Architect Janna Levitt devised a creative emellishment for a residence in Canada. Photo by: Philip Cheung
Architect Janna Levitt devised a creative emellishment for a residence in Canada. Photo by: Philip Cheung
Above the sink in the kitchen, you can see one of Bocci’s first 57 chandeliers. Photo by José Mandojana.
Above the sink in the kitchen, you can see one of Bocci’s first 57 chandeliers. Photo by José Mandojana.
Another simple, white kitchen with black countertops is this diminutive kitchen in Singapore. Light pours in through the large window, and a tiny but tasteful farmhouse kitchen table rests in the middle of everything.
Another simple, white kitchen with black countertops is this diminutive kitchen in Singapore. Light pours in through the large window, and a tiny but tasteful farmhouse kitchen table rests in the middle of everything.
At Lasvit's Salone exhibition: the LED-illuminated Moulds pendant lights by Jan Plecháč and Henry Wielgus capture the moment when molten glass emerges from its mold.
At Lasvit's Salone exhibition: the LED-illuminated Moulds pendant lights by Jan Plecháč and Henry Wielgus capture the moment when molten glass emerges from its mold.
While Brooklyn brownstones conjure up memories of their turn-of-the-century roots, they also remain the modern-day face of New York’s coolest boroughs. With brownstone living, however, comes responsibility—many of these classic beauties are in need of renovation and restoration. Here are 10 standout, renovated brownstones that retain their original charm with added contemporary cool.
While Brooklyn brownstones conjure up memories of their turn-of-the-century roots, they also remain the modern-day face of New York’s coolest boroughs. With brownstone living, however, comes responsibility—many of these classic beauties are in need of renovation and restoration. Here are 10 standout, renovated brownstones that retain their original charm with added contemporary cool.
Pendants are often located over a table or kitchen island because they provide ambient or task lighting
Pendants are often located over a table or kitchen island because they provide ambient or task lighting
Six staircases, many open to outside light, serve as pathways between the private interior spaces.
Six staircases, many open to outside light, serve as pathways between the private interior spaces.
The pendant lamp is a vintage find.
The pendant lamp is a vintage find.
In the eat-in portion of the kitchen, a George Nelson Bubble Lamp hangs above an Artek table and chairs by Alvar Aalto.
In the eat-in portion of the kitchen, a George Nelson Bubble Lamp hangs above an Artek table and chairs by Alvar Aalto.
Though most of the home's interior comes without a splashy designer's name attached, the bathroom is kitted out with a toilet, sink, and bath/shower from Jasper Morrison's line for Ideal Standard. The cabinets are from an Ikea kitchen system.
Though most of the home's interior comes without a splashy designer's name attached, the bathroom is kitted out with a toilet, sink, and bath/shower from Jasper Morrison's line for Ideal Standard. The cabinets are from an Ikea kitchen system.
Don designed and built the white-oak kitchen table, which is cantilevered so knees don’t bump the underpinnings.
Don designed and built the white-oak kitchen table, which is cantilevered so knees don’t bump the underpinnings.
Takagi's Bluff City pendants are work lights with a kick of color and a hint of copper.
Takagi's Bluff City pendants are work lights with a kick of color and a hint of copper.
CELL SHORT PENDANT LIGHT

A light that mimics cellular growth which can be used in multiple, geometric configurations. Each Cell Pendant Light is made from layers of finely etched, polished brass filtering light rays to throw a satisfyingly dappled glow casting intricate shadows on walls, floors and ceilings.
CELL SHORT PENDANT LIGHT A light that mimics cellular growth which can be used in multiple, geometric configurations. Each Cell Pendant Light is made from layers of finely etched, polished brass filtering light rays to throw a satisfyingly dappled glow casting intricate shadows on walls, floors and ceilings.
A bridge connects the second-floor office and guest bedroom with the backyard-facing master bedroom. To prevent excessive solar heat gain in this especial space, Butler Armsden used high performance Unilux low-e windows. Two Eurofase pendant lights from Chromos illuminate the hallway at night.
A bridge connects the second-floor office and guest bedroom with the backyard-facing master bedroom. To prevent excessive solar heat gain in this especial space, Butler Armsden used high performance Unilux low-e windows. Two Eurofase pendant lights from Chromos illuminate the hallway at night.
