DIY Lamp Knock Off

I have long admired these gorgeous lamps . . . 

source

I think a pair of them would be stunning on a buffet, console table or even as bedside lamps in a master bedroom.  But at $645.00 each, they are just not in the budget here at the Smith T house. 

So, here's my idea for a knock off of them.  I have not tried this, but the idea is so simple I am confident someone out there in Internet land has thought of this and actually completed the project.  If you are listening, please send me a picture and your thoughts!   

Take a pair of these at $20 each . . . 

source

Turn them upside down and add this (to what was the bottom but is now the top) using a glue specifically for bonding metal to glass . . .

source

Or, if you're just not up for a DIY project,  take the vase to a lamp shop, along with a picture of the original and ask them to do it for you. It really is a nominal fee compared to what you would pay for the original. 

Then add a tapered drum shade like this (along with a bulb clip) . . . 

source

And you've got yourself a very high end lamp for less!  M.

An Inside Tip for You!!

Ok, as most of you know, I rarely post on Sundays, but this giveaway hosted by Splendid Sass was simply too good not to share.  Teresa has partnered with Barn Light Electric and is giving, yes I said GIVING away two separate gift certificates.  One for $1,000.00 and another for $500.00 to two lucky winners.

I know exactly what I would do, if won either gift!  I would order four of these yummy sconces.

Exeter Wall Sconce

source

And I would use them as library lights over our bookshelves.  I've been thinking about doing this for quite some time.  But, they are expensive; and there are so many other things on the list.  But if someone is going to give them to me!! Well, what can I say -  this giveaway, has certainly encouraged me to post about it!  

Here is a picture of our bookshelves.  I would place each of the sconces at the top of the four arches.  I think this would give that area a much more purposeful look.  

Here are a few images that inspired me to consider library lights for our bookshelves. 

source

source

source

So, that's what I would do with the gift certificate.  Now, here's how you can enter to win too!

1.      Look around Barn Light Electric and pick lights you’d love to own.

2.      Feature your lighting picks on your personal blog, and link to the lights if you can!

3.      Copy/Paste these rules at the bottom of your blog article.

4.      Once your personal article is up, you must email your blog link to:contest@barnlightelectric.com to be qualified to win. The contest ends October 12^th, 2011.

5.      Don’t have a blog? Find out how you can enter by visiting their website.

Good Luck! M.

Lighting - The Jewelry of A Room

While lighting serves a very practical purpose in a space, it can also add tons of subtle interest.  In addition to determining the proper lighting for a space (i.e., table/floor lamps, sconces and/or chandeliers), you really need to think about the style of lighting.  This is what creates the WOW in a room.  Just as jewelry is to a great outfit, so is lighting to a great space.

Here are some fantastic examples of true room jewelry - lighting available here. I love the trick below for over a sofa.  If you have a smallish piece of artwork that is not quite to scale to go over your sofa, add a pair of wall sconces for interest and to make the artwork "read" larger.  Works every time.

via

I love this clever idea - consider pendants in bedrooms rather than a table lamp.  The unexpected is what really makes a room feel special.  Love all the texture these pendants are adding to the space.  When you create a monochromatic color scheme, you have to ramp things up with texture.

via

Again, wall sconces over a sofa, but I just love the use of the library style lamps in this spot.  Again, the unexpected style makes this grouping sing!

via

I had to include this image - I love the play on styles here.  The very traditional room calls for a more traditionally styled chandelier.  But notice, the citrine velvet chairs add a pop of modern flare and to repeat this juxtaposition, the silver tones of the chandy are more modern.  Very clever, yet subtle.

via

This is just completely yummy.  Period.  These table lamps are artwork in and of themselves. 

via

Don't forget about using lighting for a punch of color.  I love this over sized floor lamp in paprika! 

via

Another great example of using lighting as the jewelry of a space.  Rather than basic cans lights, this designer used low profile overhead lighting in a super current brass tone for some Wow.  When your ceiling does not have tons of architectural interest, this is a clever option.

via

Lastly, repetition can create a Wow.  Consider pendants over a dining table, rather than the more expect chandelier.  This is just downright cool! 

via Pinterest

So, when considering lighting for a space, really think about adding something special to the room.  You will be stunned what a little jewelry can add!  Have a marvelous day.  M.

Disclaimer: I have received compensation in return for publishing this article. 

Project in Progress - Stairwell Lighting

So, yesterday I gave you a run down on my thoughts on stairwell lighting.  I mentioned I was working on lighting for a client's renovation.  

