Monday, July 23, 2012

A Lantern Craze and Other Light Fixtures

You need only to check out Houzz or Pinterest to see the lantern craze. 
This was the first picture that drew my attention and set me on an obsessive path to find the perfect lanterns for our kitchen.  This lovely space is the dining room of designer Holly Mathis.  (For more inspiration ideas, see the bottom of this post.)
After much research (see my Pinterest board here), I decided to hang two lanterns by the Thomasville Lighting Collection.
I tried relentlessly to find the same exact lantern as the designer, but to no avail.  After my obsession had to move on to something else, I decided to hang these three-light lanterns with clear beveled glass panels.  
 The main purpose for hanging these two fixtures was to add more light to this side of the kitchen.  We added a dimmer switch to adjust the lighting.
 In this before picture, you can see the fan that hung over the kitchen table.  We hardly ever used the fan and the light source was minimal.  We have fans in our bedrooms, but I wasn't a fan of the fan in the kitchen.  We replaced the fixture over the island, too.
We lived in Charleston, SC for about ten years, and one only needs to walk the streets of downtown Charleston to see the beautiful gas lanterns that light up the historic district.  Hanging these in the kitchen reminds me of the lovely city!
 The space is coming together and finally feels more 'lived in!'
 There are a few things in this new space that are my absolute favorites.  The lanterns are one and the check wing back chairs are another.  A vintage fishing creel hangs on one side of the room and a French bread basket on the other.  Brown transfer ware and pewter plates hang above the baskets.
 I don't know what to do with the windows; possibly simple curtain panels or plantation shutters.  The rest of the front of the house has plantation shutters, as well as, one small window in the kitchen, so I am giving that some thought.  Please give me your opinion!  I am a bit burned out, so I will take all the advice I can get!
I do enjoy the open view, but this room can heat up quickly because of all the windows.  To keep from running the AC all of the time, as well as, protect all the furnishings from fading, we will need to add something to the windows.
On the other side of the room, above the bar, we hung this early 20th century style, polished nickel Industrial pendant by Landmark Lighting.
I really didn't know if it was okay to hang light fixtures in the same room with different finishes.  I looked at hundreds of pictures on Houzz and Pinterest and decided that almost anything goes.  I liked the polished nickel and since it is near the sink with a similar finish, I think it works.
We are having the pendant raised six inches and moved to be centered over the island.  It is the small details that drag out the remodeling process!  But, I'm not complaining; I am grateful to be able to cook in here again!

Speaking of dragging things out, I feel like I am dragging out the posting of this kitchen!  It would be too long of a post to do one on the entire remodel, plus the kitchen is not quite finished.  I am breaking it down, so that I can provide you with the product sources for those of you interested or for those of you contemplating a remodel.

Thanks for hanging in there with me!



Do you remember starting out as a new blogger?  Do you remember your first post? I remember when Kim at My Domestic Bliss featured my shed over two years ago and people started to drop by to see what I was doing on this spot of the web!  It opened up a whole new world for me and has certainly become a creative outlet for all my random thoughts and decor ideas!  I have 'met' so many wonderful people and have been inspired by so many of you! 
Please stop by and say 'hello and welcome' to Kristen at 'A Southern Preppy.'  I have followed her on Pinterest after finding her via my sister.  She has wonderful taste and her pins bring back fond memories of all things preppy!  She has just started a blog, so be sure to stop by!  Also, you can check out her Pinterest board here!



More inspiration and oh, such lovely spaces!

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Pinned Image

For those of you DIY decorators or those interested in these types of light fixtures, check out 'kitchens with industrial lighting' at Houzz here. I found so many images and tons of resources and shops. Here is the link for 'kitchens with hanging lanterns.' 



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33 comments :

Stacey said...

It is no surprise to me that your kitchen is so amazing! The colors you've chosen are so soothing and pretty. Love those lanterns and the wingback chairs.

Now, when you can, please post a tour of the whole kitchen. :)

ANNE said...

oh my how I have kitchen and dining room envy!!! Beautiful! found you at cowgirl up and I'm your newest follower :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, I love your new lanterns, very pretty! Your breakfast room and kitchen are so beautiful! Now I know about the hot sun coming in and fading things. Don't hit me, but I love your black and white toile drapes you had up before. Just gorgeous! :)
Be a sweetie,
shelia :)

Erika@BeBookBound said...

Your kitchen is scrumptious! Those lanterns are perhaps the beautiful thing I've ever seen. MUST get some for my own kitchen! Thanks for sharing your fabulous taste!

On Crooked Creek said...

Christine,
What lovely lanterns...the whole room is gorgeous! I love the light streaming through the windows! Since you asked for suggestions on the windows...Yvonne @ StoneGable recently did a kitchen remodel. Yours reminded me of hers, somewhat. At the top of Yvonne's blog is a tab labeled Home & Garden which gives her Kitchen Facelift. I adore her textured shades. The fisherman's creel and the French market basket bring wonderful texture to your room, as well! I'm sure whatever you choose will make this room even more stunning!
Fondly,
Pat
Visiting today from Debbie @ Confessions of a Plate Addict!!!

Pamela said...

Love the lanterns!!

Karen said...

I too love the lanterns Christie ~ shutters on the inside might be add to the Charleston feel. I visited in a home just recently, and they had used shutters. They would open them back if they wanted to let the light in or close them. They were very eye catching.

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

Christine, I love everything you've selected, especially those lanterns. Since you've gone a more neutral route, I was thinking that some natural linen drapes would look fantastic in your eating area. And to keep things simplified, I see one metal rod that wraps around the corner and goes all the way across and wraps along the other corner. I have the grommet top linen drapes from Pottery Barn. They hang beautifully and are easy to pull to and push back.

