Last month, we made some huge strides in switching out light fixtures throughout our house. I still have several other areas I want to tackle but #time #budget #eventually 😉 Out of six that I ordered (actually, eight but I’ll get to that in a few) my sweet electrician (ahem… Dave) hung all but one (because it won’t arrive until June). You may have already noticed some of the updates but I wanted to wait til this post to share all the details, plus a few hiccups along the way. Our kitchen lighting was at the top of the list but once I started, I wanted to keep going; the end goal was affordable transitional lighting. Since the light fixtures I selected were on the “less expensive” end of the spectrum, I was able to knock out a few rooms. While I’ve made some big improvements with recent lighting updates, I still have several spaces to tackle; here’s what we accomplished this past month.
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KITCHEN & BREAKFAST NOOK LIGHTING
This has been a priority lighting update area for a while, but because I wouldn’t just be switching one light, but making multiple changes, I wanted to hold off until I felt I could do them at once. I also had a hard time making up my mind on style and finishes because our home has a pretty open concept. Of course, the new lighting had to coordinate with lighting in the same sight line that had already been updated, but I didn’t want what we selected to clash with existing fixtures that would eventually be changed, either. Looking through the living room, we have the big fan, flush mounts over the catwalk, recessed lighting, and the foyer lantern pendant; these can all be viewed together, including the kitchen and breakfast nook. I was unsure if any hardware in my kitchen would change (or maybe even other elements?), possibly altering the pendant options above the bar so I wanted to go with something that wasn’t metal-heavy in the breakfast nook. I wanted something lighter. I wanted something transitional that would update the space a little bit and marry some of the more rustic elements. I wanted to modernize it a little without switching furniture. Sounds like I had some pretty high expectations from one light fixture, huh? haha Well, I had had my eyes on a wood bead chandelier for the past few years and I decided that regardless of the finish I decided for the bar pendants, it would work. So, I went for it. Instead of just showing the difference between lights in recent weeks, I thought I would first show you where I started. If you’ve been around since the beginning, you may remember this.
I ditched the too-small rug, went a little less French country on the mirror, changed up the chairs, and gave the table a paint job, and landed on this look.
After almost convincing myself that I probably needed to scrap the entire space to be happy with it, I changed the overhead fixture and fell back in love with my breakfast nook. Here’s the difference it made.
I am thrilled. Over the moon. And this is why I went on a month-long light-changing bender haha. I was reminded how dramatic of a change one lighting update can make.
| Francesca Beaded Chandelier |
Ok, so once we had the light fixture picked out for above the breakfast room table, I switched focus to above the bar. If I didn’t have the Darlana lantern (HERE) in the foyer in direct sight, I would have gone with two small Darlana-esque pendants and been done with it. But, I didn’t want to duplicate so I searched and searched and searched some more. I had plans to go with a pewter-y color and then came across the Goodman pendants; the antique nickel color was exactly what I had been wanting. The price tag was not.
| Goodman Pendant |
Not knowing if the direction of our kitchen would ultimately change, I couldn’t justify the cost. Then, I went an entirely different direction – and totally messed up. As a reminder, this is how we started…
And then I got the idea of some simple glass globes. I almost went with clear but then thought white milk glass would make it look just a tad more modern. Umm… Ok, you guys… when done “right”, in the right space, I love these lights. In our house, against the traditional creamy kitchen, they just looked like stark circus balls hanging from the ceiling.
| West Elm Structural Glass Globe Pendant |
That is one long night Dave will never get back. I immediately switched gears back into “research mode”. Another light I have loved forever that I thought may be worth the splurge was the Morris lantern (HERE); but, it only came in brass and shiny nickel. And, let’s be honest, it was still out of my current budget.
| Morris Lantern |
Then I stumbled across a light fixture that was the perfect size, came in a champagne finish (actually, “vintage silver”, and was so close to the Morris lantern – I knew it was my solution. When I saw they were 75% less than the cost of the Morris, I couldn’t place my order quick enough. I was a little nervous though- they weren’t just a “good deal”; they were ridiculously inexpensive compared to similar fixtures. Before I share my thoughts, here’s how they look.
| 3-Light Vintage Silver Pendant |
Overall, I really like them…
Pros:
- Super affordable
- Perfect color I couldn’t find elsewhere
- Easy to install
- LOVE the look
- Comes in two perfect sizing options
But there are a few caveats…
Cons/Surprises:
- I didn’t realize I would have to insert each glass pane; it was a bit time consuming – there are bendable tabs inside like a picture frame
- The inside finish is not consistent with the outside finish
Would I order them again? For less than $150, in a heartbeat. If budget was a non-factor, would I have paid the premium for the others? Yes. Well, maybe – they still didn’t have the exact color I needed but if I was going for a brass or shiny silver, for sure.
But, we were able to switch out three fairly substantial fixtures for under $1,000 and the look we achieved, well… I’m thrilled.
SCROLL & TAP TO GET THE LOOK
Another light I wanted to go ahead and knock off my list is in the butler’s pantry, between the dining room and kitchen. I didn’t want it to compete with the crystal chandelier in the dining room but I also didn’t want it to be too simple. It needed to be able to complement both spaces. I found this capiz flush mount (HERE) and decided it was the perfect fixture to bring the rooms together. Unfortunately, it won’t ship out until June so it will be a little while before I can share an in-life update.
