9 Best Plug-In Sconces

I recently added some brass sconces to my second baby’s nursery design, and I can’t wait to get them up on her wall.  They will go on the same wall as the crib, flanking the artwork to be hung over the bed, and I think they'll add so much to that side of the room. 

Because I didn’t want to add one more thing to our growing nursery to do list (you’re welcome, Jon:) ), I opted for some a plug-in option.  In this case, the cord is clear and won’t be very visible on the white board and batten that we have on the lower half of the room.  After a few wall anchors and screws, they will be up and running!

Image via Sissy+Marley

But if for some reason they don't work out in the nursery, they can easily be moved to another room in the house—the office, the guest room, etc.  That’s another great thing about a plug-in option as opposed to a hardwired, they are much more movable down the road if you want to change things up.

Image via Lonny

I’ve long been a fan of sconces and think they always look so charming in a nursery or bedroom.  They offer a variant level of lighting in the room, aside from ceiling and table lamps, and they adorn the wall like pretty little earrings finishing off a beautiful outfit.

The kind I wanted to purchase from Pottery Barn is unfortunately now sold out (I was lucky enough to find a pair on eBay).  But if you have the desire to add some "earrings" to one of your rooms, here is a round-up of some more great options.  They are all in various styles and finishes to help you find just the look you’d want.

one // two // three // four // five // six and seven // eight // nine

I kept things pretty reasonable in the price category, with ranges from $45-170.  Not too bad for adding such a statement to a room!  

Favorite Online Bedding Resources

If there's one way to finish off a bedroom or nursery with a designer's touch, it's with great bedding.  Just as we are against a matching set of furniture, so too are we against the good ol' "bed in a bag."  I know that these are made in an attempt to have you believe that by using the pieces provided, you'll achieve custom-looking bedding but I assure you, the opposite is true.  

Mixing and matching bedding pieces is the way to go--and it's so fun!  Mixing and matching colors, textures and patterns will instantly give your bedding a beautiful layered look that was thoughtfully put together.  

Below I've outlined a few of my favorite online bedding resources for adults and children/babies for easy shopping.  Don't be afraid to mix and match items from different retailers to finish your look!

CRATE & BARREL
They have a lot of great foundation pieces (linen duvet covers, solid quilts) on which to build the rest of your bedding.  I also love their patterned sheets to add a little fun to any room.  And furthermore, they have great sales!

CRANE & CANOPY
Bedding is what they do so naturally they are going to have a lot of great options.  Beautiful, subtle patterned sheets and shams, soft duvets outlined in every color of the rainbow and gorgeous scalloped sheets that I mentioned here.  They also usually run a lot great sales.

POTTERY BARN
This retailer is not new to anyone.  My favorite pieces from them are the embroidered duvets and pick-stitch quilts.  They also have a new line of greek key throws that are amazing.

For kids and babies in your life, here are my favorites sources:

View fullsize

SERENA & LILY
They have well-designed crib sheet patterns (that are also super soft), a bedding basics collection with bumpers/crib skirts in every color and an assortment of unique pieces like this macramé crib skirt.  

LAND OF NOD
Home to whimsical and playful bedding options from crib sizes up to a queen (something that's usually hard to find in kid-friendly prints).  They also have an assortment of duvets and unique crib bedding.  And when they run a sale, it's usually a great one!

RESTORATION HARDWARE BABY & CHILD
If you're looking for soft tones, comfortable fabrics and subtle patterns, RHBC is your guy.  I'm particularly fond of their washed linen and matelasse crib bedding collections.  They also have a ton of great sheet options and will send you swatch samples for free!

So the next time you're looking to update your bedding, give these sources a look first and say "good bye!" to the bed in the bag!

Get the Look: Estee Stanley Girl's Bedroom

I've long been a fan of celebrity interior designer Estee Stanley's work and this darling little girl's room is no exception.  When I saw it in Lonny several years ago, I instantly fell in love.  The subtle pinks mixed with warm ivories and dark woods make for a sweet and sophisticated space while all of the layers of texture and pattern give it a childish bohemian vibe any little girl would be lucky to call her own. 

The dark wood ceiling and beams might be hard to replicate in your home, but I've put together a few other items to give you the overall look of this beautiful space... just in case you love it as much as I do.

Stripe Rug // Pink Rug // Settee // Woven Baskets // Rainbow Hamper // Chandelier // Headboard // Side Table // Pink Toss Pillows // Embroidered Coverlet // Lamps // Pink Lamp Shade // Sconces // Linen Pinboard // Wolf Animal // Tweed Toss Pillow  // Drapes

Have a wonderful weekend!

Before and After of Ellen Pompeo's Trailer

I am a real sucker for "Before and Afters".  There's just something so inspiring about seeing a space brought back to life.  And the best part is that most of the time, the transformation doesn't require that much.  If you enlist the help of a designer, you can get your money back ten-fold in the result.  Designing is what we do for a living.  This is how we think.  You wouldn't go to the doctor for a hair color would you?  No, you go to the people with the right knowledge to get you the right results.  If you can relinquish some control and ask the professionals, you can end up with a room that you'll love!  Okay, enough about that.  Let's take a look at this fabulous makeover that got me all fired up!  

