Inviting Home Blog

Nothing puts down roots in a room like tripod floor lamps. Providing an illustrious beacon of light, a decorative floor lamp is the quintessential design element in any well designed living space. If you crave a design style that is budding with adventure and legends of faraway lands, then historical tripod lamps are a surefire way to integrate adventure into your everyday life. Not only are historic tripod lamps a practical way to light the rooms in your home or office space, but they are a great conversation piece that stir up folklore and fantasy. From battles to shipwrecks to decrees written by dim light; tripod floor lamps are illuminating.

On the lookout for adventure? Try adding the coast guard patrol spotlight tripod lamp to your home library or office. By the glimmer of light from this stunning lamp, you will surely feel inspired to accomplish creative works and intellectual achievements. Hand-crafted from brass and aluminum, this spotlight replicates an authentic 1930′s navy spotlight. The illuminating lamplight rests atop a stunning rosewood body. The height is adjustable, but the possibilities are endless!

Style that lasts for miles. That’s what the Half mile ray searchlight tripod lamp has to offer. A sturdy copper and aluminum head rests atop a maple tripod and offers high adjustability to get the light just right. The lamp’s head rotates up and down with the turn of a dial, and comes with a large coil cord with dimmer. This throwback look is as useful today as it was in the 1930′s when it was first executed.

The inspiration for the Searchlight tripod lamp comes straight off a 1940′s Navy destroyer. Top quality construction means that you will relieve the thrill of battle for years to come each and every time you turn on one of these stunning tripod lamps.

The 1928 Cadillac head lamp will leave stars in your eyes. This 1920′s-inspired look is made of antique brass and polished aluminum. The floor dimmer function lets you leave the light on all night.

Picture perfect is the way to describe the Cinema lamp on tripod. Replicating a theatre spotlight, this shiny conversation piece beams an intense light. Don’t be fooled by this breathtaking design, it is highly practical for a generous dose of light in any room.

It’s no secret that the Marconi spotlight on tripod is stylish. What remains a secret are the intricate Morse codes this extraordinary lamp design registered from distressed sailors 1930′s French Navy Battleships. Today, this beautiful design has been declassified for use in decorating your home. Go ahead and send a message of your own by adding this lamp to your design scheme.

Simple never goes out of style, as the Industrial style floor lamp illustrates. Stable, yet easy to move, this lamp is essential in any home studio.

The Tripod floor lamp with it wood tripod on pencil points and soft cream or black fabric lamp shade, is right at home in any space. A throwback to 1930′s surveying lamps, it will make any room look smarter.

Expeditions are afoot with the Surveyors tripod lamp. Stylish and scientific, this lamp has wood legs set on anti-scratch feet and is available in either black and ivory or red and ivory color themes. In addition, select from a black or white lamp shade.

If you’re remodeling your kitchen, you’re probably thinking of the kind of cabinets you would like, the style of pulls or knobs should be used or what kind of countertops and in what colors would work best for your kitchen revamp. But while you’re considering these options for your kitchen remodel, think about the structural aspects while reflecting on expressing your unique style at the same time. The application of wood brackets in strategic places in your new kitchen can make a minor update into a major attraction.

Think about adding a few of our beautiful wood brackets to support the countertop—especially if using a solid material, such as granite or concrete. This not only is stylish, the wooden brackets also help distribute the weight of the overhang on those heavy countertops. You don’t need to have a super heavy countertop to justify the use of brackets.

If you’re replacing your cabinets, adding wooden brackets after the new cabinet installation can certainly add a bit of flair and panache to any style. But even if you’re just updating the doors and drawers, think about augmenting the style with wood brackets.

Don’t forget about the upper cabinets. Wood brackets placed under the wall cabinets offer the illusion of support as well as adding an artistic element. Placing a couple of wooden brackets against the cabinets over the sink will add some decorative punch.

There is a wooden bracket to appeal to almost any style. From classical to contemporary to modern to whimsical—our selection of wood brackets is sure to answer the need to express your own personal style.

