Lighting

Color Scheme, Lighting, Paint Color, Renovation

How one attic became usable

One of the projects I have been working on lately is an attic home office. My clients decided to renovate a decent size half-finished attic to use it as a shared office for her and him as well as a music lounge area. The photo below shows the attic before the renovation with a low ceiling and poor lighting. There was no insulation which made it impossible to use the area all year long.

The attic has been completely gutted and insulated. Ceiling was elevated and covered with new drywall. Old carpeting was removed and existing hardwood floors refinished using a sophisticated dark stain. New energy efficient recessed lighting was installed along the ceiling together with a ceiling fan over the staircase. The staircase itself received a facelift to match the railings in the house and to meet safety requirements. Below are some photos of work in progress:

Free space behind the knee walls was used to build spacious storage units with stylish cabinet doors. All doors, trims and window casements were painted white. Walls and ceiling painted in light gray while both gable walls were treated as accent walls and painted in a darker shade of blue/gray.

Construction phase of the project is finished. Now on to the furnishing and accessorizing. We will be using mostly office furniture from IKEA, which is a great deal for the quality you get. I will keep you posted.

Art, Color Scheme, Furniture, Inspiration, Lighting, Paint Color, Rugs

A conference room dedicated to women

Finally, I have some photos of my latest commercial project to share with you! I had the pleasure to work with the American Pharmacists Association in Washington DC on the Women in Pharmacy Conference Room. It is a special place at the APhA’s beautiful headquarters in downtown DC dedicated to the women who significantly contributed to the profession of pharmacy in the USA.

Floral motive on the glass partition and the family tree is inspired by the cherry blossoms native to the Washington mall located just outside of the APhA headquarters by the Lincoln Memorial.

I tried to be sensitive to the contemporary design of the building and its green principles – I selected materials that are environmentally friendly and mostly made in America.

Inspiration, Lighting

Our selection of great sculptural Pendants

A sculptural pendant can give a great opportunity to make a big design statement. They work especially well in contemporary spaces with clean lines where they can stand out and shine like a star. Here is my selection of sculptural pendants that can be very effective in living rooms, foyers and over dining tables. Let me know which one tickles your fancy 🙂

My all time favorite Artochoke Lamp designed by Poul Henningsen is a classic icon of mid century modern Scandinavian design. Originally designed for a restaurant in Copenhagen called the Langelinie Pavilion (still in use today). It seems so elegant and timeless. Looks sharp in commercial spaces, hallways as well as modern homes. Diameter from 19″ to 33″ (large lamp). From $7,000

Another sculptural pendant called Logico is from Artemide. Looks great in both commercial spaces and over a dining table at home. Handblown glass with satin finish. Diameter from 18″. $1,650

Below is a beautiful pendant called Vertigo from Corbett Lighting. It gives warm and diffused light, and is perfect for foyers and living rooms. Diameter from 18″ to 30″. From $650

Maskros pendant from IKEA reminds me of a dandelion, summer and fun. It is such a cool and charming lamp that can jazz up any space for only $90. Dia 32″.

I love this new design from Hubbardton Forge called Kirigami (3-light). It has such a simple and beautiful shape and it seems so effortlessly elegant. Diameter 34″. From $690. Comes in white shade and here is shown in amber:

Below is an “artichok lamp – inspired” Possini pendant for only $300. Diameter 19″

And last but not least Goccia pendant designed by Stevano Papi from SLAMP. Made of recycled plastic materials. It gives warm ambient light and casts interesting shadows on the walls. Great for smaller spaces, such as small foyer or bathroom. Diameter 12″. $350