Yvonne Blacker: I Can See Clearly Now…

Decreasing visual clutter can be the best way to lighten up your surroundings. Just as a freshly cleaned window will enhance the view, clear glass and thick Lucite pieces have the ability to make the objects around them look even better. The fact that they reflect and catch light with ease make these “ghost†pieces have an undeniable stage presence.

Suspended glass “sticks†in this ceiling pendant by Charles Loomis sparkle much like ice covered branches.

Loomis Stix Ceiling Mount Pendant available at The Bright Group, Boston Design Center

If you prefer a more traditional light fixture, how about this pair with its Greek key border and hanging crystals that look like falling rain?

Greek Key Pendant Chandeliers by Pride Sasser available at Robert Allen/Beacon Hill, Boston Design Center

Speaking of showers, clear glass tile by Ann Sacks would be quite refreshing in a master bath, don’t you agree?

Crystal Glass Tile available at Ann Sacks, Boston Design Center

A round glass-topped table at Webster & Company clearly shows off the shapely bent wood legs below.

Tango Cafe Table by Dakota Jackson available at Webster & Company, Boston Design Center

Glass pieces really shine when side by side with naturally warm leather.

Clear Murano Glass Baluster Table by The Wicker Works available at Webster & Company, Boston Design Center

I love the contrast of straight thick glass combined with curvy golden branches (22K gold leaf, actually) on this Ramille Occasional Table.

Ramille Occasional Table by Mattaliano available at Webster & Company, Boston Design Center

Why not go for an all-over sparkle fest? This glittery vignette includes faceted light-refracting spheres, a crystal decanter and lots of shiny glassware on a sleek glass-topped coffee table. Even the sheer curtains provide a see-through view. A rich and velvety plum-colored sofa with an inviting mohair throw cozy up what could be a cold space.

A shining example of pairing glass with glass at Grand Rapids Furniture Company, Boston Design Center

If you aren’t the over-the-top type, sometimes decorating with a few plain glass jars is enough to add a bit of sparkle. Although these large-scale vintage French soap bottles with hand-colored labels are hardly what I would call “plain.†Can’t you just picture them in a guest bath filled high with small round soaps?

Van Thiel & Company vintage bottles, set of 3, available at Robert Allen/Beacon Hill, Boston Design Center

Lucite is another popular design choice when you want sheer beauty that celebrates form and function. Grace & Blake has a gorgeous collection of Lucite pieces mixed with unique fabrics, feathers and collected objects.

From the collection of Grace & Blake

This Bella Bench with a burlap tufted cushion looks modern yet vintage inspired. While it is a generous three feet wide, it doesn’t take up a lot of visual square footage.

The Bella Bench by Grace & Blake

Kartell has been creating stunning see-through furnishings since 1964. The Ghost Buster Commode designed by Philippe Starck with Eugeni Quitlet, in transparent crystal, would make a nice bedside table–especially in a room that is shy on space. The Kartell Bourgie Lamp, designed by Ferruccio Laviani, is as classically beautiful as it is visually ironic.

Kartell’s Ghost Buster Commode and Bourgie Lamp

I just happened to spot a similar version at a local HomeGoods for a considerably good price. Do you think it is a replica or an original? I didn’t check at the time that I took this photo (about a month ago), but I can’t see a difference. Can you???

Is this deal for real?

Whether you favor a modern or traditional look, sneaking a few see-though pieces into your living spaces is clearly a good idea.

–Yvonne Blacker
Yvonne Blacker‘s most recent creative work spans residential interior decorating, art direction, graphic design (including surface pattern design for Alluminare.com), plus lots of writing. Her blog, Design Vignettes, shares the stories behind the design. Features include renovation projects, design events, the promotion of other creatives and highlights from her newly launched digital design magazine, New England Finery. Look for her designed space at the upcoming North Shore Design Show at the Wenham Museum, May 14th to the 22nd. Follow her on twitter and Facebook.