COTE DE TEXAS: Visual Comfort/Circa Lighting Warehouse Sale

Visual Comfort/Circa Lighting Warehouse Sale

 

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One of my favorite places to shop for lamps and lighting fixtures is Circa Lighting – the retail store with locations in Houston, Atlanta, Savannah and Charleston.  Their fixtures are a cut above other lighting stores -  the designs are refined and timeless - classy is the best word to describe the product.   The company prides itself on it finishes, many of which are “living” such as nickel, designed to patina over time.   Inspiration comes from different places – from the flea markets of Paris to the imagination of some of America’s top designers. 

 

There is a fixture for any decor – be it traditional or starkly contemporary.    Circa Lighting never disappoints – in fact, it only improves.  The original designer roster of Thomas O’Brien and Eric Cohler has grown and the new faces are very exciting.  Cote de Texas Top 10 Designers Michael S. Smith and  Suzanne Kasler are now on board designing, as are  Clodagh, Barbara Barry, Alexa Hampton and most exciting, Houstonian great Randy Powers.  Amazing!  

 

Since their retail stores are limited to just four cities, the Circa Lighting web site is a perfect way to peruse the line and make a purchase.   Rest assured that the quality is top notch – the finishes are beautiful, the shades are special, and the craftsmanship is superb.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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La Dolce Vita, another Houston blogger emailed me this flyer above – she knows all the inside goings-on at Visual Comfort – the wholesale side of Circa Lighting.  Loyal La Dolce Vita readers know that Paloma’s husband works at Visual Comfort – so she always has the latest scoop.    Paloma’s exciting news today is there is going to be a huge sale at Visual Comfort’s warehouse in Houston.  WOW!    The doors at 2021 Bingle Road will be open to the public this Saturday, Dec. 6th from 9 am to 4 pm.  Members of the Trade get a sneak peek on Friday, Dec. 5th from 9 am until 3 pm.  Designers – be sure you bring your Tax I.D. 

After getting the flyer, I rushed over to  Circa Lighting’s web site to scope out what might be on sale Friday.  I was thrilled to note it has recently been updated to include all their new designers.    Three of them really caught my eye:

 

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First - Atlanta interior designer Suzanne Kasler’s designs for Circa Lighting are really exciting and totally fit my design aesthetic.  This chandelier, the Percival, comes in two sizes and is the star of her line.   This style is really hot right now – and I think Kasler’s version is one of the prettiest I’ve seen.  

 

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Kasler’s  Quatrefoil floor lamp comes in two finishes and is really a stunner.   The design is reminiscent of the Quatrefoil chair she debuted in her new furniture line for Hickory Chair. 

 

 

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This pair of wall sconces, the Sebastian, are in the old white wood finish, with two antique portraits inset in the frame – just divine!  I would use these flanking a large gilded antique mirror or a French buffet a deux. 

 

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Kasler’s  Roswell sconce has a linen “shield” shade – simple elegance.  The shade is available in several colors – but I adore this French blue.

 

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The Hurley chandelier is perfect for a bedroom or powder room.  It comes in a few finishes – but the polished nickel, shown here, is perfect!!

 

 

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Be still my heart!   The Flea Market wall lantern is perfect anywhere - the entry hall, or the family room, the dining room or the stair hall.   I could see using these going down a long hallway to softly light the way at night.

 

 

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Kasler’s  Sophie is a feminine take on the English pool table light.  It comes in the rust or old white finish.  Imagine this over your kitchen island, or over a bar.   Either place, it’s a beauty!

 

 

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The Weldon wall lamp is dressier than some of Kasler’s other designs.   This would be wonderful in the public areas of a house such as the entry hall or dining room.  The Weldon makes quite a statement and it comes in two finishes. 

 

 

The next designer new to Circa Lighting that caught my eye is Houstonian J. Randall Powers, or Randy to his friends and clients.  Powers’ recently created line should come as no surprise to those familiar with his work:  the pieces are outstanding!

 

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Powers is one of Houston’s busiest and most published interior designers.   Young and charming, he recently designed a wonderful  house for the principal of Visual Comfort.   The finished project was published in House Beautiful this summer and can be seen here in Cote de Texas.  The project was large and quite lengthy and Powers and his clients became good friends in the process.  Of course, he was asked to lend his name and ingenuity to the company.   Powers is known for his versatility – he is just as adroit with contemporary design as he is with the English Country Manor look, and thus, his work for Visual Comfort reflects this knack for classic, timeless design. 

Here, the Geoffrey (named after Bennison?) floor lamp is simply gorgeous.  Made in the aged iron and hand rubbed antique brass finish, this elegant lamp would be perfect in the living room or the master bedroom.  

