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I was so impressed with the makeover featured in the Times today.  The owner purchased a house on a lake in the Catskills but wanted to stay true to her style.  But how do you have a more modern, clean-lined look in a setting that generally lends itself to a more rustic, country look?  Like this.
 
 
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The star of several settings at the AD Home Show were amazing crystal chandeliers.  The rest of the room might be in a quiet, almost stoic deep grey but with an amazingly detailed chandelier.  Kind of like wearing a Chanel suit with a really big diamond ring.  You know, in one of my better dreams.  Here are a few more.
 
 
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This weekend I hit up the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market again--the outdoor one on Saturday (where I picked up an adorable tray table that will need some TLC but was a solid bargain) and the indoor annex known as "The Garage" on sunday with my sister.  The indoor flea market is actually not in Hell's Kitchen at all but further south on 25th St. and was much more pleasant for browsing on a cold, rainy sunday. 
 
 
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This room setting was originally in a showhouse on Long Island.  There were 2 of each chair instead of one, square end tables and 4 large leather ottomans grouped together as the coffee table.  Obviously that would be way too much furniture for this space.  Working with the sofa and one of each chair, I added appropriately sized items to finish off the room. 
 
 
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A few weeks ago, I took a trip out to the wineries on the North Fork of Long Island for the day with my parents and sister.  At this point, there's nothing Mom really needs for her birthday--but everyone wants a solid day of food, laughs and wine.  Fall is the perfect time to make the trip out and after a few attempts, we finally wound up at Raphael Vineyards. 
 
 
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I had to do a second entry on the flea market because there was just too much good stuff to share.  Like these lamps, for instance.  They would great with a simple round shade (no trims) in a room painted a deep color (maybe a peacock blue?) so the white base really pops.  One note, matching lamps work best on end tables that are the same height to create a more cohesive look.  These would also work on a console or dresser, too.
 
 
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What to do with that long sofa wall?  It's something a lot of people struggle with.  One piece of artwork alone (even if it's hung at the correct height) is not going to cut it.  In this family room, the sectional is across from large windows featuring a beautiful yard and adjacent to a fireplace flanked by built in bookcases (see previous entry).  The best way to address this wall is a grouping of items, preferably something that works with instead of detracting from the view.
 
 
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I've already begun shopping for my new apartment.  You know, the one I don't have yet and haven't even seen.  Come on, you know you do the same thing.  One item that I'm planning to add is an arc lamp.  They're a little more mod than my usual taste, but they just look so darn cool.
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Plus, because I am practical gal, they are very functional.  They provide ambient overhead light in places without ceiling fixtures.  I particularly like how in this second picture it acts as a pseudo chandelier.  You can find arc lamps at all different price points from several thousand dollars for vintage to a couple hundred.  Both lamps pictured here are from cb2 (Crate and Barrel's more modern line) and retail for $199.
 
 
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Last Saturday I took a little field trip to the Brooklyn area known as BoCoCa (I smite the people who come up with these ridiculous nicknames),perhaps better known as Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens.  I had been meaning to get down there for a while to check out some of the design shops and it did not disappoint.  I found several places of interest, but I'll focus on one that really captured my attention called B Moore Design on Atlantic Avenue.
 
 
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Most everyone has that dark corner in their home that would seriously benefit from a bit of light.  Chandeliers, much like area rugs, are fantastic for creating dedicated settings in your home.  They provide intimacy over a dining table that general overhead lighting just can't.
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But what to do when budget or living situation (I'm looking at you, fellow renters) prevents you from having an electrician come in and hardwire a fixture to your ceiling?  Well, you can use table lamps, torchiers and the like.  This, however, can lead to the very unfortunate situation of your home looking like a lamp store.  Those of you with those dark northern exposure rooms know what I'm talking about.  Option B-you can use a fixture that plugs in and hangs from the ceiling with a hook.
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Now I know, back in the day, those fixtures were not always the most attractive.  But I've added a few examples here that could work with just about any decor.  Seriously, these are pretty darn cute and they all are under $150.  You crafty types out there may be able to create a fixture with a light kit and a shade for even less.  For those of us not so craftily inclined, I offer the simple solutions seen here. 
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Be sure to anchor your ceiling hook firmly and choose the appropriate hook for the weight of your chandelier.  Now, look around, and start thinking of where you're going to hang yours.  Over a dining table, desk, bed?  Let me know and happy hunting!