Featured Line - Fine Art Lamps

At J. Douglas Design - lighting is a huge part of ALL of our designs, as are the lamps and fixtures that deliver it. No design is complete without considering first the important aspect of lighting - and how best to layer in beautiful and timeless accessories that efficiently double as lighting. Think of a simple lamp, that doubles as a piece of art. Their name says it all - with Fine Art Lamps - we are able to achieve this mix.

At J. Douglas Design, we only hand select the finest pieces of furniture and accessories from the best-known lines for our interior design. And we're pleased to have worked with Fine Art Lamps for many years, bringing quality lighting to our clients - while also accessorizing with the 'fine art' of their pieces.

Lighting is an age-old necessity, from ancient flames in cave to Medieval oil lamps, to modern methods of lighting a space, the world has needed light - from the beginning of time. Man has found ways to light the way, and Fine Art Lamps has found a way to stylishly, beautifully, and well - artfully shed light on the topic.

Max Blumberg owned a glass factory in the late 19th century. His son, Jack, founded Fine Art Lamps in the early 40's. (1941) From the beginning - his goal was to employ only the finest craftsmen and artisans from all over the world, inspired by the fine crafts of ancient and Renaissance Italy, to produce top quality lighting - with unparalleled beauty and craftsmanship. It's no wonder that Fine Art Lamps has been a design leader in the lighting and interior design industry from the very start - they have always had the very best craftsmen, used the finest metal, glass and unique materials and offered a huge selection of style - and the most agile and unique designs. In 1965, Jack's son, Max has continued the quality and craftsmanship that Fine Art Lamps created and maintained for the family business.

Their commitment to providing only the best continues to this day in a state of the art facility in Miami. The continued quality and effort on behalf of this family-owned business has won Fine Art Lamps numerous honors and awards, such as the ARTS® Manufacturer of the Year Award (and they've done this 8 TIMES!) and induction into the ARTS® Hall of Fame.

Whether your interior design calls for an extravagant Italian-inspired metal-leaf flush mount design, or a hip and urban modern style chandelier with Asian inspiration - J. Douglas Design turns to Fine Art Lamps to complete the project. Fina Art Lamps has all styles - inspired from all over the world and every era of time to meet the interior design needs of the distinctive J. Douglas Design client.

And why not be efficient in efforts to style and design your space? You have to have light - so why not add a true piece of art at the same time? They picked the perfect name for what they do - FINE ART LAMPS.

Luxury on a Budget

Heavily sprinkled throughout our country are planned communities made up of homes that are identical to each other. With so many cookie-cutter homes, owners often seek out ways to make their interior more unique. Not just unique, but well designed too. Don't we all want our homes to look a little bit like those high end pro decorated mansions? Budget constrictions not withstanding, you can have a place that looks expensive, even luxurious, without breaking the bank. A home that looks professionally designed.

1. Crown Molding 

For very little money, adding crown molding to your home provides a level of richness to the space. Choose wide trim for the biggest impact. The wider the trim the more expensive the room looks.

2. Paint 

Choosing a color is the hardest step when it comes to painting. Painting itself is an easy choice when wanting the most juice for the squeeze. A crisp white or a neutral hue will lend an air of sophistication and affluence to the room. Another trick that adds a luxurious finish to a home is to paint interior doors black. It will instantly give the space a high-end vibe.

3. Pillows 

Throw pillows are always a fabulous accessory for your sofa, love-seat or over-sized chair. But don't settle for pillows you can find at any big box store. If the goal is to look luxurious, pillows that any home can have defeats that idea. Instead, opt for pillows with unique prints or even the over-stuffed variety. Both offer that luxurious feel you desire.

4. Window Treatments 

Avoid cheap-skating on your window treatments. Flimsy or unlined curtains are obvious signs of poor quality. Sure, the price might be nice, but you want your room to look elegant and expensive, right? Consider handpicking fabric and having curtains custom sewn. When you're ready to install them, hang them as close to the ceiling as possible to draw your eye up and project the illusion of fullness.

5. Hardware 

Tract homes are filled with cheap, lack luster hardware because that's what's most affordable for builders. Oddly enough, economically replacing hardware with personalized options is a breeze. Drawer pulls, door knobs, faucets etc. can all be found at your local hardware store, specialty shop or even at a flea market. The goal is to locate ones you love and not mirror your next-door neighbors.

6. Light Fixtures 

Light fixtures are another building standard that lacks personality, character and style. Toss out nondescript chandeliers and ceiling fans; replace them with a unique designer look. Shop flea markets or second hand stores for budget friendly pieces. A bargain found on a chandelier goes a long way toward creating that expensive designer inspired look. Add table lamps and floor lamps in each room, too.

7. Hardwood 

Flooring is where things get to be a little more pricey. Upgrading your flooring may seem like a budget buster, but it's an investment that lasts for years making it well worth it. Hard wood is a classic choice that comes in many types, some more luxurious than others. A dark wood will add richness to the space, similar to the idea of painting your interior doors black. Layer a beautiful, stylish area rug on top of the wood flooring to anchor the room and tie design elements together.

Fall in Love With Maitland-Smith

After a long day working and managing every detail of our lives, we all look forward to having an opportunity to relax in our favorite spot with a book in hand, our favorite show on the television, or our favorite tunes on blast. If you're like most people, when you are ready to relax, you look for a chair or sofa that feels like an old friend. The first thing we typically say to people who visit our home, after we invite them in, is 'have a seat.' Even at cocktail parties you typically see folks gather and perch to have intimate conversations. Sitting while you catch up is preferable to standing, after all.

Although comfort is typically top of the list when it comes to our favorite spot at home, savvy furniture hunters know that a chair needs to be functional too. Not to mention, stylish and complementary to your chosen interior decor. With elegant and distinctive pieces for your home, and quality to last a lifetime, Maitland-Smith is an obvious choice for professional interior designers.

Here are just a few of the reasons why we love Maitland-Smith furnishings:

- A love of details: Nail head accents, a variety of beautiful finishes, tufted leather, gold highlights, wing backs, chenille, jacquards, silks, hair hides, velvets...and the list goes on! The sky is the limit when it comes to detailing!

- Sheer beauty: Maitland-Smith sets a high standard in the interior design world. Inspired by 18th century classics, every piece is stunningly beautiful.

- Handcrafted, limited edition treasures: If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind type piece to accent your home, look no further than Maitland-Smith. Unique, quality pieces destined to become family heirlooms serve as elegant additions to any home.

Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure? What do you love about it? Tell us in the comments...