Orange, it’s not just for pumpkins anymore

28 Wednesday Oct 2015

Posted by Karen B. in Autumn, Decorating, House and Home, Seasons

≈ 38 Comments

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Hi there! Time got away from me (again) and here I am with no solid excuse for my absence. Besides, I don’t believe in excuses for myself, I know in my heart that what I set my mind to I can usually accomplish. So, clearly my mind has been elsewhere. 🙂

Anyway, before “autumn” gets away from me I thought I’d share my new appreciation for the color orange. Of course orange works this time of year, but I’m beginning to see its timeless appeal.

I have never loved “red’s” next door neighbor on the color wheel. But somehow, the magic and beauty created by talented designers using this color has won me over. Maybe Hermès was on to something besides the fabulous scarves, leather goods, jewelry and clothing, when he packaged it all in his coveted, well-made, orange boxes.

I’ve always loved well made gift boxes, Jo Malone boxes are my favorite. Hermès boxes are outstanding when stacked, a bold addition to a table don’t you agree?

The Hermès tray has been a favorite as well…lets see, a piece of furniture or this tray? 🙂

…and the pièce de résistance is this bathroom. That brass piece is wonderful offset by the subway tile and the orange shower curtain.

I guess I’ve always thought of orange as too bold, but I’ve seen so many amazing examples of the power of a bold accent color when used subtly. Chairs in a softer tone of orange make this room happy and inviting.

{unknown}

Burnt orange compliments the British Colonial furnishings of this room, I love it! {Side note: Is anyone watching Masterpiece Theater, “Indian Summers” season one?}

Carol Glasser used a shade of orange in her Santa Barbara living room to great effect.

The coastal vibe BHG achieved with this wallpaper and the lantern above the mirror is charming.

Could a room be more inviting. Just a hint of orange with the pillow and the throw, sign me up.

I love this shade, burnt umber? It appears to me as something ageless, a pigment in the plaster kind of effect.

{unknown}

Black pairs effortlessly with orange. A clean look with orange adding warmth.

This chair and ottoman, upholstered in window pane orange with black makes me want to add a room with some orange so I can duplicate this. I love the simple botanic and buffalo check drapes…a little bit country with an updated appeal.

Do you use orange any time of the year or do you only introduce it during the autumn months?

Have a safe and sane Halloween!

Blue and white appeal, and random acts of kindness

07 Wednesday Oct 2015

Posted by Karen B. in House and Home

≈ 42 Comments

Tags

blue and white rooms

When writing for Garden, Home and Party, it can feel more like writing a personal journal than sharing glimpses of your interests with the internet. I think this is because the conversation is often short and comments can be few in number. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a complaint, especially since I read a lot more blog posts than I leave comments for. Time is always the issue and I try to remember that when I don’t hear from folks on my end.

Along the way, you reveal your personal preferences [in my case] for items in the garden, decorative items found in a home and ideas/inspiration for entertaining. So it is no surprise that I may have mentioned my love of blue and white as a color scheme for homes, and even gardens HERE, HERE AND HERE.

Then, just when you think maybe you’ve written all there is to write on the topic of gardens, home decór and parties, someone surprises you with an act of kindness. This creates excitement to write another post, if for no other reason than to share that excitement with your “blog friends” and thank the thoughtful friend that bestowed the random act of kindness on you.

That happened recently when a friend, who reads my blog, contacted me to say she had been shopping in an antique store and had picked up something she thought I might like. Surprise and delight, touched by the thoughtfulness of people, all flooded my mind and I could hardly wait to see what it was. The package arrived and to my excitement and joy, it was this pair of vintage/antique blue cut glass salt and pepper shakers. Aren’t they charming and wonderful? {Thank you so much, Marilee}.

So, as I know many of you ~~love~~ enjoy blue and white inspiration/beauty as much as me, here we go again, down that path of this classic color combination. Hopefully there are few new images that you’ve not seen before. 🙂

I’ve always loved dark blue paint on walls and built-ins, so striking especially when paired with brass.

{Ashley Whittaker Design}

I’ve color coordinated my bookshelves but this, while challenging to find only blue books, is a pretty decorating statement.

{unknown source}

A lovely shade of almost turquoise blue.

{Ashley Whittaker Design}

Such fresh blue and white prints for a bedroom.

{Lulu Design}

{Botticelli House}

Barbara Westbrook recently shared a feature in her Westbrook Workbook on vignettes, but the blue paint captured my attention as well.

