I spied some interesting new fixtures on circalighting.com recently that had almost a vintage feel. As I often do, I remarked to myself and moved on. One in particular reminded me of an old pineapple gilded tole chandelier I bought many years ago, and I thought, hmmm, something new here.

I returned to it this morning to spec it on a new project, and it now makes perfect sense why I like it. After clicking, I discovered these fixtures are designed by, shall I say, a “fixture” on the national design seen himself, John Rosselli The antiques expert, New York design showroom owner, and last but not least, husband to the iconic Bunny Williams, Mr. Rosselli is a welcome collaborator for Visual Comfort. His picture is not even on their “designer” section of the website yet, so these must be still fresh and new. Do you like them?

1. Jasmine Floor Lamp 2. Nicola Chandelier 3. Yasaman Sconce 4. Callie Hanging Pendant 5. Alyssa Chandelier 6.Natalya Chandelier 7. Millo Chandelier 8. Savannah Chandelier 9. Claire Pendant 10. Jenna Mirror Sconce

So, over the past year, many of you have asked me to show an exterior shot of my home. Michael J. Lee, my resident photographer, was at the house shooting updates of the girl’s bedrooms last week, and it was a sunny day. We stepped outside, and he composed these two shots especially for you… Is it what you expected? Probably not. It isn’t what I expected when I moved from LA. I can tell you that with confidence.

Coming from an angular mid-century home in LA to this was, well, a real gear shift, white picket fence and all. It certainly does not have the “cool” factor that we once had in Los Angeles, nor the long winding entry. Does not have the mature Eucalyptus trees lining the flagstone driveway, or the walls of windows. And it sure ain’t got the modern kitchen or the open floor plan.

But it has all the warmth, charm and grace that any self respecting New England shingled house would claim. It has quirky corners, a multitude of low (and sometimes annoying) dormers, humorous creaky floors in places, solid plaster walls, and most of all, it has all four of us in it– this time for the long haul. Plus, the picket fence doesn’t hurt…

I don’t know about you, but lately I feel tapped out, and design-wise, dare I say, a bit bored. Seeing the same old same old and needing a something exciting to slap me in the face. I think it’s a sign of the times– people at the Boston Design Center tell me that sales and foot traffic is way down, my projects, while still active, are moving slower than I anticipated, and I wonder if everyone is just feeling the same way? Maybe it’s time for a bit of re-invention or just a gutsy piece to wake me up.

Although retail ain’t always a bargain, it is nice to see something you like, feel good about the price, point and click and wait for it to arrive. Even better knowing if you hate it, you can load it in your car and dump it back in any Neiman Marcus customer service office… It’s been some time since I have surfed around home decor giant and sister of Neiman Marcus, Horchow. And I am always surprised when I do…

Truthfully, these items do not qualify as “cheap”, but they are important statement pieces that, for the price tag and convenience, could pack a big fat punch. Each one, in my opinion adds something really special and is splurge-worthy. I am tempted by each of these items, are you?

Far from a bargain, but more unusual than anything I have come across lately: But the chairs and mix with a basic teak table:

For a punch of color, mix these with whatever you already have:

This may surprise you, but I love the idea of this bench at the end of a very simple bed with tailored accents: almost 80′s Laura Ashley-esque, but maybe that’s why it intrigues me:

Have a neutral interior that needs a bold surprise? Mix this with ANY color, green, blue, pink, orange, you name it:

Someone may kill me for this, (Sorry!) but I really LOVE the Danish Modern thing happening here. These would really work if you are trying to bring a bit of mid century into your mix:

Love everything here: wing, wicker, tall back, all of it: Use them as host and hostess chairs at the beach or just as a single statement in a bedroom:

I have a client who is hell bent on hiding his gigantic television behind doors. I think it’s over 50 inches. My feeling is: Why? The only solution to hiding a huge component like this is something custom or semi-custom, and it will look like the proverbial media wall, any which way you slice it. Not to mention it will cost a fortune to find one that is really great looking.

If a media center is the look you are after, fine. Some people dig it. But these guys actually don’t want that look, so we are in a quandary. My feeling is that there is no good reason to hide your TV. We all have them, we all use them, and we all love them. Isn’t that the case?

So, I personally would much rather see a gigunda TV mounted on a wall beneath a gorgeous case piece, credenza or console– or even perched on top of one– than inside some store bought media center which is a repository for space fillers like picture frames and other needless accessories that otherwise would not be displayed. We all know how I feel about clutter. Sometimes you need some storage for toys, DVD’s and components; I get that. But why do you need an entire wall full of it?

There are so many awesome options to place a television atop; surely there must be one for everyone… What do you think? Should the TV be hidden from view or it ok for it come out and play??? I LOVE this credenza like a third child (well, not really, but I do really love it) ; it is pricey but it is one of my all-time favorites:

I found this at a local shop; ready and waiting to be painted, stained or shellacked:

There is no reason a sideboard can’t double as a media console and this one is charming:

For a dressier look, perhaps something more deco-inspired:

If rustic is what you’re after, look no further:

This reminds me of something that Dick Van Dyke may have had in his house, and maybe that’s why I like it: