I Saw the Light

Hicks Pendant in Domino magazine*

Saw some great things today at our local Rejuvenation (here in Seattle, it's called Rejuve, which really only serves to confuse me and everyone with whom I discuss the store, but that's a topic for another day). One item I spotted gave me particular pause, and it left me wondering -- could this

be the new this?

Heaven knows we have all seen our share of the now-classic Hicks Pendant from Visual Comfort:

High Gloss magazine

via decor*pad

Jeff Herr Photography

And who am I to judge? I have a pair of them in my own kitchen:

And although I do still love my pendants, there is always a small part of me that likes things sliiiiightly less when I see them everywhere. (It's not just me, right?)

Today, when looking at the Hood pendant line displayed in Rejuve, I found myself momentarily contemplating a switch. Probably not going to happen, but you can be sure I'll suggest the Hood pendants to future clients. With all the finish and globe options, it can work in so many styles and locations... I am partial to the largest size (but of course).

Underside of the wire net cover option, originally designed to catch the glass of a broken light. Now it just looks cool.

I love the clear glass globe and brass finish.

* Where I first spotted the Hicks pendants years ago, inspiring an immediate purchase of my own pair.

The Devil Is in the Details

Contrary to what "Million Dollar Decorators" might have you believe -- or what might actually be true for the MDDs -- being a designer is not all about selecting $25,000 carpets or waiting in bed for million-dollar projects to fall into your lap. Most of my projects are completed in phases, as clients' time and budgets allow, and they often involve seemingly mundane tasks like selecting planters for front porches or finding the exact right piece for a mantle or coffee table.

But I often find that the smallest tasks can be the most rewarding and even make the biggest impact. I recently spent a few hours at a client's home, styling her mantle and other aspects of her Living Room, and the transformation was huge! Sometimes just editing what you already have and dreaming up new ways and places to use it is all that is required to give a room a whole new look and feel.

Take a look at a few "before" and "after" shots, and perhaps you will get inspired to do some selective editing this weekend...or call me for help!

The mantel "BEFORE"

Mantel "AFTER"

Secretary "BEFORE" -- you can't see a lot of detail here, which is part of the problem; it was filled with lots of clear glass pieces and other items that failed to add much against the dark wood.

Secretary "AFTER" -- I love the shots of white and blue that draw you in...and the negative space creates a more restful feeling than rows of full shelves.