{Barbara Westbrook – workbook}

This is a favorite color combination—blue and white with a few red accents.

{Kittrell & Associates Interior Design}

Do you love the combination of blue and white. I really love it, just as I love khaki and black, with a little red thrown in for good measure.

Living small(er) — minimalism and small spaces

16 Wednesday Sep 2015

Posted by Karen B. in Cottages, House and Home

≈ 40 Comments

Tags

paring down, small space

It seems there is a trend towards minimizing. Living a full life with less stuff…the ‘less is more’ theory is alive and well. There are several blog sites dedicated to helping those interested in accomplishing this task. I confess I drank the kool-aid. I too, find myself paring down, weeding out. I assumed my motivation was due to where I’m at in my life [read: age]. After 7 months of actively working on selling, giving away, or tossing items, I really like the feeling of living with what I love. This, for me, is not minimalist in the usual sense, since much of what I love involves stuff that I’ve collected along life’s journey and I treasure those items. For me it’s culling the boxes of things that are no longer useful, my adult kids don’t want, or that maybe someone might treasure.

Minimalism is not a lack of something. It’s simply the perfect amount of something. – Nicholas Burroughs

In the same area of interest, I’ve read a lot of articles about smaller houses being in demand. I think that part of living with less space is so very personal. One man’s 4,200sf house may seem small for their lifestyle, family needs, etc. Our 1,750sf house is feeling large in the way of the maintenance involved in caring for it. Don’t get me wrong, we’re not ready to sell and buy an Airstream, but there have been conversations about the possibility of townhome living in the future. All of this got me to thinking about that cottage I’ve always dreamt of and what that might look like, as well as some of the larger homes that are labeled as “cottages”. So here are some pretty cottages, and a couple of homes that aren’t quite cottage-sized by U.S. standards.

I’ve written on this topic before, HERE, HERE and HERE.

Is this the Brit’s idea of a small house? I doubt it, but I have to share a line from an all time favorite Jane Austen movie…

Are there any Sense & Sensibility movie fans out there? Preferably the 1995 Ang Lee version, starring Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet & Hugh Grant? Fanny, the not so nice sister-in-law, says this of Barton Cottage, “Oh, a cottage! How charming. A little cottage is always very snug” [while knowing that she [Fanny & her husband] will be moving into the beautiful, large, estate that Elinor and her mom and sisters are forced to move from due to British law. Does this look like a cottage to you?! -below-

This is what I envision as a cottage…stone walls, nice roofline and a soft, welcoming glow from the windows. For more images of the interior of this dreamy cottage visit Caroline Holdaway Designs.

{Designed by Caroline Holdaway ~ Photography by Simon Brown}

This might be a backyard studio…it appears to be very small, but isn’t it sweet?

The cozy feel of a cottage has been interpreted for us though lots of movies, but I realize I don’t live in England, probably never will, and that rooms in a smaller home in the U.S. will probably have a different feel. Still, here are some of my favorite small space rooms.

This charming home was posted a few years back on Cote de Texas. The home belongs (or did at the time) to artist Melanie Millar. It’s a charming, but smallish home.

{Cote de Texas ~ Artist Melanie Millar}

{Cote de Texas ~ Artist Melanie Millar}

{Cote de Texas ~ Artist Melanie Millar}

While I love the open floor plans so popular today, its the the tucked away rooms, the surprises, that appeal to me. The dining nook below may have been something with an entirely different purpose before.

{Cote de Texas ~ Artist Melanie Millar}

Cindy over at Rough Luxe Lifestyle did a post on Musoka Living Interiors last month. I fell in love with their style and this bedroom in particular.

{Rough Luxe Lifestyle ~ Muskoka Living Interiors}

Dan Marty always managed to make any room seem comfortable, large or small.

Sometimes smaller rooms may force you to employ double-duty of pieces of furniture or rooms. This table, turned desk space, could be wonderful in any living room.

This towel bar serves as a pan holder, clever use for a small kitchen.

The breakfast bar doesn’t have to be strictly utilitarian, the canisters and flowers make this bar such a pretty addition to a small space.

{Chris Barrett Design}

Can you imagine yourself living in a smaller home? Maybe once the nest is empty?