I thought you might like to see what we selected for her stairwells.

Since we were dealing with stairwells that were dark and a bit narrow, we decided to go with wall sconces.  I first found this fixture and thought it would work perfectly in the space.  It's the right style and has a really low profile.  It's also simple with a current look.

Image

These are $265 each and we needed 6 of them (three for each stairwell).  So, we're talking around $1,600.00 for lighting.  These are beautiful with leather detailing, but our goal was to provide light with low profile simple sconces, not make a statement with the lighting (or the price). 

So, in comes one of my favorite lighting resources, Lamps Plus.  You have to dig a bit, but you can find some amazing deals.  Here's the look-a-like we ended up going with for her project.

Image

These are $60.99 each. So, a total of  $365.94 for all the stairwell lighting!  The key element - same exact profile measurements (juts out only 4" from the wall).  Man, I love a good deal!! 

Btw, it also comes in a double light if you are looking for a brighter fixture.

Image

I hope you have a great weekend.  We are having some wonderful weather here in Birmingham, and the count down has begun for the last day of school - only one week left!  We will be out enjoying our weekend.  I hope you do the same. M.

Stairwell Lighting

I'm working with a client at the moment who is making various changes throughout her entire house.  Although many of the changes are small, they are happening in lots of different areas and will have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of her home.  

We are now working on lighting which leads me to today's post (I know you were wondering if I would get to it) -  Stairwells.  My client has two in her home - one from her lower level garage up to the main living space and another that leads to an upstairs hangout/playroom.  At the moment, both are a bit dark and narrow.  

  There are a number of options for lighting a stairwell.  Here are my top picks and when to consider them.   

1. Hanging Lantern or Chandelier

Hands down, this is my favorite type of stairwell lighting.  It gives the stairwell a "WOW" factor  like no other (and I am all about that).  

Image

By placing a large lantern or chandelier in the well of a staircase, you can create a major focal point.  This type of lighting works best in larger stairwells that are open to foyers or landings.   

Image

The styles vary tremendously, so you are sure to find something appropriate for your space.  Biggest down side - changing the light bulbs in a fixture like this! 

Image

Image

Image

This appears to be a home with three levels so this clever homeowner has selected three fixtures and placed them at different levels to create lighting for each floor of the home.

Image

2. Wall Sconces

These are the smartest way to add lighting and interest to a hallway.  They are versatile and work in most stairwells.

Wall sconces come in single, double and even triple lights.  If you don't want the look of multiple fixtures in a stairwell, then opt for a pair of double light sconces like these. Beautiful staircase BTW!

Image

This space is really a perfect example of how wonderful it looks to vary the lighting in a home.  The lantern is really located in the foyer, but since the stairwell is so open it works with the single wall sconce on the upper landing.

Image

One very important thing to consider with wall sconces is the profile of the fixture.  There are many beautiful sconces now available online, but you simply cannot appreciate the scale from a picture on the computer.  It is very important to read the specs of the fixture to ensure it is going to work in your space.

For example, the below stairwell is narrow.  The fact that one side is open does trick your eye into thinking it's larger.  But, you would not want a wall sconce that juts out into the walking area.  So, in this case the homeowner has selected low profile fixtures and has placed them higher on the wall.
Looks great.

Image

In this example, there is a double wall sconce in a simple mission style.  It is not a focal point, but rather a practical solution for lighting.  The focus is on the artwork below the fixture.

Image

Another example of a simple single wall sconce. With a staircase this pretty, you do not want people focusing on the sconce!

Image

I love the look of this wall.  It is very hard to see, but there is one small wall sconce between the two groupings of pictures in the stairwell area.  Obviously, the homeowner has selected a very simple understated fixture so the focus can be on the fantastic photographs.

Image

3. Simple Back Lighting
This will give you ample light in a clean and simple way.  The idea here is not to draw attention to the fixture.  These can be used anywhere, but really work best in dark, steep, or narrow hallways where wall sconces would not be possible due to the width of the stairwell.

For those of you scratching your head on what I am talking about.  Back lighting would be any wall mounted fixture above the entry points into stairwell.

This picture illustrates where the back light would be place (if this stairwell had one).

Image

The benefit to this type of lighting -  there are no fixtures running the length of the stairwell, so you have a canvas to display groupings of photographs or other special artwork.  It's also relatively easy to change the light bulbs in this type of fixture.

