Lampshades may seem like a small detail in interior design, but they can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of a room. Whether it’s a table or floor lamp, or even a sconce or pendant, choosing the right shade is important. The shade you choose needs to do more than just complement your décor, its shape and opacity will play an important role in how effective your lamp will be at creating the right kind of light for the space. In this article, we dive into 7 popular lampshade options, and provide you with insights that will help you determine what type of shade will best suit your needs.

The Basics

Lampshades come in a wide variety of shapes, and knowing their names will help you to narrow down your search results as you shop. But before we dive into the shapes and names, it’s important to understand a couple of basic details about how shades affect your light. The shade on a lamp impacts the quantity, direction, and color of the light that emanates from the fixture. 

Quantity

Opacity matters when it comes to lampshades. Some shades are made from a solid materials like ceramic that lets little to no light shine through. Many are made from fabrics or frosted or etched glass that allow varying levels of light to filter through. Others are made of fully transparent materials like plastic or glass that allow all of the light through. Understanding your needs for the space will help you to determine what to choose. 

For example: An opaque lampshade may be the best choice for lamps at eye level to avoid glare and eye strain. A light filtering shade is an excellent choice for ambient or mood lighting to create a soft, comfortable glow. Clear shades are perfect for places that need lots of light, like a desk, workspace, or kitchen.

Direction

The shape of a shade will impact where the light can shine. The more opaque a shade is, the more important it is for you to be aware of the direction it will direct the light. A fully opaque shade will direct all light out the openings, and many have a reflective surface on the interior to maximize the amount of light leaving the shade. These shades help you to shine light where you want it, and nowhere else. Semi-opaque, light-filtering, and transparent shades will allow light to shine in all directions (although brightness levels will vary), so directionality is less important for these shades unless they’re being used as task lighting, in which case you’ll still want to be sure the opening on the shade is directed towards your work or desk space. 

Color

Swapping out a lampshade can make an old lamp feel brand new, but it can also have unintended consequences on the way the rest of the room looks. The color of the light on the bulb will take on some of the color of the shade. This can change the way colors look in your room on everything from the furniture to the paint on your walls. You can combat this a little bit by changing the color of the bulb you use if you find a shade you love, but neutrals are usually the safest route if you want to avoid unexpected color clashes. 

With these basics in mind, let’s dive into seven of the most popular lampshade shapes!

Drum Lampshades 

Drum lampshades are one of the most common and versatile options available right now. They feature a cylindrical shape with equal diameter at the top and bottom, creating a clean, minimalistic, modern look. Drum lampshades give off soft and even ambient light in all directions which makes them a great choice for many spaces. Drum shades look great on most base types – from dainty to sculptural. It’s hard to go wrong with this popular option!

Empire Lampshades

With a narrower top and a wider bottom, empire lampshades are the go-to choice for those looking to give an elegant and traditional look to their space. That said, they can also fit into a more modern aesthetic when styled correctly and paired with the right base. Empire lampshades direct light downward, making them an ideal choice if you are looking for task lighting next to a cozy chair or at your desk. 

Square and Rectangular Lampshades

Unconventional yet stylishly chic, rectangular and square lampshades are perfect for adding a contemporary twist to your décor. These lampshades can make a bold statement, so they are perfect for those looking for a focal point in their room. Their shape allows the lamp to sit closer to the wall than circular shades, which means they work especially well on narrow surfaces like console tables and smaller nightstands. 

Bell Lampshades

Like their namesake, bell lampshades feature a flared base with a narrower top. These shades provide a touch of elegance and sophistication. They are most often used in traditional or vintage-inspired interiors. Due to their shape, bell lampshades cast a soft, subdued light. This makes them a wonderful choice for a warm, inviting living room or cozy bedroom corner. 

Dome Lampshades

Dome lampshades are simple yet elegant. They are an unexpected choice that can lean vintage, modern, or futuristic, depending on how they are styled. They are best paired with a thin, dainty base. Reminiscent of the domed cap of a mushroom, these are often a popular choice in biophilic designs as well. Dome lampshades direct light downward while also spreading it gently to the sides. They offer a balanced combination of ambient and task lighting, making them a great fit for most spaces. 

