Just in case you did not believe me that a Christopher Spitzmiller ceramic lamp looks fantastic in almost any room - here are some beautiful bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, entries, and libraries that prove my point! 

{By designers Kristin Panitch, Amanda Nisbet, Meg Braff, Eric Cohler, Meg Braff again, and Joe Nye, all images via}

And now, I promise to stop the Christopher Spitzmiller overkill!

Happy Friday!

First Job Memories. . .

The recent Christopher Spitzmiller Seconds Sale got me thinking about how I first learned about these beautiful lamps. I remember the first week at my first design job, everyone was always searching the resource library for this plastic bag filled with richly colored ceramic chips. It was always out on one designer's desk or another, since a C.S. lamp looks fantastic in so many different rooms. On my first project we ordered one in a buttery yellow and when we unwrapped it at the office - I was in love. The finish was glossy and thickly lacquered and shape was elegant but not too perfect - you can always see that these lamps are handmade. {Also I think the whole office, including me, may have had a tiny crush on Christopher himself}

Of all the colors: the deep Claret red, the crackled Celedon and the lively Coral, it was the Prussian Blue that I loved the most. It is peacock blue mixed with teal and it is sophisticated as well as vibrant. Well, one day I hope to have a C.S. lamp of my very own but for then {and now!} I knew that the thousand dollar plus price was well out of reach. So, I cheated and bought this Robert Abbey version - not nearly as lovely in person but still clear and bright in color, with a beautiful double gourd shape. 

The real deal: Prussian Blue with a gilt base - so pretty! 

The Robert Abbey version, which I still love! You can find it here for $228.

And here are a few of my other favorite handmade lamps by C.S.

{First image by designer Amanda Nisbet in House Beautiful, others via Christopher Spitzmiller}

What do you think . . . drool worthy? Do you have a favorite color?

Have a great day! 

A Modern Minimalist Shophouse

A few weeks ago, I shared a post about the architecture of historical Singaporean shophouses. While most of the facades of these buildings are landmarked, the interiors are often renovated in a modern and sleek style. I promised to share some of my favorite shophouse renovations and this stunner by Ong + Ong architects certainly tops my list! Above is the home's traditional facade, however the narrow building and its outdoor spaces were completely reinvented! Pretty fabulous . . . 

I just love the bold, organic presence of the large tree in the interior courtyard and the innovative use of sliding walls to create spaces which are both indoor and out {depending on the often rainy Singapore weather!} They also did a fantastic job brining in natural light, a serious issue for these narrow homes. What is your favorite design element?

{All images via}

Stunning Spitzmillers!

Attention: The fantastic lamp company Christopher Spitzmiller is have a seconds sale! They are still pretty pricy but I have always coveted them. The colors are just so rich and amazing! If you can't make it in person they will ship too! 

Ooooh, those coral ones are just stunning! 

Whites + Bright Bedrooms

While some bedrooms call for a soft and muted color palettes, I am just nuts for these white and bright bedrooms I am spotting lately! If you are limited to white walls (you can tell I have been renting apartments for a long time!) you can still create a bold and colorful bedroom, just add pops of bright and clear strong color! The key is to stick to color in small section, like accessories, and to let them shine in an otherwise white space.  

Ok, so this last one breaks the rules about sticking to bright colors in small doses, as the whole ceiling is painted that fantastic bright red, but since the room is so tiny it totally works! 

{Images via 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7}

Tiny but Mighty!

I have long been smitten with this fantastic bedroom, and specifically with its gorgeous faded rose and sage colored vintage wall covering.  I had seen a few shots of this beautiful but tiny New York one bedroom apartment, but had never seen the whole space or known who designed it until now {it's the home of designer David Kaihoi! And he lives here with his wife and 3 year old daughter!}. While the 18th century antique Chinese wall paper is still the highlight for me, I found the whole space so full of life and color. Though I am not sure we could survive in a space quite so small, I am still happy to admire its beauty!  

What is your favorite element in this jewel box apartment? 

Since it was in tatters when he found it an auction, the designer cleverly installed the wall covering as a collage, cobbling it together - I think that makes me love it even more. 

For meals, the coffee table is replaced by a dining height table.

Hope this gives you a little Monday morning boost of inspiration! I know it did for me! 

You can read the whole interview with the designer here. 

{All Images via House Beautiful, photography by Ngoc Minh Ngo}

The More the Merrier!

I have always been a fan of the more the merrier! So, naturally a bunk room is high on my list for a future dream home. Spending time with friends and family is so important to us so sleeping lots of guests (both little ones and full grown ones!) would be fantastic. I just love these images - they are certainly going in my dream home inspiration files! 

{via 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7}

Whether it's beachy, country chic, sophisticated or mod - I think a bunk room is a fabulous addition to a home! 

Happy Friday!