As the exterior details start to take shape, our neighbors are getting as excited as we are. (Could this be a sign they were tired of looking at first the demolished wall, then the green tarp, then the plywood, then the Tyvek?) It's great fun. I love hearing that people like the look of the additions, and think the design does justice to our house.
Meanwhile, I'm starting to focus more on interior details. I found a light I really loved on the cover of a remodeling magazine (thanks to Sheila for the continued supply!) and checked out the manufacturer. It's East End Brass in Darien, Connecticut. They make custom bell jar lights with hand-blown glass, which can be hand-cut or etched in the design of your choice, and in any finish you could want.
I've also found some simple, elegant Gothic lanterns, and some that are extremely cool but A) too elaborate and B) too churchlike. Which is definitely a risk when you're going down the Gothic road.
I'm wondering whether to have one or two lights over the island, which is about five feet long. Ted from East End Brass thought one of their smaller lights would be plenty. We'd have another light over the kitchen sink, and a third (possibly a larger bell jar) in the office area, hanging from the Gothic vault of the ceiling. There will be recessed lighting, too. Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts!
It feels premature to decide on a style of light without seeing the cabinets, but wiring will be the first thing to happen after they break through and demolish the existing kitchen.
And given the cold, gray winter we've been enduring, having enough light in the new kitchen is a definite priority -- or as Anna would say, "a must-have."
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Your construction project looks fantastic! I give you credit for living through it. That being said I understand how important it is to pick out all the details that will ultimately tie the project together.
ReplyDeleteThe fantastic thing about all of our custom, hand made lighting at East End Brass is that you have the unique ability to create the perfect light for your room - truly one of a kind.
Although the kitchen cabinets are important to use as a baseline when decorating and accessorizing, I think picking out the right metal finish and how it will relate to the overall scheme is more important.
Remember that anything you hang over your island will become a focal point of the kitchen. Just like your stove, or backsplash, the lighting will be something that you will get not only utility from, but also beauty. That being said when picking out lighting you need to decide what you want it to do. Do you want it to blend away or do you want it to dazzle?
For instance, if you want the lights to blend away then a bronze, antique satin nickel or an antique brass finish will add sophistication and tone down the impact of the lights. The lights will remain very beautiful but will fall in the "traditional" realm. If on the other hand you want the lights to be a statement and "pop" so to speak, then a polished nickel or a satin nickel would take a very traditional design and update it will a sparkling, modern twist - sort of a play on design if you will.
Next step is to decide on the glass. Since we blow all of our own hand made glass at East End Brass, you have lots of options here as well. Our clear glass is gorgeous and will throw the light beautifully, you will get the hand blown effect and the lighting will never compete with anything you change down the road.
If on the other hand you really want to make a statement; tie in a color or a etched pattern you are using on your walls or in your fabrics. To add whimsy do a swirl, and to tie in the kitchen cabinets try seeded, crackled or solid colored glass on the lights if you that on any of your glass cabinet panels.
Either way, all of our lights at East End brass are truly unique and exceptionally made.
Illuminate your creativity!
Beautiful lights!! Of the gothic ones, I like the design of the nickel finish the best. The East End Brass fixtures are gorgeous! Of course, I love the cut glass, but even a simple hand blown jug would be beautiful.
ReplyDeleteOn a five foot island I think one fixture is enough. Our island is six feet and we have just one (with recessed lighting throughout the rest of the kitchen). It's very bright, even on our overcast, rainy days! Good luck making the decision!