you light up my life

when I lived at home I had a pretty good sized room. It was actually two rooms that my Dad joined together by cutting an arch in the wall, thus creating one large room (man that was awesome) So since I pretty much had a small apartment (or a big one by Vancouver standards) I decided to fill it with retro furniture that I had rescued from local thrift stores and garage sales. I say rescue, because for some reason in my mind (even though I might not have room for it) I can't resist buying some amazing piece when I see it therefore saving it from going to a horrible home where the purchaser might not enjoy it for what it is. (being it's super cool and retro, not just a cheap chair that they will let their cat use as a scratching post)

Remember the show Dharma and Greg from the 90's? I think I was one of the only people I know who watched it all the time, but I think one of the reasons was Dharmas apartment. She had some amazing pieces (you know because she was the crazy enlightened one, and the daughter of two hippies) One piece in particular that I became obsessed with was her Venetian shade lamp (pictured below)














Then I began a hunt, must find this lamp! I knew if was from the 50's or 60's, so I started looking at local thrift stores, flea markets, specialty antiquey type stores and then, I found it. It was at Attic Treasures in Vancouver on Commercial Drive (if you live in the area, you must go!) But alas, it was $200 and I was but a poor las. So my search continued, but with less hope that I would find something that was a little less money. Then, ebay arrived into my life. The wealth of retro lamps was a plenty, and yes there were Venetian lamps, tons of them. So after several times of being outbid, I finally managed to wrangle one and the day it arrived was a joyous one, it sits proudly on my side table.

But I wanted to share with you my love for all lamps old and kitchy. My house is full of them. Some aren't even plugged into outlets, I just like to have them in a room. (ok that's a lie, I have an older home and there just aren't enough outlets to go around) Below are some of my faves, enjoy them, they light up my life. (cheesy I know)















clockwise from left: Atomic Era from Columbia Lights
50's TV Lamp from Ebay,
Rockabilly Lamp from Columbia Lights,
Reproduction Lampshade from Meteor Lights
Eames Era Pendant Lamp from Ebay

Visit: Columbia Lights & Meteor Lights