At The Picket Fence said...

Oh Christie! Your lighting choices are just perfect and I absolutely love the 2 lanterns in the dining space. The kitchen is looking so incredible and it looks like it has just always been apart of the house. Isn't that the true test of a good remodel? :-) I'm loving everything and can't wait until the final reveal!
Blessings to you friend,
Vanessa

A Southern Preppy said...

WOW! Your kitchen is AH-MA-ZING! I understand how you feel about the Charleston gaslights. I'd love to have those. And, I remember your pins about fixtures because I think you posted a kitchen with a red lantern?

And, thank you so very much for your kind words and promotion. It was really nice of you. :)

Again, the kitchen is really fantastic.

Kristen

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Absolutely amazing! I love every bit of your kitchen/breakfast rooms. The lanterns are wonderful.

FABBY'S LIVING said...

GORGEOUS!! Your kitchen looks just like the professional images too, sweetie!! Love the lanterns, they look perfect in your lovely kitchen. Just came from Primp your Stuff Wed.
FABBY

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Gorgeous!

But to be honest YOUR space is every bit (or better, actually) than any of your inspiration pics.

Just sayin.

Be proud, you deserve it big time.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Your kitchen and eating area are absolutely stunning. I love it. The lanterns are so pretty and the table and chairs are perfect. Love those wingbacks, I am trying to pick fabric for one and keep coming back to checks, so this really catches my eye. Beautiful, beautiful room. Hugs, Marty

THE FARMHOUSE PORCH said...

What a stunning home you have!!! I don't think you should cover those gorgeous windows with p shutters, I'd do drapes or sheers...
Love your dining space!
♥Linsey

fiona anderson said...

Love your lanterns and two is always better than one !
Love the other light too - I think it's best to have what you want and not follow any rules.
Thanks for showing us your lovely home and some great inspiration.

Anita at Cedar Hill said...

Oh Christie, this is so exciting to see, since we are looking at buying a property and having a house built. And it would have my dream kitchen!! The details need to be worked out, but hopefully it will happen. Your kitchen is just stunning.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

It's all gorgeous. Love the lanterns and that wonderful light over the counter. I really love that ceiling! I think plantation shutters would look great in there.

Marlis said...

With that beautiful table, two lanterns is a better choice! Gorgeous. I would add window panels and then some shades.. look over at Joni's Cote de Texas blog.. it's a wonderful look you might like. Your kitchen is stunning and so worth all the effort.. xo marlis

My Dream Canvas said...

Lovely lanterns! I am hosting a giveaway. A chance to win a 50 dollar gift card to HomeGoods. Would love or you to drop by :)Thanks Anu

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

The lanterns over your beautiful table are fabulous!

Kathryn Ferguson Griffin said...

Your place is simply divine and the lanterns look lovely! Thank you for sharing. Visiting from At The Picket Fence. Would love it if you would share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/07/make-it-pretty-monday-week-7.html Hope to see you at the bash! Wishing you a grand weekend. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

Savannah Granny said...

Hopping over from Inspiration Friday. I absolutely love your kitchen and breakfast area. Love your table and all the chairs. Your lighting is just awesome, both finishes. I live in Savannah so I know what you mean about the lovely lighting. I think you are right on.
I have a lot of floor to ceiling windows in my home. Some have no window treatment but are sheltered by a screened porch. Others have bamboo blinds. One you may be interested in is Ripplefold drapes. They have a neat look, not many people have them and they stack back really tightly. You can look at mine here.
http://savannahgranny.blogspot.com/2011/01/ripplefold-curtains.html
I hope you enjoy looking at them.
I enjoyed my visit, Have a great weekend.

Maria Elena said...

Love the lanterns! Your kitchen and breakfast area looks stunning!

Debbie {Visual Eye Candy} said...

I love lantern lights especially in kitchens! Your dining room and kitchen look amazing. I'm now your my newest follower!

Angie @ Knick of Time said...

Your new lanterns look like the perfect finishing touch to your dining area - beautiful!

I'll be featuring you this Tuesday for Knick of Time Tuesday and there will be an "I Was Featured" button waiting there for you!

Thanks for sharing with us!
Blessings,
Angie @ Knick of Time

Terri said...

Wow, just discovered your blog. What a beautiful kitchen!!!! My daughter is moving home next week after a year of studying at College of Charleston and living right in the midst of the action in an apartment on King Street so I understand your fondness for that regal city. :))

Scribbler said...

This looks fabulous -- very well done. I also love your huge table!

I am a big fan of lantern style fixtures, too, and have been putting them up as I can in my house. Yours look wonderful!

christine said...

The lamp looks wonderful. I think it serves a great decoration in your kitchen.

Simply Handmade Farmhouse said...

breathe taking...love the lamps and the entire room. Do you know what color of stain that your table is done in? Thanks

Anonymous said...

Love, love your kitchen...have you thought about outdoor fabric awnings?? I had a problem with the sun too and put them on the outside of my house. They have really helped...I have a cottage home and it fits with the outside.

melissa said...

I love these lights! I found this post through your completed kitchen reveal post and it's just gorgeous! I love all the beautiful details - particularly the lighting and recovered chairs! Buffalo check is my favorite!

Would you please tell me if the lanterns are in the antique bronze color? Your lanterns look closer to black but the color shown by the manufacturer online looks very light. I'm wondering if it's the same finish. Thanks!

Leyo said...

kitchen and dining room are absolutely wonderful.it really catches my attention.Light fixtures

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