Historic Enlightenment

I'm not very sophisticated when it comes to lighting options. I'm becoming more discerning as time goes on, and I want to understand the fundamentals and nuances of lighting a room well. I haven't quite reached that level of enlightenment yet. I think that in addition to standard overhead lighting and tall, standing torchier lighting, table lamps seem to be an important element to the layers of light in a room. I think I have mentioned before that I have bought items from the Thomas Jefferson Foundation's Monticello Catalog. All purchases help support their dual mission of preservation and education. I have a particular fondness for Mr. Th. Jeff, as he was an upstanding Founding Father from Virginia and was an alum of my college. He was also redheaded. I've admired this onion bottle lamp (above) for a few years now. But today I got an email saying they're having a sale on lighting, and there were a bunch of other cool lamps I hadn't run across yet. I love the colors on the bronze jade lamp above.

This tea canister lamp (above) just makes me happy. I love anything remniscent of old pots, and this ginger jar lamp (below) fits that bill.

So if you're in the market for historic-inspired home decor, check out the Monticello Catalog. If you specifically want lamps, use this code at checkout to get 10% off: LT0310. Apparently the code is good through March 8th. (I have no affiliation with Monticello, just a fondness for the historical figure who lived there and an appreciation for historic preservation. Plus they have some cool home decor, and I love their historic plants.)

Let There Be Light

After three visits from the electricalician, I finally have two pendant lights hanging in my studio. I'll post pictures if you promise to ignore the unorganized mess. I've had all of the contents of this room packed into another two rooms for 9 months, waiting for the shelves, flooring, painting, baseboards, plumbing and electrical work. I'm slowly transferring it all back. You can see the utility sink and the tv above. The project table with shelves, and shelves on the back wall. My wheel (piled with other junk) is on the left.

Light Inspiration

Inspired by the presence of the electrician who is installing two pendant lights in my studio, I thought I would share some of the fantastic light options I've found through the Design Style Guide team on Etsy. I have a thing for stained glass, and maybe someday I'll learn (or refresh what the 9th grade art club taught me). Until then, I will have to content myself with looking at the work of others, like this mission table lamp by tpursell.

I also love the tulips on this table lamp by DianasStainedGlass. It's dainty, yet it has a solid presence.

Every time I come across this lampshade by Sassyshades, I fall in love again. I'd like to think that it's not my sweet tooth, but how absolutely pretty it is.

And this steel and wood floor lamp by WeeHedgehog is absolutely stunning. I love the natural mica shade and the design in the steel.