Swinging the Chandeliers

Well, not exactly swinging from chandeliers, more like tangled in them... 

Susie and I have been juggling projects in various stages of completion over the last few weeks, but there has been one constant: lighting. In every house, it's been the topic of conversation, and for good reason. Lighting is SO important! It is the loudest statement you can make and the tone it sets has to be intentional. And let's face it, there is some great lighting out there and then for every amazing piece, there are 100 ugly-as-sin options. 

I decided to pull together some of the things we've been showing clients lately because they're too pretty to keep to ourselves. This first board has fixtures that we originally pulled for island pendants. There are a couple in there that were intended for over a banquette, but our thought is that the two are generally interchangeable.   

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Personally, I am in love with Currey & Co.'s Axel Orb Chandelier (1) with it's steel, wood and gold (perfect combo in my opinion). Another fixture that I would love to use is Oly's Muriel (5) with cast resin 'bubbles.' It's probably not as timeless as some of the others, but in the right house, it would be so pretty over a table. Lastly, another favorite that we think is so amazing because of it's weight and contrast is Oly's Cooper (7) with it's hand-hammered copper inside and shiny black exterior. If you think it feels too bold, remember what Windsor Smith did in the kitchen that now belongs to Gwyneth Paltrow? That kitchen was feminine with the right amount of depth courtesy of that strong black pendant. 

1.2.3.4.5.

We've also been working on some lantern options for a couple clients in their entries and hallways. There are so many great options out there that aren't included in this mix -- too many to pick favorites. My favorite is from Vaughan (3) and while I show it in iron here, it's also available in brass and it is to die for. And it's no surprise that most anything Urban Electric is off the charts (1,2,5).  

Thanks for checking in!

-Kate

If you're interested in any of these to-the-trade items, contact kate@troveinteriors.com

The perfect chandelier

A favorite chandelier of mine for a bathroom, kitchen or bedroom is the Visual Comfort Barbara Barry Scallop Chandelier. It's the perfect transitional light.

Design by Turner Davis

Design by Jim Howard

Image via Decorpad

Image via Decorpad

It's chandelier LOVE in my black book. What do you think?

The Reluctant DIY-er

A few weeks ago, I mentioned a little painting project I had taken on because I was loving the paint I found. I'm usually pretty reluctant to take on projects where I don't hire out a professional, because I think it's important for clients to get the best product they can when they work with a designer, but in this case, we decided to put in a little elbow-grease and I think it paid off.

When we found these sconces, it was hard to know what exactly the beads were made of -- we were hoping they were wood and were a pretty cream, but we knew that there was a chance that things are never as they seem. And, at the amazing price, there was room for a re-do and it would be worth it to either have the beads re-strung and swapped, or have them painted. Fast-forward a few weeks and the beads turn out to be shiny plastic and very yellow. Not so great against the new white paint and waincotting in my client's house.

We also decided that it was something that could maybe be done without the aid of a pro, so hence, my manicure of silver and bronze that lasted for far longer than I anticipated.

Here is a detail of how the paint looks -- it's a mix of bronze hammered base and a light coat of silver hammered paint. I wanted to make sure the white plastic beads were covered, but I was worried about having TOO much silver -- I didn't want it to look cheap or DIY and it HAD to look like it came that way. So hence the base of bronze and more blue tape than you can imagine in order to get every nook and cranny covered.

We also decided to wrap the plastic candle sleeves. My first thought was to use these awesome Kaarskoker sleeves, but sigh, they are out of the pattern I wanted. So we got creative with faux grasscloth in a dark silver.

Another detail

The finished and installed sconce. I'm pretty pleased.

It's dark

I have a client who has a very dark house. Dark. Even in the middle of the day when the sun is shinning, you can hardly see anything. Being that the house was built in the 60's they didn't put in any lighting. I'm not sure why they didn't have lighting in the 60's and 70's - was it better so you didn't have to see your crazy outfit?

Anyway, she needs light. And light she's going to get it. The trouble is, what kind of light? Should we go Coastal or traditional with a twist? I'm leaning towards Coastal as she has some white slip covered furniture in the family room with old bamboo accents already. However, tradition with a twist would be wonderful as well and not as thematic.

Here's some of the lights I've been looking at for the last couple hours.

COASTAL:

For the entryway that bridges the white family room and neutral (seagrass, camel colored sofas) living room/dining room

For the Living and Dining Rooms - I will need chandeliers in both.

I know, it's so over used. But it's so great. It would need a companion piece in the dining room such as the West Elm Rectangular Shell Chandelier.

Or a coral inspired chandelier (literally coastal)

MODERN TRADITIONAL:

Entryway option

This would be incredible over the dining table.

Great for the living room. Very traditional.

Classic and modern. But could be too serious.

Hammered brass. Gorgeous, fun and unique. (Courtesy of Revival Home and Garden)

Traditional and expected, but always great.

What direction do you like?

Either way, at least she will be able to see whether or not she has on two matching shoes. Really, I've done that. It's not fun when you get to your destination and realize that you got dressed in the dark.

Here's to making sure she never has to experience my embarrassment.