.

However, this sense of balance can also be achieved with approximate symmetry.

A room is given added interest when objects on either side of a central axis are similar in scale and visual weight, but are varied enough to prevent the design from appearing too predictable or monotonous.

The following images beautifully illustrate how adding subtle variations in shape, size, pattern and colour can create an entirely new dimension of style to a symmetrical design scheme.      

Caldwell Flake

via Decor Pad

via Cote-de-Texas

via American-Homemaker

via Decor Pad

Candice Olson

via Decor Pad

Jan Showers

via Conspicuous-Style-Interior-Design-Blog

via Interi0r-Design

via Better Homes and Gardens

via The-Handmade-Home

via Design-with-Christine

via Design-by-Cara

Diana Sawicki

Whether visual interest is achieved through an asymmetrical mantle display, an offset furniture layout, or the addition of an accent chair, solitary lamp or unusual decor piece, the end result is always the same;

A beautiful room designed with the perfect balance of symmetry and style.