Circa Lighting Blog



I'm so excited to share some news.  One of my projects is featured today on the Circa Lighting blog.  Check it out HERE.  Circa is my go-to source for beautiful, exquisitely crafted lighting.  I use a lot of Visual Comfort lighting and they are the best resource for those products.

I used this Simple Scallop pendant in my showhouse bedroom.



I love the shape and softness it gave the room.

In the bathroom, I used the simple scallop sconces and a little sparkle on the ceiling to add some femininity.

Simple scallop sconce

Paris flea market ceiling mount

In this bathroom remodel project I used the lighting to add some detail and elegance. 

Reed 8-light chandelier

Siena 3-light sconce





The Channing single sconce was used the this master bath remodel.



I love their antique rubbed brass finish.  It has so much depth and a beautiful lustre.

The simple, slender shape of this sconce was so appropriate for this small powder bath.

tt single arm sconce in bronze

I used the medium Eugene in my old office space.  I've still got it, to use in my upcoming kitchen remodel.



Great resources are a must for every designer.  Circa has a beautiful lighting boutique in Houston so you can see fixtures and finishes in person.  I have a great rep that keeps me updated with information and service.  Circa has become a wonderful resource for me.

Patterns of Light

Zamzam Riad Boutique Hotel

It's not really about that orb floating inside the groin vault in this hotel in Marakech, is it?  It's about that exquisite pattern of light that the orb creates.  Magical.

Circa Lighting Blog - the shadows here align with the vaults in the ceiling

Selecting lighting for a space involves so many considerations.  How much wattage needs to come from a fixture? What type of bulbs?  What direction does it need to illuminate? How does it scale in the room?  What material and finish is best for the space? What about style?  These are just a few of the things designers have to consider when selecting lighting for a project. 

Zamzam Riad Boutique Hotel

Sometimes the pattern of light created by the fixture is an afterthought.....a reward after the fixture is installed.  Many times there is no way to see the fixture lit beforehand. There may not be a photograph of it lit and choosing one that is in stock and installed in a local showroom for a client to see live and in person is rare. So, when the fixture is flicked on just after it's installed and we're all looking up with an expectant smile, hoping it will do everything it's supposed to, and then.....

My bathroom fixture - Circa Lighting

I LOVE this moment.  The pattern of light created in that particular environment is always unique.  Color, texture, and objects in the room are all affected in a different way.

Zamzam Riad Boutique Hotel

Sconce by Two Hills Studio, Austin, TX

Sorry for the glare here, my job site photo!  Love the pattern on the ceiling though.

Very blurry shot of one of my master bath remodels in progress.  Moroccan fixture installed. I'll post the final shot soon!

Another Zamzam Riad photo - beautiful!

Patterns of light in a room add another layer to the overall depth and richness of a space.  It's not always about the beautiful fixture, but about the way it brings everything to life!

Powder Bath Redo

"Before" - Ordinary

"After" - Extraordinary!

Photographer - Miro Dvorscak

Contact Aston Design Studio for an extraordinary take on your interiors!

Showhouse Bathroom

"Phoebe".....my imaginary client. (photo ripped from the Urban Outfitters catalog)

I'm very excited to be working on a bedroom and bath for the upcoming ASID Showhouse in Sienna Plantation. I have an imaginary client, an older teenaged girl, "Phoebe" I'm calling her, recent grad of the local high school, attending college now and just coming home for holidays and summer. She is a free spirit, loves music, theater, photography......definitely artistic. She's smart and knows her own mind. She and her mother butt heads from time to time, both are headstrong and like to get their own way. You know, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! She's very opinionated about her style which is eclectic and bohemian...she likes what she likes and is a bit unpredictable when it comes to clothing, hair, make-up, and her room. She mixes it up and likes adventurous combinations.

I'm still tweaking the bedroom, the "she-cave", but the bathroom is under construction so all design is finished in there. It went a bit more on the feminine side than her bedroom, after all "Mom" had something to say about this and still envisions her sweet little Phoebe washing her face in that bathroom at night, ready to be tucked into bed.

I received the wallpaper last week. It's beautiful, feminine, and graphic...bright apple green background with silver and white, in this enlarged pattern. I wanted something bold that Phoebe would have fallen in love with and had to have in her bathroom. All other finishes and fixtures are nice, but play a supporting role in this space. It's all about the wallpaper.

Seabrook wallpaper, with silver metallic highlights, through Wallcoverings, Int'l.

Elevation of the vanity area.





Floor tile is a Daltile product, Fabrique, 12" x 24", laid in a brick pattern. It's a rather modern look porcelain, made a bit more traditional with the pattern. The grayish color works well with the silver metallic in the wallpaper.




White Daltile Rittenhouse subway tile for the shower/tub area, repeating the brick pattern and not calling much attention to itself. Clean, functional, supporting role, classic look.

A little sparkle....the Visual Comfort ceiling mount fixture from Circa Lighting.

Beautiful, sophisticated wall sconces... silk shades, modern lines, softness at the mirror. Visual Comfort through Circa Lighting.

Modern mirror with a little more metallic. I love that the pattern of ovals is the same as the brick pattern on the floor and wall tile. Custom made through Unique Arts of Houston. Countertop material shown above is a Silestone product, Blanco Maple, white with some gray flecks.

Kohler Margaux faucet and plumbing fixtures in polished nickel. I love the squared off shape, a little different, just like Phoebe. It contrasts with the fluidity of the wallpaper.

Cabinet color - Sherwin Williams, Sassy Green - perfect name.

Cabinet door hardware, modern, lucite...definitely Phoebe's choice.

My concept board presented back in December.

I think this will make her happy to get up in the morning. It's fresh and not too young. Mother and Daughter will love it. Finally, agreement on something!

If you would like help creating a bathroom tailor made for you, contact Aston Design Studio today!