Globe Lampshades 

Globe lampshades are spherical and completely encase the light source, creating a gentle and diffused illumination. Since the light is cast in all directions, globe lampshades do not cast a harsh shadow or glare but rather create a warm, ambient lighting perfect for living spaces, dining rooms, and bedrooms. 

Coolie Lampshades

These lampshades have a distinct slanted shape that directs light downward, making them great for task lighting, such as desk lamps. While the shape of this shade is similar to the Empire shade, Coolie shades have a much larger difference between the top and bottom diameters, giving them a more distinctive slant. The unique shape of this shade fits especially well into retro, eclectic, and industrial-inspired spaces, and they make for an interesting centerpiece wherever they are placed.  

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Selecting the right lampshade for your space can be as simple as choosing the one that you like the best on the shelf, but if you want to truly do your lamp (and your room) justice, take an extra minute and consider the opacity, color, and shape of your shade, and how it will impact the way the light shines in your space. With just a little extra bit of understanding, you can create a well-lit and visually appealing environment that reflects your personality and enhances the atmosphere of your home. So, go ahead and shed light on your style with the perfect lampshade!

You don’t have to do it alone! For help finding the perfect shade, stop by our showroom and let the experts at Western Chandelier help you find exactly what you need, without the hassle. 

 

Welcome, homeowners, to a journey into the heart of home entertainment – your very own home theater. As technology continues to advance, the cinema experience is no longer confined to luxury homes and multi-screen theaters. In this blog, we will explore the vital role that lighting plays in transforming your home theater into a cinematic masterpiece. From setting the mood to enhancing safety and reducing eye strain, the right lighting can elevate your movie nights to unparalleled heights. If you’re ready to embark on this illuminating adventure, contact us at Western Chandelier for expert assistance tailored to your home theater lighting needs.

Creating the Cinematic Ambiance

Ambiance is the name of the game when it comes to home theater lighting. It’s easy to flip a switch and turn out the lights before turning on a movie, but all that does is give you a dark room. If you really want to set the scene for your cinematic experience, you’ll want to craft a few lighting moments into the space that set the tone without taking away from the main attraction.

Creating a Zone Map

Depending on the size and layout of your home theater, it’s worth taking a moment to draw out the space and determine how you use each area. If the entire room is seating, you may only have one zone to consider. But, if you have a seating area, snack area, and a staging area, you’ll want to consider the lighting needs of each area separately. 

General Lighting

General lighting, also called ambient lighting, is the term for the overall or general lighting in a space. The best ambient lighting gives a uniform amount of light across a room. If your theater room is equipped with a single light overhead, you may want to find ways to supplement the light with lamps or sconces to give more even light coverage for before and after the show. If you’re building or renovating, consider choosing a grid of recessed lights to get the best coverage. 

Indirect lighting around the room creates a cozy and immersive atmosphere, transporting you into the world of your favorite films. Rather than choosing fixtures that shine light straight down into the room, look for options that shine light up or out onto the walls, like track or cove lights. The light will reflect off the walls into the room without the same harsh glare as an overhead bulb.

One of the most important features of your theater room’s ambient light is dimmability. Choose dimmable fixtures and bulbs to help set the right mood. Opt for bulbs with warm color temperatures to create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere.

Task Lighting

Think of task lighting as “specific job” lighting. The purpose of task lighting is to make a certain job or action easier or safer to do. In a home theater, places that could benefit from task lighting include aisles, snack areas, and tech areas. 

Well-placed wall sconces, lamps, floor or stair lights, or recessed lights can help to make mid-movie snack or bathroom breaks safer, and avoid the struggle of fumbling with the projector controls in the dark. 

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is all about drama. The purpose of accent lighting is to highlight architectural details or artwork, or to paint shapes or patterns with light and shadow onto the space. Accent lighting can also be artwork that lights up, like a neon “popcorn” sign over your snack corner.

Consider track lighting or LED art sconces to highlight movie posters and other artwork on the walls. Smart, color-changing bulbs are a fun and easy way to make your home theater lightscape fully customizable – whether it’s a spooky, deep red for horror movies or a playful, light pink for a weekend showing of the Barbie movie, color-changing bulbs will elevate the room to a whole new level. 

