Curate My Life Posts

Let Us Illuminate You: 4 Unique Light Fixtures

May 03, 2019 No Comments

By: The Balance Design Team

Often, a great room design starts with finding the perfect light fixture as inspiration. Whether it be modern, traditional, farmhouse, or eclectic in style, a light fixture can set the tone for the entire space. Here are a few unique light fixtures that we’ve been fawning over lately, anxious to use in a new design project.

Photo Courtesy of Allied Maker 

As designers, we can tire of the “popular trends” that you see so much of in the mainstream market. We love this pendant from Allied Maker because it is functional adornment — a visually interesting architectural accent that transcends the trends of the moment. There is a lot to love about it, like the mix of materials (glass/leather/metal) and how the frosted glass shade bathes a room with diffused light. The bulb actually shines light onto the inner wall of the glass to create this soft effect. Simple, classic, enduring.

Photo Courtesy of NextLevelStudio

Etsy is a go-to source for lighting inspiration. Artisans selling their one of a kind designs can be both personal and cost effective. This sculptural chandelier feels like a game of Jenga meets LED lighting meets Hygge. Can you even get more eclectic than that?

Photo Courtesy of Umat Yamac

We have absolutely fallen in love with the abstract lighting designs of London-based designer Umat Yamac. Inspired by nature and the clean lines and geometric forms of origami, all fixtures in the Perch Light Collection are constructed from synthetic paper and are complemented by brass metal accents. A special mechanism within the fixtures allows each bird to sway back and forth, creating an ethereal and immersive experience. Swoon…

Photo Courtesy of MadeByLuum

Oversized, bespoke chandeliers are typically thought of in grand, traditional settings and usually include crystal and sparkle. We’re here to tell you there are more options — and they work with a variety of styles! This chandelier by LUUM Lighting mimics the graceful filtered light of a forest canopy. The cut metal discs cascade down like leaves on a vine. This is certainly a statement piece, as it is as much artwork as it is light source. It’s the perfect marriage of grandiose and natural simplicity.

So whether you’re in the mood to spruce up your own space or looking to get inspired for a professional project, keep in mind that something as seemingly insignificant as a light fixture might actually be that missing link you’ve been searching for. And remember that great design stands the test of time — whether one year from now or twenty.

 

4 Standout Statement Hardware Pieces

Apr 19, 2019 No Comments

By: The Balance Design Team

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by Instagram and Pinterest photos of your ideal home. Where do you even start on your own home!? Sometimes a little detail can go a long way. A drawer pull, for example, isn’t just a handle — it can also be a focal point. We celebrate when function gives way to beautiful form! Here’s just a few standout pieces that have caught our eye.

Photo courtesy of Lotus Dardware.

These modern pastel leather knobs and pulls are to DYE for! This collection would easily give new life to a kitchen bar area, a dresser, or even a mudroom. And they’re so reasonably priced!

Photo courtesy of House of Antique Hardware.

We love intricate details in unexpected places. Typically, one might overlook a humble door hinge, but this one’s beautiful antique living finish highlights the circa 1880 Eastlake-style floral pattern. Topped with an architectural steeple, this hinge turns a simple door into an intentional style detail.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie.

Updating your exterior door hardware is a great way to instantly add character and curb appeal to your home (without breaking the bank). We absolutely love the clean lines and layered finishes of this art nouveau-inspired brass door knocker from Anthropologie. Door knockers are like jewelry for your front door, and this one in particular is a welcoming statement to visitors before they even set foot into your home.

 

Photo courtesy of House of Antique Hardware.

Window sashes are not necessarily a spot you’d think to put unique hardware. But adorn them with this stunning brass cast sash lift and you’re sure to elevate your windows’ style (haha see what we did there?). It’s ornate enough to catch your eye, yet classic enough to fit in more than one style of home. Fancy that!

When choosing hardware for your kitchen cabinets, your front door, or that special antique dresser, make sure to choose something that speaks to you and will be cherished for many, many uses!

 

5 Cool Credenzas

Mar 29, 2019 No Comments

By: The Balance Design Team

There’s so many ways to utilize a credenza: a low dresser, a coffee bar station, a catch all in the entryway, a media center. At it’s core, it’s simply a short, long storage piece. But don’t be fooled — there are so many styles and variations. Here’s our five faves!

Photo courtesy of Modshop.

Old Hollywood glam meets mid century styling. We love how the angled grooves on this piece mimic the folds of an elegant men’s tie, while the rich hunter green lacquered finish and lucite with brushed brass accents add a sleek modern touch.

Photo courtesy of Bernhardt.

