Harmony with the Three Ls: Layers + Luxe + Lighting!
Due to my detailed nature as it relates strictly to design, layering with luxurious textures can be highly impactful in a space. I loooovvvveeeee to touch, see, smell, + taste luxury. Honestly, it all started when I was about 8 years old and my Barbie dolls had to have the right features in their home with their specific clothes + outfits being just right and of course hair + makeup…of course! But honestly, what my parents noticed then at that moment was that I absolutely + wholeheartedly loved luxury. My dolls had fur coats, leather skirts, pearls, lace, silk, satin…you name it, Barbie had it. I did not want “the” Barbie dream house, I wanted to construct my own house that I thought was worthy of my Barbie dolls. So I begin with layering her actual dream house to ensure that life for Barbie was simple + chic. And let’s be honest, Barbie’s life was hella fab! I just enhanced it using design principles I had no idea of then. Fast forward to now, I have mastered the art of layering luxury. It is simple yet complex, and that to me is absolute thrill of it all! Just remember, if you ever have challenges with accessorizing and layering, always think of balance + harmony and if that does not work, your girl is a phone call away!
I live + breathe by true design principles + subjective layering with almost every single thing I do! Yes, more than likely you may too! And you may do it without actually thinking about it intentionally, well I know this is 100% accurate for me which ultimately stays true to my forever mantra: Live..Love..Design!
LAYERING is the one single component that can make or break the space. Too little feels stark + cold, too much feels cluttered + obsessive. That right balance, that right pop, that right contrast of textures + finishes will channel the most curated eye to attention to detail. It’s phenomenal, it’s eye-catching, it is design! And if you did not notice from the caption, it’s imperatively important!
“More smiling, less worrying. More compassion, less judgement. More love, less hate.”
“Whatever you do, be intentional + impactful. That’s layering on its own, if you ask me.”
I am a self-proclaimed maximalist! Yesss! For sure! And one primary step of being a great maximalist is balance. To have restraint when designing is an extremely delicate talent but oh so needed when layering a space, especially with lighting and luxurious textures + finishes. I tend to believe that added levels of textures, contrast, color, proportion, scale, and lighting will amplify your space in an extremely positive way but will also allow you to explore beautifully + organically using all your senses.
LAYERS: USING TEXTURES, COLORS, SHAPES, SIZES, + CONTRAST TO CREATE A HARMONIOUSLY COHESIVE SPACE.
Who doesn’t love luxury?
I mean helllllooooo. Luxury is what drives the senses in every way. So I love to use it to my advantage by making sure all of your senses: touch, smell, sight, hearing, and taste are embodied in all of my projects. I use a lot of various smell factors like candles + incense and fresh plants + flowers in a space to balance the space and layer the totality of your flow. I love luxury and ya know, luxury loves your girl. Please believe. By successfully utilizing the simplicity + complexity of layering, spaces always seem majestic and flow oh so beautifully.
Try your hand at layering by using contrast + textures while adding lots of lighting! Ok, we will definitely touch on that, because that single-handedly can positively impact the entire look and feel of a space with general lighting, ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. My husband used to joke that he knew I was home alone when he came around the corner and saw the house “glowing” up the hill. Ok, I will admit, I am extremely afraid of the dark, but only because I like to see what is exactly in those shadows. I primarily use various lighting methods to enhance spaces but also for function and security. And you should too! A true great design aesthetic should never eliminate the power of lighting and what it can do for you. That’s real talk.
Due to my detailed nature as it relates strictly to design, layering with luxurious textures can be highly impactful in a space. I loooovvvveeeee to touch, see, smell, + taste luxury. Honestly, it all started when I was about 8 years old and my Barbie dolls had to have the right features in their home with their specific clothes + outfits being just right and of course hair + makeup…of course! But honestly, what my parents noticed then at that moment was that I absolutely + wholeheartedly loved luxury. My dolls had fur coats, leather skirts, pearls, lace, silk, satin…you name it, Barbie had it. I did not want “the” Barbie dream house, I wanted to construct my own house that I thought was worthy of my Barbie dolls. So I begin with layering her actual dream house to ensure that life for Barbie was simple + chic. And let’s be honest, Barbie’s life was hella fab! I just enhanced it using design principles I had no idea of then. Fast forward to now, I have mastered the art of layering luxury. It is simple yet complex, and that to me is absolute thrill of it all! Just remember, if you ever have challenges with accessorizing and layering, always think of balance + harmony and if that does not work, your girl is a phone call away!
As always, thank you for rocking with Sola for all these years, stay safe + chat soon!
Until next time…
xoxo
Renae
Lighting from the GAWDS! Wait until you SEE!
Now this chandelier would sit perfectly in my formal dining room, the silvertone almost champagne finish is so stunning, that I could easily pair this well with my capiz shell dining table and navy blue velvet chairs.....pure elegance!
A room is not complete until you think of all the elements, and one major element is lighting. It can help to enhance the look you're going for but on the other hand, it can make the space look unfinished without great choices of lighting. Choose wisely, or just contact me, I can be of assistance to you!