Enhancing Safety and Reducing Eye Strain

A home theater needs to do more than just look cool, it should also be a safe and comfortable space. In addition to creating a cinematic experience, you’ll want to consider how you move around the space, and take measures to avoid eye strain so that you can spend hours of worry-free time in your new space.

Bias Lighting

If you haven’t heard of bias lighting, get ready to level up. Bias lighting involves adding soft light behind a screen that emanates out and around the edges. This gentle glow minimizes the harsh contrast between a bright screen and a dark room, which makes it easier on the eyes. Bias lighting can be used on any screen or monitor (hello, work monitor upgrade), but it’s an especially effective way to make movie viewing more comfortable. 

One of the easiest ways to add bias lighting is with LED strip lights. Many can be simply stuck to the screen or monitor with 3M tape, making it an incredibly simple project with a huge pay-off. LED strip lights come in wired and wireless options, so it should be easy to find something that will work for your space. 

If you feel like getting really fancy, look into smart bias lighting. These systems can detect the colors being displayed on the screen, and mimic them around the screen, expanding the colors from your movie out into the space. 

Pathway Lighting

We’ve mentioned this before, but pathway lighting is more than just a cool add-on, it’s a safety must for a home theater. Install floor-level lighting along pathways, stairs, or under seats to ensure safe movement in the dark

Subtle LED strips, recessed lights, rope lights, and wall sconces all offer a practical yet stylish solution to prevent tripping hazards. All of these will come in wired and wireless options, so you can choose whether you’d rather hire an electrician to install fixtures to a switch, or opt for rechargeable or battery-powered options that can be maintained here and there when needed.

Pro Tip: Pathway lighting is a great trip hazard reducer, but adding light won’t be a safety feature if it comes with loose cords running across the walkway. If you can’t avoid running a cord across a walkway, consider covering the path with a runner rug to minimize trip hazards in the dark.

Smart Lighting Controls

Smart lighting comes with a huge “wow” factor, and it makes setting the tone for your cinematic adventures as easy as a quick button tap on your phone. Don’t be intimidated by the set up – smart lighting is highly customizable, but it’s also easy to operate. You’ll be able to dim the lights, change the tone from cool to warm, or set bulbs to different colors to set the mood for whatever film is in the queue. 

Investing in smart lighting systems will also allow you to create pre-programmed scenes for different viewing experiences and set lights to timers or motion sensors. The options are pretty limitless, and odds are if you want to do it, there’s a smart lighting solution that can make it happen. Once you’re up and running, you’ll be able to create an impressive and unforgettable experience every time you use the space. (We won’t tell your friends how easy it was to do.) 

Ready to transform your home theater into a haven of cinematic bliss? As you embark on the journey to design your home theater, remember that lighting is the unsung hero that can truly elevate your cinematic experience. Our team at Western Chandelier is here to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect fixtures for your space. Contact us for a personalized consultation and visit our showroom to explore the latest trends in home theater lighting. By carefully selecting fixtures that enhance ambiance, ensure safety, and reduce eye strain, you’re not just illuminating a space – you’re creating a haven for unforgettable movie nights.

 

As experts in the lighting industry, we often get asked by homeowners how to choose light fixtures that will look great in their home today and continue to look stylish and relevant for years to come. After all, a light fixture is not just a functional element in a room, but it’s also an important design element that can set the tone and style of a space. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with some tips and advice on how to choose timeless light fixtures that will stand the test of time.

1. Consider Your Home’s Style

One of the most important things to consider when choosing light fixtures is the style of your home. If you have a classic, traditional home, then a chandelier with crystal accents or a beautifully detailed pendant light may be the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you have a modern home with clean lines and an uncluttered look, then a simple, sleek fixture like a drum pendant or a linear LED light may be a better fit. The key is to choose fixtures that complement your home’s existing style, so that they blend in seamlessly and don’t look out of place.

2. Opt for Neutral Colors

When choosing light fixtures, it’s important to choose colors that will stand the test of time. Bright and bold colors may be trendy and fun, but they’re also more likely to look dated in just a few years. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose neutral colors like black, white, bronze, or brass. These colors will always look stylish and elegant, and they’ll blend in well with any decor style.