Spotlight on art – picture lights

12 Wednesday Aug 2015

Posted by Karen B. in Accessories; details, Decorating, House and Home

≈ 32 Comments

Hi Everyone, happy Wednesday. I missed a week…summer doldrums. Don’t hate me, but I’m ready for fall. I always am this time of year. Mother Nature turns up the furnace around here during August and into September, and I’m always ready for a cool breeze and chilly evening. How about you? Looking forward to turtle necks and hot cocoa? Too soon? 🙂

I’ve been collecting prints, posters and framed art of all kinds for years. I can be fickle and as a result of this variability, haven’t spent huge dollars on much of what I own. That hasn’t stopped me from loving what I do buy and I started some years ago finding myself looking for original paintings, vintage or otherwise.

Along the way I developed an appreciation for art lights, not because they needed to shine on my Monet or van Gogh {as if} but more because I appreciate the soft light they emit, not only on the painting, but the mellow light they transfer to a room.

Today I’d like to share with you not only my own art lights, but those on some paintings in rooms that I think are inspiring.

This painting was purchased at an antique store in San Juan Capistrano, probably 15-20 years ago. I still like it, which surprises even me. When we had some electrical work done to the house, the electrician installed a recessed plug to accommodate the art light. {We use this light when we’re going out for the evening to shine as a night light when we get home}. I apologize for the washed out look of this photograph…my weakest link {photography}. 🙂

This little painting is a transfer painting that a friend made for me years ago. The original painting is by Sir Henry Raeburn, titled Reverend Robert Walker. It holds a spot in my heart because of the friend that gave it to me, and because I like the subject… the reverend gliding along the ice on his skates, in his top hat and coat!

The painting above our mantle is illuminated by a light called a fish eye. It’s mounted in the ceiling and on a dimmer. The painting came from a shop that sold student paintings for a very affordable price. All it needs is a British flag and it would be perfect in my eyes.

So, on to some of the lovelies that I’ve saved to my files…rooms that are wonderful, and for the purpose of this post, happen to have art lights used for art or general lighting.

I absolutely adore art in kitchens. I talked about it HERE. The orange and cherries still life paintings are perfect for the kitchen and I like the art light above.

{source unknown}

This inviting space features a nautical theme with the painting over the fireplace, as well as the ship over the sofa.

The use of art lighting over a bookcase has been of interest to me for some time. I like the illumination it provides, just enough light. Maybe someday.

Then there’s this creative art light. The talented Kristine of The Painted Hive came up with the conversion of a desk lamp, doing double duty as an art light. Read how to achieve this HERE.

Leslie over at Gwen Moss is currently refurbishing their new (to them) home. She featured some inspiration featuring (which she always supplies) home office space. I love this little charmer!

I saved this image from a post by Joni at Cote de Texas. I didn’t save the post date, sorry. I like the modern feel to this room, yet the vintage painting with its art lighting warms the space for me.

I admire the bold paint color {below}. I especially love the pair of paintings flanking the fireplace.

The incredibly talented Mary Ann of Classic Casual Interiors posted one of her recent jobs for a client. This charming picture and picture light caught my eye. Such a pretty lamp.

What do you think? Do you, or would you ever, have a light over a not so “important” piece of art?

Knock, knock, who’s there?

29 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by Karen B. in Accessories; details, House and Home

≈ 30 Comments

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Door knockers have been used to symbolize everything from hospitality to good luck to warding off bad spirits, so although intricate door knockers are popular nowadays, the origins of that knocker may be something far more regal than it simply ‘looking nice’ on the door.

When we first moved into our current house, the realtor who sold us the house gave us a personalized door knocker as a thank you for your business gift. I enjoyed the hearty sound it made when people knocked on our door. Some years ago we replaced our set of double doors with a single door and sidelights and made the single door a dutch door and never reinstalled the door knocker.

I miss not having a door knocker. They were prevalent in London, and in various villages of the Cotswolds when we visited, and I love their old world charm.

So, while in search of a topic to share with you all, I discovered I have created a file titled “door knockers”. Who knew?! Some of these are charming all by themselves, others are on incredible doors, making for great curb appeal. Enjoy…

Who wouldn’t like this pair of beautiful doors. I wonder if that is mirrored glass or just the light reflecting off the panes?

This beauty [below] was taken by Debra of 5th and State, during one of her trips to England. She hosts tours of England and France. Maybe one day…

{5th and State, photograph by Debra}

This seems to be a classic design for door knockers, and I love the laurel wreath and the address number—all on a wonderful black door.

{tumblr}

This pretty door knocker is available at Amazon for unbelievably little $$$. I love the bronzed/rusty-looking finish.

If I ever move to Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod,or any beach area, this would be high on the list of possible door knockers.

