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Look & Learn: Signature Tables + Jumbo Lighting

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April 26, 2010

We’re back with our third installment of Look & Learn, which is all about studying inspiration rooms and trying to figure out how and why they work. Because admiring a beautiful space is always fun, but figuring out what elements and ideas can actually be borrowed or adapted for your very own casa (preferably on the cheap) is the icing on the cake.

First we’ll take a look at this gorgeous kitchen:

You’ll probably notice a few things right away- namely that great statement making turquoise table and those lovely oversized string lights over the island.  When it comes to the rest of the room, it’s pretty subdued and simple, so those two elements (along with some fun punchy accessories like the orange coffee maker and the aqua bowl of lemons) really get to be the stars of the space.

Next we’ll examine this stunning dining area:

Ironically you’ll notice the exact same string lanterns- only this time they’re nearly twice as big- still hung next to each other in a pairing of two. Once again they’re paired with a “signature table” of sorts, although this one isn’t bright in color, it definitely has some amazing lines, and we could picture it being even more impactful and noteworthy if it were painted or stained a color (like a weathered yellow whitewash, a sleek solid mandarin orange color or even a rich eggplant-almost-black hue). And once again the rest of the room is pretty subdued with an abundance of white and neutral tones to really let those oversized pendant lights and that sculptural table be the stars.

Now let’s look at this charming eating nook:

We promise we weren’t only looking for blue tables, but there just seemed to be an abundance of them. And who are we to deny you guys a second look at a statement making turquoise table paired with a gorgeous oversized pendant (this time it’s chrome) in yet another neutral space?

And lastly, let’s study this inviting eat-in kitchen:

In this instance, instead of a signature table it’s a fun painted island, and the leafy sage tone really sets it apart from the rest of the more muted walls and really helps those three stools pop. And speaking of those stools, we thought this room demonstrated an interesting concept when compared to the other spaces that we hunted down. Although the two pendants in the kitchen area aren’t oversized or even very noticeable, those three stools definitely create three little exclamation points in the room- and if you turn the picture upside down they’re shaped exactly like three sculptural hanging pendant lights. Which shows that the formula isn’t always just about oversized pendant lights paired with signature tables or painted islands… it can also work if the lights are understated but some other repeated sculptural feature can share the spotlight in their place- like the stools in this instance.

So the common threads that we can identify in all of these lovely face-stuffing rooms are:

So what’s the takeaway anyway? Well, it stands to reason that if you’re stuck with a blah kitchen or dining room, you could easily add showstopping style and interest by painting your table or the front of your island (check out this easy furniture painting tutorial)- or you could even invest in an already-painted replacement. You can also hunt down large and in charge pendant lights to hang over the table, island, or somewhere else in the space to share the spotlight with that stunner of a table/island. We’ve found some pretty affordable options at Lamps Plus (like this neutral yet metallic-ish beauty) as well as at discount stores like local lighting outlets (just google or hit up your Yellow Pages). And we can’t forget about eBay and even places like The Habitat For Humanity ReStore or Craigslist. Heck, you can even DIY your own string pendants with a tutorial like this or this.

Then just try to keep the rest of the room pretty neutral and light (you don’t want it looking like everything is competing). By selecting a soft soothing hue for the wall (check out this list of our favorite paint colors, including some great creams, soft grays, and subtle blues, greens and whites) and keeping the bold accessories to a minimum (one or two accents with color should do the trick- just like in the photos above) your eating area should be looking posh in no time. And it’s a lot cheaper than getting new countertops, flooring or cabinets.

And so ends our third installment of Look & Learn. Is anyone out there now ready to spruce up their kitchen or dining area? Have you noticed other common threads in the rooms that we included above? Or have you picked up other “formulas” that seem to work like a charm when it comes to adding some serious style to your eating spaces? Do tell.

Psst- You can check out our first Look & Learn adventure right here and our second one right here. So much inspiration, so little time…

First and third image via House Of Turquoise, second image via The Estate Of Things, last image courtesy of My Home Ideas.

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