3. Consider the Size and Scale

Another important factor to consider when choosing light fixtures is the size and scale of the fixture. You want to choose fixtures that are proportional to the size of the room and the height of the ceiling. A large chandelier may look stunning in a grand entryway with a high ceiling, but it may look out of place in a small, cozy bedroom. On the other hand, a small pendant light may not make a big enough statement in a large living room. It’s important to choose fixtures that are in proportion to the space, so that they don’t look too small or too large.

4. Focus on Quality

When it comes to light fixtures, it’s important to focus on quality. This means choosing fixtures that are well-made and have a solid construction. Quality fixtures will last longer and look better over time, and they’ll be less likely to need to be replaced in a few years. When you’re shopping for light fixtures, look for those that are made of high-quality materials like brass, stainless steel, or heavy-duty plastic.

5. Think About Energy Efficiency

Finally, it’s important to think about energy efficiency when choosing light fixtures. With energy costs on the rise, it’s more important than ever to choose fixtures that are energy-efficient and will help you save money on your energy bills. Look for fixtures that are Energy Star certified or that use LED lights, as these are both great options for saving energy and reducing your energy bills.

6. Don’t Overlook Functionality

In addition to style and quality, it’s important to also consider the functionality of a light fixture. When choosing light fixtures, think about the purpose of the fixture and the type of light you need. For example, if you’re choosing a fixture for a task area like a kitchen or a reading nook, you’ll need a fixture that provides bright, direct light. On the other hand, if you’re choosing a fixture for a living room or dining room, you’ll want a fixture that provides soft, ambient light. Make sure to choose fixtures that will meet your functional needs and provide the type of light that you need in your home.

 

In conclusion, choosing timeless light fixtures for your home is all about balancing form and function, and considering the style, size, and quality of the fixtures you choose. If you need any help or advice in choosing the perfect light fixtures for your home, please don’t hesitate to visit our showroom. Our team of experts is here to help you find the perfect fixtures that will look great in your home and stand the test of time. 

Welcoming a new baby into your family is an incredibly exciting and joyous occasion. Creating the perfect nursery—a sanctuary where your little one will grow, play, and slumber– is a fun and important part of preparing for your bundle of joy’s arrival! Once you’ve picked a theme you’ll need to decide on paint colors, shop for furniture, and choose accessories.

The lighting choices you make in your nursery might seem less important than other decisions you’ll have to make. However, choosing the right combination of lighting is an important part of nesting and makes a bigger impact than you might think. Crafting the right ambiance not only ups the adorable factor of your baby’s nursery but also plays an important role in your baby’s comfort and well-being through better sleep patterns, visual stimulation, and overall safety. Happy baby, happy parents, right?!

Let’s go over types of nursery lighting, their benefits, and tips on how to navigate lighting in your baby’s space so you – and baby – can rest easy.

The Beauty and Benefits of Natural Light

Sleep. It’s generally the number one thing on a parent’s mind, especially in the early days with a newborn. Natural light exposure during the day helps regulate the baby’s circadian rhythms, promoting better sleep patterns. Natural, bright like is also just beautiful to look at! 

Tips: Position the crib and rocker/glider close enough to a window to benefit from the light but be mindful of direct sunlight to avoid overheating. Use sheer curtains to diffuse harsh sunlight and protect your baby’s delicate skin. Use black-out curtains to darken the room and keep it cool during daytime naps. This combination of window treatments allows you to use natural light to your advantage. 

Picking the Right Ceiling Light

Whether you choose a hanging pendant, a flush mount, or a chandelier – the lighting foundation for every nursery is the ceiling light fixture. Your daily baby care routines, play time, and impromptu photo shoots for baby’s monthly milestones all demand a good amount of light. Ceiling/overhead light fixtures come in a huge range of shapes, sizes, and styles. So this is a great spot to choose something unique or eye-catching to stand out amongst your nursery decor. 

You could also consider installing a ceiling fan/light combo if you want to help regulate the temperature in the room. As an added bonus, the motion of the fan can be soothing for many babies. 

Tips: Try to avoid exposed bulbs as they can be too harsh and overstimulating on baby’s eyes, especially at night. Instead, choose fixtures with diffused or shaded light. “Soft white” and “warm white” bulbs (in the 2700K-3000K color temperature range) are easier on the eyes, and if installed on a dimmer they offer the ultimate versatility for all times of day and night. 

