With January here, many of us are dreading winter’s long, dreary onset. It means shorter days, longer nights and spending time indoors reading, knitting or sitting fireside and catching up on movies. Dreaded nights be damned, as the Crawleys of Downton Abbey have returned to our midst. With the Great War upon them, we’re anxiously awaiting if Mr. Bates’s past will be unearthed and if Anna will accept him; whether Thomas will be revealed as a scheming cad and war dodger; and, most important, will Matthew and Lady Mary finally get it together? To commemorate the occasion, we thought these Victorian-inspired items might resonate with fans of the show. In fact, we’d be so bold to say that their addition could instantly elevate one’s abode from ordinary homestead to lavish manorhood.

Beacon by Hudson Valley Lighting^®

Beacon by Hudson Valley Lighting

Perfect for brightening the butler’s pantry, kitchen or entryway, Hudson Valley Lighting’s Beacon is certain to add understated but essential drama to any room. With finely tuned detailing and streamlined hardware, this attractive pendant or flush-mount application provides functional elegance suitable for everyday.

Broadway by THG^®

Broadway by THG

With a range of more than 35 available finishes, THG’s Broadway tap is elegant enough for a lady’s glamorous bath or would make a welcome addition to the handsome water closet located off the billiards room. Streamlined, the Broadway, with classic detailing and featuring handsome inset porcelain, will certainly never talk out of turn.

Canterbury Floor-Mounted Tub Filler by GRAFF^®

Canterbury by GRAFF

There is nothing more evocative of period-style than perfectly appointed freestanding floor-mounted tub fillers. GRAFF’s Canterbury tub filler is a study in grace and stature: reminiscent of days gone by but engineered for today’s more discerning homeowner. Available in seven finishes (polished chrome, Steelnox^® satin nickel, olive bronze, polished nickel, neo brass and antiqued brushed nickel), with a matching handshower and an optional ceramic insert, plus a healthy 50 inch shower hose, the Canterbury is the perfect choice for the Victorian bath.

Circa Vanity by Stone Forest^®

Circa Vanity by Stone Forest

Hand-carved from a single block of carrara marble, the Circa Vanity and offers a bold, architectural alternative to the Vintage Washbasin. Two options for the stand include open Palmer legs, or a wengé or maple cabinet by Vanity Flair.

La Scala by Corbett Lighting

La Scala by Corbett Lighting

The very definition of excess and opulence executed exquisitely is Corbett Lighting’s chandelier, La Scala. Combining multi-faceted clear beads and smoky crystal drops, La Scala takes drama to a new level with its cascading tiers, flame-inspired bulbs and silver leaf finish. Also available as a sconce, La Scala is offered as a six-, eight and 18-light chandelier and seems perfectly at ease in a dining room or main entryway as it does adorning the grand ballroom.

Finally, check out this video to learn more about the extraordinary history of the real-life “Abbey.”

1. It’s a LED, LED, LED World

Disc by CSL (Creative Systems Lighting)

There is no escaping it – LEDs are the lighting buzz word for 2012. Since LEDs are so compact, lighting manufacturers are no longer limited to the same old forms for decorative fixtures. They can now design and fabricate fixtures in new shapes, sizes and configurations that they couldn’t do before with incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs. Best examples? Stiletto by Corbett Lighting and Disc by CSL® (Creative Systems Lighting).

Stiletto by Corbett Lighting

2. Steampunk Style

Raleigh by Troy Lighting

Steampunk style—a re-imagination of the past, with an eye towards the future—has been gaining a lot of well, steam, over the past few years. Lighting manufacturers will continue to unveil fixtures that honor the industrialized style in 2012. Best examples? Raleigh by Troy Lighting, which is also LED, Rise and Fall by Hudson Valley Lighting® and Beaumont by Troy Lighting Outdoor.

Rise and Fall by Hudson Valley Lighting

3. Warm Metals

Muse by Corbett Lighting

2011 was the year of cool polished metal, but 2012 will feel warmer and softer with bronze, gold and copper tones. Best Examples? Corbett Lighting’s layered Muse “wows” with a soft Tranquility silver leaf finish and faceted crystals. Link by Troy Lighting features a rustic yet contemporary bronze leaf finish, while the Cymbal sconce impresses with hand-forged iron bronze leaf in an Umbria bronze finish.

Cymbal sconce by Troy Lighting

4. Eco-Chic

Raffia by Troy Lighting

With everyone moving towards sustainability, lighting fixtures constructed from eco-friendly materials are more in demand than ever. We’re talking about woods, stones, crystals and other renewable sources. Best examples? Raffia by Troy Lighting features a warm, translucent shade made from Raffia palms, while Bento features a lamp shade made from plantation-grown Saguran and a frame made from recycled mahogany.