A lion head door knocker is classic. I love this entry. Of course the blue and white porcelain urns and ivy topiaries have something to do with my admiration. 🙂

…the classic is back for his close up…

{source unknown}

Just as a side note, doesn’t this door [below] seem to have a mail slot in an inconvenient location.

{tumblr – Barb Dickie Photography}

{tumblr}

Do you have a door knocker on your front door?

Vignettes and their contribution to a room

22 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by Karen B. in Accessories; details, House and Home

≈ 22 Comments

Tags

accessories, antiques, collections, vignettes

Let’s face it, there are so many details that can make or break a room’s appeal. Details that draw us in, can be (and usually are) different for each of us. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and such.

A stunning antique piece, a window with special detailing, beams in a ceiling, and accessories are my hot buttons. More specifically, a great vignette can pull me in like a tracktor beam on Star Trek.

Some people are so talented at achieving this magic, that I forget to look at the rest of the room. Here are a few examples I’ve amassed over the past few months…

An interesting grouping of items can give a room sparkle, make you want to know more about the people that live there. These items can be collections or simply an attractive arrangement of flowers, books and a lamp.

Any room with blue and white accents is already ahead of the pack, in my book…

I love the use of coral and shells. Add nature of any kind to the mix and I tend to take special notice.

Alison of The Polohouse does such a beautiful job with each tabletop and shelf in her lovely home. Her vignettes are always of interest.

I tend to rotate my own accessories throughout my house on a regular basis. Seasons, and a need for change, these reasons ~~excuses~~ keep me restless where my tabletop vignettes are concerned. 🙂

Even a chippy bathroom shelf, when decoratively adorned with essentials, can be all the charm a bathroom needs.

Jermaine, of French Kissed has a style that I attempt to emulate. She has a way with collecting, and displaying nature’s treasures and antique pieces that has always inspired me with my own vignettes.

This particular tabletop vignette [below] is a favorite. The porcupine quill lamp shade, the blue and white porcelain vase with blue hydrangea, and the 2 wooden boxes…simplicity is an appealing factor when accessorizing. Less is more, right?

I believe I got this image from the Barbara Wesbrook Workbook, but I cannot find the exact photograph. Visit her Workbook newsletter, you won’t regret it. Her talents are teamed with talented folks that she interviews and features.

I love this shiney and bright mercury glass display—I believe it’s a holiday season display but I think I like it for its cheery brightness.

{Pinterest}

Another favorite, is the talented Heather Bullard, contributing editor for Country Living Magazine. Her stylings are always perfect and obviously, she applies her talents to her own home. Visit her site, you’ll love the recipes and ideas you pick up during a visit. There seems to be a nature-theme to my favorites, doesn’t there?

Marian of Miss Mustard Seed can turn any homely piece of furniture into a treasure, and she’s a skilled stylist. I love the vignettes she shares from her home and her studio. She’s got her own line of paints and inspires many of us to convert Aunt Ingrid’s hutch into a fresh, country cupboard. I always come away from her posts with wonderful ideas for arranging collectibles.

The next image, while really a harvest display, comes from a site that no longer posts…and George. They operate a store that sells antiques and one of a kind furniture and decorative accessories. You can visit the webpage and you will see what beautiful items they offer as well as the displays they create.

{Christy Ford photograph}

Open shelving is tremendously popular right now, when I spot a grouping like this, I want to rip out upper cabinets and install shelves to hold a variety of lovelies.

Is the arrangement of collections something you gravitate towards?

One last thing, if you haven’t read Dear Carolina yet, there is still time left during the summer reading season. Kristy’s book is such an uplifting, feel good story.

Life of a homeowner – laundry day

15 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by Karen B. in House and Home

≈ 31 Comments

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Note to self: I might be in need of a new exterior shot of our house…this is slightly dated and taken when the Lace Cascade climber (rose) was not in bloom. Still, you get the idea of what the front of our house looks like.

We have lived in our home for 33 years. Hard to believe that I’ve lived in this house longer than in any home I’ve ever lived in, even though I was in the same home from preschool through high school. Hmmm, don’t do the math on this, okay?

Anyway, anyone one who has owned or rented a house understands that things age and break, or they break for no reason! Just about the time you think everything has been upgraded and looks great, something will gasp for its last breath, and die. A couple months ago it was our washing machine.