 

 

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These lamps are my favorite in Power’s line.  Made of marble – yes, marble, you have a choice of white or black.  Aren’t these gorgeous?  The black marble has a  somewhat Empire feel, where as the white marble could go from Swedish to Belgian to French design.  The possibilities for these two lamps are endless. 

 

 

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The double Savoy sconce comes in four finishes, but the polished nickel is especially beautiful.

 

 

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The Lancaster floor lamp is starkly elegant – the only flourish comes at it’s feet.   Available in gilded or aged iron, this lamp is somewhat dressy – perfect for between two contemporary slipper chairs or two antique Klismos.

 

 

The next new designer, Californian interior designer Michael S. Smith, introduced his line for Circa Lighting this year and, as expected, it does not disappoint.

 

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Smith’s designs for Circa Lighting  would fit right into his sumptuous interiors.   This lamp, the Crescent, is the line’s standout piece.  It is made of natural quartz stone (!) and comes with a simple yet elegant, paper shade.   A pair of these lamps would be smashing in any designer’s room!

 

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The Eiffel single sconce comes in four finishes, but I’m partial to this wonderful polished nickel.  This would be perfect in a master bath, lighting a hallway, or in a man’s library.  

 

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The Spencer Sheffield silver table lamp by Smith is great for the living room, a library or the family sitting room.   It could be used in pairs or as a single accent lamp.   I love this lamp and obviously Smith does too – this was the fixture he chose to publicize his association with Circa Lighting.  

 

 

There are other fixtures from the Visual Comfort/Circa Lighting product line that are personal favorites.    Here are just a few of the ones that I think are wonderful:

 

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I love this urn lamp – it comes in two sizes and four finishes.  This old garden white on wood finish is perfect for the family room, bedroom, sunroom – really anywhere.  A classic shape with a classic paper shade – it is just the right fixture for the current garden statuary look that is so popular today.

 

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Lanterns for the interior are hot, hot, hot.  Circa Lighting has over 140 lanterns in their catalogue and this is my favorite one!  This lantern –  with a crown top  - comes in a green patina finish with antique brass accents.       Two of these over a large kitchen island would be stunning.   Actually, it would be stunning no matter what room it’s in.

 

 

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I love this light!  A faux candle lights the fixture making it much safer than the real thing.     Two of these would be great on a fireplace mantel or on a buffet table, in a bookshelf, or you could use a pair on pedestals flanking an antique English linen press.  Highly versatile, this fixture comes in many different finishes, sizes, and shapes.

 

 

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This candlestick style table lamp is precious!   The  lamp  is very tall and is perfect for a buffet or console table.   It comes in the wonderful old garden white on wood finish.   It is available in different sizes and shapes and is a very authentic looking copy of an antique – something that Circa Lighting excels at.  

 

 

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This wall lantern – Old Toll – is black with chinoiserie detailing and a faux candle.  Absolutely fabulous!

 

 

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The Paris Flea Market chandelier is a signature piece for Circa Lighting.    It comes in petite, medium, and large sizes – in antique brass or polished silver with seeded glass.  There are also sconces to match in the different sizes.    A copy of a popular antique – it’s a good alternative to the pricey original.

 

 

In my interior design work, I have used Circa Lighting on many jobs.   Having the store in Houston is too convenient not to utilize, but ordering online is just as easy!

 

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This ceiling fixture, the  Double Twist,  was used in the sitting room of a high rise apartment.   It’s designed by Eric Cohler and I love the crystal ball on the end.

 

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For a master bedroom that was designed “on a budget” – I used this simple candlestick floor lamp next to the French chair and ottoman.  The silk shade was recovered in the toile fabric.

 

 

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In this townhouse, on the skirted table, I used the black Chinoiserie lamp.  It’s hiding back there, I promise!

 

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Ok, ok, here’s a closer look of the lamp, still hiding somewhat!

 

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Visual Comfort/Circa Lighting has really grown in popularity over the years.  It seems that every time I open a design magazine or book – there are lighting fixtures credited to either Circa Lighting or Visual Comfort.  To test my theory, I opened up domino Magazine’s  web page.  Sure enough, the very first thing I saw, NYC interior designer’s Miles Redd’s apartment, was loaded with fixtures from Circa Lighting.  In Redd’s bedroom, above, is Eric Cohler’s Shore Line lamp – the tall version.  If you don’t believe me – test out my theory yourself.  Open any magazine and see how long it takes for you to spot a beautiful fixture from Circa Lighting or Visual Comfort.  Trust me – it won’t be but a minute!

