Studio 5 : An Inside Look at Lighting

For today's segment I was granted permission from four of our most wonderful clients for a sneak peek inside their spaces.  What a treat to be able to show viewers a few of the projects we've been working on - and what we take pride in!  Click here to redirect to the Studio 5 site for the video. The article I wrote is below.





One of the most instant ways of transforming a space is by installing new, eye-catching light fixtures. Today designer Lauren Oviatt is taking us inside some of her firm’s recently decorated spaces. Follow her for a sneak peek at some beautiful lighting installations and get her tips on how to light up your own spaces.

1.             Formal is Fine

Even though many design trends seem to lean toward contemporary looks, there will always be a place for well-intentioned traditional light fixtures.  This home was newly constructed and the client has very formal, traditional taste. The entry of this home conveys the mood of the entire home from the moment you step inside.  Notice the large Swarovski chandelier hanging high above the sweeping staircase and the coordinating sconces on the wall.  I love this look because it’s like a few crystals dripped off the piece and landed below creating a focal point closer to eye-level.   

The Best Part: What works here is that the lighting agrees with the space, traditional on traditional – it is scaled appropriately and creates an exquisite look.

The second space we’re going to show you is the dining space of a smaller kitchen.  You can see how the light fixture itself takes the room from clean and traditional to over the top and wow!  In my opinion, every girl needs a little crystal somewhere in her life.  It is a little outside the most traditional realm to install a fixture this bold in style and size but the drama is what I love most about it.  It’s unpredictable and glamorous.

The Best Part: Take risks in design!  Don’t be discouraged by a small space – make it stand out by installing an outstanding over-scaled piece.

2.             Trending Transitional

This client has just completed a full-scale remodel of her main level and what she came away with is a beautiful open living space enveloped by warm, neutrals and luxurious textures.  This light fixture is placed over a rectangular dining table in an area adjacent to the kitchen.  Notice the lack of chain holding the fixture from the ceiling: we eliminated it and instead used custom cut pewter rods to further clean-up the look. So much to say about this beautiful installation!  The gauze-like shade glows at night and for me this piece seems understated but is just as stunning as a chandelier that is dripping with crystals. 

The Best Part:  The best light fixtures are not only lovely to look at, but functional as well!  The idea of a two-light chandelier over a rectangular table is not only a very current trend but also an incredibly functional concept.

3.             Creating a Continuous Flow

It can be overwhelming to tackle all the lighting in a house at once. You want to make sure the light fixtures flow easily from one room to the next while adding a sense of individual personality and interest to each space. In this home, the clients brought together many antique and Asian pieces from their travels across the world.  The lighting in these rooms agrees with the more traditional style of the house while giving a nod to the antique and worldly aesthetic of the furniture and décor.  The pieces work seamlessly but are not so similar that they’re tiresome and overlooked.  Also, these pieces will always be timeless because of their classic shapes.

The Best Part:  Instead of ordering all your lights from the same collection, think of unifying one aspect – whether it be the finish of the fixtures or a unifying shape or glass element.  Listen to each space individually and then go back to your design criteria. You’ll be so glad you did!