lighting: which one do you adore?

Since the days are getting shorter and darker, I've been thinking a lot about lighting in my apartment lately. Part of the reason is because when you rent you dream of the day you'll finally be able to switch out your lights. The other reason why I've been lusting after lighting is because it's so incredibly dark by the time I get home these days. Instead of turning on my boring standard lights, I'd love to have something inspiring hanging above me. So that's why the other day I set out on a mission to find different lighting options. My favorites - number one and three, but of course I'd rather find out which one you adore?

Photos: 1. here 2. Row House Nest 3. House and Home 4. Undecorate 5. B3 Designers Blog 6. The Life of Polarn Per 7. Young Folk Society 8. Design is Mine

lighting: which one do you adore?

Sometimes I feel like lighting gets put on the back burner when someone is thinking about designing a space, but for me it's an important focal point in any room. Whether you are designing a dining room, living room, kitchen or bedroom - it matters. Lighting makes a huge statement whether people realize it or not. It can set the entire mood for a space.

There are so many different looks you can go for with lighting. Sleek, sophisticated, feminine, modern or retro. They come in all shapes, colors and sizes - there's truly a light fixture for everyone.

Do you have a favorite light fixture? Or would you put any of the above seven light fixtures in your home?

Photos: 1. Birds of a Lovely Feather 2. Design Sponge 3. unknown (anyone?) 4. Better Homes & Gardens 5. Apartment Therapy 6. Skona Hem 7. by Petra Bindel for Swedish ELLE Decor

finding fixtures

Since we've decided to stay in our apartment for a few more years I spent the weekend sifting through back issues of magazines for light fixture inspiration. Next week will mark our five year anniversary of moving into our apartment. When I first moved in I didn't think we'd be there for more than two years. But being in an amazing neighborhood, in a top floor apartment that faces a park is pretty rare. Last June we FINALLY painted and it completely transformed the entire look and feel. It's now a cozy oasis that feels more permanent since it's what we want. Now all I can think about is changing out the plain jane overhead lighting.

I'd love to find something like the above fixture - it would work well in either our kitchen or dining room. So my dears, the search is on and if you have any inspiration or favorite fixtures please link to them or let me know where you've been finding some lighting gems.

*Image: Laura Resen