 

Houstonians – don’t forget to visit the huge Visual Comfort warehouse sale this week!!!!   Located at 2021 Bingle Road – Trade gets first look on Friday, the 5th.   Saturday is open to the public.

 

And if you aren’t in Houston, the web site for Circa Lighting is here.

47 comments :

  1. I love the tall lamp (both base and shade) on your bedside table in the fourth last photo.

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  2. Absolutely fabulous lights! I especially love Kasler's designs and the lanterns! Wish I could go to the sale, but its too far from Boston!
    xxx
    Gina

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  3. Joni, love the fact that you help us place this beauties in just the right spot. You "light" up our world!

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  4. Joni,
    Love , love , love the rooms you design!!!! I could happily live in any of them!

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  5. Wish I was there...lighting sales get me excited.

    I'm off to check out the website.

    Some gorgous pieces here- especially the Savoy Sconce.

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  6. I buy most of my fixtures from Circa and I love their selection. I must say that I'm peeved b/c I've been waiting on two lights since July and there's still no sign of them being shipped.

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  7. The Percival chandelier is my favorite. It's beautifully understated.

    - Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife

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  8. I would love to shop, in Houston, Saturday. I know, positively, I would find the perfect Christmas gift....for me, of course!

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  9. And the best treat is seeing more of your beautiful designs -- again! :-)

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  10. I am with you, I love the pool table fixture. It is more delicate than most.
    But it is all great.

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  11. Thank you, Joni! I love the you outlined all of your favorites. Aren't the new pieces incredible?

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  12. Let's see. . . where could I use a new lamp? Absolutely beautiful. I'm especially loving the marble lamps. I also love your townhouse design, Joni. The touches of aqua with the red are my favorite color combination.

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  13. Aside from all the beautiful lighting with double savoy sconce and Paris flea market chandelier as my personal 2 favorites, I love all 3 rooms. I love how Mr. Cohler's placement of the accent color red is spot on. Your choice of color palette,textures and lighting in the bedroom is perfect. As for the townhouse, I want it! I love every fabric in the room. The skirted table,the red and soft white plaid to the print fabric on the upholstered chair with the coordinating accent pillows on the daybed settee? with the taupe checkered fabric. Truly elegant interiors.

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  14. I must have been royalty in another life, or I was sent home with the wrong family at birth, because I love anything with a crown on it....that lantern!

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  15. Joni...your design work is stunning!!!!

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  16. Ok Joni! I did it! I submitted my design for the show house! I hope they pick me! They're supposed to let everyone know by phone if they were picked by the 14th, as the 15th is the designer measuring day! IF they pick me, I'm gonna need some help - so I hope you're ready! :)

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  17. Always love it when you share you work, Joni! Beautiful, flawless design that makes me want to grab a book and a blankie and call it a day!
    xoxo
    Kara

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  18. I am in love with that Percival chandelier! We need cute lamps asap since me and my fiance are moving into a new place together.

    After he proposed and gave me a gorgeous diamond engagement ring from www.idonowidont.com our new apt is empty and dark and needs some cute chic lamps!

    I would totally get that chandelier or the Chinoiserie lamp!

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  19. You always showcase the most unique things. I have not been able to visit for a while...a lot going on - am in the process of catching up.

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  20. The Savoy and the Eifel Sconces are must haves. I LOVE them! I also like that quartz lamp.
    I was looking at that room that has the chandelier with the ball on it, and I thought "that's Joni's design and her photo...someone's using it"
    DUH....yeah, it's Joni! Sometimes reading my blogs in Google Reader makes me forget whose blog I'm on. Great lamps, chandeliers, lanterns and sconces.

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  21. Visual Comfort is an amazing resource for lighting
    (I'm sure you recognized the petite french chandelier in my bathroom and all of the Visual Comfort lighting we used in Steve's home that I posted about a few weeks ago).
    The best part of this post is seeing some of your beautiful and meticulously designed interiors.

    xo
    Brooke

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  22. Joni, I don't even know where to begin! These are so beautiful I cannot choose just one! I love seeing more of your own design work.

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  23. Hi, I have been following your blog for about a year. Encouraging me document my own design quest. You have lead me many places, Visual Comfort is one. Thank you.
    My favorite is the Yoke pendant in Chrome or Polished nickle. I am buying 2 for my kitchen island, not sure of the size I will go with, it come in large and small. My island is 121"x60". Any thoughts. I wish I could post a photo.
    Thanks :) Pickle

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  24. Guess where I am going to go now this weekend???? Thank you. Wish I could go tomorrow...I want to be "the trade."