The good news is that the old machine lasted 12 years without a single repair call. So we decided rather than calling for a repair man we’d simply shop for a more energy efficient model and start fresh. The state of California is offering a rebate for energy- efficient appliances, so this helped with the sticker shock. {If you’re interested we bought an LG top loader and after 2 months of use, I love it}

The point of this post…I want to share some dream laundry rooms with you. Our 1968-built tract house happens to relegate the washer and dryer to the garage. I’m sure to some of you that’s like saying we have outdoor plumbing! {I guess technically the garage could be considered “outdoor”} It’s always been okay for me since it keeps the hot air from the dryer in the garage during the warmer months, and our house is a single story so it’s not much work to haul the laundry out to the garage to wash and dry our clothing and linens. I’m always looking for the silver lining in any less-than-ideal situation. 🙂

I want to start with a laundry room makeover that made me wish Mr. B. and I were more handy than either of us are!

Jenna Sue Laundry Room Reveal — if you love before and after stories, you’re in for a treat.

Isn’t this dazzling? If you read the list of what she and her Mister did to accomplish this, you’ll be even more impressed. Love the barn door!

If I had an actual indoor laundry room I’d be tempted to get a front loading machine and put a smooth surface across the top. This example (below) is great and with an utility sink centered between the washer and dryer, you’d have everything you need.

The beauty of this laundry room is it does double-duty as a mud room. I like the fresh flowers to soften the tedium that laundry day can sometimes be.

I’m guessing a large family lives here…why else would you want two washers and two dryers? Still, such a pretty room with the wall sconces and fresh plants. I could love laundry-day in this space.

From my first visit to my friend’s house on Bainbridge Island (Linda), I have loved the idea of a stacked washer and dryer. Such a space saver and in this instance, the black and white contrast is very pretty.

If your indoor laundry room was somewhat out in the open, this would be a cool idea. Cupboard doors designed to accommodate/hide the washer and dryer.

This would be essential if I had the option of a utility sink in a laundry room. The sink has jets so that you can do delicates in a controlled washing arrangement. How great is that?!

The last thing I wanted to share with you on laundry day is this clever way to dispense your liquid laundry soap. If you buy your liquid laundry detergent from the big box stores, you know it’s a little like weight lifting to put detergent in your washer. This would make things not only look pretty, but you can save weight lifting for the gym!

Do you enjoy doing laundry? What about ironing? It would take more than a pretty room to get me to the place where I could state without perjury that “I love to iron”

The importance of being blue

29 Wednesday Apr 2015

Posted by Karen B. in Accessories; details, Decorating, House and Home

≈ 30 Comments

Happy Wednesday! Before I begin on my topic for this weeks post I want to share some exciting news. I’m sure you already follow the wonderful blog, Design Chic (authored by mother and daughter talents Beth (mom) and Kristy (daughter)) which provides us with fabulous design and fashion features each week. Kristy is publishing her first novel next week. I was privileged to get an advanced copy, and I’ll be sharing my enthusiasm for the book on next week’s post, but I wanted to give you the advanced link to order, Dear Carolina.

The colors blue and white are classics where home decor is concerned. There is no shortage of this color combination featured on blog sites, in magazines and books. I’ve talked about my love of the fusion of the the pairing at least four times on Garden, Home and Party, [1, 2, 3, 4} and since repetition seems to be a curse in the blog world, I’m going for it once more.

Blue is an alluring color even when the focus isn’t on home decorating.

{tumblr}

Have any of you grown blue tulips? Are they truly this blue?

alexapulitzer.com

{tumblr}

So buckle up…let’s look at a few rooms I’ve recently found online, starring the one and only blue and white.

{Instagram: juliocesarlimaudia}

{agiftwrappedlife.tumblr}

This bedroom almost looks like a painting to me…its so perfectly inviting.

{anantucketstateofmind.tumblr}

{Black&SpiroInteriors.com} ↓↑

{PrettyPetals.com}

{SouthernLiving.com}

{our mantle}

Oh, for this view. It’s even relaxing for the dog—nap time?

{TraditionalHome-Eliza Gatfield’s Oyster Bay Home}

{KelleyInteriorDesign.com}

{KembleInteriors.com}

Do you have any blue and white in your home’s decor?

A Designer to Love: Joy Tribout

08 Wednesday Apr 2015

Posted by Karen B. in Designer, House and Home

≈ 29 Comments

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Designer Joy Tribout

There are homes that you can view online, via a magazine, or in person, and appreciate their beauty. Then there are homes that speak to you, to your idea of a home you could love and live in. Designer Joy Tribout has a style that appeals to me. I’ve selected some of my favorite rooms from her portfolio.