The style of our Acanthus wooden bracket harkens back to ancient Greece, with the leaf design on the front and swirl with floral detail on the sides—suitable for large kitchens that beg for an equally large dose of style. The Vienna wood bracket, with its graceful scroll and leaf motif is smaller, but no less dramatic. The Delray Craftsman bracket is carved with just the right amount of detail—not too much, not too little. The Wilton style of wooden bracket may be unembellished, but that certainly does not mean boring. The graceful curves of the Ventura wood bracket are sure to add charm to the most modest of kitchen renovations.

Plain or fancy, structural or decorative, our wooden brackets add a layer of sophistication that you just won’t get with a standard kitchen remodel. The boost of style you get by including these beautiful wood brackets to your kitchen remodel is sure to please you and your guests for years to come.

The glow of a rich, savory lamp light is the atmosphere where legends are born. Aside from creating a striking ambiance on camping trips and backyard adventures, oil lanterns provide a dependable and safe light source during power outages and natural disasters. The companion to the oil lantern, candle lanterns also provides hours of enjoyment and practicality.

Go ahead and kindle the fires of excitement by choosing an oil lantern or candle lantern for your own personal enjoyment. With a selection of handsome oil lanterns designs to chose from, you can relive the most romantic eras in history with the charming glow of a lamp. Ideal for storytelling and memory making, an oil lantern is truly a gem for you and your family and friends for years to come!

If you have ever dreamed of setting sail to lands unknown, The anchor oil lanterns, made of stunning hand blown glass and heavy copper is sure to inspire you to grow some sea legs. Adventures truly come alive as you picture villages of yesteryear come alive with the light from trusted lamps. Durable and dependable, this lamp will be there when you need it and provide visual enchantment even when you don’t.

Exotic and prim, the Venetian candle lantern has been enjoyed by sojourners since the sixteen hundreds! These dazzling lanterns have year round decorative potential for hallways and entryways. This positively Venetian design stands out due to its unique cage-door style opening.

Designed to withstand the depths of the earth, the Miners oil lantern boasts a rugged design and impeccable craftsmanship that is an exact replication of the lanterns miners used in their work regiment. Dive deep into history while you enjoy storytelling under its radiance.

A storybook setting is where you find the Red pagoda candle lantern. Fashioned by hand in France, this lantern adds a special flair to any part of the home. Aside from being practical, its luscious red color and flawless contours are a designers dream. Evoking both quaint European style and the legends of the Far East, you won’t find a more stunning variety of candle lanterns.

Classic never goes out of style. That’s why the Large anchor oil lantern is the definitive style of oil lamp. Its sturdy cast brass handles and slots in conjunction with a hand blow glass belly make it an object to be admired. The sturdy construction holds lamp oil burners and can be outfitted to suit electricity for the more modern-minded aficionado. This is truly an heirloom piece that is built to last a lifetime and to be admired for a lifetime.

For generations oil lanterns and candle lanterns have been a domestic staple. The classic designs that provided a source of radiant light in times past can now be a source of wholesome design.

If you’re considering a change in the look of the walls in a room, you may think about the more common or traditional elements of design. Wall decorations, including pictures, decorative shelving and other elements, are excellent additions to your decor. On the other hand, the implementation of design elements that are completely unexpected can transform a room into an eye-popping exhibit. If you have the desire to go down the road less traveled, consider ceiling medallions.

Ceiling medallions have been around almost as long as ceilings themselves. In the Victorian era, ceiling medallions situated over opulent chandeliers were common design elements in middle- and upper-class homes. The decorative panels of that era were usually quite large and ornate, in round, oval or geometric shapes. They demanded the attention of all who entered the room. Historically, they were fashioned from plaster, marble or other heavy material. Today, most are fabricated from lightweight wood or polyurethane. Although the presence of ceiling medallions in modern homes is much less common today than they were in ages past, they are delightful and tasteful elements of room decor—especially as wall decorations. It seems a shame to keep them on the ceiling.

These wonderfully innovative and flexible design elements can be found in a mind-boggling array of shapes, sizes and designs. Many are intricately detailed with delicate leaves, scrolls, curves and other beautiful designs. Others may not be as ornate, but they are no less elegant.