Bento by Troy Lighting

With such noteworthy lighting trends and products, the promise of 2012 is certainly looking bright!

DST was first proposed by the New Zealand entomologist George Vernon Hudson in 1895 to make better use of daylight. Germany and its World War I allies were the first to use DST in 1916, as a way to conserve coal during wartime. Today, the practice is believed to save electricity, according to some studies. As DST comes to an end next Sunday, Nov. 6, we’ll be setting back our clocks – but not necessarily our style. Luckily, there are several design-forward options to brighten up your interior spaces so that lighting can take center stage.

Discus by Troy Lighting

Discus by Troy Lighting

The beauty of circular designs are that they suggest a sense of fluid infinity. The contemporary Discus Collection elevates this design principle to new levels by featuring an appealing cylinder-within-a-circle configuration and a 26-Watt CFL for improved energy performance.

Gravity XL by CSL^® Creative Systems Lighting

Gravity by CSL (Creative Systems Lighting)

The laws of gravity revolve around a force that attracts; it’s virtually impossible to not be attracted to the eye-catching Gravity by CSL. Featuring an aluminum body, opal glass inner diffuser with clear glass outer cylinder and finishes including satin aluminum. Gravity has a 120V, 13W CFL Quad; fixture is wet-location listed and ENERGY-STAR rated.

Graffiti by Corbett Lighting

Graffiti by Corbett Lighting

Bursting with energy and movement, this application of Graffiti by Corbett Lighting alleviates any possibility of boredom in fixture design. The four-light, semi-flush overhead light is practical in illuminating a room, but also brings artistry and beauty to boot.

Winslow by Hudson Valley Lighting

Winslow by Hudson Valley Lighting

Handsome and understated, Winslow by Hudson Valley Lighting offers an uncomplicated solution. The curved shade seems at home in either an ultra modern minimalist setting or vintage retro dining room. Whatever the aesthetic, this pendant seems destined for greatness.

As Daylight Savings Time comes to an end, utilize any of the fixtures from above to lighten up your home and your mood.

Mix and Match

“From high-low pricing, to mixed finishes and styles, antiques and vintage mixed with modern forms – true eclecticism is taking hold in the design world,” said Merrill. It’s partly a response to the economy and partly environmental. “We’re all reusing and refurbishing what we have, stretching the budget, splurging on some items, saving on others, keeping things out of landfills,” she adds.

Mix and match Hastings Tile & Bath's GDO Raised Panel Ceramic Tile

With Hudson Valley Lighting's® Chatham

The Old-World Lived In Look

“The ‘old-world’ Belgian design style that has been in for a couple of years is still going strong,” said Merrill. “It features weathered gray oaks, the natural patina of age and use, the weighty feeling of good construction, and it’s ready to last generations. Nothing is overly fussy or precious.”

GRAFF®’s Bali faucet in Oil Rubbed Bronze

Spa Bath

Our lives are so stressful that more people are looking to relax at home and feel like they’re off at a high-end spa. Merrill tells her clients, “Calming colors, simple lines and ease of use are the key ingredients. Calgon, take me away!”

Stone Forest's® Papillon Bathtub

It’s looking like it’s going to be another great season for interior design this Fall and we thank Linda Merril for her insights, which are always welcome on the pages of Styleture.

The Mambo, with its hand crafted iron diffuser in Mambo Bronze finish, and embossed leather shade, displays nothing short of elegant, up-tempo illumination. It comes with a choice of incandescent or energy efficient fluorescent lamping.

Mambo by Corbett Lighting

The Tango is striking as a seamlessly laser-cut metal sphere – nothing short of artistry and technology in perfect form. Its innovative, concealed, high-performance LED light source puts it light years ahead of the competition.

Corbett Lighting has been around for more than 40 years, manufacturing incredible lighting products for the residential, hospitality and contract/commercial markets. Their aesthetic principles are unwavering and their choice of materials, from bias-cut crystals to handmade Japanese paper, make us believe that there is hardly a more imaginative lighting producer out there.

Tango by Corbett Lighting

Diva Chandelier by Corbett Lighting

Everyone knows the Oscars are nothing more than an annual, bloated mess of a show where a famous host gets to damage their career by telling unfunny jokes, and crying movie stars get to deliver rambling and incomprehensible speeches. To experience a much more sophisticated awards ceremony, all one has to do is check out the ARTS Awards – or what we like to call “the Oscars of Home Décor.”

