WELCOME to Nest by Tamara blog

WELCOME to Nest by Tamara blog
Hi- It's Tamara. I'm happy you've stopped by, and since 2010 I've been sharing my passion for interior design, history, art, entertaining, travel & fashion. I am an interior designer, textile designer and writer living and working in New York City and East Hampton, Long Island. My musings have taken me to international design, art, antique and epicurean events and I have lots to share. I'm grateful to have been listed as the #1 top design blog, blogs to watch, top design blogs and named and awarded Rising Star of Design by the IFDA NY industry organization. Please feel free to reach out to our team for an interior design consultation at NestbyTamara.com -Tamara

Six Cool, New Chandeliers To Spruce Up Your Home- Nest by Tamara's Spring 2019 Lighting Round-Up

Six New Lights To Change Your Life 
{and Home}
Nest by Tamara's Favorites, 
Spring 2019
my new chandelier in my home in New York City
the same light on the West Elm website showing it works equally well in homes with varying design styles
When it comes to design elements, industry experts almost always agree that lighting plays a key role in bringing stellar design to a home.  It can be tricky to have the right combination of overhead, eye level lighting (reading lamps) and it is also important to have the ability to control the amount of light diffused for different situations. For years, I spent a lot of energy on getting the right design for our pre-war apartment on the Upper East Side of New York City.  It seemed pretty straight forward because while it is a beautiful room with high ceilings and crown moldings, there is also a lack of natural light.  I went bold with painting the walls emerald green. It's at once warm and cool, and feels seasonless too (although we can rock Christmas like nobody's business).  However, with an old (yes, sadly tired) brass chandelier family hand-me-down, the design just felt stale.  This room needed something different.  I sourced a modern globe-like, chandelier with an organic shape with opaque lights and fell in love with this modern fixture instantly. Side note-- while I am a professional interior designer, I am certainly not above shopping bargain basement sales and chain stores for my home (and, no this is not a paid sponsored post by West Elm light). It is  the perfect juxtaposition of new-age style with a nod to the past to fit in this space.  Because I am tired of exposed edison bulbs and I needed a non-glare light, the opaque orb lights are perfect. Now, the living room feels fresh.  Read more about our apartment renovation here and also our kitchen renovation here.   

This spring we looked at hundreds of new lighting that hit the Market- we've traveled from High Point Market in North Carolina to Brussels art and design show, BRAFA. We are happily sharing our six favorites. In terms of style- we noticed it is all over the place.  The organic, new-age style lighting has grown in popularity with new materials such as ceramic, laser cut, paper and string.  However, there is also a return to the classic designs showing faux-bamboo and shimmering gold and Lucite designs (think interior designer Billy Baldwin glamorous style).  Today's homes are eclectic, not wetted to one design style, and we love that!  By successfully mixing it up, we create an interesting "nest" that is warm, inviting and inspires our creativity and brings the best version of ourselves everyday!
Happy Nesting
XO Tamara  
1. String Theory by Trans-Luxe as seen at the AD Home Show this past March. The company makes handmade lighting.  This polished brass and cotton string (yes, you read that correctly) comes in custom size options and 2 standard widths (narrow or wide). Trans-Luxe.com
2. The Brits have always done lighting well, and Vaughan's Bamboo Lantern is perfectly sized for a jewel-box writing nook or small entry.  Based upon the original antique, this lantern channels the 1930s like nobody's business (think old movie sets).  I'm pretty sure the late designer Billy Baldwin would approve!  It's beautifully handcrafted and the detailed brass work is from the lost art-form of wax casting. 



3. Kelly Hoppen's Marilyn Light for Sonder Living is a throwback to "old hollywood", a luxe revival of a traditional chandelier with multi-tiered rings and oversized metallic rectangular detailing.  It's offered in a large and small size in both brass and silver. I spotted this at High Point Spring Market while on the #Designbloggerstour.  When hanging the panels cascade slightly, and it's quite a glamorous light. 


4. The Pippa at Oly Studios is a Bowl Chandelier made in a white cast, the hardware comes gold or silver and it's nice oversized shape allows it to be subtle with the detailing on the cast yet dramatic at the same time


5. The Apollo Chandelier from Currey and Company is certainly a statement piece that can stand alone in a room and make it shine.  The laurel leaf design creating a golden crown is perfect to channel the god of light in Greek Mythology, its namesake.  
6. When you just want a little something bohemian yet chic, the perfect little chandelier from Noir, the Lotus.  It packs a stylish punch in a small package at 20" in antique brass, glass and metal.
Happy Nesting
XO Tamara