14:
Lampshades are becoming increasingly optional in today’s industrial, post-apocalyptic chic aesthetic. From throwback Edison to chrome-tipped, certain bulbs can easily stand on their own when hung from a simple cord set or displayed in a transparent shade. Here are some of our favorites as inspiration.
Nostalgic filament bulbs may be overplayed, but they still look really pretty lit up in a clear glass shade. This Squirrel Cage bulb from Rejuvenation is $16.
30W Squirrel-cage Tungsten Filament Bulb, $16
The sandblasted pattern on this Confetti bulb casts fun shadows on the wall when lit. Equally stunning when unlit, all you’d need to do is string it from a simple cord set (a good thing, as they aren’t cheap!) Finnish Design Shop €34.
Light Shadows bulb, Confetti
Chrome-tipped bulbs reflect light backward to avoid glare. This makes them popular as vanity lighting, but they also look classy exposed from a sconce in a hallway or in an open pendant in the kitchen. $5 from Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.
Silver Tip Bulb, $5
If you want to be energy conscious but hate how normal CFL bulbs look, then the Plumen is for you. Its cleverly twisted tubes look graceful peaking through just about any fixture, and they use 80% less energy than normal incandescents. $30 from the MoMA Store.
Plumen 001 Bulb, $30
I’ve always been fascinated by bulbs that can flicker like a candle! The ultimate in mood lighting. $15 from Rejuvenation.
Carbon-filament Flicker Bulb, $15
22:
Tired of seeing gray skies and brittle trees every time you look out your window? Hang this bag planter on your fire escape, maybe you’ll fool yourself into feeling like it’s actually Spring.
HANGING BAG PLANTER, $39
For all you christmas light maniacs out there, here’s a grown-up version to cozify the room you’ve been holing up in. Silver or gold.
STARRY STRING LIGHTS – AMBER LIGHTS ON COPPER WIRE, $15-99
There’s no better way to start getting psyched for the summer than getting a donut pool float far in advance. Inflate it and use it as furniture until you can bring it to the pool.
Donut Pool Float, $18
If this smiley face tissue box doesn’t make you smile every time you reach for a tissue, move on to the next item.
Smiley Face Tissue Box, $9.99 + int’l shipping
When all else fails, hide your pale, dry skin behind this unicorn mask until the sun comes out.
Fred Flare Magic Unicorn Mask, $34
20:
If you’re a fan of Jonathan Adler, his latest book “100 Ways to Happy Chic Your Life” is a must have. The title says it all, really. 100 Ways, complete with bonus craft projects that anyone can do, guides everyone from the completely lost to the dabbling designers. Adler’s aesthetic makes us smile, reminding us that a happy home is the foundation for a happy lifestyle. This is truly a self-help guide for the house.
Some tips to get you started…
100 Ways is full of tips that I bet you never thought of, like this one. A heavy curtain behind the bed adds sexiness in a flash.
These days, every bookshelf on earth is suddenly beautifully curated, as if it came out of the box that way. Mr. Adler breaks down the mystique with inspirational tips like “create a hippie-dippie love moment.”
Jonathan Adler reminds us to pay attention to the small spaces, it’s one of the most commonly overlooked design opportunities. You won’t believe how giving a boost to that sad hallway or neglected nook can boost the design-worthiness of your abode.
Embrace Irreverance, he suggests. Channel your inner Bansky and suddenly it’s hard to ignore those cheesy dime a dozen paintings you see at the flea market.
11:
I’m all for dim mood lighting, but sometimes you need a bright watt or two in a particular spot. Get light right where you want it with one of these adjustable light fixtures.
Many sconces blend right into the wallpaper, but not this bright red number from IKEA. Thanks to its ultra-thin LED lamp head, it can fold right up next to the wall when not in use. $49.99.
IKEA PS 2012 LED Wall Lamp, $49.99
Pull a 180 with this hardwired brass sconce from Anthropologie. It swivels up, down and all around. $198.
Moving Light Sconce, $198
These versatile little work lamp look like something you’d swipe from your dad’s workbench. Swing one over a rafter or string a few on a table. $99.99 and up.
Work Lamp, $99
This bendy gold clamp lamp would look sharp on a white desk or headboard. I also see it clamped to a kitchen cupboard wherever extra light is needed while cooking. $59.
Modern Clip Lamp, $59
CB2’s wood and steel Bruno task lamp angles high and low on a solid cast iron base. Its clean lines will encourage you to keep your workspace tidy. $79.95.
bruno task lamp, $79.95
Restoration Hardware’s 1950’s scissor sconce extends to an impressive 40” long and pivots right and left. I picture it in an industrial-chic dining room or Steampunk living room. $199.
1950s Factory Scissor Sconce, $199
25:
Looking for a sectional that fits your ever changing lifestyle? The Dual sofa from CB2 may be the perfect match. Its chaise arm is designed to fit both a right and left arm configurations, and its double sided cushions allows you to switch up your style from traditional to modern. The Dual sofas versatility means that it is able to fit almost any room layout.
CB2 dual pebble tufted sectional, $1799
The neutral color of the sectional provides a prefect canvas for some funky pillows. These pillows from Society6 have an artistic feel, which helps create a laid back and cool vibe.
gyld^pyrymyd pillow cover, $20
First Chance Pillow Cover, $20
Negro sobre Blanco Pillow Cover, $20
Placing a rug under the sofa, is a great way to introduce color into the space without it being overwhelming. Mustard yellow adds warmth to the room.
Shag Rug. $109.00-329.00
Raw materials such as stone and concrete give off an urban feeling. Add a unique planter to add some succulents and greenery to the space…
Air Plant Planter, $18.50
…or replace the gravel in this handsome concrete cube with plants.
Concrete cube side table w/ gravel, $200
Art in the form of typography is a style that never gets old. Spell out words of inspiration with world map letters from Urban Outfitters.
Around the World Letters, $12
