Interior design by Shane Reilly. This is one of the most beautiful dining rooms in my inspiration file. The chandelier is, of course, a favorite, but I love the how the whole room is put together, with the soft colors, the console and contemporary art in the back of the room, the wonderful lamps on the console that repeat the shapes of the chandelier.


Traditional Home, May 2007. Design by Garry Mertins.

Interior design by Jamie Drake. It is interesting to see this chandelier in a living room setting. If you look closely, you can see the matching sconces by the fireplace.

On the other hand, I have a love for French and Swedish, with light woods, neutral window treatments and upholstery, often in linen and other natural materials. A clean, fresh, crisp take on French and Swedish. Take a look at Cote de Texas' blog (I must mention her blog several times a week!), and you will see some great examples of this French/Swedish style. Joni likes almost exclusively antiques, but I am not a stickler on this point. Give me a finely crafted reproduction and I will be happy (I had a bad experience with wood worm on one of my French antiques).

Although there are hundreds of chandeliers that would fit into this style of design, there is one in particular that catches my eye: the Niermann Weeks Swedish Chandelier. There is something so beautiful about the delicate and airy design of this chandelier. I have seen it in person, and it is breathtaking.

Niermann Weeks Swedish Chandelier.


This is an antique chandelier, but it has the look and feel of the one I love. (I do not have information on where this image is from).

Fortunately, I have a few years before I have to pick out a new dining room chandelier. Perhaps my taste will evolve by then, and it will be more clear which design fits best within the grand scheme of my home design. Perhaps I will find something else that captures my eye. Most of the fun for me is in the journey and the discovery of new things along the way.