As a renter, I am fully aware of how limited the options for illumination can be.   I often find myself stuck with some type of fixture I can hardly imagine someone designed on purpose.   The subject of this post, bedroom lighting, is among the most frustrating for me.  Often there is the sorry excuse for the overhead (and for whatever reason, off-center) fixture, the brass wall sconce, or the third option: no fixture at all.  What you get is just a lonely outlet, powered by the door-side switch, that they expect you to plug a bedside lamp in to.  This third option is usually my favorite, because if nothing else it allows me freedom of choice.  When renting, you can not expect great or honest lighting options from potential properties.  Recently, what was advertised as “providing recessed lighting” turned out to mean “one single area with two recessed can lights, while everything else will be brass, chain-hung fixtures from 15 years ago.”   So what are the options for the bed-side lighting when you can’t exchange fixtures or hire an electrician?  Here are a few to get you started thinking.

West Elm’s Industrial Sconce

The Robert Abbey Bruno Scissor Arm from Lumens and Gracious Home

Ikea has several inexpensive options along the lines of these.  See the Beryll,  Jansjo,  or Kramare.

Design Within Reach has several options, two of my favorites being the Tolomeo Floor Lamp and the Nelsen Wall Sconce.

Probably not the brightest option, the Candela Lights from Vessel still add a nice feel to any space, indoor or out.

One of my personal favorites (these have a way of popping up around my house), the very basic industrial Clamp Light.   Available at most hardware stores for less than $10.00, it comes in a variety of sizes and styles.  As an added bonus, a simple light bulb change can turn this into a small bedside heat source.  Just be careful not to touch the metal shade once it has been on for a little while.

If you can’t find anything you like, try getting a cord kit, like this one from Urban Outfitters.  This one includes a 15 foot cord, an in-line on/off switch, and the bulb shown above.  Urban also offers a large array of shade options for their cord kits.

I love the ideology behind this design/build partnership, and what I have seen thus far of their work.  Rural Theory is the combination of Jarod Harmeier and Blake Dollahite.

“Rural Theory Design & Build is about creating well-considered modern homes that feel new and exciting, but also ver warm and familiar.  We believe a house should be about effective direction and natural light, mindful of how a body feels and moves through space, and considerate of its neighbors and the environment…We’re also interested in how those things help to form a real experience –  like waking up in the morning, or coming home from work.”

For more info and photos from the design duo, visit the Rural Theory site.

Original images by Chris Brigham of Knife and Saw

Brilliant product design is always simple, and functional.  This is a great solution for hanging your bike inside your home.  Most hanging options are clunky, or unattractive and do nothing else but hold the bike.  This solution doubles as a shelf, and treats your equipment more like art.  See and read more about the great work from Chris Brigham over at Knife and Saw.

Original images by Raimund Koch, via Dwell

Located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Casa Delphin is alive with plays of light and the occasional sounds of trickling water.   To some, it may seem more like a place you would reserve a weekend, rather than a permanent home.  I love the blend of traditional and modern, the patterns and textures, and use of materials.

Original images by Stephen Oxenbury, via Dwell

This home, oddly named “Villa Boston,” is located in an Australian Suburb.   Despite what you might think when viewing the home curbside, the interior is very open and bright.  The natural woods, large amount of glazing, and interesting mix of furnishings all contribute to the unique and comfortable feel of the home.

To see more photos, and to read the full article, visit the Dwell website.

Original images by Bryce Duffy, via Dwell

In order to keep things unique and interesting with these posts, I decided on this converted loft space in Chinatown for the second home of the series.  Located in Los Angeles, California, what had previously been a restaurant, a night club, and a furniture warehouse, sat boarded up and unused when the Berniers found it.  After some renovating and creative redesigning, it was transformed into a loft space for the family of four.  The Berniers’ eclectic design sense fits the architecture perfectly, and produces a warm and inviting atmosphere.   I would love a look at a floor plan to see how the layout is worked out in such an unusual space.  I would also love a swing in my living room.

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