The Best of Flushmounts

I truly believe great design is in the details, including everything as seemingly trivial as the flushmounts on the ceiling. I'm working with a client to revamp her new condo, and she's in need of updated lighting. We've chosen a beautiful (but not over the top) chandelier for her dining room, a feminine pendant for her master bedroom, and I can't help but offer up my two cents on the remaining flushmounts. They're the type of thing that when they're nice, they go relatively unnoticed, but when they're bad, they're BAD.

I steer far away from ever recommending the general hardware store's 'Madonna' type fixture....you know, this one:

But I've had several questions about the best flushmounts for overall lighting and I figured it was time to get back to blogging...

Here are my top six (I couldn't get rid of one) flushmount lighting suggestions:

1. Heath Flushmount by Restoration Hardware
I must admit, I recommend this light regularly because it works so well in traditional, transitional and modern spaces (I think that covered them all?). Restoration Hardware offers it in a variety of sizes and finishes, and all for a reasonable price (and they ship quickly)! When in doubt, use Heath.

2. White Fabric Flushmount
A fabric flushmount offers a beautiful softness that works particularly well in bedrooms. I like this design's reference to the popular circular pendant shade, but in a flushmount style - and the price is right!

3. Middlebury Round by Hudson Valley
The detail on this light is what makes it so appealing to me - and it provides the right amount of sophistication where a flushmount is required. It also comes in a square version, various sizes and three finishes...it's high-end in every way ($$).

4. Siena Flushmount by Circa Lighting
This nautical-inspired light is simple enough to go unnoticed, yet with enough nickel (or chrome, bronze or brass) to garner positive attention on the ceiling. I wouldn't think twice about using this in a cottage.

5. Nouveau Doughnut Flushmount by Robert Abbey
Generally, I lean towards round flushmounts (I guess that's obvious), but I love this transitional piece by Robert Abbey. It's quite understated and likely to stand the test of time.

6. Large Basil Flushmount by Alexa Hampton
I absolutely ADORE this light (particularly in brass)! I'm a huge fan of the quatrefoil pattern and this adds just a touch of whimsy and elegance to a front foyer or bathroom that doesn't have the height for a pendant.

There you have it - even flushmounts can be beautiful things.

Staying on Course

Photo via Pinterest

"You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically—to say 'no' to other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger 'yes' burning inside."

— Stephen Covey

Top Five Fall Items

1. Terrain Pendleton Travel Throw, $108. I first spotted a leather carrier throw at a Kravet showroom and fell in love with its rustic cowboy appeal. This is a much more reasonable option, with the same country charm.

2. John Derian Moroccan Pouf in Grey, $295. I've seen moroccan poufs like this often recently, but this particular shade of gray has a lilac undertone that's undeniably unique (best seen in person). Forget children's rooms...I'd love one of these poufs as an ottoman in an eclectic living room.

3. Regina Andrew Arc Floor Lamp, $889. This, to me, is a much more sophisticated version of the popular oversized arc lamp that has been spotted in many mod living spaces. It's curves are perfection.

4. Etsy Grey Beaded Ribbon Spiral Necklace, $28. I'm always reluctant to wear jewellry that's very bold (I must get over this..), but this conservative ribbon necklace is the perfect touch of elegance and charm.

5. EmersonMade London Coat, $368. I'm obsessed with this coat. The impeccable tailoring (love the lining!), wide fit and stark contrast are things Audrey Hepburn would have approved of.

Now to work on the funds...

Coming to Fruition

Image found here.

When I was younger, I used to dream about all of the things I wanted to become. I wanted to be a teacher, baker, mother, pilot, architect, dermatologist (that was short-lived), journalist...you name it, I wanted to be it. Thankfully, my parents encouraged me to think with an open mind, and while they probably laughed to themselves at some of my lofty goals, their kind support never ceased.

Image foundhere.

In all the years, one continuous desire of mine has been to own my own business. It literally started as that, with "but I don't know what in". I just wanted to have control of my own purpose and success. At eleven, a friend and I started a dog walking business for a whopping $2 a walk. Not surprisingly, we were no Olson twin child millionaires, but that entrepreneurial spirit kept me dreaming up new ventures and eventually brought me through business school.


A short time after finishing the program, I realized what that business was (no doubt, a light bulb moment) - interior design. I wanted to design beautiful spaces where people could relax, entertain, raise families and live.

So here I am, finally at the brink of my entrepreneurial venture. After completing the required schooling last year, I am now a Certified Interior Decorator and I'm thrilled to have registered a business - Cadieux Design.

While I continue my day job at an interior design firm, I am happy to be making a personal step in the right direction.  As side projects come to completion and photographs can be shared, I will build the website and share them on here. I am also considering offering online design services, so you may see some of this in the future!

Here's to pursuing dreams!