Add Lighting Where You Need It

Focused, task-specific lighting is crucial in a well-appointed and functional nursery. It provides illumination specifically for all those essential nighttime tasks like feeding, changing diapers, or reading bedtime stories. Being able to keep ceiling lights off and instead switch on a dimly lit lamp helps both you and your baby get back to sleep quickly. 

Tips: Opt for adjustable fixtures, such as wall-mounted lamps or clip-on lights to direct light where it’s most needed. Many table lamps offer a touch feature that allows you to adjust the brightness – a lifesaver when you only need the most minimal amount of light in the middle of the night. For the ultimate flexibility, look into using battery-operated puck lights. They’re perfect for tucking into small spaces that need a bit more light, like the nooks and crannies of your nursery closet. 

Don’t Forget Decorative Lighting

Add a touch of whimsy and personality to your baby’s room with decorative accent lighting. While decorative light adds to the aesthetic of your nursery, they are also a great way to illuminate small areas of your nursery for quick diaper changes or for navigating the room at night. 

There are so many ways you can use lighting as a decorative element to make your nursery shine (pun intended): a cute decorative table lamp, a cloud-shaped wall light, a line of color-changing LED lights, an unexpected wall sconce (freeing up table space for supplies), or even a string of soft, sparkly fairy lights! 

Tips: As fun as decorative lighting can be, always remember to prioritize function over design. A recent study shows that bright night lights can have negative effects on children’s sleep, especially for toddlers. If you want to leave a small light on for your little one over night, dim, red-toned night lights are shown to not be detrimental. Otherwise, opt for a night light that’s on a timer, or use an app-connected option that can be turned on/off remotely. 

Important Safety Reminders:

• Floor lamps, while a popular lighting option throughout the home, can pose a fall risk. If you choose to use a floor lamp in your nursery make sure it is out of reach for mobile infants and children, and secure to the wall if possible. 
• Electrical cords always pose a potential hazard, especially as your baby becomes more mobile. Secure your lamps and ensure cords are well out of reach. 
• Be cautious of light bulbs that generate heat. If using fixtures with these bulbs, ensure they are placed where children can’t touch them. LED bulbs or Compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs are a cooler alternative and are much more energy-friendly.
• Have a flashlight or battery-operated light source on hand in case of power outages.
• Periodically inspect light fixtures, cords, and outlets for any signs of wear or damage. Replace or repair them as needed.
• Be cautious with light fixtures that have small parts or removable pieces, as they can pose a choking hazard if dislodged.

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Putting together the perfect nursery involves thoughtful consideration to create a safe and nurturing space for your little one to thrive. Whether you’re going for a low-key minimal space or an over-the-top luxury dreamland, getting your lighting choices right should be at the top of your nursery to-do list, and Western Chandelier is here to guide you every step of the way.

When you get it right, you’ll create a comfortable, safe, and visually engaging environment for your baby. Remember to tailor your lighting choices to the unique challenges of your nursery space and always prioritize safety and comfort. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your nursery, so make it a place where you can baby both will feel comfortable and at ease. 

 

“What is the good of your stars and trees, your sunrise and the wind, if they do not enter into our daily lives?” –E.M. Forster

Imagine stepping into a home that feels like a sanctuary, where every corner echoes the beauty of the world outside. That’s the magic of organic modern design. It’s a canvas that celebrates the elegant simplicity found in nature, weaving it seamlessly into our personal spaces.

What is Organic Modern Design?

This nature-inspired design trend has been growing in recent years and is all over social media and in interior design publications – and for good reason! Organic modern design is an interior design style that harmoniously blends contemporary aesthetics with elements of the natural world. It emphasizes clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and an abundance of natural light. 

This design style celebrates the relationship between humans and the natural world, incorporating organic shapes, textures, and colors into modern, clean-lined living spaces. The goal is a warm, inviting space that creates a sense of tranquility, balance, and a connection to nature.

After the rollercoaster of the past few years, many of us are craving a deeper connection to nature and the outdoors, and the enduring popularity of the organic modern design philosophy is here to deliver. So, if you’re ready to pay homage to Mother Nature in your space in the coming year, take some inspiration from the gorgeous, earthy interiors below!

