Bright Idea

kkY-not

I received the latest issue of House Beautiful in the mail last night. This month's issue features, kaarsKoker, A Seattle-based company founded by April Pride Allison. The idea is absolutely brilliant! After ordering tons of light fixtures for her clients, Allison grew disillusioned by the cheap plastic sleeves that often come with certain types of light fixtures and decided to do something about it. In September of 2008, she launched kaarsKoker, which means "candle sleeve" in Dutch. Her collection features a broad spectrum of chic patterns and solid colors in 4 inch and 6 inch lengths. As if that were not enough, they are affordable, too ranging from $12 to $23 per pair.

kkClover

kkCone


kkY-Not

kkMarble/Feather


kkSkull

kkClover

All images via kaarsKoker

Circa Eye Candy

An array of Circa chandeliers

Last weekend, I paid a visit to Circa Lighting. Each time I set foot in the store, I fall more and more in love with my old favorites and discover new loves as well. I've compiled several pieces that are new this season and a few older pieces that I just love.

The classic Manhattan chandelier would be right at home in an equally grand space.

Barbara Barry's new Carousel lamp in soft silver. I've been eyeing this one for my formal living room.

The white lamps are Lotus lamps also by Barbara Barry. I love that they are both feminine and funky. The Carousel lamp is seen in the bronze finish here.

The Simple Scallop design is available in several incarnations and is wildly popular with designers and bloggers alike.

The Simple Scallop sconce in soft silver

The Chandler chandelier is seen without shades here. It is absolutely gorgeous in person and pictures really don't do the finish justice. It is burnished silver leaf with polished silver accents.

These industrial-inspired designs are super popular right now, but I honestly think it is a style that will withstand the test of time. Here, we have the Small Country Industrial Stage Light on the left (it might as well be a custom piece as it is available in 18 possible finishes/shade combinations) and the Noho torchere in brushed steel on the right.

The Ziyi chandelier looks equally fabulous without shades as it does with them.

We just purchased this Cornice ceiling fixture for our home office. The picture truly does not do this art deco inspired piece justice. It is larger than you would imagine and makes quite a statement.

A bevy of beautiful table lamps in varying styles by designers such as Thomas O'Brien and Alexa Hampton

The Westmeath Obelisk lamp- Its lines remind me of The Empire State Building.

Various small table and desk lamps {If you'd like to know the name of a particular lamp, just let me know.}

Just as in life, one pretty lady always steals the show. In this case, it is the stunning Crescent table lamp by Michael Smith made of quartz on antique gold leaf (far left).

Harmonious Living in Houston

The August issue of House Beautiful features the largest spread it has ever done on a home and it happens to belong to Andy Singer, the founder of Visual Comfort Lighting and his wife, Gayle. Those of you who a regular readers of La Dolce Vita know that my husband has the pleasure of working for Visual Comfort. The funny thing is, Andy's house is being published in a few magazines and he is notoriously modest and doesn't like being the center of attention.

The house, which was completed within the last year is situated in one of Houston's most beautiful areas. The interior was designed by J.Randall Powers, whose own home was featured in Elle Decor last year. J.Randall drew inspiration from the city of Rome and modeled the home after a neoclassical villa. His aim was to create a space which was beautiful, edited, and most importantly, comfortable. He and the Singers felt it was extremely important for their home to feel comfortable and livable, a refuge from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. The house is dressed in a soothing and serene palette and feels homey, but very grow-up all at once.

Visitors are greeted by a beautiful set of custom doors, a massive Visual Comfort Zodiac pendant, creamy marble floors, and Italian antiques.

The large living room is part of a two-page spread. Powers makes its massive size work by creating two smaller sitting areas. The floor is covered in grass matting in this room, while two wooden Italian busts stand guard over the space.

A second shot of the living room (notice the beautiful door knobs)

The family style kitchen melds together old and new. The Visual Comfort Country Industrial Pendants are modeled after a vintage style, while the room is filled with antique copper cookware and vintage ironware.

The sunny breakfast room feature exposed brick walls, a beamed ceiling, an antique walnut table accompanied by a banquette and upholstered chairs.

A vignette of several other rooms in the house

The guest bedroom features several engravings of Roman architectural fragments and a bed upholstered in paisley fabric. The Pimlico bedside lamps are also by Visual Comfort.

The limestone floors, alabaster urns, and carrara marble counter tops in the master bath are meant to reference the materials used in ancient Rome. A vintage starburst mirror hangs in front of a circular window.

The master bedroom also features engravings of Roman ruins, a theme which persists throughout the house. Both the bedding and the bed itself are dressed in fine stripes. J.Randall opted for a leather settee at the foot of the bed because he felt an upholstered bench would "look too staged".

The interview with J.Randall Powers

All Visual Comfort products are available through their sister company, Circa Lighting.

Images from the August 2008 issue of House Beautiful