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Monday, November 12, 2007

A tale of two styles

I have decided that my taste in chandeliers is an accurate reflection of the dual nature of my taste in interior design. On the one hand, I am absolutely besotted by the Cascade Lumiere chandelier, part of the Kentfield Collection for Boyd Lighting, designed by Todd Rugee. This is a beautifully designed, soft modern chandlier that is truly like a work of art. It is a great modern interpretation of a chandelier....and this is something I love in design, a fresh interpretation of classic design.

Interior design by Shane Reilly. This is one of the most beautiful dining rooms in my inspiration file. The chandelier is, of course, a favorite, but I love the how the whole room is put together, with the soft colors, the console and contemporary art in the back of the room, the wonderful lamps on the console that repeat the shapes of the chandelier.

Traditional Home, May 2007. Design by Garry Mertins.

Interior design by Jamie Drake. It is interesting to see this chandelier in a living room setting. If you look closely, you can see the matching sconces by the fireplace.

On the other hand, I have a love for French and Swedish, with light woods, neutral window treatments and upholstery, often in linen and other natural materials. A clean, fresh, crisp take on French and Swedish. Take a look at Cote de Texas' blog (I must mention her blog several times a week!), and you will see some great examples of this French/Swedish style. Joni likes almost exclusively antiques, but I am not a stickler on this point. Give me a finely crafted reproduction and I will be happy (I had a bad experience with wood worm on one of my French antiques).

Although there are hundreds of chandeliers that would fit into this style of design, there is one in particular that catches my eye: the Niermann Weeks Swedish Chandelier. There is something so beautiful about the delicate and airy design of this chandelier. I have seen it in person, and it is breathtaking.

Niermann Weeks Swedish Chandelier.


This is an antique chandelier, but it has the look and feel of the one I love. (I do not have information on where this image is from).

Fortunately, I have a few years before I have to pick out a new dining room chandelier. Perhaps my taste will evolve by then, and it will be more clear which design fits best within the grand scheme of my home design. Perhaps I will find something else that captures my eye. Most of the fun for me is in the journey and the discovery of new things along the way.

15 comments:

  1. Ah, a girl after my own heart. I am having the same battle. For five years now I have been on the hunt for a fabulous dining room chandelier. I, too, am torn between the exact same two styles. However, I am leaning toward the french style chandelier...love the one from N.W. I will have to check it out in person. I agree that it is light and airy - one of the reasons why I love it.

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  2. Oooh! I love the wallpaper in the bottom image. That little bit of yellow is adorably happy!

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  3. Quit stalking me!!!! I"m calling the police - I mean it!!!!!

    not really - I love it!

    ok, I love Swedish chandeliers, they are just prettier than most crystals. I do like that contemporary one in the picture too. What to do, what to choose? at least you have time to ponder...

    Joni

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  4. Gorgeous chandeliers! You are a smart cookie to enjoy the journey. The chase is half the fun, isn't it? I know you'll find something absolutely brilliant!

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  5. As I was drooling over that first chandelier, I was thinking "I wonder how that would look in a (meaning "my") living room? Scroll down and there it is in a living room. I love it and the sconces. So light, so airy, so not round-with-candle-bulbs-and-gobs-of-crystals, so unexpected.

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  6. I love the Cascade Lumiere chandelier in the second photo. Perfection!

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  7. I have the same problem, not necessarily with chandeliers, but I think I must have multiple personalities - that's the only way I can explain my diverse tastes! It's not such a problem until you have to make a decision...

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  8. I love the 1st dining room picture also. I could enjoy lingering there after a wonderful dinner enjoying great conversation.

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  9. I am with you in having that dual nature. But honestly I don't think you can go wrong with good design, be it contemporary or traditional.

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  10. I have a split personality about a lot of things! But I think that makes for a more interesting design so have fun battling it out with yourself!

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  11. Oh, the NW piece is a little bit of heaven.

    You'll have to drop by my place - tomorrow I'm featuring some of Julie Neill's work, including several of her exquisite fixtures. I think you'll likey.

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  12. I am split in two about half the decor decisions in my life. One thing I have noticed is a more traditional chandelier can be a real gem in a more contemporary room, and that sometimes a more plain or modern chadelier can really calm down a more busy traditional look. I like the mix!

    That last room is stunning. The gray, the chandelier, everything!

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  13. I think alot od designers are pulled in many directions. there are too many things out there to love!

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  14. The first chandelier is stunning - I totally approve :-)

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  15. I love the last room...so serene and the added sparkle is divine...
    Found you by way of Terri's blog, Windlost, and I am enjoying reading all your older posts.

    I, too, love chandeliers...really in any form. I think it is the crow/magpie in me...always looking for something shiny for my nest!!

    Linda
    http://www.restyledhome.blogspot.com

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