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Possini Euro Design Apex Energy Saver Floor Lamp – Price: $89.95 | Discount: 55%
I'll Light Up Your Life - Online and Available Now: Attractive and bright seeks illuminating long-term relationship with stylish bargain hunter. Slender with a shade of white around the top. Efficient and dependable; will adjust to your needs. Turn-ons: foot switch; turn-offs: same. Ready to move in today!
This light and airy modern floor lamp features a satin nickel finish and a smart white fabric shade. Its square shade complements and plays off of its square base. Features an on/off foot switch for convenient operation. Light output is equivalent to 200 watts incandescent bulbs.
Original Price: $199.99 | Sale Price: $89.95 | Percent Off: 55%
8/12/2011
Deal of the Week Terms and Conditions:
Special pricing valid only from Monday 1 AM to Sunday 11:59 PM Pacific Time each week. Quantities may be limited, offer good only on in-stock merchandise; first come, first served, no rain-checks will be issued. Not valid on special orders, previous orders or with other coupons or discounts. Online or phone orders only; not valid at store locations. No trade discounts. For Deal of the Week products that are clearance items, please note that all sales of clearance items are final. Other restrictions may apply; please call for details. Offer may be changed or discontinued at any time.
Originality in the Bedroom: Alternative Night Stand Ideas
I am always trying to think of creative ways to design a personal and unique space. Finding alternative uses for products or bringing in an unexpected piece can offer a wow factor for any space. It can be much easier to use furniture for its intended use, but if you think outside the box just a bit you can create a design that is very special. Using alternative night stands allows you to play with scale, materials, and overall aesthetic of the piece.
Step Table: The table is visually interesting and allows for the display of accessories, books, picture frames, etc. The top shelf could even hold a smaller lamp. What makes the piece (in the image featured above) extra unique is its distressed aesthetic.
Bar Cart Night Stands: I visited my friends in their downtown loft and as they were showing me around their space, I noticed that the bedroom nightstands looked larger than typical bedside tables. I looked at them more closely and noticed that they were actually bar carts. They picked up the matching bar carts at a flea market and loved the idea of using them in the bedroom.
Suitcases: Why not make use out of old suitcases. To create a functional nightstand (featured above), the suitcases are elevated on two wooden legs. To create a flat surface and add more interest, a wooden tray tops off the stacked suitcases.
Wall Mounted Shelving: The shelving is a great way to save space in the bedroom. I love how the shelves can be mounted at any height, so you don't have to reach down to grab your favorite book.
Vintage Ladder: The ladder provides many different options to display books and accessories. This is one of my favorite options for a bedside table.
What is your favorite alternative night stand idea?
Images: la belle vie, Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful, Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart
Originality in the Bedroom: Alternative Night Stand Ideas
I am always trying to think of creative ways to design a personal and unique space. Finding alternative uses for products or bringing in an unexpected piece can offer a wow factor for any space. It can be much easier to use furniture for its intended use, but if you think outside the box just a bit you can create a design that is very special. Using alternative night stands allows you to play with scale, materials, and overall aesthetic of the piece.
Step Table: The table is visually interesting and allows for the display of accessories, books, picture frames, etc. The top shelf could even hold a smaller lamp. What makes the piece (in the image featured above) extra unique is its distressed aesthetic.
Bar Cart Night Stands: I visited my friends in their downtown loft and as they were showing me around their space, I noticed that the bedroom nightstands looked larger than typical bedside tables. I looked at them more closely and noticed that they were actually bar carts. They picked up the matching bar carts at a flea market and loved the idea of using them in the bedroom.
Suitcases: Why not make use out of old suitcases. To create a functional nightstand (featured above), the suitcases are elevated on two wooden legs. To create a flat surface and add more interest, a wooden tray tops off the stacked suitcases.
Wall Mounted Shelving: The shelving is a great way to save space in the bedroom. I love how the shelves can be mounted at any height, so you don't have to reach down to grab your favorite book.
Vintage Ladder: The ladder provides many different options to display books and accessories. This is one of my favorite options for a bedside table.
What is your favorite alternative night stand idea?
