update your lighting

If you're looking for a chic (I'm getting kinda tired of using this word over and over again so let me start over). If you're looking for a chic (writers block) way to update your dining room without breaking the bank, a new, trendy chandelier might just be what the doctor ordered!

When it comes to lighting, as long as you (or your trustworthy handyman) are familiar with wires, fire hazards, and the general safety of your family and house, the sky really is the limit. Street fairs, antique shops, thrift stores, garage sales and hardware stores are just a few of the places to explore (ummm, remember my 75 cent lamp? exactly!)

I happen to love lampsplus.com. They are located on the west coast. A born and raised west coaster myself, I've visited a few of them and am so impressed with their customer service and products. They carry a huge assortment. Being NY-bound now, I take advantage of their great website with fantastic sales and clearances. Check out this great fixture:



Originally retailing for $150, the White Flower Pendant Chandelier is on sale now for $85! I love it. Imagine two of these crisp white chandeliers hanging over your dining table. Remove a couple traditional items, add a few white accessories.....voila! an updated dining room.

I also love the look of a white spray painted chandelier! Take any brass chandelier. You definitely don't have to be in love with it, just appreciate the overall shape. I found this one (and there were plenty of cheaper ones there too) at The Home Depot (homedepot.com).


Monticello Collection Williamsburg Style 6 Light Chandelier retails for about $63 and would work great for spray painting. I especially liked this one because of the shape and the numerous lights. A 3 light chandelier would work especially well in an entry way or little kids room. The look of a modern matte white color on a traditionally shaped chandelier creates a real eclectic feel to the room or entryway. And it works in a completely white room for an elegant 'museum' feel, or in a brightly colored space for a fresh clean accent piece.

Want to get even more inspired? Check out these white AND colored spray painted chandeliers and tell me what you think. I love the blue one:

www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/hot-or-not/hot-or-not-spray-painted-chandelierswashington-dc-054910

And promise me that you'll email me your finish product!

talk about stretching your dollar

Besides the warm sun beaming down and lots and lots of outdoor playing, the spring and summer are great times to check out yard sales. This past summer, my husband and I stopped off at a garage sale around our neighborhood. It's easy to spot the junk - and it's easy to get caught up in the junk - so make sure you walk right by the items that are going to clutter your space. Any item you are contemplating needs to have a known spot for your home or replace an item you are getting rid of (oh how I wish I had the space for that old school desk!)

We happened to come across a guy who was moving and he just wanted to get rid of his "junk". My husband was checking out some tool and I immediately ran over to this fantastic white lamp and guarded it with my life.

Before.

The owner priced it at a wopping dollar and when he saw that the toggle on/off switch was damaged, he felt bad and sold it for 75 cents! A huge victory party was going on in my head! should I mention that the light bulb that came with it costs more? what a steal! It came with an outdated lamp shade - I thought I could run to Target and throw a modern $25 shade on it - it didn't work out that way.

The obstacle: the neck of the lamp is extremely long - and shades with the length of a foot or longer are hard to find in stores like Target, Walmart, etc. Annoyed, I ventured off to the local lighting store and was so glad. They were super helpful there and helped me try shades until I found the perfect one.

After.

Because the linen, handmade shade was so large, it retailed at $55 dollars - not exactly what I had in mind when I first purchased the lamp (I could buy two at Target for that price) but well worth it in the end. I love the look of a classic lamp updated with a modern drum shade. And because it was white, it was the perfect accent piece I was looking for to bring some life into the room and contrasted perfectly with my black side table. Have fun and keep your eyes on the lookout this season!

if your lamp is looking a little short these days...

I'm loving my lamp but not really happy with the height. When I ordered my lamps for my bedroom from Lampsplus.com I was really happy with it! The only problem: It was a little shorter than I expected (why I didn't look at the dimensions, not so sure). Here's a way to add a little height and personality to your lamp: Grab your favorite/prettiest hardcover books or funky boxes and stack em - put your lamp on top - and voila! an updated look, instantly.

The "Stacked Ball Acrylic Lamp" at lampsplus.com, retails for about $100 (check out retailmenot.com for coupons). I stacked mine on a vintage Hershey's Kisses box and an old cigar box. I couldn't go much bigger or bulkier because the lamp itself is relatively dainty. This look works in just about every room and adds great character (but doing it in every room is overkill)!