OFFICE CLOSET LIGHTING
I already shared a small lighting update from my office closet makeover (HERE); the bell flush mount (HERE) comes in multiple colors and is under $60. I ordered a clear bulb with it which was listed as one of the suggestions on the website and the difference in lighting production is crazy.
| Bell Flush Mount |
GUEST BEDROOM LIGHTING
The final lighting update is the white guest bedroom that we recently cleaned out after having had it dubbed a “keep-the-door-closed-and-don’t-open” situation for the past year. You could say it was my incentive and treat for getting it whipped back into shape 😉 I don’t have a “before” but in this tall vaulted ceiling, there was a short, standard fan. Here’s how the guest bedroom looks now…
SCROLL & TAP TO GET THE LOOK
Here’s the crazy part. If you know about the Darlana lantern (like the one in my entry), you know how pricey they are. This similar lantern is comparable to the medium Darlana but is $500 LESS than the Darlana, coming in at only $147.99. There are several colors available but this is the Antique Silver Leaf; you can find it HERE.
| Vintage Silver Leaf Lantern |
Next on the list of priorities is my great room (which will be a doozy with how high the ceilings are), the catwalk, and the stairwell. I’ll be sharing those (hopefully) sometime in 2018 and will be sure to show off my capiz flush mount in the butler’s pantry when it comes in this summer. If you aren’t already subscribed, drop your email below to get all the updates delivered straight to your inbox.
SCROLL & TAP TO SHOP THE LIGHTING
Love all the fixtures! They blend beautifully. Would any of them work over a kitchen sink? I also have a open floor plan with a large vintage crystal chandy in gold over my dining table.
Hi, Cindy! Thank you so much. All of these are pretty large to go over a sink, unless your sink is floating in a large island in the center of the kitchen. :/ There are SO MANY gorgeous options out there, though!
Thank you! I thought maybe the pendant lights were smaller! I will keep searching! Loving your look! Thank you for the inspiration.
I’d love to see how that Pottery Barn capiz light turned out, I’m considering the same light to replace a bathroom boob light
Heidi, Here’s a link to the post with several pics of the capiz light fixture. I still love it!
https://kelleynan.com/easy-two-hour-small-butlers-pantry-makeover-budget/
Absolutely you nailed it on all the lights. Especially love that Capiz light to come. It will be a stunner!
Get well soon.
J.
Janis, thank you so much! I am ready for it to get here 😉
Wow, three fixtures under $1,000, that’s amazing. And what a perfect update. I love how you detail your posts. They’re always so informative. xo
WOW! The lighting fixture over your breakfast nook looks AMAZING! It’s amazing what a special piece can do for a room! I would have never thought to add something so unique to the space…you are opening my super traditional mind to more creative options!
Kelly, you nailed it, love them alll,thank you for being real with the oops…. we all do it, and knowing someone with your talents, makes me feel better? hope your feeling better.
Haha, Trudy, I probably make a lot more than you realize! You are so sweet to say that xoxo
Kelley,
Thanks for the great post. I love you comments with pros and cons; it really helps! Love all the light fixtures. I can’t wait to see the one in the butler’s pantry…..how pretty is that one! Thanks again for the inspiration!!
Joss, thank you! I am so ready for it to come in. I almost didn’t order because I’m not good at waiting but am glad I decided to go for it 😉 (and try to be patient haha)
Great job! They look fantastic!
Corinne, thank you so much!
This is such an interesting topic and I like how you pay attention to minor details that I don’t consider until it is too late. Maybe you can share some thoughts on how to choose lamps. I always worry if the lamps are matching if they are on each side of a sofa or on bedside tables. Love your style!
Looks great! It appears the Francesca is grey on the Pottery Barn site, but looks white in your nook. Is yours the grey model? I’ve been pondering this purchase, but I keep getting hung up on what to put over my island to compliment the chandelier….this gives me some food for thought…. Thanks!
Hi, Sharon! It is kind of a cross between white and gray. It is more of a white-washed gray haha I think the metal chain may make it look a little more gray, also.
Nan- if it is not rude to ask, I would love to know what color paint you have used in your kitchen as well as in your bedroom. Thank you so much!
Tammy, that is not rude at all! The bedroom is Simply White by Benjamin Moore; the kitchen is Perfect Greige by Sherwin Williams. I have a full paint posts here: https://kelleynan.com/the-comprehensive-list-of-paint-colors-throughout-my-home-plus-my-honest-review/
Hi Kelly,
Really love your design style – using bits of your style in my home – especially loved your MBR makeover! I see a small desk area in a pic at the back of your kitchen, but can’t see your stool. I’m struggling with a stool style and how to define my desk area from a long run of counter space that includes a coffee station.
We actually use that space for a step stool since we have such tall cabinets!
Kelley I saw your new breakfast nook chandy on IG and I just had to jump over and say, it’s gorgeous! I love how it looks. And I’m laughing because I, too, have been on a lighting “binge” and my husband changed out seven in one weekend!
It is so true that the lighting changes the space so dramatically!
Sheila
xo
Sheila, thank you so so much! Happy saturday!
Where can I buy reproduction French country dining suites in Auckland nz
Hi, Kelly! Do you still love your dining room Chandelier? any regrets?
Amy, we LOVE it. No regrets.
Where did you get the bar stools? Very cool.
Here is a direct link for them 😉 https://rstyle.me/n/bfek56b5rpf
Love your style and decor. I have a beaded light in my dining area of my kitchen and have had an extremely difficult time trying to find pendant lights to hang over the kitchen counter that will complement it. Is the finish on your pendant lights antique gold? Are there any others that you would recommend?
The capiz ceiling light is beautiful as well! You did a lovely job!
Hi Karen, Thank you for taking the time to stop by. I appreciate your kind note so much! My pendant lights over the kitchen bar are the medium-sized, antique nickel finish with the paper shade. Here’s a link to the kitchen update post that features the pendants and my reasoning for choosing them. I still love them!
https://kelleynan.com/cream-kitchen-update-modern-transitional/
Where are the lantern lights from? The link isn’t working. Thanks
Alicia, Thank you for taking the time to stop by! The lantern lights came from Wayfair.