Images: la belle vie, Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful, Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart
5 Organization and Space Saving Ideas for Kid’s Rooms
1. Built-in Seating Nooks: Instead of having a few chairs floating around the bedroom, I like to design built-in seating nooks that can also double as storage. The nook in the image featured above is very unique, but you can also create something more basic. My favorite type of seating is a built-in bench with a cushion and drawers. Kids can sit on the bench and read books and put their toys in the drawers at the end of the day. Constructing a custom piece of furniture allows you to design a piece that is the exact size that fits the space.
2. Utilize Vertical Space: Let's face it, kids can accumulate a lot of toys and books. It is sometimes hard to keep a kid's room clutter free and organized. When designing a kid's space be sure to have enough storage to keep the space organized. A solution for making the most of possible storage space is incorporating floor-to-ceiling shelving or bookcases. You can put the least used toys (or fragile toys, piggy banks, etc.) on the top shelves and the child's favorite toys on the lower shelves for easy access.
3. Bunk Beds: Bunk beds are so much fun! I wish I was a kid again and could sleep on the top bunk just below the ceiling. Siblings sharing a room can be a challenge, but can also be a fun experience. Bunk beds make use of the vertical space and can be multi-functional with built-in shelving or a desk. The bottom bunk can serve as extra seating during the day.
4. Get Creative: I haven't seen many kid's rooms that are as small as this closet bedroom. The mom was forced to come up with a creative solution to fit both kids in the small closet space. Therefore, she installed the crib above the toddler bed to create her own version of a bunk bed. Don't be afraid to think outside of the box to create your own space saving and organization solutions.
5. No Closet - No Problem: I love how hanging clothes on a branch looks so cool (and intentional) in the image above. Kid's rooms are sometimes converted from a former home office, closet, and other spaces and may not include an existing closet. If you opt not to go for the bold look, purchasing an armoire for the space will give you both drawers for folded clothes and upper space to hang the remaining clothes.
What are your ideas for making the most out of a kid's bedroom and keeping it organized?
Images: Glo, Design Sponge, Tinywhitedaisies, Ohdeedoh, the boo and the boy
5 Organization and Space Saving Ideas for Kid’s Rooms
1. Built-in Seating Nooks: Instead of having a few chairs floating around the bedroom, I like to design built-in seating nooks that can also double as storage. The nook in the image featured above is very unique, but you can also create something more basic. My favorite type of seating is a built-in bench with a cushion and drawers. Kids can sit on the bench and read books and put their toys in the drawers at the end of the day. Constructing a custom piece of furniture allows you to design a piece that is the exact size that fits the space.
2. Utilize Vertical Space: Let's face it, kids can accumulate a lot of toys and books. It is sometimes hard to keep a kid's room clutter free and organized. When designing a kid's space be sure to have enough storage to keep the space organized. A solution for making the most of possible storage space is incorporating floor-to-ceiling shelving or bookcases. You can put the least used toys (or fragile toys, piggy banks, etc.) on the top shelves and the child's favorite toys on the lower shelves for easy access.
3. Bunk Beds: Bunk beds are so much fun! I wish I was a kid again and could sleep on the top bunk just below the ceiling. Siblings sharing a room can be a challenge, but can also be a fun experience. Bunk beds make use of the vertical space and can be multi-functional with built-in shelving or a desk. The bottom bunk can serve as extra seating during the day.
4. Get Creative: I haven't seen many kid's rooms that are as small as this closet bedroom. The mom was forced to come up with a creative solution to fit both kids in the small closet space. Therefore, she installed the crib above the toddler bed to create her own version of a bunk bed. Don't be afraid to think outside of the box to create your own space saving and organization solutions.
5. No Closet - No Problem: I love how hanging clothes on a branch looks so cool (and intentional) in the image above. Kid's rooms are sometimes converted from a former home office, closet, and other spaces and may not include an existing closet. If you opt not to go for the bold look, purchasing an armoire for the space will give you both drawers for folded clothes and upper space to hang the remaining clothes.
What are your ideas for making the most out of a kid's bedroom and keeping it organized?
Images: Glo, Design Sponge, Tinywhitedaisies, Ohdeedoh, the boo and the boy
The Top Apps for Designers
Gone are the days where the only design inspiration came in the form of magazine clippings. The most interesting places are now either online or on the go with a mobile app. The top apps for designers or design enthusiasts cover a wide range of applications and interests, such as cool lighting fixtures and contemporary home decor. I could wax on for pages about the intricacies of these and many more apps, but I know our twice-weekly time together is brief.
