Chandelier Chic
By Erica Curtis
Home Decor Editor, MavenMag
Just because you don't have a grand foyer or a formal dining room doesn't mean you can't rock a crystal chandelier in your home. Even if you eat at a folding table every night, or have a communal stoop, you can still incorporate this standout mode of lighting. (In fact, that's all the more reason to treat yourself to some unapologetic ritz and glitz!) No matter what your living situation, the crystal chandelier with its illustrious history can add drama to your home, which is perhaps why, after all this time, the bling goes on.
The earliest chandeliers were used in medieval assembly-rooms and were later revamped and embraced in the Victorian Era. While we may not have too much in common with our Medieval or Victorian predecessors when it comes to decor, the chandelier is one trend that has stood the test of time and has been continuously reinvented and revered. From the early all-function, no-frills models to some of the current over-the-top, pimped-out, baroque crystal cascades, it's hard to stylistically define this decor staple. Regardless, the combination of functionality and frivolity has made chandeliers a "fixture" in the world of decor and I'm happy to report that today's chandeliers have taken another step forward in their style evolution.
As any prospective buyer can easily see, there is a wide variety of chandeliers available which span the spectrum of their aforementioned history. Some of today's models pay homage to the primitive designs with wrought iron and pillar candles while others are a little bit country with individual mini-shades on every light. However, if traditional just ain't your thing, you can plug into trendy mega-watt crystal styles that take a page out of the Victorian book of decor excess and even push the envelope further with a new fusion for our generation.
Bridging the gap between yesterday's crystal chandeliers and the styles of today are the newly infused elements of fun and funk; a re-mix that has helped abolish old notions that chandeliers are formal, stuffy and belong in your mother or grandmother's house. While possessing the same elements as older styles, the new overall effect is refreshingly different thanks to new twists like bold-colored crystals and smaller versions of chandeliers for smaller living spaces. Also, affordability has made its way into the game, which will have you swinging from the chandeliers when you see some of the nice prices for faux-crystal styles.
You can find today's funky chandeliers at chain stores like Target and Urban Outfitters, or at smaller boutiques such as Smak Parlour on Market St. in Old City, Philadelphia. Typically known for fabulously trendy clothes and accessories of their own design, Smak Parlour co-owners, designers and best friends, Abby Kessler and Katie Loftus are excited about branching out into the world of home decor and are currently building an addition that will house all their home goods. Until then, they have sure to please decor items such as affordable faux-crystal chandeliers in the mix. Hot styles include multi-colored crystals as well as goth-chic all black; both in standard and mini sizes. You can also get a look at Smak Parlour’s own shimmering fixtures for inspiration, in what could be thought of as the crystal chandelier’s natural habitat -- hanging amidst lacquered pink furniture and glamorously ornate mirrors.
Once you find a chandelier you love, it's time to focus on showing it off. The good news is there are no more hard and fast rules, so you can keep it as simple or as extravagant as you want. Still, here a couple of tips: smaller chandeliers are great in corners of bedrooms or powder rooms, and larger ones look fab smack dab in the middle of a room, perhaps replacing a ceiling fan. Also, wherever you choose to hang a chandelier, keep in mind it will get noticed, so if you don't want to call attention to a certain area (i.e. the cat's litter box or your mega cd/dvd tower), you probably shouldn't choose that spot. Other than that, you are free to dramatize and "sparkle-ize" where needed... oh and if you unconsciously start referring to your newly chandeliered bedroom as "the boudoir," in a slow, sultry voice a la Greta Garbo, don't worry...that will pass.
Smak Parlour
219 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-625-4551
www.smakparlour.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photos provided by Jen Cleary Photography.
www.jencleary.com
Home Decor Editor, MavenMag
Just because you don't have a grand foyer or a formal dining room doesn't mean you can't rock a crystal chandelier in your home. Even if you eat at a folding table every night, or have a communal stoop, you can still incorporate this standout mode of lighting. (In fact, that's all the more reason to treat yourself to some unapologetic ritz and glitz!) No matter what your living situation, the crystal chandelier with its illustrious history can add drama to your home, which is perhaps why, after all this time, the bling goes on.
The earliest chandeliers were used in medieval assembly-rooms and were later revamped and embraced in the Victorian Era. While we may not have too much in common with our Medieval or Victorian predecessors when it comes to decor, the chandelier is one trend that has stood the test of time and has been continuously reinvented and revered. From the early all-function, no-frills models to some of the current over-the-top, pimped-out, baroque crystal cascades, it's hard to stylistically define this decor staple. Regardless, the combination of functionality and frivolity has made chandeliers a "fixture" in the world of decor and I'm happy to report that today's chandeliers have taken another step forward in their style evolution.As any prospective buyer can easily see, there is a wide variety of chandeliers available which span the spectrum of their aforementioned history. Some of today's models pay homage to the primitive designs with wrought iron and pillar candles while others are a little bit country with individual mini-shades on every light. However, if traditional just ain't your thing, you can plug into trendy mega-watt crystal styles that take a page out of the Victorian book of decor excess and even push the envelope further with a new fusion for our generation.
Bridging the gap between yesterday's crystal chandeliers and the styles of today are the newly infused elements of fun and funk; a re-mix that has helped abolish old notions that chandeliers are formal, stuffy and belong in your mother or grandmother's house. While possessing the same elements as older styles, the new overall effect is refreshingly different thanks to new twists like bold-colored crystals and smaller versions of chandeliers for smaller living spaces. Also, affordability has made its way into the game, which will have you swinging from the chandeliers when you see some of the nice prices for faux-crystal styles.
You can find today's funky chandeliers at chain stores like Target and Urban Outfitters, or at smaller boutiques such as Smak Parlour on Market St. in Old City, Philadelphia. Typically known for fabulously trendy clothes and accessories of their own design, Smak Parlour co-owners, designers and best friends, Abby Kessler and Katie Loftus are excited about branching out into the world of home decor and are currently building an addition that will house all their home goods. Until then, they have sure to please decor items such as affordable faux-crystal chandeliers in the mix. Hot styles include multi-colored crystals as well as goth-chic all black; both in standard and mini sizes. You can also get a look at Smak Parlour’s own shimmering fixtures for inspiration, in what could be thought of as the crystal chandelier’s natural habitat -- hanging amidst lacquered pink furniture and glamorously ornate mirrors.
Once you find a chandelier you love, it's time to focus on showing it off. The good news is there are no more hard and fast rules, so you can keep it as simple or as extravagant as you want. Still, here a couple of tips: smaller chandeliers are great in corners of bedrooms or powder rooms, and larger ones look fab smack dab in the middle of a room, perhaps replacing a ceiling fan. Also, wherever you choose to hang a chandelier, keep in mind it will get noticed, so if you don't want to call attention to a certain area (i.e. the cat's litter box or your mega cd/dvd tower), you probably shouldn't choose that spot. Other than that, you are free to dramatize and "sparkle-ize" where needed... oh and if you unconsciously start referring to your newly chandeliered bedroom as "the boudoir," in a slow, sultry voice a la Greta Garbo, don't worry...that will pass.
Smak Parlour
219 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-625-4551
www.smakparlour.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photos provided by Jen Cleary Photography.
www.jencleary.com
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