Serge Mouille: lighting that works with every style

It's interesting to me that my latest design clients all have living areas with an open floor plan. Meaning that the living, dining and kitchen area are all open and connected. One of the most important aspects of getting an open floor plan look right is making sure that the lighting mix works well together. This can be difficult to do which is why my clients go looking for a designer in the first place. 

In one of my recent client spaces breakfast area ( see above photo ) we used a Serge Mouille style light. With all of the other light fixtures in the open space, we needed something that didn't overwhelm the space yet still be stylish and practical. You can get an original Serge Mouille light or there are plenty of 'look alikes' out there if you are wanting an affordable option too. 

It's a look that has been around for years, launched in Paris circa 1953. At that time, they were a staple fixture in the most chic Parisian interiors. Currently, the light is being used all over the world in the most gorgeous of spaces. It's on trend, adds a chic element and works itself into any style space. Take a look at some of my favorite rooms with the chic light fixtures and see if your home needs one too. It could be just the fixture you have been looking for. 

Danielle Moss Chicago Apartment

House of Hipsters Blog

I think the gold dipped light bulb is the perfect addition for this lighting look. So chic. 

@blissathome

Caroline Gayral apartment

My Domaine

Max Kim Bee

Brian Watford Interiors

Julie Hillman Design

In addition to the ceiling fixture, the sconces are a fantastic look.

Christine Dovey

Guido Paulo

The floor lamp is also very effortlessly chic. 

Maison Hand Interior Design

seen in Lonny Magazine

Sally Wheat Interiors

Want help pulling your room together virtually? I can help you, see how here. 

Design inspiration: interior doors

I remember fondly my time in Paris. I was so inspired by each and every door I passed. Each one was so unique with intricate moldings, bold colors and exquisite hardware. Ever since then I have always paid attention to the details of doors in a home. I have also come to believe that doors require proper attention and style. When a door in a home is bare, its lifeless. Adding some attention and style to a door can do so much for your home. 

I've put together a collection of 8 door styles I am inspired by and I encourage you to see if any of them speak to you and the style of your home. 

1. (see photo above) Molding + mirrors. I absolutely love the unique look of these doors with an antiqued mirrored look with beautifully chalk painted molding surrounding. It's so European and it just oozes history and richness. 

photo by Sara Diorio /Domaine Home

2. Lacquer + hardware! I am absolutely smitten with this marsala door. Totally on trend right now because its the color of the year and more importantly the hardware on the door is STUNNING! If you want a really good lacquer door, pick any color paint + use this lacquer spray to finish it off. 

3. Sliding barn door. I have been wanting to use these doors in a project lately. I love what the look of this kind of door gives. Something totally different and unique. I really like the rustic look pictured above, but I found this one to be more up my alley. 

4. Woodwork. I really love this traditional look. You can always have some decorative woodwork added to your interior doors to really polish your space. It pulls the entire room up to another level. Learn more about how to DIY molding + woodwork here. 

5. French doors. There is something about painting interior doors black. I just want to start with that. It adds the high style factor to a home, instantly! I enjoy how this set of french doors in black ads an airy feeling to the beautiful entryway, allowing more light to flow through the space. This has great energy. 

Here is another look at black french doors in an entryway. I like how these are tricked out with crystal door knobs. 

dimples and tangles

smitten studio online

6. Wood. Now, this is an exterior door but I really like the way the wood looks against the white interior. I wouldn't hate if the interior doors were like this too. Super clean and modern and lends to the whole zen vibe going on. 

apartment therapy

7. Window pane. For a slightly updated and modern version of the french door, we have here a window pane style door. I absolutely love this for the shower here. This adds like a cool hip, hotel vibe to this bathroom. 

I also like the look for an office or study like this...

julie nightinggale design

straton exteriors

8. Pocket doors. I also love the look of pocket doors with beautiful molding + glass. It can add something super special to your space. I love this about older homes, they sometimes will just be already built in. If your home has pocket doors, but the look is a little boring you can add a dash of color for a fun surprise. 

Chic, no? Hope these doors inspire you like they have me.