22Jan

White Plaster Chandelier and Accessories for the Home

Although a white plaster chandelier is very au courant and very frequently used lately, it’s far from being a trend. It would actually be quite silly to think otherwise. These chalky white plaster chandeliers or plaster home accessories have been around for quite some time perhaps as back as 1930’s when Alberto Giacometti brought the material into fashion in Paris. The plaster lightings we see today are mostly inspired by Giacometti’s work. With the help of his brother Diego, Alberto created beautiful and understated home accessories made out of plaster and or bronze. Giacometti created various kinds of home accessories from table lamps, sconces and fireplace mantles in plaster. Often creating pieces commissioned by Jean-Michel Frank who used a lot of white and plaster in his interiors. Another great reminder of the use of plaster in interiors is perhaps the most recognizable of all Serge Roche. He created objects in stucco or mirror which were heavily influenced by the Baroque. Roche’s iconic designs are regarded as one of the most recognizable ones of the 20’s 30’s and 40’s style. A more recent reference to this classically modern use of plaster in home accessories would be the work of John Dickinson. The very acclaimed late American designer from the 60’s and 70’s who created collectable whimsical plaster furniture pieces. One of his very recognizable and coveted pieces is the African table, a great modern interpretation of the original African stool.

plaster chandelier, white plaster chandelier jvia belle vivir interior design blogeffrey bilhuber via AD

As beautiful as these plaster accessories are, they also evoke a sense of whimsy and fun. The imperfect finish of the plaster provides these rooms with a more relaxed atmosphere, which is perfect for our modern days. Room above by Jeffrey Bilhuber via AD. The white plaster chandelier was custom.

plaster chandelier, white plaster chandelier via belle vivir interior design blog Nicky Haslam home

The home of Nicky Haslam in London. How beautiful, whimsical and collected is his home…

13Apr

Vertigo Pendant Lamp by Constance Guisset: A Statement Lighting

In this entryway, the vertigo pendant lamp seems to welcome guests.

Every so often comes the case when a designer creates a classic. Vertigo Pendant by Constance Guisset is one of those and it appears to have been around for a longer time. It’s the kind of sculptural lighting that recalls a timeless style although it is a new design. Its lines are visually strong, feel subtle and organic and I can only imagine how beautiful reflections it
creates on the walls and ceiling when lit up night time. The pendant supposedly moves when the breeze touches it conveying a sense of freedom and rhythm. This is the kind of lighting fixture that can seamlessly be incorporated in any kind of style, however I’ve
noticed the it looks more cohesive when paired with furniture of neutral colors and pale walls. Better yet if the walls have some molding on them. The Vertigo Pendant
which is very light weigh, comes in two different sizes and in different finishing, has slowly become an Interior Designer favorite. I like it more when it’s fixed to the ceiling rather
than hanging giving the pendant the appearance of an upside down hat. A bit poetic, a bit fun, a bit young. In Europe you can buy it at Petite Friture. In the US it is available at MoMa, 1stdibs and Finishing Design Shop.

In this room, the lamp adds to the beautiful composition of modern and old.

03Mar

The Brooklyn Home of Apparatus Studios Founders

What is design if it’s not a reflection of our own life, travels, and taste. This Brooklyn apartment owned by Apparatus Studio founders, Gabriel Hendifar and partner Jeremy Anderson speaks about just that. Most likely you have seen their amazing lighting creations in numerous cases and may have even caused you to gasp. Born from playful experimentation with vintage lighting components apparatus is a new york based design studio. The couple launched the Brooklyn-based studio in 2012, quickly becoming recognizable and coveted worldwide. Their lighting fixtures can be seen in hot spots from New York City to London. The apartment decor is modernist, sculptural and an incubation of all mighty geometry.

07May

Retail Therapy: 7 Modern Light Fixtures under 500 Guaranteed to Spruce Up your Home

7 modern light fixtures under 500 via belle vivir

This roundup of stylish lighting fixtures is more than guaranteed to bring that chic modern factor to any room in your house. If you are remodeling or redesigning your home this is the right moment to think about lighting fixtures, one of the most overlooked elements in Interior Design, however it’s perhaps one of the most important ones. From natural lighting to artificial lighting the ambiance that lighting can create in your home is powerful. Soothing lighting in the dinning room and bright lighting in the kitchen are good recommendations to consider when planning a home. Lighting doesn’t only play a role in the functional part of the design it also can make a statement and as Interior Design has become more of an expression of oneself than ever, choosing the right light fixture is crucial. It’s clear by now that a room looks better when there is contrast and chicer when there is some friction and dynamism. Regardless of your Design style, these 7 modern light fixtures under 500 fixtures will help bring that to any room. Enjoy!

Cone Table Lamp from Dwell, Brass Cone Table Lamp from Urban Outfitters, Gold Urchin Chandelier from Etsy, Jonathan Adler Ventana Double Wall Sconce, Arrow Vintage Marquee Light from Pure Home, Sabor Wall Sconce via Dwell, Regal Light Chandelier via Dot&Bo

16Jan

For the home: Cluster Chandelier

cluster chandelier roundup via belle vivir blog

Caviar Lighting by Laura Kirar.

Often people underestimate the power of lighting. Lighting doesn’t just create the perfect mood or ambiance (tranquility, serenity, romanticism or harmony) in a room but more often than not becomes more of a focal point by itself. Take for instance the chandeliers we choose for our dining rooms where they usually hang more at eye level. It would be a very noticeable mistake, if not costly, to choose the wrong one. The cluster chandeliers I’ve seen lately in design magazines may just be what the doctor ordered offering simplicity and sculptural element at the same time. Their hanging globes (sometimes in different size) are together and connected by either wires or a metal structure. They also may come with facing down shades. Either style you choose these are destined to be a classic. Enjoy!

Bocci

Artcraft Lighting

Cluster Ceramic Chandelier

Cluster Chandelier

Tom Dixon

Modo 10 Globe Chandelier

Above and below, Usona

Amber Blubble Chandelier

20Jan

Les Luminaires de Serge Mouille & who used them first

Serge Mouille’s sculptural lighting fixtures have been in my thoughts for a while now. Looking at all these rooms I can’t quite point out which one makes best use of the iconic lighting fixtures. I guess It’s because the lightings’ architectural silhouettes go well in any kind of interior, from contemporary to classic to country to modern and it’s funny how over-scaled the sconces usually are but at the same time they don’t overtake from the rest of the design of a room. I did a little research on rooms displaying Serge Mouille ‘s lighting in an attempt to get to see the first room ever that displayed one, alas, what a task, I quickly realized it would take a few months of research and possibly a trip or two to Paris to figure that out. And that is because Sege Mouille was a French silversmith who graduated from the School of Applied Arts in Paris, eventually becoming a teacher there while having his own metalworking studio and devoted most of his life to designing lighting fixtures. “Throughout the 1950’s Mouille designed large, angular, insect-like wall mounted and standing lamps with several arms and smaller, more curved wall-sconces.” Mouille’s website

Christine D’Ornano’s London home features a pair of Serge Mouille arms conces. photo by Simon Upton 2010

Les Luminaires de Serge Mouille are sold in the US through a few dealers, to find out go here. One of his lighting fixtures is something I would really love to own but because they normally run around the $5,000 I think I will only keep postponing them until further notice.