Image

Although this fixture is technically a wall sconce, it's being used as back lighting.  Just beautiful and a perfect match for the style of this home.

Image

4.  Riser Lighting
This works great in modern spaces and for areas, that you would like to maintain low lighting overall but want to ensure people can easily navigate the steps.  Applications would include stairs entering a home theater area, a lounge space or any teenager's dream bedroom.


Image

These can be mounted on the wall or even the riser of the step depending on the space you have available.

Image


Image


Image

So, now you have no excuse for a dark depressing staircase!
PS: Your homeowner's insurance company will thank me too.  M.

A Kitchen Freshen Up

I've been working with a client on a quick kitchen freshen up.  We have selected a lighter wall color to go with their fabulous glazed cabinets.  Then we decided to tweak it a bit more with new lighting in the breakfast area and over the island as well as new hardware for the cabinets.  Here are the options I sent them . . . 

I love to give my clients options for their space.  The best part is they really can't go wrong with any of the picks!  It takes the pressure off and allows the client to truly be part of the process. 

This couple already pulled the trigger on one of the options.  When they are completely finished implementing the plan, I'll show you the results!! 

Any guesses on which option they chose? M.

The Lamp Experiment

Back in November, I was making a quick pass through Goodwill and saw this brass lamp.  There is a Goodwill store right down the street from one of my favorite fabric stores.  When I have a minute, I like make a quick run through.  Notice I didn't clean up in the garage for this shot (gotta keep it real).  I think I paid $15.00 for it.

I had been looking for a brass lamp to try out this product - Rub N Buff on to give it that antiqued brass look for less. 

I saw a couple of great posts, one by Andea of Oak Ridge Revival and the other by Centsational Girl using this product with amazing results.  One post used Grecian Gold and the other used Antique Gold, so I grabbed both.  

My first step was to get rid of the less than attractive color of the base. 

I taped off the brass and used the primer and paint I had left over from my shutter project.  

I did this back in January and got busy with other projects and totally forgot about it.  My very neat husband (smile here) put the lamp in the attic - so out of sight out of mind.  Then last weekend I was up there rummaging through to find our beach bag and saw it.  I brought it back down and got busy on the "antiquing" phase of the project. 

I first tried the Antique Gold - did not work.  It made it look like copper.  Then I tried the Grecian gold - not the look I was going for.  It made it even more brassy than the original.  Lastly, I tried a combination of the two.  All three attempts were a total bust.  They looked like a bad faux finish.  The reason I'm telling you all this is so you will know that DIY projects don't always work out like you plan.  It's trial and error, and least you think I've got it all figured out!  After re-reading every post I could get my hands on about rub n buff, I finally came to the conclusion that it really works best on smaller areas that are more ornate and include details for a patina to form or in the hands of someone who is better at applying it than me!  My lamp is super smooth - so it was impossible for me to get the finish I wanted - thus the bad faux finish effect.  

So, I went back to the drawing board on how to "antique" the brass.  After a bit of blogland research, I discovered my lamp was solid brass.  You can figure this out using a magnet.  If the magnet sticks to the lamp, it is brass plated.  If not, it's solid brass.  

via

Why is this important you ask?  Well, if your lamp is plated, you have to be very careful which technique you use to age or tarnish the brass, as you could totally strip away the brass finish.  Now, this may sound like a bummer, but you can still get some pretty cool results by completely striping the brass.  Like this mercury glass finish . . .  - click here for details on this DIY.

via

My lamp is solid brass, so I did not have to worry about this.  So, I used paint thinner to remove all the rub n buff from the surface.  Then I used acetone (finger nail polish remover) to remove the lacquer finish.  Lacquer was widely use to preserve the shiny finish of brass - it prevents the brass from tarnishing which is exactly what I want on my lamp.  

Then I read about several quick ways to speed up the tarnishing process on brass.  You can wipe it down with a salt water solution or even vinegar (if it's solid brass) or you can use a spray bottle for a more even application.  After reading up on the options,  I decided I would be patient and wait for my lamp to tarnish naturally.  I really don't want a contrived pattern.  I just want that antiqued look. 

 I purchased a new shade (which I will be discussing in a different post - how to select the right shade), and found a home for the lamp in our breakfast room.  

Now, we wait.  I tried to research how long it would take and could not find any details - so we are going to do a little experiment. 

 I am going to periodically photograph the lamp to see if we are there yet (notice Lottie guarding her toy basket - little dogs have the strangest quirks).

 Should be interesting to see how long it takes.  Any predictions? M.