I have a problem. Yes, I frequently misinterpret Neil Diamond lyrics, but it’s worse than that. It’s my lighting addiction. Every night when the lights get low and my sleep deprivation has turned itself inside out, transforming me into a frenetic Mrs. Hyde, and there is nothing on tv — not even a Flipping Out marathon, I start trolling the dark streets of Ebay, looking for a fixture. Or two. Or three. I can’t stop myself from adding sconces, table lamps and chandeliers to my watch list. And do I need these things? Well, I could use a new light for over my kitchen sink, but in short: No. Hell no. I have a garage full of crap bought from Craigslist, Round Top, thrift and vintage stores. Anytime I shop for furnishings, I studiously avoid anything that is not, in and of itself, a source of illumination. Lighting is the jewelry of the room, and I like da bling.
So, during all my sleepless nights spent trolling, I’ve noticed two distinct lighting trends: restrained industrial, and architectural glitz. In the restrained camp, there is a plethora of very elegant French lights by 50′s designer, Serge Mouille:
House to Home
Mouille lights are classic and spare, but with an edgy vibe. Very French, no? In the glitzy camp, we have scintillating fixtures by Italian designer Gaetano Sciolari:
Via Brown Turtleneck Sweater
Sciolari’s lucite and brass chandelier does a lot to glam up an otherwise studiously neutral room, don’t you think? So, which do you prefer — French, spare and edgy, or Italian, shiny and voluptuous?
Catherine Deneuve or Sophia Loren? (And if someone can direct me to their male equivalents, I’d be most appreciative…)
I know. It’s cruel asking you to choose between two gorgeous creatures, but can two such strong personalities coexist in a polygamous marriage? I’m talking about the light fixtures, of course. Need more lighting porn to help you decide? Your wish is my command:
Mouille in David Netto’s apartment.
Sciolari via Vintage y Chic
Mouille in Jenna Lyon’s bedroom.
Sciolari via Apartment Therapy
Mouille, forgot source. Je regrete!
Sciolari in Kelly Wearstler’s crazy pink and purple guest house
Mouille via Met Home
I ran out of home pics with Sciolari chandeliers in them, so I’m including this sexy number all by its lonesome.
Mouille via Gribouillis Magazine
Sciolari. I think I just had a brassgasm. Orbrassm.
So, lovely readers, what are your thoughts? Shiny or spare? Glittery or sophisticated? Could you decide between one style over the other, or does the very idea of such a Sophie’s Choice bring a tear to the eye? Perhaps you think the two could be peaceful bedmates? Tell momma all about it.
Related posts:
Oooooh. Lighting porntastic! I favor a healthy dose of Deneuve with a dash of Loren. I love that top photo — gorgeous window coverings, beautiful upholstered french beds, a menagerie on the sills. Rich but spare too.
While not technically Sciolari, I desperately desire this similar chandelier but have no place to put it:
http://tinyurl.com/ylplzjv
Raina, LOVE! I just got a lucite chandelier for my dining room, and while it’s not nearly as fab, it’s the same shape. HB already hung it and I’m waiting to get some other things in order before I take pictures.
I was JUST looking at this — http://tinyurl.com/yhqnhg4 — before I clicked over here. Not quite Italian architectural, but still fabulous and glam and I NEED IT IN MY LIFE, NOW.
Also, I need a Mouille for the next room over. So to answer your question: both kinds, living in perfect harmony.
Damn, that sucka is HUGE! I love pieces in wacked out scale.
Wouldn’t anybody prefer Sophia in the bedroom and Catherine in the living room? Wait. That’s not true. Remember Belle de Jour?
I’m torn. I’d like a side of minimalist chic with my glitzy hussy, please.
The Mouille is just so classic – it works anywhere – as you’ve shown. I’m into anything really huge at the moment (like the neo Baroque skeleton chandelier I posted this week). There’s probably some interesting psychoanalysis to be had there . . .
I was leaning Mouille until I saw the Sciolari in the Wearstler room. For the record, I like that room and I LOVE that light.
Also, I think Holly has a valid point
Henry Fonda and Cary Grant? Not French/Italian but similar appeals, I think?
I am crazy about the space with the Mouille. Wowza.
I think the Mouille is like Serge Gainsbourg and the Sciolari is like (the the Italian pop star of the 60s and 70s) Lucio Battisti. Serge is understated (love him , love the nose) and Battisti is a lovah. From that ballad-y- La Canzone del Sole to the disco-y Ancora Tu. You will want to be dancing under that Sciolari. But you still want Mouille in the corner. (Wish I could stick pictures in here….)
Hello hello, Holly! I love your vintage clothing site
Ainsley and Susan, fab choices for hot man meat. Keep em coming…
Sciolari, hands down. I love the Mouille too, but really, it’s all about the brass.
oui oui: Mouille Mouille!
Oh, oui je t’aime!
Hi Erin–Thanks for the compliment on my website. You’ve been in my sidebar on my blog for awhile now and I consider myself a regular reader. Thank you for being a regular updater!
Good luck with your lamp hoarding. Er…I mean, collecting. I have a similar problem, but I don’t have good taste like you do.
http://www.lucitebox.com/blog/?p=26
you are my favorite site this week!
Well, hot damn! THANKS!!! And special thanks to the lovely Pillow Mint and AB Chao for their most excellent contributions.
Love the red beds that go with those lights in the top pic!
I’m definitely in the Mouille camp, but this was a great selection of images for both. Wow!
Interesting discussion about Serge Mouille lamps.
Funny that Henry Fonda is mentioned since he too was so taken by Mouille’s designs. Henry Fonda camped out on the steps of Serge Mouille’s work shop until he agreed to meet with him. Fonda refused to leave and somehow convinced Mr. Mouille to produce him a lamp.
Taken from http://www.sergemouilleusa.com/sergeMouille_biography.html
Jean-Phillip, thanks for the interesting bit of trivia!
No doubt that was one sexy lamp.
HHAAAaaarrgghhh !!!
MASTER Mouille….