Via Wit & Delight
We got some good news while we were in New York last week: we got all the approvals from the city to begin construction! Although it was set to begin back in January, a few delays caused by the proposed construction site being too close to a utility line, and then the windows being improperly noted in the floor plans, caused the timeline to be pushed back by a few months while we waited for the building permits. Long story short: the land is currently being prepped for construction, and I'm back to vigorously making design decisions, while juggling client work and of course, the babies.
I'm currently focusing on the light fixtures throughout the house, as those have to be shipped to the site for installation at some point. One thing that clients (and myself) are often challenged with is choosing pendants and chandeliers in a shared kitchen/dining space that are complementary but not overly matchy-matchy. In this house, although the formal dining room is separate from the kitchen, the kitchen and breakfast room share an open plan, so the lighting must coordinate. Since the style of the house is French country farmhouse meets modern Scandinavian, we chose this combo of pendant fixtures over the island and a sputnik fixture over the breakfast table:
The brasserie pendant has the graceful curves reminiscent of a Parisian bistro, while the sputnik fixture has an edgier mid century modern vibe while still continuing the motif in the shape of the shades and the brass color. The finishes are different (the pendants are shiny while the chandelier is matte), but I was OK with that since we'll have a mix of finishes in the kitchen faucets and hardware as well, but more details on that later...
I compiled this list with kitchen island and dining area spaces in mind, but the styles can translate to other areas of the home as well. For those of you searching for that perfect combo, hopefully this can make the process a little easier for you!
1. Island Pendant 2. Chandelier
Simple, clean lines with a traditional form are the hallmarks of modern farmhouse style. The key is to keep it from looking repetitive by switching up between linear and round forms.
1. Pendant 2. Chandelier
Copper is the perfect element to bring in some warmth to an otherwise cool space. It could go either monochromatic in an edgy black and white interior, or injected into a warmer palette of greys and blush tones.
1. Pendant 2. Chandelier
Nothing makes more of a statement than a black and brass fixture. Play it up with a bold color scheme, or let it stand on its own in a more muted palette.
1. Pendant 2. Chandelier
This combo is one of my top favorites, it is the perfect combo of formal and casual, and linear and round. Win!
1. Pendant 2. Chandelier
This combo is great for a refined coastal look without skewing too "beach shack." Pair it with a blue and white palette with lots of light wood tones and you're set.
1. Pendant 2. Chandelier
Effortless, airy, yet refined. The washed linen shade and braided rattan pendant have a handcrafted feel that makes them unique.
1. Pendant 2. Chandelier
Classic forms, reinvented with pops of interesting color and natural elements like wrapped rattan and natural wood give this combo a youthful, though not juvenile vibe.
1. Pendant 2. Chandelier
Mid century can go so many different directions; I can see this more as a moody mod look than in a scene from The Brady Bunch.
1. Pendant 2. Chandelier
What can say "Golden Age of Hollywood" more than a light fixture made of trumpets? Pair it with a simple faceted glass orb pendant that won't steal the show but still adds a bit of glitz.
1. Pendant 2. Chandelier
I'm all about a look that is subtle but with attention to detail, and this combo is stylish and timeless.
Which one is your favorite? I'd love to hear your comments below! Are you ready to refresh your space for spring? I'd love to help you pull together a curated, well-lived look! Learn more.
xoxo,
Estie