Ambient Glow: The Visual Appeal & Warmth Of Interior Lighting

The Warm Glow Of Interior Lamplight

There is something about lighting that adds such warmth and visual appeal to interior spaces. Perhaps there is no other time than the onset of Autumn, when the skies darken early and the chill settles in, when lighting takes a crucial role within our homes. The power of lighting. For certain, as a key element within our interiors, lighting can alter our moods. The beauty of natural daylight that moves to the need to add lighting when the sun begins its descent is where ambiance begins…

Ambiance: The Visual Glow Of Interior Lamp Lighting

While a room may be bathed in daylight by day, the lamp itself offers a decoration of the interior space itself. Form paired with function by dusk or by night. But of the ambient lighting that should light the corners of our spaces with a warm glow? That should spill forward onto our tables and cast a glow above the lamp shade itself? Essential when creating surrounds. A basic in decoration, yes. But a basic in creating the visual warmth of our interior spaces. Glowing shades of visual interest. The effects it creates is a love affair with light itself. Transformation into a captivating surround. The visual changes each room takes on when lighting casts its glow and the character and atmosphere the space offers…worthy of visual appreciation, indeed…

Of course, acknowledging the form of lighting within our spaces is also key. Personal preference in the selection of style, size and function. The world of lighting offers a world of choices that can be tailored to our own interior styles. Options. Beyond purpose and function, the lamp itself is part of the decor. Part of the impact of a space. Part of the visual appeal. But focussing on the ambiance of lighting…which can dramatic appeal and alter the mood of a room while simultaneously adding visual warmth is the focus. Beyond brightening up a dark corner, lighting can dramatically change the look and feel of a room. And what a delight that can be! Of course, I must mention the asset of adjusting the brightness levels of lighting with a dimmer switch or 3-way bulbs. My personal favorite. As each moment deserves the ambiance that is required within the moment. Purpose and function. Of course, as in the art of photography, lighting plays a key role in creating a visual. Diffused and reflective, lamp lighting offers us the ability to alter our surrounds. Diffused lighting is light that is not harsh and direct, but rather softened lighting. Reflected light is the light that is reflected from a particular surface or material. Visual appeal, indeed. Consider the visual appeal of reflective and diffused lighting within the interior as well as the form and function of lighting….

Lamps & Lighting Within The Interior

The Ambiance & Glow Of Lamp Lighting

Casting Shadows & Adding Ambiance: Interior Lamp Lighting

And of the importance of task lighting? The beam of light that is directed on a surface highlighting an area that one works under is an important consideration when considering lighting’s form and function. Localized lighting to suit the task at hand. In stylish format, if you will…

Task Lighting: Direct Ambiance Of Functional Form

Task Lighting: Visual Form & Function Of Interior Appeal

Ambiance In Lighting: Interior Warmth With Task Lamps

Task Lighting: Focussed Ambiance With Purpose

Form & Function: Lamps & Task Lighting Within The Interior

Ambiance & Glowing Appeal: Interior Lighting

Whether you prefer to light up a room or set a subdued scene with the glow and casts of table and task lighting, the choice is preferential. Subdued or intense. Yet the appreciation of the diffused glow of lighting deserves our consideration. As the Autumn sun fades into Winter, consider the glow within your interior spaces. Ambiance. Warmth of visual appeal, indeed….

Onward,

Kristin

“There is one fundamental fact about lighting: Where there is no light, there is no beauty”
-Billy Baldwin

“A room is like a stage.
If you see it without lighting
it can be the coldest place in the world”
-Paul Lynde

“Lighting is an essential way to change the mood of a room, especially if you can use dimmers”
-Thom Filicia

“I like light, color, luminosity. I like things full of color and vibrant”
-Oscar De La Renta

Tiered Elegance: Vintage French “Baguès” Gilt Bronze “Palm Frond” Chandeliers dripping in Crystal Prisms

