Needing, Wanting, Loving: Lantern Lighting

Let's be honest.... I'm a girl who loves the classics.  Whether it be an Audrey Hepburn movie, trusty Chanel flats, or a French settee, I'll always choose the tried and true over the trendy.   Why?  Because the classics have endured for a reason.  Like a fine bottle of wine, they age well.   You don't have to worry if they'll lose their appeal in 10 years.  One classic piece I find particularly enduring is lantern lighting.  Whether it be for the exterior or interior of a home, it instantly adds old-world chic: 

{House and Home}

{Francois & Co}

{RAW Architects}

{Grays Lane}

{BHG}

I love to see exterior lanterns used in interior spaces.  When they are oversized, they add a beautiful and dramatic focal point to the room:

{Erica Burns}

If you fancy yourself to be less of a traditionalist, there are plenty of ways to make a classic piece read more modern.  Finding or painting a lantern in a bold hue, like this cherry red, adds an instant element of playfulness and fun:

{Style at Home}

{Tommy Smythe}

One of my current clients decided on copper lanterns to go above their kitchen island.  We searched high and low for the perfect option, but couldn't seem to find exactly what we were looking for.  Thankfully, one of my favorite Houston-based stores, Boxwood Interiors, custom-made the perfect pendants in a copper finish for us.  I can't wait to share the finished product with you!

So what's your take?  Are you a fan of lanterns, or are they too traditional for you?