I have always been fascinated with lighting design. As it was so astutely stated by famed Interior Decorator Ruby Ross Wood, "There is one fundamental fact about lighting: Where there is no light, there is no beauty." Lighting is an important element to a successful Interior Design. However, we've also elevated the light fixture beyond a functional necessity into pieces of artwork.

The Mother Chandelier from designer Baran Baylar at Hudson Furniture, is lighting, jewelry and art mixed into one amazing fixture. I admit that I am in love.


The frame is made of laser cut rings, with jewelry-like chain details hanging down and adding a balance of drama, elegance, and edginess.

The Mother Chandelier is available in Nickel, Black, Bronze and Polished Bronze finishes and sizes can be customized.


In addition to the Mother Chandelier, Hudson Furniture has several similar offerings with equal glamor and drama, but even larger in scale.

Dragon Chandelier in Black

Atlantis Chandelier in Nickel

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

Trends in Tile: Large Format, Large Pattern

Continuing on with the Latest and Greatest in Surfacing Trends, today the focus is big, big, big. Both larger format (size) and large pattern tiles are gaining presence in Interior Design markets and showrooms.  It’s no wonder that larger format tiles are gaining popularity, particularly in more contemporary interiors. The larger the tile, the fewer grout lines and a more even, continuous surface. Another trend in tiles is the use of more rectangular and plank shapes in place of traditional square tiles.

For an example of these trends, the best place to look is Italy. Italian manufacturers have long been on the leading edge of stone and porcelain surfacing materials. When it comes to all things getting larger, Italian manufacturers do not disappoint. The examples featured here are from Florin Ceramiche, particularly the Casa dolce Casa porcelain products. The particular tiles featured here are from the Nera line. The Nera tiles meet all three trends of larger sizes (up to a full 4 feet!), a variety of rectangular and plank shapes, and large patterns. The tiles are available in 6″X4′, 1′X4′, 2′X4′, 4′X4′ sizes.

Larger scale patterns are also being seen across the surfacing and Interior Design world.  Pattern is nothing new to tile, but manufacturers and designers are simply blowing up the scale for a much more dramatic impact.

Large Format

 Above we see the 4ft x 4ft tiles across the floor. It creates a beautiful streamlined interior without the distraction of grout lines.


Large Scale Pattern

Above, the simple geometric and monochromatic pattern is dramatic because of the large scale.  I must admit that I just love this floor and would happily add it to my own home.


Large Format and Pattern

Above we see both applications with the floor and wall tiles. This interior is absolutely stunning, with the wall tile extending up two stories with that large and very bold pattern. The Nera images pages will give you a better glimpse.


These products are available in Colorado through Interior Designers and the Decorative Materials showroom.

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

Favorite Things - Perfect Picture Wall

Groupings of photos look fabulous and are a great way to establish a theme or personalize a room. But creating the perfect arrangement of a collection of photos can be a lot of work.  I created this scene of travel photos and it took nearly two hours to measure, draw up the plan, and install. Yet skimping on the measuring and planning would have diminished the effect.

There is a genius product out there to take the time and stress out of creating these photo masterpieces - Perfect Picture Wall.  It's a complete system for hanging 10 included frames quickly and precisely. It uses a Patented "Pre-View” Template allowing you to determine placement, height and style of frames all without measuring and before the first hook is installed. The templates safely adhere to any surface allowing you to “Pre-View” what the frames will look like prior to hanging them. The  templates can be moved multiple times to different locations, until you are completely satisfied with the look.

Favorite Things - Mini Mod furniture

The trend of ever increasing home sizes and the McMansions has been waning over the past several years, particularly in the Western US.  The focus is no longer that bigger must be better and we have shifted to focus on quality and lifestyle.  As a result, many of my clients are downsizing and we quickly find that the huge funriture of their past doesn't fit into the downsized home of their future.  Some manufactures are catching on to this trend and are scaling down their furniture.  One of my favorites in this area is the Mini Mod line by Rowe Fine Furniture. The sofas are 80" or shorter in length. The chairs are scaled down and easily movable. There are even modulars included in the collection. So cozy up in your smaller space and enjoy every square inch!