    Kim

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  25. To me, lighting is like good underwear. If it's done right, you notice the room. If it's a "poor fit", all you see is the bad lighting. Although having said that, lamps more and more make a great visual statement with all the new designs and textures in both the lamp and the shade. I'm a "lamp-a-holic" as my husband will attest. Out in the garages of both our houses, there is an inventory of "not being used right now but 'high potential' for changing it up later" lamps. Some people rotate accessories or textiles. I keep my lamps "on the run" changing them out periodically. And Neiman's Last Call is a GREAT place to find some really usual lamps for reasonable coin. And the Waterford ginger jar lamp base I found at Tuesday Morning is classic and will NEVER age - perfect for my antique dressing table from England.

    One thing that REALLY bugs me though are folks who do NOT put the proper harp height on their lamps and either the mechanics are peeping out of the bottom of the shade like some poor slip showing under a dress or else it's so short that the shade fairly rests on the lamp base hiding the lines of the base. Proper harps and interesting finials are cheap fixes that make a huge impact!

    And never try to buy a shade without the lamp unless you are wanting to make numerous trips back and forth to the shops.

    Thanks for the, ahem, "illuminating" post! I do love lamps.

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  26. Love that profile pic BTW. You are so sasssssyyy! :)

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  27. Joni, I love Circa Lighting. I have perused their website before, but I really enjoy seeing it in rooms you desinged! You truly are so very talented. I am going to come back here on Saturday when I unchain myself from Christmas decorating and have a nice long look. I also think I remember seeing one of the very cool floor lamps in the pictures you posted of the shop in Austin.

    Thanks again for sharing. Your public appreciates you! :-)

    Sheila

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  28. You're right , Joni. Circa has the most fantastic lighting and I swear, nearly every time I see a lamp or fixture I love in a magazine, when I flip to the back it's sourced to Circa. So I've checked their website several times and one of these days... I hope to actually make a purchase!

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  29. Oh Circa Lighting, how I love thee. Almost all of the lamps in my house have come from them. I use their website to place orders and they have the BEST customer service around.

    Joni, I just adore your work. Can't wait to see more!

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  30. I am into lighting and I am grateful that along the way I have gathered a terrific assortment of lamps that work so well, in so many ways, here in our new home. Another great post ... love from The Prairie.

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  31. That's not Miles Redd's apt. It's just one he did for the Domino article.

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  32. The Flea Market lantern and the Spencer Sheffield lamp are my favorites! And that lovely chandelier in the first photo reminds me of Spanish Moss hanging off the trees in Savannah. Pretty.

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  33. The Percival is so lovely. It will definitely be an eye-catcher in any room.

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  34. Joni,
    I love Circa - I have two of their lamps in my den. I wish they extended their sale to their website for the rest of us non-Houstonians!
    I have been reading your blog for some time & love your aesthetic & your designs. I am always impressed by the depth of your research & work for your blog entries & have learned tons from you! It's also fun for me to see you upload some pics at times that are the same pics I have teared out for my idea file...

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  35. You know...it seems everytime I notice beautiful lighting it is Circa 9 times out of 10! You picked some beauts! And it is always so fun to see your designs!
    Thank you!

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  36. What wonderful lighting options you have here, Joni! I love them!

    Your design work is fabulous too!
    You are so talented......wish you could come see me!

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  37. mom i gave you an award.. check it out

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  38. Your design work is just gorgeous,Joni!
    I wish I was closer or they ship to Australia. I always struggle to find the right lighting I want for the job.

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  39. Joni
    Thanks for visiting me!

    What a good idea, I think I will take you up on your suggestion.

    Just to tell you! I check your blog everyday to see if you've posted.
    I love your blog. You are an inspiration to me.
    I've enjoyed the 'peeks' into your home, as well as your ideas!
    Mim

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  40. I got your note and your comment about being nosey made me giggle. To answer your question, 2 sons, 1 daughter, 2 granddaughters....oh, and I almost forgot, 1 husband!

    Your bedroom on a budget is amazing. Personally I would love some budget decorating that ended up as beautiful as your design did!

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  41. Hey hey! I know you probably don't put up a tree and blah blah for Christmas, but I do - and I just posted the tree in the living room yesterday. I'd love to know what you think of it!

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  42. joni, your spaces are beautiful! can you come decorate my house in florida please? :)

    btw, which finish is the candlestick floor lamp you used in the "on a budget" room? antique brass or bronze?

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  43. I wouldn't know which one to choose ...

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  44. Catwoman: I think is was the antqiue bronze? it's not shiny at all. very simple and cheap!

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