A ‘light soffit’ offers a dynamic view of the stream below, providing both visual and audio stimulation. Throughout the year, the studio is filled with the sound of water, from the ocean waves to the rain and drizzle, to the flowing stream below. The artist, who has a longstanding connection to the site, focuses on “art which leaves marks at once permanent and delicate,” much like the structure itself.
A ‘light soffit’ offers a dynamic view of the stream below, providing both visual and audio stimulation. Throughout the year, the studio is filled with the sound of water, from the ocean waves to the rain and drizzle, to the flowing stream below. The artist, who has a longstanding connection to the site, focuses on “art which leaves marks at once permanent and delicate,” much like the structure itself.
Signal Pendant Light, $495–$695 at the Dwell Store

Inspired by satellites and stars, the Signal Pendant Light from Brooklyn–based Souda is meant to resemble a celestial body. It features a perforated metal shade that provides a distinctive light diffusion.
Signal Pendant Light, $495–$695 at the Dwell Store Inspired by satellites and stars, the Signal Pendant Light from Brooklyn–based Souda is meant to resemble a celestial body. It features a perforated metal shade that provides a distinctive light diffusion.
Designed in 1937 by acclaimed designer and architect Alvar Aalto, the A330S Pendant Lamp is a sophisticated ceiling light. Aino and Alvar Aalto were commissioned in 1936 to design the interior of the Savoy Restaurant in Helsinki. Made from a single piece of brass, the A330S Golden Bell Pendant was a part of the restaurant’s interior design. This lamp was also shown in the Finnish Pavilion of the 1937 Paris World Expo. 

The A330S is 15% off until October 22, 2015.
Designed in 1937 by acclaimed designer and architect Alvar Aalto, the A330S Pendant Lamp is a sophisticated ceiling light. Aino and Alvar Aalto were commissioned in 1936 to design the interior of the Savoy Restaurant in Helsinki. Made from a single piece of brass, the A330S Golden Bell Pendant was a part of the restaurant’s interior design. This lamp was also shown in the Finnish Pavilion of the 1937 Paris World Expo. The A330S is 15% off until October 22, 2015.
FUN 1DA PENDANT LIGHT

Designed in 1964 by legendary Danish 20th century designer Verner Panton, the Fun 1DA Pendant Lamp is reproduced for today’s design enthusiast by Verpan. This elegantly constructed ceiling-mount pendant lamp is made from a three ring metal frame with descending strands of shimmering metal discs. Combined to form a cohesive whole, these brilliant circles glisten like the scales of a fish or gleaming beads. When illuminated, the reflective surfaces enliven any space with dynamic, ethereal light. When touched, the discs emit a soft twinkling sound that lends further animation to the lively design and lends beauty and dimension to any room.
FUN 1DA PENDANT LIGHT Designed in 1964 by legendary Danish 20th century designer Verner Panton, the Fun 1DA Pendant Lamp is reproduced for today’s design enthusiast by Verpan. This elegantly constructed ceiling-mount pendant lamp is made from a three ring metal frame with descending strands of shimmering metal discs. Combined to form a cohesive whole, these brilliant circles glisten like the scales of a fish or gleaming beads. When illuminated, the reflective surfaces enliven any space with dynamic, ethereal light. When touched, the discs emit a soft twinkling sound that lends further animation to the lively design and lends beauty and dimension to any room.
The Hex 750 Brass Pendant is a statement lighting fixture that is created from brass electroplated aluminum that is hand-brushed and finished in a clear matte lacquer that maintains and protects the distinctive finish. The entire hexagon shape is fixed with high output LED strips, which provide a strong and consistent diffusion of light.
The Hex 750 Brass Pendant is a statement lighting fixture that is created from brass electroplated aluminum that is hand-brushed and finished in a clear matte lacquer that maintains and protects the distinctive finish. The entire hexagon shape is fixed with high output LED strips, which provide a strong and consistent diffusion of light.
The Raimond Pendant Light features a speherical silhouette, which is both soft with its rounded lines and geometric with its symmetry. The result is an elegant, eye-catching light that would complement a modern interior.
The Raimond Pendant Light features a speherical silhouette, which is both soft with its rounded lines and geometric with its symmetry. The result is an elegant, eye-catching light that would complement a modern interior.
The kitchen is lit by an IKEA pendant light.