Depending on the size of the wall, you can place a single large medallion with tons of detail for a dramatic statement. A small collection of ceiling medallions of different shapes and sizes can be grouped loosely over a sofa, decorative table or piano. Such a collection of elegant pieces can draw the eye as no other wall decoration can. An entire wall covered with these beautiful wall decorations a variety of sizes and detail is breathtaking to behold.

These “upwardly mobile” elements of design are wonderfully versatile. Some medallions have open centers; some have centers that can be cut out. Either one can be used as dramatic wall decorations. You can paint them to match the color of the wall, which creates a bas-relief that appears to be carved from the wall itself. Paint them in a color that contrasts the color on the wall, and you bring out the exquisite detail of the medallion. Try layering two medallions of differing sizes, similar to a tiered cake. This creates a unique, three-dimensional piece of art.

The next time you’re looking for interesting and unique wall decorations don’t forget to look up. For those who love the unusual and unexpected, the use of ceiling medallions on the wall is a lofty departure from the mainstream.

Chances are good that you’ve spent many hours lovingly creating the perfect environment inside your home. It’s completely understandable, as this is where you spend most of your time. But don’t forget to give some thought and attention to your home’s exterior, since your guests will see your home’s exterior before the interior, and you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

In days past, decorative trim pieces like exterior molding, pediments, and other gingerbread-like embellishments helped to define the style of the home and to establish the individuality of the occupants. In today’s fast-paced world of tract homes, these beautiful and defining details often are left by the wayside, and the result is that most homes look pretty much the same on the outside. But it doesn’t have to be this way; your home’s exterior can say much about you and your sense of style with the easy addition of elegant exterior molding.

Whether defining a doorway or window or accentuating the lines of your home under the eaves, exterior molding accomplish the difficult task of adding visual interest and appeal without becoming “too much.” Depending on your home’s architectural style and your personal taste, you might decide to add a simple and streamlined exterior molding for just a touch of definition. Or you may prefer the distinct look of dentil exterior molding, so named because the repetitive design consisting of small blocks resembles the look of teeth. In fact, the use of dentil molding as a decorative device dates back to around 500 BC, when it was used in ancient Greece and Persia.

Don’t feel as if you need to enhance your home’s exterior all at once. It’s fine to add a little bit, live with it for a while, and then add a bit more. In this way, you’ll hopefully avoid the risk of overdoing it, since you want your exterior molding and other trim to enhance the look of your home’s exterior, but not to steal the show by calling too much attention to the trim itself. You might want to start by defining your doorway, and then move on to adding molding just under the eaves when you are ready to continue your home exterior project.

You can also choose the level of impact that your new exterior molding will have through the use of color. If you paint the molding the same color as the walls, the result is a subtle look, and for additional emphasis, you can paint the molding in a neutral contrasting color like white or gray. For maximum impact, consider a strong color for the new molding; this move is a bold way to draw the eye to your elegant decorative trim pieces

As more people shift from working in an office to working at home, the necessity of creating a useful working space without taking away from the comfort of the home becomes more apparent. A home office should not simply be a utilitarian room carved out of the home, it should a comfortable and welcoming space that nourishes the soul, allowing creativity to occur, while fitting seamlessly into the decorating style shown throughout the rest of the home. It should be a place that truly facilitates productive employment, not a space that stifles creative thought.

People who to work from home know that there is more to life than plain walls and boring furniture, so why would they want to fill a space where they will be spending so much time with the same sort of furniture that is found in a business office. A fun working area is much more enjoyable to work in than a boring one.

A unique set of bookshelves is the perfect way to spruce up a home office while providing much needed storage space. One’s working area should be an enjoyable place to spend ones time, not a space that feels cold and utilitarian. Office furniture can be both stylish and serve a useful purpose, there is no need to sacrifice functionality for style. Fun and stylish bookshelves are the perfect way to add a touch of whimsy to personalize a home office, while providing more storage space, which is a frequent necessity for anybody who works from home.

The right office furniture can show a person’s personality while creating a more productive space. Why choose plain, square bookcases when there are options that will allow true individuality to show, such as ladder style bookshelves, or bookcases shaped like boats, ideal for a nautical personality. There is no need to settle for ordinary when there are extraordinary options available. Creative office furniture allows one to personalize one’s working area without sacrificing the functional space.

