I love these upcycled material tea light holders from London-based designer James Tattersall. With the right skills, I have the feeling they'd make a pretty easy DIY project, too!
Remember books? Those things with all the pieces of paper with words on them. Word on the street is that people are still reading them. I know I've spent a few nights reading in bed lately. For like minded bed readers, may I introduce you to lililite. Besides being a handsome bookshelf/light, it's also an ingenious bookmark. Leaving an open book on top keeps the light turned off, pick it up, and you've got light.
While the Torch Light by Sylvain Willenz is not breaking news (It won Best in Lighting, Elle Decoration International Design Awards, 2009 and Grand Designs Best in Lighting Designs 2009) it is an old favorite. While it doesn't seem like there are a lot of good sources to buy this stateside, Haus London has them on sale currently.
Kate Stokes of Australian Coco Flip sure does know how to make some beautiful lighting. The Coco Pendant and Coco Pendant Mini (shown here) is a beautiful combination of turned victorian ash and powder coated spun aluminum. Don't let the "mini" fool you either, its 15" diameter is only small compared to the original 23" Coco Pendant.
Thanks to Kathryn for the tip!
I can't remember if there were pictures of this Workshop Lamp last time I checked in with Sami Kallio Studio, but I recently revisited the Cargo Collective and fell in love with it. As with much of their work it features a clean juxtaposition of powder coated steel and clear finished woods. The details are amazing.
Workshop Lamp from Sami Kallio Studio
Modular candle holders handmade from solid cherry wood? Hand-poured beeswax tea lights?? YES PLEASE! These beauties are available in sets of 3, 6, or 9 from Etsy shop Pretty Dreamer. Snatch 'em up right here.
I'm getting more and more into the simple old world sort of products lately. Maybe it's a product of getting overloaded with all the shiny new modern things I blog about every day. The end result is I love all the mercantile and general stores that are popping up online. Typically they still have a reasonably modern aesthetic, just with a pared down simple material pallet. Brookfarm General Store is a good example of this. They have a wonderfully curated collection of homewares, some of which may look familiar. Check out some of my favorites below.
I love the idea of a inexpensive concrete pendent light. This one looks like it came out of a silicone mold, but I bet with a bit of ambition and some creativity you could come up with a similar DIY solution.
Whether as a single pendant or in chandelier form as a trio, these powder coated lights from West Elm are b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l! They've got Scandinavian modern written all over them, don't you think? Available in black or white (with all-white interiors).
Don't call it an artichoke, this natural wood veneer pendant light is all pinecone! Consisting of 56 "plates", each light ships flat and is available in four finishes: maple, beech, antiaris, and kaya. Designed by Pavel Eekra, 2011.
The shape of these pendant lamps takes inspiration from lab beakers, but their soft colors are completely unique! I love the soft purple and coppery honey colors especially - gorgeous!
I always enjoy seeing tastefully upcycled goods, and this wine bottle tea light makes pretty good use of an old wine bottle in my opinion. Of course if tea lights aren't really your thing, you could just good all in and get an acacia wood bottle bookend.
I'll admit that, in the photo at least, this lamp shade looks a little bit like an under-stuffed bed pillow. BUT, I think it could work really well in certain modern homes, especially ones with a more organic aesthetic (lots of white, wood, minimal decor, etc.). What do you guys think? Also, did I mention that this shade is only $5? Yeah, chew on that.
The classic task lamp just got a major face lift thanks to Crate&Barrel. Available in 5 up-to-the-minute hues (as well as tried-and-true silver), these lights are right up my alley. What do you say? Is there room in your life for a bright fuchsia office light? How about lime?
Accordion pleats never looked so good! Especially when applied to Crate & Barrel's newest lighting series, what with its distinct MCM flair. Choose between three styles (cylinder, hourglass, megaphone) and your choice of white, black, or orange.
These lights are undeniably inspired by Niche Modern (especially their Pod Light), but considering these only cost $99 versus the Pod's $900, I'm not complaining too loudly. West Elm's version is available in two sizes and your choice of grey or sea green.
Here are the ingredients for the perfect simple white pendant light. Hand formed, with a porcelain top cap, aluminum ceiling mount, and 51" of braided cotton cord and steel cable for hanging. Add light bulb and enjoy.
These glossy pendant lights would add a nice pop of color to any modern space! I especially love the contrasting knobs at the top (they're made of silicone and grip the light bulb directly). Genius.
Hang on Honey Light designed by Niels Bak Rasmussen for OiOi.
I'm still crossing my fingers for my Borough Furnace skillet from Kickstarter. In the meantime, I've got my eye on a new project. Wallplates are a functional light switch wall plate that give you a place to put your keys, mail, and other misc stuff that is looking for a home. You can be a backer for as little as $5, but $15 - $25 will get you the goods.