industrial barn lights for our back hallway

Last Friday's post sent me on the search for our back hall flushmounts. I looked around at a lot of different styles and am on the fence as to whether I want to just go classic/traditional or do something with a bit more interest. Currently, I am gravitating towards an industrial barn light fixture. 

Two great lighting sources for this particular style are Barn Light Electric and Industrial Light Electric. My favorites from Barn Light Electric are the Wallaby and the Sydney. Both are super customizable with multiple shade dimensions, 20 finish options and different glass options as well. 

Wallaby Ceiling Light // via The Place Home

Sydney Industrial Flush Mount

From Industrial Light Electric, I really like the Industrial Metal Shade Light and Glass Shade Light. Both have only the option to choose white or black which I think I am ok with since I am leaning towards just doing white. These two options are also slightly less expensive than either of the Barn Light options which is always a plus. 

Industrial Metal Shade Light

Glass Shade Light

The style is so iconic that I am sure there are so many new and vintage options out there but, at least for the moment, I am limiting my selection which will hopefully make my decision a bit easier.

Like this post? Then check out lantern lighting, a flushmount light four the office or hallway sconces. 

in favor of a distinct room plan

via about.com

Living in an old home, I have come to appreciate the value of having distinct rooms. And while yes, we are looking to start a renovation that will open our living room up to our back hall and kitchen, our first floor while remain four distinct spaces - kitchen, dining room, den and living room (we also have a back mud room which currently is just a dump space). We spend the majority of our time in the kitchen and living room but we also get really good use of our dining room and den. We have just a small bistro table in our kitchen so any time there is more than just the two of us, we use our big table. I also love the convenience of being able to fold laundry on it, spread out work or just drop things on it as we come in the back door. Our den gets the most use in the colder months making it more of our "winter room". It's where we put up our Christmas tree and where our wood burning stove is located. Its a great space to watch the fire or curl up and read a book. Down the road, I could see it becoming more of a cozy office/adult space when kids come into the picture. The draw of the living room is our TV and our new sofa which we are eagerly anticipating (especially because I am pretty concerned about it fitting through our front door). Each room has its own use and feel yet isn't so zoned off to only get used one or twice a year. I think for us this means we are in the right size of house. Its also a promotion for the distinct room plan which is almost never featured or designed these days.

In today's residential design world its all about the open floor plan - tearing down walls, creating full sight lines with one big space and no separation. And while, I understand the advantages of this approach - I question it. A few drawbacks I see are:
- an inability to create cozy, intimate spaces that draw people in
- a loss of usable space to circulation i.e. awkward dead space
- a greater infiltration of TV into daily life as there is basically no escaping it
- less encouragement for people to get involved in a particular activity (cooking, watching the fire etc.) because they can be in the same room but doing something else
- no privacy
- rooms outside of the "big open space" getting no use for example the dining room
These are just a few things that I have thought about and while it might seem that I am really hating on the open floor plan - I am more just trying to give pause and question what has become such an accepted trend. Some food for thought on this Monday....

Like this post? Check out wood stoves, antique home style or resource review: the distinctive floor plan.

a new light for our living room

As we move closer to thinking about our first floor renovation, one of the many pieces of the new plan will be to change out lighting. We will need two (maybe three) new flushmounts in the back hall and then an overhead light in the living room. We are working on a tight budget and with lots of other necessary expenses, the lighting budget is limited. I haven't given much thought to the back hall lights yet but for the living room I am thinking something sputnik like (remember this post when the living room was going to remain a dining room). We will need a piece with multiple bulbs and one that sits closer to the ceiling so as to not obstruct views of the TV. Ideally, I would find something like the Atomium from Lambert & Fils. 

Atomium by Lambert & Fils

I really like its airy sculptural quality and of course, the brass. And while I don't think its unreasonably priced, its just not in our budget. 

I am not sure if I have found the one yet (nor have I reviewed the options with Jeff) but here are a few contenders. 

1. Urban Outfitters 4040 Locust Metal Pipe Pendant Light - $149

4040 Locust Metal Pipe Pendant Light by Urban Outfitters

I think this light is an AMAZING value and it meets a lot of my criteria - light and sculptural, multiple bulbs and a nice width and height. The problem is the finish which is copper and I am just not sure I want to go in that direction. On the one hand, it could nicely pick up the warm tones in the hardwood. On the other hand, it could emphasize color tones that I don't want to play up i.e. red/orange. That all aside I might just have to order it and see because its only $149 and I could easily return it.

2. Modern 6 Arm Chandelier by Etsy seller Illuminate Vintage - $389

Modern 6 Arm Chandelier by Illuminate Vintage

This one is more traditional in nature but still has a bit of that sputnik quality that I like. Similar to the first selection, it has the overall feel that I am after and is the right dimensions but again the finish gives me pause. It just looks quite gold rather than brass in the pictures. Its description says its made of "solid raw brass" which I would assume means unlacquered but I don't know - could be sort of risky.

3.  3 Arm Sputnik by Etsy seller Illuminate Vintage - $299

3 Arm Sputnik by Illuminate Vintage

From the same Etsy seller as option 2, I also really like this three arm sputnik. It has an airer quality than the other two and has the option to do a wire with canopy mount or a down brass rod. Again the finish makes me concerned but at least with this one there isn't as much brass. 

4. Odyssey 4 Chandelier by Schoolhouse Electric - $349

Odyssey 4 by Schoolhouse Electric

The most simple and straightforward of the selections, this Schoolhouse Electric fixture might be the surest bet of the bunch. It is slighting smaller than the other three and has less bulbs but as a big plus I am more sure about the finish.

Like I mentioned I am still on the hunt so we will see what we decide on! Have a good weekend everyone!

If you liked this post check out brass lighting, etsy lighting round up, and/or cedar & moss.