Floor Lamp Round Up

Due to the overwhelming popularity of my post on plug in wall lights, I've decided to expand on the series with a round up of my absolute favorite floor lamps. There are so many companies making exciting and innovative lighting options today, the choices are crazy wonderful if you just have some money to spend.

Personally, I've wanted to get rid of our plain and uninspiring metal floor lamp for years. It currently sits in our living room, next to a very bland and outdated (but comfortable) reading chair. I bought the lamp at Homesense eight years ago, and at the time it was cheap (and it did the job) but it's certainly not winning any style awards. Unfortunately the purchase was made without much thought behind it and it was a mistake from the get go. I'm not even going to show you a picture. That whole corner of our house is irritating to look at, simply because it's such an easy fix (I would happily donate both items to the Furniture Bank) but we are trying to do our best to limit our current spending habits. So for now...both items are here to stay.

Now if I could re-design this little corner of our house, I would certainly consider some of these bad boy contenders. While I appreciate the design behind all of the options below, they wouldn't necessarily all work in our living room. But perhaps they would look fantastic in your space.

I've chosen to break up this list into budget categories instead of grouping similar lighting designs together. I think most people shop with their wallet first, and I don't want to have you fall in love with something outside of your means. Chances are you probably will once you see what's on offer, but at the very least I've done my best to warn you so no hate mail please :)

I know lighting can be expensive, and we sadly no longer have Target here. I still really want the modern globe floor lamp which only retails for $60 USD. As far as cheap lighting goes, it's definitely one of my faves.

First, let's start with the more affordable options. All of these retail for under $300. Just please take into consideration that while I've done my best to include Canadian pricing for most floor lamps, some pricing may be in US dollars.

Out of this line up I have to say my favorite is the Pewter Lamp from EQ3, and it will most likely be the one that goes into our living room. I first noticed it at Heal's, one of my fave British retailers. I think it's the exact same model but I can't say with certainty. I also really enjoy the Mick Mint Floor Lamp from Crate & Barrel. It's such an affordable find coming in under $150. I'm shocked that it's been in the clearance section for ages.

Next up we are getting into more expensive territory but these pieces are all unique and worth every penny. They retail from $300 - $750.

OMG so many good options here. The Mutto Leaf Lamp makes me happy, while the cylindrical Quart Table Lamp from Rich Brilliant Willing is just so stupidly awesome and comes with a white marble or dark emperador stone base, and an oak, walnut, or black ebonized oak solid wood stem. I must have it someday.

Onto another small but worthy batch of contenders - these puppies go from around $750 - $1000.

A big thank you to Anthropology for winning this round with it's Slanted Copper Floor Lamp that also features white oak, marble and an unexpected hit of iron in this stunning sculptural lamp.

Now let's consider a few more investment worthy pieces. Yes these are going to set you back a pretty penny, but they are a once in a lifetime kind of a purchase. You aren't going to get tired of these beauties anytime soon, and you most likely you will be passing them down as family heirlooms someday.

So can you choose your favorite? The AJ Floor Lamp by Arne Jacobsen has been a crowd pleaser since 1960 and it's clean and modern shape is still striking to this day. The Lambert & Fils Cliff Floor Lamp (made from brass and powder-coated aluminum) is so slim, sexy and striking, it could truly be placed anywhere. And the brass shade on the Beat Light by Tom Dixon is both effortlessly modern and cool and will add a certain amount of elegance to any interior.

Next up I think I will do a round up of my favorite coffee tables, so stay tuned for that in the future.

Living etc - March 2016

I don't think I have yet proclaimed my true addiction to Living etc. It's my absolute favorite design magazine, and I have a lot of favorites (Dwell, House & Home, Elle Decor...).

There's something about Living etc that I am just so obsessed with. I like that they feature interiors that combine interesting architectural spaces with modern design elements. They aren't afraid of quirky patterns and colors and they truly like to show off happy spaces. Yes happy spaces. The kind of rooms that make you feel alive, and good, and calm, and inspired to re-create in your own home. 

Since I'm always jotting down ideas when I read magazines, I thought that I would share some product highlights that stood out for me in the March issue. Perhaps this is something I will continue to do, since scribbles of paper get lost and it's easy to forget all those interesting items that you wanted to reference for a future project one day. I may even revisit old issues. But let's see what we find here first.

Bolle Light from Gallott & Radice - A spectacular light fixture that features hand burnished brass and transparent blown glass balls.

Turn Sofa from Fern Living - I have been a massive Ferm Living fan for years, mainly of their textiles and small accessories, but they have recently come out with a new sofa collection. Check out those slim metal legs on this minimalist beauty. And the best part is that you can quickly switch up your upholstery fabric by flipping the cushion.