It is more than possible for furniture to be both stylish and wonderfully functional. The right furniture choice provides ample storage space, while adding a creative ambiance to the room, freeing the mind to focus on more important things.

More than just about any home decorating item, our choice of accessories expresses our personality and gives visitors to our home a sense of who we are. From the wide variety of decorative accessories from which we can choose, decorative boxes offer much in the way of both style and functionality.

Decorative boxes are made from a variety of materials; while options in wood boxes are quite likely the most abundant, you’ll also find these boxes made from porcelain, ceramics, lacquer, and other natural materials. If you favor an ethnic look in your decor, boxes that reflect the art of a specific culture provide a warm touch that adds interest, and since you can place things inside of the boxes, a side bonus is that you gain additional storage. It’s rare to find a home that doesn’t need a place for keys, mail, office supplies, the remote control, and the variety of odds and ends that are a part of our busy lives.

These accessories are also very effective in a grouping to make a statement; for example, several decorative wood boxes of varying sizes and shapes on a side table make for an interesting display that adds stylistic interest to a room. And remember, the storage capacity inside these decorative wood boxes can always be put to good use.

You can also think about displaying a single decorative box in a special place like a recessed wall niche; this treatment turns a box that might otherwise be unassuming into a treasured piece of art. Wood boxes made from precious woods such as mahogany can serve as an artistic focal point, highlighting the beauty of the natural wood grain as well as the artisan-level workmanship.

As attractive as decorative boxes are, it’s also important to remember that they can be useful in storing items, as well. Picture a striking wood box on a table next to your favorite reading chair; it’s the ideal place to stash your reading glasses and your favorite novel. Or how about a decorative box perched on a buffet near the dining table; it would be perfect for storing the salt and pepper shakers and perhaps a few napkins. For functionality and decorative impact, boxes cannot be beat.

Your home office provides a space where you can handle your work tasks while enjoying the convenience and comfort of your own home. You probably breathe a huge sigh of relief knowing that you’re not having to commute through traffic to get to your work. You might also decide to skip the traditional business attire and dress in more casual clothes, so you’re going to be comfortable as you get down to business. It’s still all about accomplishing your work-related tasks, though, so give some thought to your office and desk accessories to ensure that you’re setting the stage for productivity and success.

When you first set up your home office, it was most likely all about having the right office supplies, such as the stapler, pens and pencils, and paperclips. There’s more to creating an effective work space than just having office supplies handy, though. Your home office should help to inspire you so that you can work productively and efficiently, and it should also be a source of creative ideas that help you in your business tasks.

To this end, take the time to make your home office into an environment in which you look forward to spending your time, where you feel comfortable and encouraged to work and to dream. Choose colors that you like and that help to put you in a work-related frame of mind, and choose your decorative accessories with an eye toward how they can help you to be more effective. Office accessories should complement the work atmosphere that you are creating, but they can also help you to unleash your creativity and sense of wonder. Take a piece like a globe or an armillary sphere, for example. These and similar desk accessories convey a scholarly focus and an international flair, which will help to put you in a productive frame of mind and also to get your creative juices flowing.

Another benefit of selecting special decorative accessories for your home office comes into play if you ever host clients, customers, or colleagues for meetings. Choosing sophisticated and interesting office accessories conveys your good taste and your seriousness about business-related dealings, but these pieces also provide conversation starters that can help to pave the way to bigger business deals. Whether it’s an artistic model carved from fine wood, a stylized Ferrari from recycled aluminum, or an armillary sphere to show your global orientation, your office accessories can convey a rich stream of information about you and your business.

When you’re planning your home office decor, don’t limit your thoughts to the purely functional. Take the time to choose the right decorative accessories so that your office space is a true source of inspiration and comfort to you. After all, you’ll likely be spending a good portion of your waking hours in this environment, so make sure that it’s a space that you truly enjoy.