Glamour & Elegance Of French Distinction: The “Palm Frond” Chandelier

The mesmerizing and elegant “gilded” bronze “Palm Frond” chandeliers. Stunning. I have been smitten with them ever since I fell under the spell of their distinctive beauty hanging within the home of a close friend who possesses a flair for vintage details and French embellishments. Craig, this one is for you. Upon the initial moment of sight the impact was immediate. Years later, on a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, I rediscovered this French emblem of high style hanging from within the French Quarter antique stores that hold French history. Spotting these dangling above me with luring appeal furthered my desire to learn more about these objects of fascination. Seeking the history of this “emblem of French savoir-faire” offered minimal visual images of interiors that included this particular gilded beauty. Alas, a return to the home that began my love affair with these lighted objects dripping in crystals was in order. Interspersed among the compilations presented are the photographic images from behind my lens of his elegant chandeliers of bronze and crystal bliss…

Maison Baguès: French Creator Of Art Lighting

Seeking the history of an object of grand ornamentation leads one to the French Maison Baguès located in the center of Paris. Originating in 1840 Maison Baguès would become known as the the creators of luxury lighting (www.bagues-paris.com). Originally founded in Auvergne and specializing in liturgical bronze a shift to lighting would become the focus with the arrival of electricity. In 1880 Eugene Baguès introduced bronze light fixtures of distinctive styles cast in bronze and dripping with crystals. The birth of beauty, indeed. And of the art of lighting that would evolve? During the 1920’s, sons Victor Baguès and Robert Baguès “enlarged the bronze lighting collection of their father and created their own iron models”. The vast range of “Baguès” included the use of parrots & foliage chandeliers as well as wall sconces. Alas, the “palm frond” chandelier! Iron and bronze, shaped with traditional methods, offered chandeliers that were covered in leaf gilt gold (or silver leaf!) with hand assembled crystals. The appeal of these striking lighting embellishments would extend internationally and offices were soon opened in New York, Rome and Cairo. Of note, during the Great Depression, Maison Baguès fell under the control of bankers. In 1957 Victor’s son, Jean-Pierre, bought back the company and revived the collection while introducing new elements of artful lighting. Alas, French craftsmanship paired with heritage endures!

Today, Maison Baguès is situated under the Viaduct des Arts in Paris and continues to preserve its heritage by devoting itself to the restoration of vintage pieces as well as providing new creations by current well known designers. Perhaps it is no surprise that Maison Baguès has earned the description as “A synonym of elegance and a guarantee of excellence” . “Elegance” and “Excellence”, indeed. Heritage that endures.

Eugene Baguès In His New York Office

As with anything of enduring appeal, the vintage “palm frond” chandelier would experience an international appeal and a revival during the 1930’s and beyond. Beautiful Italian versions would soon grace striking interiors. Perhaps it is the appeal of the heavy, solid bronze frame that offers a warm patina paired with elegant crystal prisms that brings a timeless essence to this lighted delight. The chandelier of palm fronds and crystal is also noted as an element of the “Hollywood Regency” period, which was born from the appeal of the “larger than life” Hollywood movie set design during the golden age of filmmaking.

Hollywood’s Actress Carole Lombard /1936: Hollywood Regency Period

The Hollywood Regency period (1930’s) brought the glamour and glitz that was so befitting to include the glamorous solid bronze tassel frame with palm fronds dripping with crystal. Tiers of molded palm fronds with cut crystals and bulbs of light. Befitting in “Art Deco”(1920’s-1940’3) interiors or any interior that demands a focal point of unique and striking elegance, the beauty of these chandeliers transform visually by day and night. Stunning. And I am eternally smitten…

Variations Of French Elegance: Bronze & Brass Palm Frond Chandeliers

Tiered Palm Fronds Of Brass or Bronze Patina Dripping In Crystal

Stunning Pendants Of Tiered Elegance: The “Palm Frond” Chandelier

Vintage Patina Paired With Shimmering Crystal: French Elegance

Vintage Appeal Of Timeless Delight: Crystal & Bronze “Palm Frond” Chandeliers

A Chandelier Of Timeless Elegance With French Appeal: Bronze Palm Fronds & Crystal Prisms

Consider the stunning beauty of these unique, artful sculptures of lighting. Personally, my love of this sophisticated crystal and bronze chandelier is enduring. The timeworn lustrous patina of bronze paired with shimmering crystal prisms endures to enthrall me. As timeless as these original French ornaments of high design are, I will continually seek their visuals. Acquiring one is a goal. Perfection in lighting. Tiered elegance with the appeal of nature dripping in crystal prisms, indeed…

