Deco Office interior studio

Old is New!

What was old is new again…

Lately, an array of glamorous antique-style chandeliers and pendants has been sweeping the interior design world. Following the comfortable form and function trend so evident over the last year, modern trends will continue with the “old is new” attitude into 2012, while blending in a bit of traditional and 21st Century influences.

Adding some twinkle

Traditionally, decorative light fixtures were positioned as the main light fitting in the middle of a room. They featured cascading crystals and gilded gold metalwork that exuded an air of wealth and status. Today however, homeowners can enjoy the beauty of similar fixtures without breaking the bank. Modern chandeliers and pendants in old-fashioned styles feature a collection of sparkling droplets generally made from acrylic, and sometimes glass. The gilded gold metalwork of the main body of the fitting has been replaced with a modern chrome or pewter-coloured finish.

All places, all spaces

Previously, it was unusual to see decorative chandeliers and pendants anywhere except in the power positions of the home – they were often reserved only for grand rooms, such as ballrooms, sweeping foyers and dining rooms. Today, however, they are staking their claim throughout the modern home – they can add drama to the kitchen, the guest bathroom, the living room, bedrooms, reception rooms and hallways, and even patios can go upscale by adding some chandelier sparkle.

A variety of sizes

Mini chandeliers and pendants are a great way of bringing some light and glamour into small or awkward spaces in the home. In fact grouping these smaller light fixtures is a popular design technique – for example, you can hang several fixtures above a kitchen island or bar counter for a great display and excellent task lighting. Another novel idea is to hang them from the ceiling on either side of your bed to replace the traditional bedside lamps and in the process, free up some space on your bedside table.

Larger Scaled Pendants Create More of a Statement

Until recently many kitchen islands have been lit by small pendant lights that were too small of scale in comparison to a large island. Often times smaller scaled pendants don’t provide much for task lighting and they also don’t provide much of a statement. We are loving the idea of larger scaled pendants over islands – if you currently have small pendants try changing up the scale and style to give your kitchen a wow factor!

A lot of people get nervous about the use of dramatic/ bright colors taking permanent residence in their home. If you find that you are one of these people and are much more comfortable with neutrals in your home, here are a few tidbits to help you amp up your space.

Try A Graphic:

In this space this person decided to make their statement in their natural colored room by adding a leaf or palm graphic on the focal wall. Notice that the graphic makes a dramatic statement in the room, but at the same time it’s a very soft white. Mixed with the different variations of neutrals on the bed set and the contrasting color of the light wood finish, this room has an overall finished look that is gorgeous yet comfortable and neutral.

Use A Dramatic Wood Finish:

Every finish in this bathroom is a natural color, yet there is still contrast and it’s been executed beautifully. This goes for all spaces not just bathrooms, but another way to make a statement with a monochromatic color scheme is to use an exotic wood that adds interest. Zebra wood for example can have two to three different colors in it, and on top of that has a striped pattern that can be used horizontally or vertically. With an exotic gorgeous wood like that, to add a contrasting stone into the room would be the final touch on a successful design.

Green Is Natural:

Sometimes people find that the biggest hump to get over while updating a room is finding the right color to paint the walls. If you realize you’re stuck on the paint color and would rather not take the leap, you can still have a great looking room with white walls. The key here is to take a leap somewhere else that isn’t permanant, this will help those who find themselves scared of color. The tip here is to get a contrasting dark wood in the room then on your sofa have pillows with different variations of browns or neutrals. Try adding some white accent pillows on the sofa in with the neutrals to keep the design flowing throughout the room. The last tip which might be a stretch for some is to try and get out of your comfort zone; green is a natural color too and if you’re feeling confident add in avocado green draperies. The darker or more muted you go with this green the more comfortable you will be with it and your end product will be amazing.

Mix Wood Finishes:

In the kitchen above, this person decided to keep the walls white and add their statement somewhere else. The statement is in the dramatic cabinetry; any color on the walls in this space would have made it over-done, but with the creative use of lighting over the cabinets, in the soffit and over the counter tops etc. it pulled off a really warm, inviting neutral space where the walls don’t contradict the cabinetry. Some think that mixing wood finishes will look bad or they just don’t know how, but using complete opposite finishes with some added stainless steel pulls off a well rounded modern space. Switching it up from the usual with curvy lines and geometric patterns also adds to the room making it unique, and completely your own.