{Chandeliers}

Sometimes I think we all long for that extra dash of elegance in our lives, and the faithful chandelier is pretty much elegance in an instant. What strikes me about this collection of images, though, is the variety of schemes in which are glamorous friends are used. From farmhouse-chic (1) dining rooms to modern-meets-grandeur kitchens (6). Weirdly, the chandelier seems to work its sparkling magic everytime.

Images: 1. Living Etc; 2. AT; 3. Bramborne Farm; 4, 6. DtoI; 5. Elle Decor; 7. HGTV; 8. Skona Hem via Perfect Gray; 9. HousetoHome

{Lighting or tea lights? Lighting or tea lights?}

Sadly, lighting is all too often left for a quick dash around Ikea on a busy Saturday afternoon. Whilst Ikea can offer affordable options to light a room, it is perhaps a purchase overshadowed by the rush for a bag of 50 tea lights or that must-have potted cactus. Over at Bright.Bazaar we believe that lighting is one of the most important additions to our homes. A great way to add colour and depth to a space; good lighting really can change how a room feels. We've been on a search to find some inspirational room sets, which use lighting to tell the story in each space.

An antique chandelier adds a sense of grandeur and formality to a room - perfect for hanging above a dining table. If you prefer a more modern and quirky version, then check out these chandeliers by Squint, which you may remember appearing on the site a few months back - we're still loving them!

The task lighting in this small corner makes the space instantly recognisable as a work area. For more home office inspiration, check out our regular feature, Office Inspiration.

Images: Ideal Home

As it's the last month of summer, why not make the most of the light evenings and turn your garden into a romantic hideaway. Perhaps those tea lights were quite important after all...!

{All things bright, bold and beautiful}

When I worked in East London I walked past Squint daily and often dropped in over lunch to pour over their quirky designs. They've been featured in a host of interiors-related media, most recently gracing the cover of the Sunday Times Magazine. Offering anything from indulgent, brightly coloured Chesterfields, lovingly emblazoned chests of drawers and magical chandeliers, Squint has colourful additions for a variety of spaces. My personal favourite are these gorgeous chandeliers (shown below) - they would make a great talking point in any home. If Squint's prices are out of your price range (they sure are mine, but hey, a boy can dream, right?!), then scour your loft, parent's garage and your local charity shops for leftover fabrics. Then mix and match to create a piece of furniture bespoke to your home. And why stop at covering furniture, when you can give your walls the same patchwork treatment? Just look at Danish designer Nina's living room wallpaper - it's fantastic and so uplifting. If you like what you see, then check out her blog here.

ninainvorn.punt.nl

squintlimited.com