The glass mirror or “looking glass” has been around since the first millennium. Before then, one had to gaze into a polished brass surface or into a pool of still water to see his or her reflection. Mirrors and reflective items have played an integral part in several historical legends and myths. We can imagine that old Narcissus would have an even harder time tearing himself away from his reflection if he were looking at himself in one of our beautiful mirrors, framed with gold leaf!

The classic elegance of gold leaf decorative mirrors is like no other. It lends a sense of timelessness; the hint of a bygone era where opulence seemed to be everywhere. Adding the grace and beauty of these tastefully crafted mirrors is easy, no matter the decor of your home.

Despite the tragic fate of Narcissus, we live our lives just fine with mirrors all around us, thank you very much. Mirrors are not only tools to use for applying makeup, styling hair or shaving faces, but provide decoration as well as function. Mirrors also have the ability to reflect and multiply the light in a room, increasing ambient light without adding another light source. They also add the illusion of extra space, which is at a premium in apartments and condominiums.

Our gold leaf mirrors can be used as a focal point or an accent anywhere in your home. In the entryway, many people place mirrors just inside the doorway to provide a place to check makeup and hair before heading out, but also to create the illusion of space in narrow or small entryways. Place a mirror above a hall table and you have an instant grouping.

Living rooms get a touch of sophistication by elegant gold leaf decorative mirrors. A large mirror is perfect for placing above a settee, sofa or over your fireplace mantel.

A beautifully detailed and ornate horizontal mirrors add elegance when placed above a large server or sideboard. Add a couple of tapered candles and the light from the flame is reflected back into the room.

Bathrooms and vanities get a large dose of opulence with the addition of a mirror of simple design when it’s framed in gold leaf.

The boudoir is the perfect place for an ornate cheval mirror. If you don’t have the room for one, a lovely oval mirror over the dresser makes the room seem more intimate and personal.

Other rooms, such as guest bedrooms, the library, media room or the basement recreation room take on a completely different feeling when you add a group of gold leaf decorative mirrors to one of the walls.

The nice thing about golf leaf decorative mirrors from Italy is that they can add a level of sophistication and romance – not to mention, striking design – to something that you will look at every day.

There are a vast number of occasions in which a gift is appropriate, from birthdays and holidays to thank you and even “just because.” While gift giving should be joyous, too often it becomes an exercise in frustration and can result in money spent on the wrong gift. What can you do to ensure that you select a gift for your recipient that is both appropriate and appreciated?

Too many people take the wrong tack when it comes to finding gifts: they head down to the nearest mall and wander aimlessly from store to store, hoping that the perfect inspired gift will jump out at them. Or they turn on their computer and waste hours surfing from site to site without finding a good match for their intended recipient.

A better move is to spend some time with a mental exercise before setting foot in a store or putting fingers to the computer keyboard. Sit back and envision the recipient – whether it’s a family member, a close friend, a business colleague, or the hostess for an upcoming social event. Think about what you know about them: how they like to spend their time, what their style is, what hobbies they have, what their favorite colors and scents are. Once you’ve put yourself in the recipient’s shoes, then you can start to create a list of potential gifts that they will enjoy receiving. If the gift is intended for someone you don’t know well, then this process may also include talking to people who know the recipient better than you do in order to answer these questions.

For example, if your gift giving is intended for a female and she has her own apartment or home, then there’s a high probability that an excellent choice in gifts for her could have something to do with her living environment. If her taste runs to classics, a gift such as a solid crystal box or a cut crystal jar will impress her with both its beauty and its functionality. If she loves to be surrounded with friends and family members, consider gifting her with timeless games like a Venetian Glass Tic-Tac-Toe or perhaps a set of solitaire game with semi-precious stones.

Options in gifts for him should also match to the recipient’s tastes and style. If your recipient lives by the ocean or enjoys boating, then a nautically-inspired gift like a gorgeous ship model or a horn anchor paperweight can fit the bill perfectly. If he loves travel and far-away locales, consider a set of Victorian binoculars, surveyor telescope, or a vintage-style compass with sundial to complement his sense of adventure.

No matter what the occasion, be sure to invest the time up front to consider your recipient. In this way, you can rest assured that your gift giving will be both memorable and appreciated.