Having come from an auction background, I love the ability to have instant gratification with the Christies for iPad app. Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth we needed to wait for catalogues to come in the mail about three weeks before a sale to see what was being auctions. You can now browse about 450 auctions in about 80 categories. From decorative arts to photography, it’s a great resource when looking for one-of-a-kind objects.
Houzz is another fun app that I like to use for inspiration and a wee bit of design voyeurism. Not only can you create an idea book from images on the web that you upload, but you can scroll through room pictures by style as well as visit and upload designer portfolios for room inspiration.
Colorpulse 2012 app from Benjamin Moore Paint is a terrific way to see the new, hot colors for the upcoming year. Each year there are design trends and forecasts that we ultimately see in the stores and in the magazines later on. By downloading Colorpulse, you will see the hot color forecast in advance. This is great to wow friends and clients alike. It’s like having you’re own design Nostradamus!
iHomeHD is another fun app to browse room interiors for inspiration.
Remodelista is a great app if your taste leans more towards DIY. You can find daily content updates, DIY projects and how to get designer looks for less.
Moodboard is another app that can be used across many applications. It’s basically a blank canvas on which you can fill with content. For designers it’s a great tool to use when putting together room boards or for the homeowner who is simply trying to compile a selection of favorite things.
Stonepedia is an app designed to be a resource for all things stone. This app has over 500 types of marble and granite to peruse. It’s really helpful if somebody mentions a type of stone that you can’t visualize. Also, it’s terrific to visit before you spend many hot hours in a stone quarry trying to narrow down the styles you like. Stonepedia let’s you browse at home, saving you time.
The Lamps Plus catalog app gives you access to the best selection of designer lighting, furniture and home decor right on your mobile device. Download the latest sale event catalogs, specialty catalogs and sale brochures as soon as they are published. It was also selected as the 2011 winner of the RIS (Retail Info Systems) Mobile App of the Year Award for Customer Experience.
Photos courtesy of switchonset.com, powerbookcentral.com, benjaminmoore.com, decorreport.com, raisedincotton.com, marbleandgranite.com
Meghan Carter Contest: Win a Design Consultation, $250 Shopping Spree and a Signed Book
Do you need help discovering your interior design style or guidance on selecting the perfect color for your space? Well, now is your chance to win the perfect Lamps Plus Home Decor Trifecta! Simply enter the Meghan Carter Contest. The winner will receive a personal design consultation with Meghan Carter, author of The Meghan Method, a $250 online Lamps Plus shopping spree to implement Meghan’s advice into your home, and a signed copy of Meghan’s book.
Enter now through August 16, 2011. Only one entry per day please.
It is easy to enter! There are three ways-
• Leave a comment on this blog post explaining why you deserve to have your room redone with help from Meghan (my favs!)
• Follow Lamps Plus and tweet... " @MeghanCarter I should win the @LampsPlus redo because:” ( Lamps Plus Twitter page)
• Email us at community@lampsplus.com explaining why you deserve to have your room redone with help from Meghan
Be sure to leave a valid email address or Twitter handle with your entry so we can contact you.
View the complete contest rules (PDF file; requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader).
Connect with Meghan on Facebook to get more decorating tips and helpful home advice.
Images courtesy of Meghan Carter
The Top 5 Colors for Kids Rooms
Although I am a kid at heart, I know I could never get away with Sponge Bob bedding. However, what I can get away with is discussing my thoughts on the top 5 colors for kids rooms. As we rapidly approach the back to school rush, it may be time to consider a wee fresh-up with regard to your children’s rooms. Kids love having their own space designed to suit their interests and parents love a happy kid! Why not have them actually excited about starting school when they see a newly designed room in which to play and study?
While every child is different and has different requirements, they all want a fun room. Indulge them when possible, but there are ways to keep the rooms fresh and modern to suit the entire house as well. Remember, it is 2011 after all. So, armed with that, I think blue is still a great first option. It’s always the way to go for a boy, but if the shade is pale enough it could be chic for a girl. Notice how the room above works for a child but is still so sophisticated and clean that it can grow with your child.
