The Lighting Switch Out

I have been in the process of adding my personal touches to our house lately. Taking out some builder grade features and replacing them with items that have a bit more character and more in line with my style. As always, the budget is a big factor is choosing said items. Lighting is something that I have been tackling at the moment.

The builder lighting package wasn't bad, I was perfectly fine with their picks...until I could fine tune things. Shopping online in the evening was how I was finding my new lights. I did check out the store, but most of what I liked was never stocked, so ordering online seemed inevitable...but with free to-the-store returns, I had nothing to lose.

First I tackled the kitchen pendant island lights.

I love the industrial touches in decor, especially in kitchens...this is as "industrial" as I go. They original lights blended into the cabinets and were very bright. We have a lot of can lights in the kitchen (as you can see) and the pendants just overwhelmed the space. I would turn on only one set at a time. These new lights concentrate the light downward, making the island/breakfast bar a softer space, making a comfortable glow. I can turn on the can lights at the same time and not feel blinded. Here is the link for the new pendant lights!

BUY HERE

After the island/breakfast bar, I wanted to replace the kitchen table light. The original light always looked a little odd to me. I think it was the glass shades pointing down that threw me. It just looked awkward.

Outdated picture as far as the wall decor goes, but all you need is the original light fixture for reference

Again, it wasn't terrible, so I decided I would change it out once I got a feel for the space. Once the other lights were in, I really want to switch this one out! With my coffee bar on the back wall, I knew I didn't want anything to big, heavy, or overly-stylized. I like cage lights, and orb lights, but this just wasn't the space for one.

Examples:

I also have the added difficulty of wanting (in my opinion, NEEDING) nickel lighting. While I could possibly get away with iron lighting in the dining room or entry hall, the kitchen table is (logically) next to the kitchen where the new nickel pendant lights hang. The table area needs to match in my mind. Guess what? Finding the style I like, in the color I need, in my price range, proved to be a chore. I started liking a new style. Bare candle chandeliers, and shade candle chandeliers.

Examples:

Now, finding one in nickel was still hard. Not just nickel, brushed nickel. I finally found one I liked with a price I was happy with.

BUY HERE

I installed it, and loved the look. The simple lines didn't make the space feel over-decorated, and it blended with the pendant lights without being to "matchy-matchy."

One issue. We went from a 3 light fixture to a 5 light fixture. Suddenly there was a mighty glow over the table that illuminated half the downstairs (probably not...it just felt like it). Well, since I liked the shaded chandeliers as well, I decided to find some shades. I settled on these.

BUY HERE

I liked the fact that the burlap material on the shade made the light more casual, the space less "fancy."

I really have enjoyed the new chandelier and the shades...and the light output is appropriate for the space.

I am done with lighting changes for awhile. The next fixtures I want to change are in the entry hall and those lights will require paying for install. (I am in no way entertaining the idea of changing heavy lights in a 2-story tall hallway.) This lighting change will wait for this reason. This gives me plenty of time to shop...and to replenish the design fund.

What I learned from this adventure: Small changes, such as lights, can make a big difference in design and in the "feel" of the room; and more importantly,  I can successfully change out electrical fixtures without electrocuting myself or starting a fire. Yay! ;-)

Grand total for new fixtures (including price cuts and sales & adding tax): $325

M.LEWIS