This trailer belongs to actress Ellen Pompeo from Grey's Anatomy.  Prior to breathing new life into the space, Ellen commented that the trailer was "depressing," not the adjective you want to  describe where you spend most of your time.  Your home (or in her case, home away from home) is supposed to be your place of rest, relaxation and happiness so don't settle for a place that you don't enjoy!  That's what Pompeo decided when she enlisted the help of celebrity interior designers Mat Sanders and Estee Stanley, from Domain Home.  The amazing results speak for themselves.

DINING ROOM BEFORE

DINING ROOM AFTER

The whole trailer was painted in Ralph Lauren Paint Starch (#RL1066) by Home Depot.  The new, light and bright walls truly woke up the space.  This is yet another example of how a simple paint job can truly transform a room.

LIVING AREA BEFORE

LIVING AREA AFTER

Lighting is also another way to make a great impact.  These black porcelain ones from School House Electric were the perfect update for the tired, old fixtures.

I also love the bar cart they brought in.  Here's another closeup shot of it.  If you follow our blog regularly, you know I love a beautifully styled bar cart (as discussed here) so this one did not disappoint.  

That green velvet settee really got me too.  It reminds me of the green velvet sofa I have in Auden's nursery. And that stripe tassel throw isn't so bad either.  

BEDROOM BEFORE

BEDROOM AFTER

It's a beautiful new space isn't it?  For all of the details on Pompeo's trailer as well as where to get the items you see, go here.  Many of the items were very budget-friendly.  And thankfully, Domain Home is always so great to list their sources.

If you have a space that could use a makeover, let us know how we can help!  Our E-Design process is so easy...and Christmas is right around the corner.  A new room would make a great gift for yourself, your family or your spouse! 

Company Spotlight - Biscuit Home

Have you guys heard of the online site Biscuit Home?  I just recently discovered their store and have quickly become a fan.  They have everything from accessories to decor to baby toys.  The favorite for me though is their bedding.

One thing they offer something that many other stores don't carry, unique and stylish crib sheets.

Hand painted faux bois?!  I would LOVE to use that in a little man's nursery.  Constellations, lilac blooms and don't even get me started on the amazing colors in the Jenny floral sheet...sigh.  I need a nursery to design ASAP.

Aside from the crib sheets, they also make pillows, regular sheets and duvets in the all of the above prints.  And to help you build your own bedding set, they offer pillows, sheets and duvets with border trim in nearly every color of the rainbow so you can easily find the perfect match for your needs.  Here are just a few:

The pillows come in all different shapes and sizes--boudoir, standard sham and Euro sham.  Each is made of 350 thread-count 100% cotton sateen and made in the USA.  Are you sold yet?

No?  One more awesome thing about this company (based out of Houston, Texas) is that they have signature prints as well. Look at this one called Marfa (a nod to the Texas town).

Pretty cute, huh?  And just because I love stripes, I have to show you these Powell stripe pillows too (also offered in crib sheets or a duvet).

So good.  TGIF!

And don't forget to enter our giveaway on Facebook for a FREE E-Design board!

Master Makeover-Bedroom on a Budget

Our belief is that good design should be available to everyone.  While many interior design jobs can cost tens of thousands of dollars, they don't all have to bust the budget, even when there's no DIY involved.  Just knowing where to look can make good finds go a long way when transforming a space.  

I recently did a few updates in my master bedroom, and it had me dreaming of an entire room makeover...on a budget.  Here's what I put together.  Several of the pieces (the duvet and headboard) are personal buys so I promise I won't lead you astray.

one /// two /// three /// four /// five /// six /// seven /// eight /// nine

1. A couple of good looking lamps with a non-traditional shades from Target. -$39.99

2. Nail trim dressers from West Elm used as side tables because who doesn't need more storage?...currently on sale! -$594.00

3. This Blanchard headboard sells for over $400 on some sites, but I found one on Overstock.com for much less.  And the best part it is that the height is adjustable.  -$246.99

4. Swap out your flush mount or fan for this beauty. -$156.99

5. I purchased this duvet over 4 years ago, and my husband and I still love it.  The Egyptian cotton feels wonderful and it washes well.  Plus you get two shams included. -$115.99

6. An ombre throw for a steal! -$14.99

7. Etsy is my favorite place to shop for pillow covers.  This is just one example why. -$25.00

8. A grouping of four of these frames would look great on any wall.  Another great design by Target.  Buy one, get one 30% off right now. -$24.99

9.  A gorgeous, well-made armoire for less than $1000 is hard to come by.  Thus my appreciation for this one. -$849

Total: $2,776.90

Less than $3000 and not a DIY project involved!  Success!  If you'd like us to put together a mood board for your space, check out the details on our E-Design page.