Recycle: Lighting Inspiration

Lately I find myself attracted to industrial lighting. Well, not lately really. It has been coming for some time.  I also find myself attracted to said industrial style lighting made from recycled materials.  

Here are a few examples of what I am talking about.  Recycled half gallon mason jars and recycled hoops from wine barrels.  I think these are very cool.

Inspiration: Restoration Hardware Redux

I love each and every one of these vignettes.  To a one, I could see myself living in them.  I am big on neutral schemes and really marvel at how these get put together.  Restoration Hardware seems to be a design inspiration without competition IMHO.  The lighting in itself is unbelievable. Check them out.  All these images from Restoration Hardware.  Enjoy.

Functionality: Kitchen Reorg

My kitchen isn't big.  When I bought the house in 2007, it had less than desirable appliances and a peninsula. I do not like a peninsula in this small space so I decided to push the cabinets back against the wall and create space for a 3' x 4' island. Here is the process.

Kitchen on April1, 2007: Closing Day

I replaced all the appliances with stainless steel. I like the look. Easy to clean and very clean looking.

French Door fridge with bottom freezer - love this.

Convection, microwave, halogen, vent over stove.

Two oven range with glass cooktop.  Love the little oven.

Double drawer dishwasher.  VERY quiet.

 

 

 

Moved the peninsula to put the cabinets against the wall to make room for the new island.

Roll out shelves on all bottom cabinets. These are GREAT!

Two special order cabinets back to back make the island. Made the island a different color to be more of a "furniture in the middle of the room" feel.

Really love this end of the island. Storage is awesome.

Black Silestone counter tops on either side of the kitchen contrast with the island.

The black matte finish sink is really a nice touch and departure from the usual stainless.

The island got a lighter colored Silestone top.

A track was hung over the island with fixed spots and two drop down "flying saucers"

The end result was very much as I envisioned it.  Not a major remodel, but more of a re-purpose of existing space.  The floor stayed the same, no major cabinet replacements.  All in all a pretty workable space in a small kitchen.

Design Inside: LIGHTS! .... Camera....er, LIGHTS!

I think that the right lighting can make or break a mood.  Glaring overhead lights are sure to put everyone in the room in an unhealthy "light" and make for a short cocktail party.  I love this subdued lighting in my living room.... soft lights in translucent silk shades atop chunky crystal lamp bases make for a warm, inviting place to be.   Trust me.