We’re in the final interior design phase of Eva Chen’s loft apartment in the Flatiron district right now where a 108″ long, wood dining table requires a large scale, architectural/sculptural chandelier. The open plan living/dining/kitchen area means that this light fixture will be one of the first things you see when you walk through the door, so it needs to be something special. As we search for the perfect fixture for this space, we thought we would share some of the best options we’ve come across along the way. Below, the Serge Mouille Three-Arm Ceiling Lamp sold through Design Within Reach is a favorite of many architects and interior designers. Serge Mouille’s angular, insect-like lights were most popular as floor lamps, but this ceiling fixture version has really taken off in popularity recently. 1. Serge Mouille Three-Arm Ceiling Lamp sold through Design Within Reach. This oval pendant comes from a collection of pieces with similar use of concentric, metal rings with LED technology.

The overall effect is just so graceful. 2. Another Paul Loebach Halo Oval Pendant (similar to above) in a different size and shape. This light fixture works well in an eclectic space like this one, below, or in a more streamlined, modern setting. It’s most suitable for rooms with high ceilings. 3. Billy Cotton 5 Stick Pick Up Horizontal These lacquered shade pendants are a great option for lighting over a dining room table, especially hung as a pair like in the image below. 4. Smithfield S Pendant Light from FLOS lighting. This Artichoke Lamp is composed of overlapping “leaves” that produce crisp, glare-free 360 degree light. Each leaf is laser cut for precision and configured by hand, hence the expensive price point. 5. Artichoke Lamp designed by Paul Henningsen for Louis Paulsen Lighting. Brooklyn-based sculptor Stephen Antonson has become famous for his French surrealistic-inspired plaster furniture and lighting. By virtue of the bright white plaster, these pieces bring a freshness to any setting.

6. Stephen Antonson Alexander chandelier. Apparatus Studio is a great resource for sculptural, modern lighting that really makes a statement. How fabulous is their cloud candelier, below? 7. Apparatus Studio Cloud 37. 8. Apparatus Studio Trapeze 10 (we love this fixture as well from Apparatus Studio). The George Nelson pendant lamp is our #1 go-to for modern spaces on a budget. It’s also just a great fixture to consider when you want to give a slightly more traditional space a little edge, or if you’re looking for something simple and unobtrusive. 9. Design Within Reach Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamp. Designer Robert Couturier used Ochre’s delicate Arctic Pear light fixture in a bedroom in this Brooklyn Brownstone he recently decorated. 10. Ochre Arctic Pear. Do you have any favorite, go-to architectural light fixtures that you love? If so, please share ! Welcome to our blog! As interior designers and book authors, our mission is to help you create a home you'll love.

We'll take you with us on weekend antique excursions, clue you in to great trade resources and inspire you with our current design projects. We'll also share tips and tricks that will help you turn your house into a home. We're thrilled to take you with us on our design journey!View Our Complete ProfileSummer is high wedding season and we are thinking about everything from gift registry trends and setting up a newlywed home to the design of a glamorous dressing room for the bride…edie sedgwick chandelier earrings buy Inspired by her daughter Danielle’s upcoming nuptials, Holiday House founder Iris Dankner created a Bridal Suite for the 2014 Holiday House NYC. chandelier ballroom lechuguillaThe centerpiece of the space – a stunning bridal dress by Isabelle Armstrong illuminated by the elegant “Arctic Pear” Chandelier from Ochre, had everyone hearing wedding bells. waterford chandelier avoca

The walls and ceiling were outfitted in fabulous coverings by Maya Romanoff and the “Brigitte” Swivel Lounge from Lewis-Mittman provided a comfortably chic cushion to sit and ponder whether or not to say yes to the dress. The bride and her party could enjoy champagne out of crystal flutes from Baccarat all while being tempted by delicious sweets from LaDuree. Glittering accessories from Michael C. Fina added the finishing touch. Before tying the knot, one of the most important (and fun) aspects of the planning process is the Gift Registry. Our friends at Michael C. Fina have shared with us the trends they are seeing for registries this season. These elegant pieces will be part of family celebrations and memories for many years to come. 1. Platinum patterns rather than the traditional gold patterns Some popular registered patterns: Mosaique Au 24 Platine by Hermes Arcades Grey & Platinum by Philippe Deshouliers 2. Moroccan inspired designs

Voyage en Ikat by Hermes Finally, lets talk flowers. With so many beautiful blooms in season, choosing the right florals for the wedding can be a daunting task. We can’t help but be reminded of the vibrant, beautiful table arrangements created by the wonderful ladies at Lilee Fell Flowers for last year’s Holiday House Hamptons White Gala. The light pink, fuschia, and bright green hues played beautifully against the all-white crowd. These gorgeous arrangements would add a fresh, breezy touch of romance to any summer wedding! In honor of Danielle Dankner and her Groom-to-Be Sam, we leave you with Iris’s Recipe for “A Happy Marriage”. Combine two caring hearts. Add a lot of love. Mix well with respect and trust. Add gentleness, laughter, faith, hope, and joy. Pour in much understanding. Sprinkle with kisses and, a dash of hugs. Bake for a lifetime. Yields: One Happy Couple. For a little excitement, add Champagne!Picking the right style for the kitchen can be a challenging task even for the best of design experts at times.