The kitchen is lit by an IKEA pendant light.
Paring an overhead light down to a simple, elemental form, the Disc Pendant Light from Workstead is an elegant light with an exposed bulb. Available in brass and blackened brass, the light consists of an arm and adjustable ten-inch disc. The light can be suspended straight from the ceiling, or the disc can be rotated to redirect light as needed.
Paring an overhead light down to a simple, elemental form, the Disc Pendant Light from Workstead is an elegant light with an exposed bulb. Available in brass and blackened brass, the light consists of an arm and adjustable ten-inch disc. The light can be suspended straight from the ceiling, or the disc can be rotated to redirect light as needed.
Minimal interventions by architect Andrew Simpson allowed this former jam warehouse outside of Melbourne, Australia, to be turned into a family residence. "To draw light and ventilation into what was a poorly oriented and deep footprint, an extensive number of operable skylights were introduced on the north- and south-facing roof pitches, and a large void connecting the floors was strategically positioned to also take advantage of this amenity," Simpson says. American oak floorboards and Dulux paint were used throughout the property for continuity.
Minimal interventions by architect Andrew Simpson allowed this former jam warehouse outside of Melbourne, Australia, to be turned into a family residence. "To draw light and ventilation into what was a poorly oriented and deep footprint, an extensive number of operable skylights were introduced on the north- and south-facing roof pitches, and a large void connecting the floors was strategically positioned to also take advantage of this amenity," Simpson says. American oak floorboards and Dulux paint were used throughout the property for continuity.
Color is one way the architects differentiated the structures, as in the custom doors they designed for the entrances in contrasting light and dark light finishes.
Color is one way the architects differentiated the structures, as in the custom doors they designed for the entrances in contrasting light and dark light finishes.
Sayes designed a pegboard screen to hide a bathtub and wash basin in the downstairs bathroom, and used the same shade of salmon-hued paint from Resene on the ceiling in the master bedroom. Sayes fashioned the pendant lamp from common parts, including a ceramic socket and a G125 incandescent lightbulb.
Sayes designed a pegboard screen to hide a bathtub and wash basin in the downstairs bathroom, and used the same shade of salmon-hued paint from Resene on the ceiling in the master bedroom. Sayes fashioned the pendant lamp from common parts, including a ceramic socket and a G125 incandescent lightbulb.
It took Susanna several layers of sanding—and then finally tossing her water-based paint and selecting the proper oil-based formula—to get the floor as white as she'd envisioned. But she couldn't be happier with the result.  “The apartment looks bigger when there are white surfaces for the light to bounce on,” she says.
It took Susanna several layers of sanding—and then finally tossing her water-based paint and selecting the proper oil-based formula—to get the floor as white as she'd envisioned. But she couldn't be happier with the result. “The apartment looks bigger when there are white surfaces for the light to bounce on,” she says.
In New York about two hours north of New York City, architecture and interiors firm BarlisWedlick created an eclectic compound designed to suit a client with an idiosyncratic wish list. In the kitchen, a custom Stickbulb LED lamp hangs above a kitchen island topped by concrete from Get Real Surfaces. The cabinets and island feature a modern version of a traditional board and batten siding that are given an even more contemporary feel with the concrete countertop.
In New York about two hours north of New York City, architecture and interiors firm BarlisWedlick created an eclectic compound designed to suit a client with an idiosyncratic wish list. In the kitchen, a custom Stickbulb LED lamp hangs above a kitchen island topped by concrete from Get Real Surfaces. The cabinets and island feature a modern version of a traditional board and batten siding that are given an even more contemporary feel with the concrete countertop.
The Anastassiades String Pendant Lights from Flos bring suspension lighting to the ceiling. Available with spherical and conical pendants, each Anastassiades String Light provides diffused light, and can be used as overhead lighting in living rooms, bedrooms, or dining rooms. With two different cable lengths, the pendants can be strung in a variety of configurations from simple and streamlined to geometric and intricate. Each pendant light includes a weighted floor switch or ceiling canopy and several hooks with which to string the pendant. Each String Pendant Light can be used individually or grouped with other lights in the series to create a robust lighting display.
