Brilliant Ideas!

Lighting plays such an important role in any room, as we all can attest! You've got your ambient, your task, and your accent lighting, all important it is true. But what I can't get enough of are those light fixtures that make a room come alive, like the Harry Winston jewelry that completes a red carpet gown.

Here are some rooms that just wouldn't be the same without the brilliant light fixtures chosen and created by some very clever people:

A Circa 1920 boat shaped chandelier in the Living Room of fashion designer Jennifer Nicholson (daughter of Jack). Now she really understands the red carpet jewelry metaphor!

House and Garden August 2006

These fixtures were made by Jose Esteves from antique spoons, ladles, and forks, shown in his country home in Perche France. Available through Interieurs, NYC. Beautiful aren't they?

House and Garden February 2007

I think we all remember this beautiful creation by Alessandra Branca for the Hampton Showhouse. It commands attention.

House and Garden October 2005

And one of my design crushes, Michael Smith used a large scale chinoiserie lantern from Soane, a London shop making this room much more interesting.

House Beautiful October 2006

These fixtures were made from crab pots oufitted with lanterns by owner Larry Winn for his Seattle home. I am so impressed with this idea and the effect is fantastic.

Metropolitan Home November 2006

Marjorie Skouras created this one of a kind black coral chandelier for her own Master Bedroom. I have been seeing alot of her work lately and you can see why! Gorg!

Metropolitan Home June 2007

It's not so much the fixtures themselves in this room, (although they are indeed stunning) but the wonderful placement that made me look twice and keep looking. William T. Georgis is the designer. Lights are French opaline glass pendants from John Salibello Antiques, NYC

House and Garden July 2003

Designer Kim Alexandruik found this stunner at Bourgeois Boheme, L.A.

House and Garden 2007

A trio of vintage Bagues lanterns create a graceful ensemble in designer Lisa Jackson's dining room. Elle Decor May 2006

This amazing chandlier was created by Baccarat for it's Paris headquarters building. Interior design by Philippe Starck. House and Garden April 2004

Swarovski crystal chandelier by Tord Boontje in the Dining Room of Nadji Swarovski. Stunning.

Elle Decor September 2006

Jill Dupre designed this unique and wonderful chandelier for her New Orleans home. The scale is fabulous!

Metropolitan Home April 2006

These light fixtures add so much drama and really take center stage in these captivating rooms. I think a round of applause is in order.