The Dallas Market Center and the Accessories Resource Team (ART) presented the 22nd Annual ARTS Awards at a gala dinner on Saturday, January 22, during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market. Awards were given in 28 different categories including Home Textiles, Outdoor Living, Decorative Accessories, and Lighting Fixtures. We thought the Lighting Fixtures category, won by Corbett Lighting, was especially impressive thanks to Corbett’s exceptional submission. Their Diva Chandelier exudes quintessential sophistication and luxury, and is far less fussy than any of the actresses in the Oscar’s Best Actress category. This great lighting manufacturer was already on our radar, but we’ll be paying a lot more attention to them in the future.

There were also incredible products in a number of other categories; you can view all the winners here.

Corbett Lighting
Corbett Lighting is known for their creative use of hand-forged iron and hand-applied finishes. They use the finest glassware, shades and natural material.

Vertigo by Corbett is truly mesmerizing just to look at, with an assortment of circular hand-crafted iron rings in various sizes fused together. It is available as a two, three or four light pendant, one light mini-pendant, and one light sconce in either a bronze/gold leaf finish with caramel ice diffuser or a modern silver finish with citrine ice diffuser; this dizzying design creates a perfect mixture of motion and balance.

Vertigo by Corbett Lighting

Hudson Valley Lighting
With impeccable attention to detail and a full range of finishes and glass selections, Hudson Valley Lighting products can be found in the finest homes and upscale hotels and restaurants. The Sterling Collection is an elegant re-invention of the classic candelabra chandeliers and wall sconces. Its graceful chrome arms extend outwards, floating elegantly around the crystal.

Sterling by Hudson Valley Lighting

CSL (Creative Systems Lighting)
CSL is an innovator of concealed lighting fixtures for homes and commercial use. They design and create high quality LED products that are highly functional and energy efficient. CSL products are able to enhance the dramatic or inconspicuous effects required by architects and lighting specialists.

The Eco-Downlight LED Adjustable Lamp allows you to choose a green lifestyle by offering an efficient fixture with strong accents. The lamp allows for light to be focused or positioned perfectly throughout any setting to create just the right mood or highlight.

Eco-downlight LED Adjustable Lamp by CSL

Troy Lighting
Troy Lighting is an excellent choice for homeowners and designers looking to add a rustic yet fashionable fixture to any room or wall.

Troy’s Lumiere collection brings together basic geometric designs and illuminates everything in a gold hue to concoct a feeling of fascination and rustic elegance. It features caramel frit glass shades, hand-worked wrought iron metalwork and a Florentine gold finish.

Lumiere by Troy Lighting

Ameli from Hastings Tile & Bath

Choosing pure white for your vanity should not feel as though you are settling. With the Ameli from Tulli Zuccari, you need never apologize. Graceful and elegant, the vanity sits atop two tapered legs that can be adorned with either gold or chrome accents. To coordinate the look of the entire piece, the towel bar under the vanity is also available in chrome or gold finishes. The vanity top is offered in a satin finish in pure white. The Ameli is perfect for minimalists who appreciate its modern appeal.

Ameli Vanity

Sade from GRAFF®

Sometimes, simplicity is deceiving when people confuse it with a lack of imagination. The Sade collection from GRAFF could not be farther from that misconception. Sleek and elegant, with a savvy twist on contemporary, the Sade line has a curved spout which is flat – giving it literally more of an edge. The handles mimic the curve slightly, giving them a sensuous look.

GRAFF Sade Faucet

Hartsdale from Hudson Valley Lighting

Hudson Valley Lighting takes vanity lighting in a more dramatic direction with the Hartsdale Collection. With its glass shades etched to mimic bark, and then reflected in the base below, the Hartsdale is both contemporary and organic – a unique twist. The Hartsdale is elegant without being too showy.

Hartsdale Lighting Fixture

Dream Light Rain Canopy from JACLO®

Create a soothing symphony of color within the shower; enables users to experience revitalizing color ‘therapy’ while fulfilling a daily ritual. The futuristic design of this lit Rain Canopy features LED lights which illuminate the falling water. The lights can be programmed to turn on manually with the flip of a switch or start in unison with the shower being turned on.

JACLO’s Dream Light Rain Canopy

We came across an eco-friendly and stylish solution. These cool looking Vazon Magnum translucent planters by Rotoluxe are made for indoor or outdoor use and use low watt CFL/LED lighting to give off an ambient glow. You can use them to hold your outdoor plants and place them throughout your back yard. They serve as great night lights and accent pieces.

The planters can be powered via standard wall plug or by rechargeable battery (LED lights lasting 8-10 hours). There’s also an assortment of modifications available for your planter, including speakers, outdoor draining system or fabric. Best of all, they are made of 100% recycled plastics and the low wattage will keep your energy costs to a minimum.

Find more information about the Vazon Magnum planter at www.rotoluxe.com

Vazon Magnum Translucent Planter