 

This boho-inspired bedroom leans into the organic modern trend with great use of warm tones and natural accessories; including a rattan pendant light hanging over a bed of simple cotton textiles, a textural jute rug, a display of dried grasses, and simple wooden roman shades. The decor pieces elevate this otherwise rather minimalist space.

 

An excellent way to bring an earthy texture and feel into your home is with fixtures and decor pieces made with natural materials – such as these pendant light fixtures made from woven rattan. Other materials to consider include bamboo, wicker, jute, seagrass, limestone, clay, cork, cotton, wool, and leather. 

 

This space seems simple but makes wonderful use of organic, flowing shapes and a subtle punch of color. The sage green wall color and credenza pair well with the soft off-white chair, abstract artwork, and clay vases. Changing up your paint or displaying a few thoughtfully selected decor pieces is an easy way to breathe life into a room.

 

This living room features a neutral, yet well-balanced color palette – commonly seen in organic design.  The layering of clean-lined furniture, lush green potted plants, and minimalist decor pieces keep the space airy and welcoming. 

 

Bathrooms are a great place to start your journey into the organic modern design movement. This bathroom retreat is characterized by a seamless blend of neutral-tones and wood textures. A freestanding bathtub sits beside rustic wood shutters, inviting in the lush plant life outside. A floating vanity keeps the lines in the space clean while leafy potted plants infuse the space with a calming, spa-like ambiance.

 

White they are a staple of organic design, you don’t have to make live house plants the focus of your space if it’s just not your vibe or if you don’t have the space (or the green thumb). You can still bring a little bit of the outdoors in with a few small, well-placed plants adorning your space – such as those seen on these raw wood bookshelves. 

 

Since we’re on the topic of plants and greenery, we can’t forget to talk about the drama that is a plant wall! Plant walls and vertical gardens are a unique way to honor nature and truly blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. The rest of the pieces in this chic space are neutral enough to keep the focus on the wall while still being eye-catching in their own right.

 

In this organic-inspired kitchen, natural wood-grained cabinetry, stone countertops, and carefully curated decor take center stage. The open wood shelving, wide plank wood floors, and wooden beam add a touch of rustic, artisanal charm.

 

Natural light should be emphasized whenever possible in organic modern design. Capitalize on the natural light streaming into your home and create an oasis in your bedroom sanctuary. Balancing out bold plant life with subdued, natural-toned bedding creates a harmonious look and feel.

Pro Tip: Maximizing the use of daylight not only reduces reliance on artificial lighting but also improves mood, productivity, and overall health. Consider the strategic placement of windows, skylights, and glass doors to flood your space with sunlight. 

 

Furniture and fixtures made from natural elements set organic modern interiors apart from other design styles. This beautiful, rustic driftwood light fixture with warm Edison bulbs in varying shapes is simply stunning and unlike anything you’ve likely seen before. For help finding your own unique, nature-inspired light fixtures, check out Western Chandelier! 

 

This bohemian-chic bedroom almost feels like a spa! A folding bamboo screen, simple wood bench, dried pampas grass, wicker lanterns, a wood basket, and earth-toned textiles bring warm, organic charm to the space. 

 

Color reigns supreme in this golden, earth-toned living room. Using nature-inspired artwork is an easy way to add a bit of the organic design trend to your own home. Also, how charming is that mushroom-shaped side table/ottoman?

 

The last few inspiration photos featured a lot of earthy accessories. You can embrace nature more simply, however, by showcasing your home’s architectural features and location. If you have amazing windows with a gorgeous view of the lush outdoors and ample natural light – like this swoon-worthy home – that’s all you need! Sometimes less truly is more. 

 

Gorgeous is an understatement when it comes to this expansive living room! Nature and organic elements can be emphasized through more than houseplants and decor alone. This space features breathtaking views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, an expansive natural stone fireplace, and beautiful warm wood flooring and bookcases. Don’t you just want to curl up here to soak in the snowy view, a warm cup of tea, and a good book?

 

As we move forward in a world seeking balance and harmony, organic modern design stands at the forefront of interior design trends. It’s a testament to our connection to nature, a reminder that our well-being is intertwined with the environment around us. Infuse your home with the beauty and energy of the outdoors. Let it be a place of solace, a sanctuary that replenishes your spirit, and a canvas that celebrates the wonders of the natural world.