The Anastassiades String Pendant Lights from Flos bring suspension lighting to the ceiling. Available with spherical and conical pendants, each Anastassiades String Light provides diffused light, and can be used as overhead lighting in living rooms, bedrooms, or dining rooms. With two different cable lengths, the pendants can be strung in a variety of configurations from simple and streamlined to geometric and intricate. Each pendant light includes a weighted floor switch or ceiling canopy and several hooks with which to string the pendant. Each String Pendant Light can be used individually or grouped with other lights in the series to create a robust lighting display.
The Raimond Zafu Pendant is a sculptural fixture inspired by the pure beauty of mathematics—it was created to be both systematic and organic, and resembles a star-filled sky when illuminated.
The Raimond Zafu Pendant is a sculptural fixture inspired by the pure beauty of mathematics—it was created to be both systematic and organic, and resembles a star-filled sky when illuminated.
Intending to take light to an elemental place, the Aura Light from Ladies & Gentlemen Studio features two simple, primary elements: the light source—the bulb—and the illumination, which is highlighted by a brass ring. The result is a simple but sophisticated fixture that can be used as a singular suspended piece, or can be grouped with other Aura Lights for a more dramatic, installation-like effect.
Intending to take light to an elemental place, the Aura Light from Ladies & Gentlemen Studio features two simple, primary elements: the light source—the bulb—and the illumination, which is highlighted by a brass ring. The result is a simple but sophisticated fixture that can be used as a singular suspended piece, or can be grouped with other Aura Lights for a more dramatic, installation-like effect.
The GM—Grethe Meyer—Pendants are balanced pendant lights that can be used for overhead lighting in a dining room or kitchen, and can also be grouped together to create a graphic lighting installation. Shown here, the GM 30 Pendant Light in Copper is made of lacquered solid copper and is suspended from a black fabric cord.

Shown with Menu’s Afteroom Chair, Kaschkasch Mirror, and Marble Wall Clock.
The GM—Grethe Meyer—Pendants are balanced pendant lights that can be used for overhead lighting in a dining room or kitchen, and can also be grouped together to create a graphic lighting installation. Shown here, the GM 30 Pendant Light in Copper is made of lacquered solid copper and is suspended from a black fabric cord. Shown with Menu’s Afteroom Chair, Kaschkasch Mirror, and Marble Wall Clock.
A glass door on the north side sits opposite a glass window on the south wall that overlooks a birch tree forest. Skylights pull light into the interior. "Even though the artist paints landscapes, she didn't want to be distracted by the beauty of her surroundings while in the studio, which led to the limited apertures," Peterson says.
A glass door on the north side sits opposite a glass window on the south wall that overlooks a birch tree forest. Skylights pull light into the interior. "Even though the artist paints landscapes, she didn't want to be distracted by the beauty of her surroundings while in the studio, which led to the limited apertures," Peterson says.
A closer look at the copper GM Pendant light, shown with Menu’s stackable glasses.
A closer look at the copper GM Pendant light, shown with Menu’s stackable glasses.
A classic Ball Bubble Lamp hangs in The Opdahl House, designed by Edward Killingsworth for Richard and Joyce Opdahl on the island of Naples, in Long Beach, California.
A classic Ball Bubble Lamp hangs in The Opdahl House, designed by Edward Killingsworth for Richard and Joyce Opdahl on the island of Naples, in Long Beach, California.
The Doo Wop Suspension Light, originally called the Navy Light, was first designed in the 1950s in collaboration with the Navy Buildings Department. The pendant was prevalent during this time period because of its practical functionality and distinctive look. This modern version of the classic lamp features a stunning brass shade that will elevate an interior space.
The Doo Wop Suspension Light, originally called the Navy Light, was first designed in the 1950s in collaboration with the Navy Buildings Department. The pendant was prevalent during this time period because of its practical functionality and distinctive look. This modern version of the classic lamp features a stunning brass shade that will elevate an interior space.
Reminiscent of a twirling skirt, the Dancing Pendant Light by Iskos-Berlin for Menu is a playful twist on sartorial details. Its oversized proportions make for an intimate setting or focal point in the dining room. The pleated, pyramidal shade is also made of polyester felt, which also absorbs sound.
Reminiscent of a twirling skirt, the Dancing Pendant Light by Iskos-Berlin for Menu is a playful twist on sartorial details. Its oversized proportions make for an intimate setting or focal point in the dining room. The pleated, pyramidal shade is also made of polyester felt, which also absorbs sound.

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