Eco-chic

It's been heating up, and we've been firing up the grill and enjoying the early days of summer. To try to curb our utility bill, we've opted for an eco-friendly option to cool down - the Minka Aire Artemis.

Ceiling fans are not longer a faux paus but can add a stylish accent. While a ceiling fan does not lower the room's temperature, the circulatory breeze can make you feel 8 degrees cooler. In the winter months, running the fan a clockwise direction can push the hot air down the walls, gently recirculating warm air through the room.

Poppy Filled Silhouette

Reading by the soft glow of poppies should lure you to sleep. Buy a couple - they're only $40!

Let There Be Light

What a great find from the Style Files! At our previous home, we use to only get sunlight on one side through the patio. So, I would set my potted plants on tables where lamps were strategically positioned. Now, here's something you can find to solve that problem!

Peek-a-boo Lamps

Anthropology is a great store to find unique items for your home. I especially love scouring through their sales. Here's a lovely lamp that's available for 50% off. Design Sponge first spotted the trend but now they are more affordable than ever! The lamp's simple lines will add a timeless touch to your collection.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Mirrors are a GREAT way of creating the illusion of space. Here's what I did in my dining room. It's a large mirror measuring 50" in diameter. It's simple in shape, and the woven wood provides nice texture.

Baroque with a Modern Twist

You'd be amazed at the deals that are available at sample sales. This Murano Glass chandelier is made entirely of glass and was purchased for over 80% off because of a chip in the main stem. With a little TLC, she now gracefully illuminates the perfect mood at dinner parties. I love its scrolling leaves, classical lines and stark white color.

Jack-O-Lantern

My husband and I were cruising SoHo when we stumbled upon this beauty. This pendant is hand-crafted from pine and is imported from Costa Rica. When illuminated, it exudes the most soothing light. It was sold out in New York, but I was able to find one in Point Reyes, CA (about 1 1/2 hours from where I live). The best part of it all is its price. They recently raised prices due to the demand to $185.00. Get your while you can, I have a feeling that these are going to move like hot-cakes. Contact La Vida Verde and inquire on the L4.

Circle of Light

I wanted to switch out the standard lighting fixtures in our condo. They were a little too cottage-y/ country for my taste. Instead, I wanted a fixture that was bold yet simple, and of course easy on my pocketbook. I was out at LIME in San Francisco grabbing a drink our good friends, Steve & Ian, and noticed their fabulous orbs! From the looks of them, they looked like the Artemide Castore Suspension pendants that typically cost over $200 each.

I found a nice alternative through Seagull for less than $80. It was 14" in diameter, and I hung it 36" from the top of the dining room table. 36" by the way is the recommended distance for dining tables.