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Ready to transform your space? Contact us today for a personalized consultation and let’s bring nature’s beauty into your home!

 

The only constant in life is change, and as we near the mid 2020s, it’s quite interesting to see the trends that have come and gone in the past 4 years. Subway tile? Bye! Shiplap? See ya! Signs with words? Live, Love, No Thanks!

Interior design technology and trends move at a rapid pace these days, and with influencers and celebrities lending their talents and tastes to those of established interior designers, we’re seeing a wider range of design styles in homes – and that’s ideal, right? Just like your fashion sense, interior design is personal… and there’s nothing as boring as a bunch of cookie cutter houses that look exactly the same, inside and out. 

Here are a few of our favorite interior design styles to covet (and copy!) in 2024. 

 

 

Modern minimalism

Homeowners and renters are not yet ready to let the modern minimalist trend go, and for good reason. It’s comfortable without being cluttered, and bright without being sterile. Wood tones and natural textures live in harmony with matte blacks and crisp white walls, and greenery abounds.

Pendant lights with woven, ceramic, or paper shades provide a warm glow AND a dose of casual, inviting style. And while you may not find many knick-knacks filling the corners of modern minimalist homes, a lush plant in a beautiful pot is always welcome.

 

 

 

Biophilic

Homes built and decorated with biophilic design in mind foster a connection between humans and nature, by incorporating natural textures, shapes, patterns, and light. Many studies have suggested that humans are healthier, happier, and more productive when surrounded by nature – so it’s no surprise why biophilic design is growing in popularity. 

Whether it’s a Brooklyn flat or a Montana ranch, you’ll find tons of greenery in every part of the biophilic home (shower plants, anyone?), large windows to let in the natural light and air, and plenty of natural materials like rattan, wood, and linen. One key of biophilic design? It should be holistic– so one room with plants isn’t going to cut it. Each room should have its share of nature, be it a rattan light shade and Boston fern on a bedside table, or a wall of plants and a giant skylight in the kitchen. 

Have a black thumb? No worries – biophilic design is about bringing nature to all of your senses, so lean in to what works best for you. Whether it’s a focus on using natural materials, finding ways to maximize natural light, or adding a small fountain to recreate the sound of a bubbling brook, there are lots of ways to connect to the natural world that don’t involve daily watering. 

 

 

 

Maximalism

On the other end of the spectrum from minimalist design is the fun, festive, interior design style of maximalism! Made popular by interior designers like Justina Blakeney, maximalism isn’t afraid to mix colors, patterns, textures and styles into one convivial home that brings joy and doesn’t take itself too seriously. To ensure things look magical but not messy – choose a common thread to weave throughout (like in the room above, mustard yellow!)

Your lighting options in a maximalist home are endless, with pendants, sconces, and lamps in every hue and texture you can dream up. Go for a gold dining pendant in the shape of an agave, or a glittery oversized capiz chandelier in the hall. Maximalism says “why not?!” to all things bold and beautiful. 

 

 

 

Brutalism

Vogue calls brutalism “a movement about honesty” and we can see why – in a brutalist home, there’s nothing to hide! Some might find brutalist interior design and architecture to be intimidating or, as the name says, brutal. But you’d be amazed how inviting and warm it can be! Brutalist homes embrace much of what makes minimalism shine, while utilizing industrial materials like concrete, and embracing hard lines and corners. In a brutalist home, furniture and decor are sparse, simple, and rugged – but a quick Google search shows how truly beautiful brutalism can be.

When it comes to lighting, ceramic, metal, and concrete fixtures reign supreme. Brutalist style chandeliers, sconces, and table lamps  are as impressive as they are functional, and when walls and floors serve as a blank slate, lighting has an opportunity to truly shine.  

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Curious about maximalism or biophilic design? Consider choosing lighting fixtures that allow you to sample the feel of these styles in your home without a complete overhaul. An airy woven reed pendant light or a bold metallic chandelier are minor (easily reversible!) additions that can make a big impact on a home.

No matter your personal tastes, it’s always exciting and fun to watch where interior design is headed, and to bring in elements of any (or all) that make your home feel more you.  Stop by a showroom today to check out lighting fixtures in every style you can imagine – and let a lighting expert help you find the perfect on-trend light for your home!