Kristin

Sconces: Wall Mounted Lighting Of Distinctive Style

Wall Mounted Style: Sconces

Wall-Mounted ambiance. A “Sconce” is defined as “a type of light fixture affixed to a wall in such a way that it uses only the wall for support and the light is usually directed upwards”. Lighting without a base on the ground that provides an inviting glow that cascades onto the wall itself and the surrounds within the interior. Visual interest paired with function. “Sconces” are also defined as “a bracket candlestick or group of candlesticks or an electric light fixture patterned on a candle sconce”. A decorative wall bracket for holding candles or lights of distinctive style…

The first known use of the word “Sconce” was during the 15th century. Of note, the Dutch word “Schans” was taken from the German word “Schanze”. The word “Sconce” is taken from Middle English, or Old French “Esconse” which referred to “Screened candle or lantern” and from “Escunser” (to hide/obscure). Derived from the Medieval Latin word “scnsa” taken from Latin Absconsus. Further, “Abscnsa” and “Abscondere” (To hide away) and “Condere” (to preserve). What has been preserved is the timelessness that wall mounted sconce lighting has offered throughout the history of interior design. A lantern, perhaps, but one that is not hidden but distinctively on display as a key aspect of designing within the interior. Distinction, for certain.

Of additional interest, sconces are considered one of the earliest forms of lighting fixtures. First appearing in classical antiquity, the evolution from candles to wall mounted lighting of electrical illumination would result. Of course, along with evolution of a practical, useful element into a more decorative form of design, carvers and gilders would design sconces that were influenced by the style of the rooms they would embellish. Whether it was the gilded and elaborate Rococo or more classical shapes of form, the sconces that would decorate walls with function and style endure as timeless elements of interior design…

Classic & Timeless Wall Mounted “Sconce” Lighting

“Sconces” provide not only lighting and ambiance to a space, but can become focal points that can flank fireplaces, mirrors and artwork or define an area in ‘stand-alone’ style. A visual frame for the eyes to rest upon. Sconces certainly provide a visually warm, inviting atmosphere to an interior. Lighting up a darker area of a room or adding additional lighting to a well-lit space, the illumination and addition of the wall sconce is striking in any setting. Whether used as accent lighting or as the main source of illuminating light within an interior, the visual appeal of the sconce earns focus as an object of decoration within our spaces. Whether a sconce that holds candles to illuminate and provide added ambiance within a room or a shaded sconce of electrical glow, sconces add an element of radiating interest, indeed…

Reflections Of Light: The Appeal of Sconces

Stylish Embellishments Of Glowing Style: Sconces

Stylish Additions: Wall Sconces

Accent Lighting: The Wall Sconce

Reflected Light Of Style: Sconces

Sconces: Statements Of Distinction Within The Interior

Defining Spaces: The Distinction Of Lighting With Sconces

Consider the sconce to add another radiant dimension to your interior spaces. The shadowing from its warm glow and layer of luminous light not only adds definition to a space, but provides a focal point within an interior. The diverse choices provide a personal statement of distinction within the interior of reflected light. A wonderful reflection of light that brings a room aglow with visual interest. Wall-mounted lighting of distinctive style, indeed…

Kristin

“For me, it is about the silhouette. It is equally beautiful from every angle”- Interior Designer, Brian McCarthy, on “Sconces”

The Allure of The Crystal Chandelier

I will admit that I have always had a love affair with the pure beauty of the crystal chandelier. They truly draw me in. It is easy to get lost in the dazzling beauty and illuminating rays of the prisms that fall on those of us below.

The allure of the chandelier has followed us through the centuries. From their original functional beginning of illuminating large castles and halls in Medieval churches and abbeys, they soon began to take on more elaborate forms. It is said that the crystal chandelier came to its fame during the development of lead glass in 17th century England. Designs became more complex as demands increased. Chandeliers not only became decorative and aesthetic in function, but a symbol of wealth. The ultimate luxury object.

Although grand chandeliers of the highest quality crystal are still a luxury object, there are crystal chandeliers available today with varied price ranges, shapes and sizes.

The illumination of these chandeliers adds instant drama and elegance to any room. They are an important decorative accessory. They are no longer limited to the dining room. Appreciating their beauty and importance in decorating will provide insight on how to use these elegant, timeless objects in our spaces. Rethink these classic, grand, opulent illuminating jewels. Consider the magical effect and ambiance added to any rooms they grace!

And please, don’t forget the dimmer switch!

Kristin