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Wrought Iron Decorating Ideas from Ashlee Simpson’s Home

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When singer and actress Ashlee Simpson listed her 7,100-square-foot villa in the Beverly Hills Post Office area for $3.69 million in spring of 2011, realtor.com posted 20 photos of the fabulous Mediterranean style house on its website. With five bedrooms, six and a half baths, a pool and spa, media room, meditation room and breath-taking views of canyons, mountains and greenbelts, the listing was sure to go fast.

Not surprisingly the listing agent, Sotheby’s International, reported the house had sold by June 2011 for $3.475 million, not too far off the asking price in a slow real estate market. While we’re sure the meditation garden and gourmet kitchen had plenty to do with the quick sale, what really attracted us about the photos of Ms. Simpson’s home were the many and varied uses of wrought iron. From the railing on the second-floor balcony to lighting fixtures and accent pieces, wrought iron is a repeated decorating theme throughout the home.

A Hollywood Mansion for Big Bang Theory Actor Simon Helberg

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Charlie Sheen made quite a splash when the drug- and booze-fueled antics in his Mediterranean-style Hollywood mansion came to light. As a result, the new owner of the home – “Big Bang Theory” actor Simon Helberg – will likely be a much more popular tenant in the historic Los Feliz neighborhood. Helberg acquired the mini-mansion, built in 1927, for $2.9 million and now has 4,200 square feet of luxury to explore. The Los Feliz home has been on the real estate market since 2009, just two years less than Helberg has starred on the hit TV series.

The Origin of Wrought Iron Chandeliers

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Chandeliers made their first appearance in the 14th century and were solely made of wood. The name itself is derived from the French word chandelle referring to a light fixture with branch supports hanging from a ceiling. Early chandeliers were formed from two beams in the shape of a cross with spikes embedded to hold each candle. This light source was commonly found in monasteries and wealthy castles. Candles were quite expensive and often rationed until the black of night. Only the rich could afford such a luxury. To maximize the effect of lighting, chandeliers were often placed near mirrors to increase the reflection. Shiny furnishings from this era have been discovered that were also utilized for this purpose.

Wrought Iron Chandeliers

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Wrought iron chandelier design options are nearly limitless, and the affordability and durability of wrought iron chandeliers makes them the perfect choice for adding layers of light to eclectic design trends.

Chandeliers used to be consigned to floating above dining room tables or to brightening big foyers. But no more. The queen of light fixtures has been set free to adorn and emblazon every room of the house. Edgy designers have even introduced chandeliers to the bathroom.