firm feature: ensemble architecture

February 10, 2016Emily Oster

Ensemble Architecture is a Brooklyn based design firm headed up by Elizabeth Roberts. Since establishing her own firm in 1998, Roberts and her small team of architects and interior designers have been focused on bringing "the sought-after sensibility of its home borough to every project: a healthy regard for history overlaid with a clean and lively newness" (Ensemble).

Its is this mix of old and new, that - I think makes the firm's work so successful. I am especially fond of their portfolio of bathrooms...

and kitchens....

all images via Ensemble Architecture

Want to read more? Check out one or more of these related posts.

firm feature: worksteadoctober 30, 2013 — firm feature: workstead
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brockway sinkjuly 28, 2014 — brockway sink
july 28, 2014

antique rugs in the bathroomapril 6, 2015 — antique rugs in the bathroom
april 6, 2015

categories the beautiful home
tags firm feature, architecture, brooklyn

living room light update + copper sconces

February 08, 2016Emily Oster

About 3 weeks ago, I blogged about our need for a new living room light fixture. I had found 4 main contenders and was pretty unsure about which one to choose or even if I should keep looking. Well after some more thought and on somewhat of a whim I made a purchase....the Urban Outfitters 4040 Locust Metal Pipe Pendant Light!

It arrived last week and while, it hasn't been installed yet, I think its going to look great. Also, it was marked down even more to just $129! In person, the copper isn't too shiny and isn't too pink - two of main concerns. And while the fixture is super cheap, it doesn't feel or appear so.

Before having the electrician out to install it, I need to select a reading sconce to go along with it (don't want to pay for two trips out). I am thinking something with copper touches but not fully copper. Below are my top picks.

1. Industrial Light Electric's - Metal Shade Wall Sconce

If you read this post about lighting choices for our back hallway, then you know I am a fan of Industrial Light Electric's products. What I like most about this sconce is it's finish. Made of raw metal, the sconce isn't black nor is it copper. It falls nicely in the middle with its natural finish making it work well with other metals.

The price of this fixture starts at $109.

2. Cedar & Moss' Tilt Cone

Cedar & Moss is another company I have blogged about before. They make sleek, clean lined fixtures with the tilt sconce being a great example of their product styling. My favorite thing about this option is its shape. It's simple while still distinctly modern. This fixture is available in four finishes and three different arm lengths. If we went with this selection, I would choose the modern black and the 3" arm.

Pricing starts at $189.

3. Schoolhouse Electric's Princeton Sophomore Sconce

This Schoolhouse Electric sconce is very similar in shape and styling to the Industrial Light Electric option. However, what sets the two apart is their finishes. This one is definitively more black and much more copper. It also is backordered which means its pretty much out of the running.

The price of this sconce starts at $159.

I am fairly confident I know which one I want to order but I am going to run the options by Jeff and see what he thinks. Hurray for making progress!

Want to read more? Check out one or all of these related posts.

hallway sconcesnovember 5, 2014 — hallway sconces
november 5, 2014

a flush mount light for the officenovember 15, 2014 — a flush mount light for the office
november 15, 2014

cedar & mossmay 29, 2015 — cedar & moss
may 29, 2015

categories the home experienced, the functional home, the beautiful home
tags our house, lighting, sconces, copper

artist feature: christina baker

February 05, 2016Emily Oster

Christina Baker is an artist I found via Instagram. Her work immediately drew me in with its use of color. I also love the sense of movement that is conveyed with her broad brush strokes.

Baker is represented by Gregg Irbye Fine Art.