Anita Johansen Day Bed for Menu - I've seen this day bed before and I'm really crushing on it. Those oak legs with the soft upholstered wool seat makes me really want to put this in our living room asap.

Vanita Cake Stand by Matii for Clippings - I've never seen a more cool looking cake stand. Made of glass and comes in four colors.

Rowan Washstand for Waterworks - Small freestanding vanity in brass & marble that's perfect for small spaces.

Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Samsung - The most beautiful TV in the world. I never thought that could be said, but holy crap, somebody finally designed it. This flat screen television is available in different sizes and colors, and can be put on legs (as above) or can simply be put on a shelf.

Smart Garden by Plantui for Finnish Design Shop - What a clever idea for your home. Now you can create your own small garden any time of the year,  no matter the weather.

Electronic Smoke Alarms by Jalo Kapu - Fire alarms have come a long way. These small units are easily attached to the ceiling and come in several different shades and a battery life of five years.

Wall Plug In Light Fixture Roundup

I'm not sure about you, but I've been renting for over 10 years. We wish we owned our own home, desperately, mostly because I would get the chance to decorate the shit out of it, but also because we wouldn't have to deal with the world's most annoying neighbors. Our current house is literally sandwiched in between two crazies.

While we adore our landlord and our two floor Victorian in the West end, I dream of owing our own home every single day. Not an easy feat to accomplish however when you realize we live in downtown Toronto and house prices here are astronomical. Plus we are not condo people - I want a house, with a front door, and a backyard oasis. Ok fine I will settle for just having a backyard....it doesn't have to be an oasis.

When you live in a rental, sometimes you really have to get creative. You can't just start rewiring cables, putting in new floor tiles, or adding in custom window treatments (well you could, but it's so expensive and a waste of money if you can't take it with you). So you start to make sacrifices and you begin to live with things that bother you on a daily basis.

One issue we have been battling (and not just of late) is that we have pretty much no lighting in our small kitchen. It's mostly windows, which is great during the day, but at night, and especially in the winter, it's almost impossible to see and can be a hazard when you are trying to chop vegetables. There are two pot lights, and one hasn't worked in ages. We need to get an electrician to fix it, but our temporary solution was a plug in lamp. It's worked for a few months, but sadly, it met it's demise recently.

So now I'm on the hunt for an alternative plug in lamp, and in the meantime, I've decided that I would present you all with some pretty awesome options since I've already done a bit of research anyways. These would look great beside your bed, in a living room near a reading chair, or hey, maybe you are experiencing your own lighting dilemma and perhaps one of these guys would work there as well. Feel free to click on each product to access pricing and additional details. Can you tell I have a type here?

IDS 2016

IDS 2016 has come and gone and I can't say I was disappointed. It didn't feel like years past, where there is usually a huge draw to a few specific sponsored booths - I'm looking at you Miele and Ikea. It was more low key, perhaps with less blinding in your face sponsorships and more handcrafted, unique finds. Totally up my ally, so thank you for that. It felt quite cold a couple of years ago, with most of the show showcasing only baths, baths, and yup, you guessed it, more baths.

I have to be honest - I barely took any photos, mainly because I was with two of my design friends and we had so much to talk about I sort of slipped on that. Plus we were rushing around before one of the seminars and I left immediately after because I had a meeting scheduled close by. I also missed the opening night gala, which always gives me an extra bit of time to scout. Especially when you are stuck in a never ending drink line and truly get a sense of what's around.

Some of my favorite moments included getting up close and personal with these spectacular lights from Lightmaker Studio, who are based out of the Distillery District in Toronto. I absolutely cannot wait to work with these fabulous folks sometime in the future. If you are an amazing client, and looking to redo your lackluster space, let's make this happen now.

I also adored these very on trend blush doors from 1925 Workbench, another local shop that operates out of Toronto. I first came across their work in an Fall issue of Designlines, and I've always kept them in the back of my head as a resource for sliding doors and custom furniture pieces. I love that the company was started by a husband and wife team who created their own custom barn doors because they simply couldn't find what they were looking for anywhere else. It's an inspiring story and a great product, and I can't wait to see more of their work profiled.

I was also smitten by the gallery space created by the people behind Caviar20. WOW - I want everything you have. I'm a huge lover of art, and they seem to have a laser focus on what's current and hot. I especially liked how they styled their space, and this Pierre Paulin chair is to die for, I cannot even begin to discuss this magic combo of pink, green and black.

