My parents just returned from a trip to Italy and stopped over in NYC on their way home this weekend. It was so fun to see their photos and remember all the beautiful things in that country. At the end of our summer living in Brussels, Michael and I took a couple of weeks to tour Italy by ourselves, sans kids. That was probably the best trip we’ve ever taken. It was just beautiful, everything, across the board. And I can still taste the delicious food. Yum.
We were in grad school at the time, so we didn’t splurge on much during the trip. When we were in Venice, we stayed on the island of Murano, a quick boat taxi ride away from Venice proper, to save money. It ended up being a really lovely little bed and breakfast near some of the coolest glass-blowing factories on earth.
(this little drinking fountain outside our window woke us up every morning)
(Some of the glass-blowing shops in Murano. Our bed and breakfast was in a little town square behind the white building on the right. It was so quaint and perfect.)
Michael was a good sport and pretended to be interested while I was dragging him all around the glass shops. I desperately wanted to buy a chandelier or a pair of lamps, but our suitcases were already so full from treasures we found at flea markets in Brussels and Paris during the summer, we were at capacity. Plus, the prices of some/most of the pieces were completely out of our budget. We bought a few little trinkets, including a glass paper weight (which I collect), but nothing big. And I’ve always sort of regretted that for some reason. I guess it’s just not often that souvenirs fit my aesthetic so well.
Anyway, shortly after we got home to Cambridge, I found a pair of vintage Murano glass lamps on craigslist for a great price and bought them even though it wasn’t love. I really like them, but I probably should have waited for the perfect pair to come along. The blues are not quite as bright in person, but maybe they just need a room with more light? They’ve been sitting in storage for a couple of years, but don’t worry – they’re in good company with lots of other lamps. :)
I actually always had my heart set on a pair like these from Swank Lighting, but the multiple-thousands price tag convinced me it just wasn’t going to happen. Ever.
They reminded me a little of this lamp in Kristen Buckingham’s living room (she is one of my favorite designers).
Persistance pays off though sometimes and I found a pair of vintage green glass lamps recently on eBay for about the cost of a new pair of lamps from West Elm. I am so crazy about the jade color. These are going in the new living room, I think. And they almost make up for not getting a pair straight from the source when I could. :)
PS I don’t know who the maker was, but Home Goods was selling a jadeite color lamp a year or two ago. Might be worth a little digging if you’re in the market for a lamp in a similar color.
You're lamps are gorgeous and the first thing I thought when I saw them was how much they reminded me of my jadeite lamps from Home Goods. I have those exact lamps you posted about! http://honeyandfitz.blogspot.com/2010/05/lamp-switcheroo.html#axzz1y9KmnlyU
oh Italy! That is on our bucket list!! We just got back from England & Paris last month-sans kids and it was by far the best vacay ever! And I too have a dream of owning a pair of Murano lamps, yours are just beautiful!
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Those photos are beautiful, Jenny!! I loved Venice and touring the glass shops in Murano was fascinating! We picked up a couple of sconces for our dining room and they make me smile every day!
love your blog!
Carrie
SO JEALOUS OF YOUR NEW LAMPS! If you ever want to sell them, please email me! I've been searching forever for lamps in this color!
vholterschmidt@gmail.com
I'm going to Italy with my hubby this summer! We thought about passing on Venice – doesn't it feel so touristy?? But your photos are making me rethink this one!
Beautiful lamps! Can't wait to see them in your NEW living room! Come to think of it, can't wait to see your new living room, period!
:)
The lamps are DIVINE! (actually I loved all the ones you showed here today :) I CANNOT WAIT to see your new place all gussied up :)
Table lamps are my weakness! And I love those green ones!
WOW…these lamps are phenomenal! Mod Pieces (www.modpieces.ca/lookbook) has some really beautiful lamp shade and bases as well!
So jealous of your find! What a color!
Oh boy, I wish I could go to Murano too. Well really I just would like a chance to leave the states!
That layout of all the murano lamps is mind blowing! WOWEE! Such stunners!
Jenny, I love the blue lamps. If you want to sell them, please let us know! I'm sure one of your readers would be very interested! You always have the best finds. I'm pretty jealous!
That's so cool you lived in Brussels! I bet that was so amazing!
Jenny, I tend to be of the philosophy that the very best souvenir is one that is beautiful and functional. Lamps are a perfect fit!
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