Until next time,
Live..Love..Design!
xo Renae
(All photos courtesy of Arteriors Home)
I have written a post or two about how lighting is imperative to designing a space. In some instances, it's the be all end all to design. I take that last statement with a grain of salt, BUT I know in my heart of hearts that lighting stands premiere in MY book! So let's browse through Arteriors Home and see what my top 12 of lighting should be in regards to kicking butt in interior design.
Now lookey lookey here! This sconce is reminiscent of royalty but in the modern day sense. I absolutely want this in my master bathroom vanity area. The crystal rock is just lovely (in my British English accent). Absolutely worth all the hype!
This classic rendition is timeless and can be installed into lots of settings: traditional, transitional, glam, modern, etc. Very classically done.
So unique and simply stunning...reminiscent of the historically renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Don't you think?
I had to add these in the mix! Love Love Love!
I love every simple thing to this sconce! Just beautiful! I have a little something for everyone!
A little gothic in a modern kinda way! I love it!
Red Light, Green Light....I'm ready to go right now TO PICK THIS UP and put in my guest bath! This is gorg!
This reminds me of a cave in an exotic place....now don't ask me how, but that's what I see....what does it remind you of? Where would you put this sconce?
I would install these in a movie theatre as they remind me of rolled film....really chic and handsome!
I love love love this pendant, and WILL use for an island installation....OMGEEEE!! I love the simplicity but pure elegance of this lighting...just gorg!
This lighting would complement a gentlemen's study very well. It has a unique shape with a simplistic bulb and luxurious finishes.
Now this chandelier would sit perfectly in my formal dining room, the silvertone almost champagne finish is so stunning, that I could easily pair this well with my capiz shell dining table and navy blue velvet chairs.....pure elegance!
A room is not complete until you think of all the elements, and one major element is lighting. It can help to enhance the look you're going for but on the other hand, it can make the space look unfinished without great choices of lighting. Choose wisely, or just contact me, I can be of assistance to you!
Until next time,
Live..Love..Design!
xo Renae
(All photos courtesy of Arteriors Home)
Design is in my blood! Live! Love! Design!
Designing is definitely in my blood. I think of how to convey a direct message through design daily, sometimes hourly, depending upon my current projects. I believe you become what you think & emulate. I throughly believe design is within me, so I speak it, live it, and love it!
Until next time,
Live...Love...Design!
xo Renae
(All pictures are courtesy of my Pinterest boards)
I’ve been away for a few days but now I’m back! I love love love to talk design as you all know. I’ve been noticing more and more of this gold and black trend that seems to be all over the place, whether it be fashion, interiors, architecture, nails, etc.! If you don't know, and you may not, but I love NAIL ART!! Like totally!! Anywho the beauty of the two (black & gold) together is simply one of the best collaborations this season. Gold is rich and glamorous and black is royal and demands attention. Both together are regal and sexy! Here’s a few great examples of the terrific marriage of the two: sensational!
This is a perfect example of beauty, form, and function using black and gold as the primary scheme. I would have a double cup of espresso, reading my daily blogs from fellow bloggers in this kitchen.
These striking art pieces by Left Bank Art are beautifully paired with gold accents on the furnishings and accessories. Lovely juxtaposition of modern meets eclectic. I absolutely adore the artwork. What do you think?
Now wood mixed with the metals and matte black cabinets are totally dope! This kitchen, with the Gramercy Park brick shaped tile by Walker Zanger, is just what one needs in an edgy sorta way. Now this contrast is striking in a good sense.
OMG! I love these chandeliers! Point blank and the period! Gorgeous space altogether!
This sultry office makes having to do work so much more relaxing. I likey likey!
These two bathrooms are really special. That gold and black is set off with sophistication and pure glamour! Just fab!
Designing is definitely in my blood. I think of how to convey a direct message through design daily, sometimes hourly, depending upon my current projects. I believe you become what you think & emulate. I throughly believe design is within me, so I speak it, live it, and love it!
Until next time,
Live...Love...Design!
xo Renae
(All pictures are courtesy of my Pinterest boards)
Lighting is Imperative! Yes…really!
Picture lighting is essential for studies and places that hang art. I think that this installation is rarely used but highly effective! Look at how layered this space is with all the lighting. And you don’t necessarily need pictures or art to display for picture lighting. Create your own special moment...
Until next time,
Live...Love...Design!
xo Renae
(Images from Circa Lighting, Designfull, & Noir Furniture)
Sooooo my goodness, this chandelier makes EYES TURN! Not roll, but turn twice..maybe three times! Designfull is a great design boutique that has amazing lighting! Lighting can dramatically transform a space and IS imperative to great design!
The Brubeck Spiral chandelier is all that! Stylish and grand...perfect for a foyer or two story family room.
Sconces are underrated....especially this one by Noir! Gold is the new black, I tell ya!
Look how special this sconce is....elegance by Circa Lighting! This is the Moreau sconce...
This Walker Swing Arm task lighting is beautifully designed, not just saying it because my last name is Walker...lol Simple and Elegant by Circa Lighting.
Picture lighting is essential for studies and places that hang art. I think that this installation is rarely used but highly effective! Look at how layered this space is with all the lighting. And you don’t necessarily need pictures or art to display for picture lighting. Create your own special moment...
Until next time,
Live...Love...Design!
xo Renae
(Images from Circa Lighting, Designfull, & Noir Furniture)