Other notable mentions are the brilliantly designed natural fiber and handmade rugs from Jan Kath.  I've wanted to do a post about his rugs for forever now, but somehow haven't gotten around to it, so shame on me for that. This man is an absolute artist who creates the most startlingly unique rug landscapes for your feet to rest on. EQ3 was another winner in my books, their Assembly line was well crafted and modern. I love that they support working Canadian furniture designers - really well done EQ3, seriously, well done.

I also had a great, completely unexpected, and most of all, incredibly embarrassing, run in with Orlando Soria, the designer and writer behind Hommemaker, creative director of Homepolish, and best friend of my ultimate girl crush, Emily Henderson. I was walking down Queen Street and basically walked right into the guy. Total fan girl moment ensued, and there are some things in life you can't take back. Let's just say I never stop anybody, it's totally unprofessional in my books (I am a TV producer after all), and I see celebrities ALL the time. Well maybe not all the time, but it's my job. I don't see the point of taking selfie photographs, or asking for autographs, and an awkward encounter is never pleasant for anybody. Trust me on that. And yet, I introduced myself, and tried to compose myself as best as I could under the circumstances. He was lovely, I gave him some Toronto recommends, and we parted ways with a hug. For me, that was more than enough - thanks for being classy Orlando. Me, not so much!

Cedar & Moss

Cedar & Moss is a stylish and wildly affordable lighting company from Portland, Oregon. It was founded in 2013, when former lighting designer and VP of Schoolhouse Electric, Michelle Steinback, couldn't find the perfect European cool but mid century inspired lighting for her own place. Wanting to blend familiar shapes with a fresh perspective and utilize great materials from the US, she's become one of those legends who's gone off to build a successful company out of her own basement. 

Her pieces are classic, refined and definitely on trend - I can see her designs working equally well in the pages of House & Home and Dwell. The tilt cone is probably my fave, with it's modern black and brass finish and a warm glow that cascades out of the adjustable shade. And the Alto Scone below is a total staple - it's so incredibly versatile and works just about anywhere.

Most fixtures on the site range from $75 to $300 and orders can be placed online to both Canada and the States. And if you are seeking a larger chandelier or statement making piece, Cedar & Moss has also recently expended their higher end offerings with Rejuvenation. Be sure to check those out as well!

Anna Karlin

Anna Karlin is one of those people you should probably hate - she's insanely talented, young, British, lives in NY, and is a total babe. But life is too short to hate, and I totally admire anybody who is doing what they love and and who is also doing it so well.

If you are wondering to yourself, who is this magical creature? Well you are in luck. Here are some examples of what Anna Karlin does so very incredibly exceptionally well.

Drooling over this lamp.

OMG she makes rugs too. And 100% wool.

Oh right, chairs too.

And the most super fun, 80s inspired stools. I will take all four. Please.

She also makes hand blown glass and works in brass. This decanter is beautiful.

In all seriousness, what kind of school do you go to in order to become so well versed in a million design mediums? Even her website is killing it. It's so good. I would not be surprised if she made it too.

From the looks of it, you can currently purchase her products direct (from her NY based shop - open appointment only) or you can order straight from her website as well. You can even get in touch with her to do custom pieces if you so fancy. And if you can afford it, I would really consider getting one of her pieces now, because with the amount of buzz she's already getting, I can only imagine she's going to blow up in a very big way.

Egg Collective

Egg Collective is a New York based design company that creates truly beautiful and exquisite furniture and lighting products. They use only the finest of natural materials (such as domestic hardwoods and stone) and allow all of their unsealed metal finishes to, over time, develop a patina.

The Russel Dining Table is brilliantly simple and available in walnut, natural oak, blackened white oak, and bleached maple (seen above). Coming in at 120" in length, it can seat 10 very comfortably, but custom sizing is available upon request.

One of my other favorites is the Fern table. This would be the perfect piece to put in a long entry beside the stairs, or perhaps in a living room that needed extra display space. Just like the Russel Dining Table, it is also available in different wood finishes. While the blackened white oak is a stunner (seen on their website), I can't get enough of light wood these days.

Another standout is the Margot George Chandelier, featuring hand blown glass and satin brass. I love the smokey look of the glass, adding another layer of sexiness and glamour.

I also enjoy how their side tables can look completely different when viewed at different angles. The three ladies behind Egg Collective certainly know how to keep things fresh and unexpected.

If you are interested in one of their pieces, feel free to contact the company directly or go to their online shop for more info. They can help you organize shipping and delivery, or if you are a New York native, they are open throughout the week and can be found at 304 Hudson Street.