Designing a perfect kitchen is all about bringing together form and function in an effortless and almost organic manner. This is obviously easier said than done!That’s precisely why we have decided to help you out by taking a closer look at five popular and trendy kitchen styles that seem like perennial favorites among both homeowners and designers alike. Since most modern homes seem to be adopting an open floor plan,a kitchen style that goes hand-in-hand with the remainder of the house is often a must.While there are other cool kitchen styles, we have limited ourselves today to those that fit in with the design scheme of most contemporary homes. So, if you are upset about the omission of the likes of rustic and cottage kitchen styles, then do not fret too much. That is fabulous collection reserved for another day down the line!For now, flip through these amazing and inspirational kitchens that range from the contemporary to the eclectic before deciding on the style that is most appealing to you.

The kitchen is indeed the heart and soul of your house; a driving force and a gathering spot that brings the family together. And it may be time to rethink the style and theme that you have adopted for your own kitchen. Check out the five trendiest kitchen styles of the year before making that all important decision.The discussion about style is often a controversial and touchy subject even among the best interior designers on the planet. While some are obvious and distinct, others have blurred boundaries and a multitude of individual elements borrowed from other styles. At times, we tend to recognize style by the visual in front of us rather than sticking strictly to the conventional definitions. Contemporary kitchens seem to be similar in nature. They are epitomized by the use of high-end appliances and a design that seems both assertive and ahead of its time.by Jules Art of Livingby Mal Corboy Design and CabinetsContemporary kitchens can borrow individual elements from eclectic, modern and even retro kitchens.

Yet, it is the distinct urbane vibe of the space that truly makes it contemporary. Expansive backdrops, intricate ceilings, the best bar and counter stools and brilliant lighting combine to give the kitchen a beautiful contemporary vibe.One of the important features of these kitchens is the style of the cabinets used. The cabinet doors are sleek, often sport a layer of shiny lacquered finish and tend to feature handles that disappear into the doors with ease. There is no ornate framing or presence of raised-panels and mixed door style that is seen in other kitchens.by Positive Space Staging and Designby Impala Kitchens and BathroomsThere is still plenty of room for the traditional kitchen in the modern home. In fact, most designers say that it is the most preferred look in homes across the US. The traditional kitchen comes with plenty of perks and wide variety of options that allows you to individualize the space with ease. Apart from the wide array of colors and finishes, it is the cabinetry and the intricate architectural elements that really steal the show here.

Lovely arches, beautiful windows, expansive inlays and ornate lighting are an integral part of the traditional kitchen.by Garrison Hullinger Interior DesignThere is also a plenty of choice when it comes to the counter-top material. You can pick from Calacatta and Statuary marble, various wood finishes and even quartz depending on the usage of the kitchen station and the island. Traditional kitchens are all about attention to detail; from the cabinets and the sink to the dining stools and the windows!Lighting plays a major role in giving the traditional kitchen its final shape. While proper lighting is key in pretty much every room of the house, traditional kitchens look especially dull and jaded with poor lighting and dark corners. When you have carved patterns, elaborate features, sweeping arches and subtle, yet complex layers, then why not show them off in a grand style? Combine several layers of lighting to get this done in a tasteful manner.Think of transitional design as an ideal compromise between the traditional and the contemporary.

This unique style is a pleasing blend of both aesthetics and functionality as it draws from the clean and well defined look of contemporary design and the inviting warmth of traditional materials. Most transitional kitchens use soothing neutral shades and organic textures, making them a soothing and tranquil hub. The cabinetry is kept simple, stylish and is often modern its design. If you are a fan of sustainable living and green design, then transitional is a perfect choice for you.When it comes to accessories, transitional kitchen is all about adopting a minimal approach. The one word that defines this entire style perfectly is ‘restrained’. Hold back on splurging too much color and decorate with only things that you absolutely love. While there is plenty of room in this style for introduction of various fuzzy textures, keep the intricate patterns to a bare minimum.Remember though that the thing that separate transitional from contemporary is its cozy and relaxed ambiance. Smart recessed lighting coupled with elegant pendant lights above the kitchen island can get this done with ease.

You can tone down the sleek, polished surfaces to move towards a more classic appeal or go in the opposite direction for a semi-minimal vibe.by Studio Swann – Custom Kitchens & BathsModern industrial style has seen a revival of sorts in the last few years. With many young homeowners opting to turn their space-conscious lofts into cool bachelor pads, the trendy industrial-styled kitchen is here to stay. There are obviously are plenty of advantages of going in for this daring look. For starters, you will have no trouble in clearly defining what constitutes an industrial kitchen. Exposed brick walls, metallic beams and tubes and wooden surfaces can be effortlessly integrated into this look.Large metallic pendant lights, giant wooden tables and open cabinets that showcase the glassware are all an integral part of this style. Obviously some of the more brilliant designers have successfully managed to create a fusion between the industrial and the minimal or even the Scandinavian themes! But if you are just getting started, then it is best to stick to the simple basics.

If you are trying to bring home the industrial kitchen, then think about picking up shiny new stainless steel cabinets that are ideal for this theme. The form of your own apartment or residence is an important part of the industrial style. If you do not live in such a setting, then try not to force this style on as it looks ungainly in a polished, urban environment. Since metal is a natural part of the kitchen, an industrial style is easy to execute and hard to go wrong with.by Jessica Helgerson Interior Designby Bennett Frank McCarthy ArchitectsSo what exactly is eclectic style? There is a popular misconception going around that just lazily throwing random things and colors around constitutes an eclectic look. The truth could not be more far off. Eclectic style is all about expressing yourself without being bound by any existing style. Yes, it involves carefully collecting the most meaningful items in your own life and then bringing them together to make the perfect visual sense. But that is not the same as random and meaningless design.