Pink is soothing and girls do love it so. Look at this modern approach to the color. Gone are frilly bits and ruffles. Notice the use of silhouette pillows and a pencil thin stripe carpet? This carpet will work with just about any color scheme after your daughter finally decides she hates pink!
Green can work for boys and girls, it’s all in the way you accessorize. Here pink curtains and bedding make it feminine. If you had used brown and white curtains it could work for a boy, snap!
Yellow is another color that works for boys and girls. This golden shade paired with the red rug is great for a boy and will grow with him through the years. Don’t lose sight that this could be a great library when the “empty nest” happens. Bring in a pair of cozy leather chairs, done.
Orange is a new, hot color. While this room is great for a boy, you could use an orange and white floral wall paper or stencil on the closet wall to make the space feminine.
Can’t make up your mind? Leave the room white and use a polka dot pattern on the walls or add colorful kids area rugs and please everybody! OK, that was six, but who is counting?
Photos courtesy of dwell.com and HGTV.com
Interior Designer Kishani Perera Shares Creative Ideas for Designing a Unique Space
I met designer Kishani Perera a few weeks ago. I love her personal style and her eye for putting together interiors. Kishani is not afraid to mix up styles and step out of the box to create a unique space. I asked Kishani to share some personal insight on creative ideas for designing a unique and personal space.
LAMPS PLUS: How would you describe your style?
KISHANI PERERA: Very eclectic - a mix of high and low, reclaimed with refined, ordinary with ornamental
LAMPS PLUS: Where do you find inspiration for your projects?
KISHANI PERERA: The inspiration really comes from the client - I take their goals for the space and run with it!
LAMPS PLUS: What is your favorite paint color?
KISHANI PERERA: I love shades of grey
LAMPS PLUS: How do you involve your clients in the design?
KISHANI PERERA: I involve them through constant communication. From collaboration on initial inspiration, to approval on specific textiles and pieces of furniture, they participate throughout the process.
LAMPS PLUS: What is the biggest challenge when designing for clients?
KISHANI PERERA: The biggest challenge is clearly communicating your vision for their space so they feel comfortable and excited about the project.
LAMPS PLUS: What is the most common decorating mistake people make?
KISHANI PERERA: The most common mistake that I see all the time is purchasing rugs that are far too small for the space!
LAMPS PLUS: What are three must-have accessories?
KISHANI PERERA: Three must-have accessories are great toss cushions, lots of books (old or new), and unique, decorative containers, whether just for looks or for function.
LAMPS PLUS: What are creative ideas for making your home your own?
KISHANI PERERA: I love personalizing thing and adding unique touches to every home.
KISHANI PERERA: In this apartment where budget was a concern, but style was a must, we added a plastic room divider on top of a plain white shower liner to add interest and character. The pattern of the beads accentuated the Deco era tiles and the overall look of the bathroom without breaking the bank.
KISHANI PERERA: Can't splurge on expensive art? Create your own artistic display by framing a collection of personal photos and mixing it in with small paintings or prints, such as the ones featured. Some of which were even purchased on eBay.
KISHANI PERERA: Want to liven up your grownup space without taking it to the extreme? Add a shock of color in an unexpected place. In this very chic and sophisticated living room, we lacquered this Chinese coffee table in an electric blue. It created a distinct feature and add a much needed youthful energy to the space.
KISHANI PERERA: In this gorgeous home office, the client required a space to display notes, reminders, photography and other sentimental items. In lieu of the traditional and somewhat mundane bulletin board, we purchased a vintage dress form and used it in its place. The piece served the same function while flowing with the feminine vibe. We additionally created a fantastic conversation piece!
KISHANI PERERA: This client was anything but conventional! She had an affinity for religious artifacts and memorabilia, which we infused throughout her home. She had one room that served as a guest quarters on occasion that just seemed to lack personality. Our solution was to find an antique shrine and fill it with the client's artwork and curios. Instant character!
KISHANI PERERA: The idea of an ever evolving, extremely personal art installation seemed like the perfect solution to liven up the living room of a creative young family. They had recently discovered an artist who worked with vintage and unique woods from around the world. We collaborated to design this life size family tree which proudly displays family photos, mementos, and other whimsical elements - such a special way to document their growing family!
Images: Kishani Perera