Credenzas aren’t always the stand-out piece in a room; they tend to focus more on function than fashion. Enter this stunner. The hand painted faux bois atop antiqued mirror makes this credenza a piece to remember. It reminds us of a willow tree in the wind — graceful, elegant, and natural.

Photo courtesy of Westside Modern Atlanta.

This two-in-one piece from a favorite local mid century boutique combines a gorgeous credenza with practical shelf space. It captures our hearts with a black cerused oak finish and olive lacquer paint details. What a show stopper!

Photo courtesy of Chairish.

This vintage reeded bamboo credenza stopped us in our tracks. A great option for adding beautiful texture to an entryway, it could also hold its own among walnut and teak furnishings in a larger room. Mix in some metal and linen accents and you have yourself a beautifully layered space!

Photo courtesy of Bernhardt.

Industrial meets organic. A black forest marble wood body paired with graphite metal frame forges harmony between two very different materials. This credenza is a modern and daring utilitarian sculpture for the bold.

Credenza, sideboard, cabinet, console — whatever you call it, these long and lean storage solutions deserve to be beautiful as well as useful! And whether your style tends toward industrial, mid century, transitional, or something else entirely, there’s a credenza out there that’s perfect for you.

Facebook Marketplace Is Open For Business!

Mar 15, 2019 No Comments

By: Melody Richardson

With the increasing ease of online marketplaces, we noticed an opportunity to share more of our designs with the world. Enter the Balance Design Marketplace on Facebook. You can now browse our available studio items online and purchase them for local pickup. All items have been featured in our studio gallery, so you know how much pride we have in them!

This mahogany frame sofa is valued at over $10,000, but we’ve got it on the marketplace for a steal. It was a real privilege to restore this weathered vintage find to its full potential utilizing designer fabric and glossy paint.

This lovely art deco vase can brighten any space.

This custom lamp shade is one our favorite pieces — the copper accents in the fabric complement the resin of the base so beautifully. And it was hand made by one of our team members!


A custom velvet pillow and blanket ups the luxe factor immensely.

Since pairing this black fringe and smooth yellow velvet, we have fallen in love with using tapes in new and interesting ways!

These are just some of the items you can find on our Facebook Marketplace place. Check back often for updated pricing and new items!

https://www.facebook.com/pg/BalanceDesignAtlanta/shop/?ref=page_internal 

5 Ways to Transform Your Home into a Modern Cabin Retreat

Jan 18, 2019 No Comments

By: Danielle Clockel

When you think of a cozy cabin getaway, what comes to mind? Probably wood tones, comforting textures, and maybe some wildlife elements, but sometimes the style feels a little one-note. Forget what you think you know about cabin decor, and let’s get in the mindset of something edgier and more modern.

Photo courtesy of Trendir.

Yeah. More like that. Let’s dive in!

Wood Accents

Photo courtesy of Dwell.

Log cabins can sometimes have an overabundance of wood — wood floors, wooden walls, wood beams. We love this material too, don’t get us wrong! But using it as an accent or feature instead of overwhelming the senses highlights its natural beauty and character.

Wood Burning Stove

Photo courtesy of Charnwood.

No matter what style of cabin we’re talking about, a fire is an absolute necessity. However, we’re leaning away from grand mantles and giant stone walls in favor of small-space-friendly wood burning stoves. These can go super authentically rustic or more paired down, but the result is the same — a soul-warming fire. Bonus points if you put your firewood on display!

Mixed Up Pillows

Photos courtesy of Chairish, Zibbet, and Pinterest.

Plaid and buffalo check are time honored patterns of any cabin, and we are happy to pay homage to these roots. But a fun way to liven up this look is by adding an additional, unexpected style. Maybe some rug remnant pillows? Hey, why should the boho homes have a monopoly on these kilim treasures!

Faux Taxidermy

Photo courtesy of Anthology Magazine.

Speaking of accessories, let’s address the taxidermy trope. We say skip the dead animal heads and go the more environmentally friendly (and animal friendly) route with whimsical upholstered faux taxidermy. Go from creepy to cute!

Shag Rugs

Photo courtesy of Instagram.

We know, you’re probably a little surprised at this suggestion. Shag rugs are often found in either sophisticated glam spaces or funky global abodes (a la Moroccan wedding blankets), but why not a modern cabin as well? What’s cozier and comfier than a plush shaggy rug underfoot to warm your cold toes?

Winter gets a bad rep for being cold and icy, but who says that’s a bad thing? Surround yourself in a modern cabin aesthetic and revel in the cozy warmth it brings!