Her use of black and white is stunning, never cold, Joy manages to keep a certain liveable warmth to each space. The rooms I’m sharing today are from two separate homes but just happen to feature a black and white color palette.

The black trim on the window is a favorite touch in this mostly white room.

Her design point of view is a simple one, but often challenging for many of us novice decorators. Tribout believes “…one’s home environment should elevate living on a daily basis…” It’s something that we all try to accomplish—making our homes inviting and comfortable.

My fondness of equine touches in a living space is part of what attracted me to this particular home in her portfolio. {I must have raced horses in another lifetime!} 🙂
She recently launched her own line of furnishings, the Joy Tribout Home Collection.

Her signature pillow design features an ‘X’. The pillow above has been adorned with a broach or some metal adornment.

The bed below features another of her pillows with the X.

In all of her dining spaces, whether its a kitchen or dining room, her chairs are swoon-worthy.

Garden, Home and Party: Designer Joy Tribout

…another pair of signature pillows

Garden, Home and Party: Designer Joy Tribout

The cabinets in the kitchen below resemble an antique piece of antique furniture by the way they are finished.

Garden, Home and Party: Designer Joy Tribout

Garden, Home and Party: Designer Joy Tribout

…I love these kitchen chairs.

Garden, Home and Party: Designer Joy Tribout

The mural on the powder room wall gives this room all the art it needs.

Garden, Home and Party: Designer Joy Tribout

Such a beautiful dining room. Once again, love the chairs. I also like the dark walls in the room, it’s dramatic but has enough natural light to make a striking impact.

Garden, Home and Party: Designer Joy Tribout

Garden, Home and Party: Designer Joy Tribout

I hope you’ve enjoyed the work of Joy Tribout. Visit her site for more beautiful rooms.

Have a happy Wednesday, my friends. I always enjoy our visits.

Porch lights

11 Wednesday Mar 2015

Posted by Karen B. in Accessories; details, House and Home

≈ 28 Comments

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Happy Wednesday! How are you? Is anyone, besides me, shocked that we’re 10 days and counting into the month of March?! Yikes, slow down, father time. On that note, daylight savings time is here…so we’ll get an extra hour of daylight. {I’m not sure I’m happy about this, it’s coming too soon and I’m not ready for the warm weather that usually follows. I know the east is overdue for some warmth. Can I send you some of ours?}

Still, you can always make room for pretty porch lights on the front of your home, right?

Oh how I’d like to call this stone beauty home!

I want to talk about (and share) some pretty porch lights. It’s the little things that contribute most to a first impression, don’t you think? Where a home’s entrance is concerned, porch lights {or garage door lights, as Mr. B. likes to call them when they flank the garage door} can not only capture your attention, they can steal the show. Lighting adds so much to the front of a house.

Our porch lights have been up a long time. We had to have an electrician install the porch light on the right side of the garage. California tract houses, you gotta love them. They put a porch light on the left side of the house and one by the front door, but called it a day after that. Symetry, people!

This isn’t the greatest picture but the light on the right is the one we had to add. The one on the left, hidden in this picture by the ivy around it, matches the one we added as well as the one up by the front door.

{tumblr}

Oh, to live in a stone house with this front door surround!

{tumblr}

My personal leanings seem to be towards a pair of lanterns, but Kevin (our younger son) and Sarah have these beauties on the front of their house and I really like the way they look with their paint color and the architectural details of their home.

The details of the fixture and wonderful oil-rubbed finish, coupled with the glass makes these especially stunning. {Good job, Sarah!}

I notice there are a lot of pictures in this post with black doors. I believe I’m partial to dark doors on light houses! 🙂

{unknown}

Even this impressive entrance is enhanced with beautiful entry lighting…by all accounts Ralph Lauren always gets it right. I agree!

…and his Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles location

I digress, Ralph Lauren stores aren’t what this post is about. It’s about the inviting appeal of porch lights on residential abodes.

This wall lantern on a West Palm Beach home in Florida is attractive. I like the back plate and the unique design of the light itself. {I also love the stone dog!}

The overhead lantern in addition to the small lanterns on either side of the front door and side lights is ideal for this large front porch. So pretty with the transom windows, and {ahem} another dark door.

A simple fixture on this shingled house suits it very well. Don’t you love shingled houses? Charming.

The French Country house below might be my favorite in this group. Donald Lococo Architects did an amazing job with the exterior elements of the home.

Do you have a preference when it comes to porch lights? You’ll use it 1 hour less now that we’re in Daylight Savings Time, unless you live in Arizona, Hawaii or Indiana!