Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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Hanging Two Glass Kitchen Pendants

I like big globes and I cannot lie. You other brothers can’t deny. When a light walks in with an itty bitty waist…

Globes 1 After Straight

… and a round thing in yo face you get sprung. At least I do. John just gets all blown out and looks angelic.

Globes 2 After With John

The purpose of that photo was actually just to show you why we picked the height that we did. The common pendant light recommendation is to hang it 30″ above the top of the counter (from the top of the counter to the base of the pendant), but we went 31″  because my tall hubby didn’t want those round things in his face obstructing the view. It’s so nice to have some proper lighting above the peninsula since that part of the room has been super dark. As we mentioned yesterday, they were $60 each at a local lighting outlet, which made buying two of them cheaper than the actual retail price of one (they’re $129 a pop here).

Of course we still have some holes to spackle (five to be exact), but things are definitely looking up!

Globes 3 After Angle

As in, I can’t stop staring up at them. And John’s been ogling them too.

Globes 4 Over Peninsula

The lights, not the holes.

I’ve got holes. In different area codes… area codes. Remember that song anyone? Apparently I’m in a singing mood today. I blame it on the eh-eh-eh-eh-electrical. Blame it on the eh-eh-eh-eh-electrical.

Globes 5 Holes To Patch

Ok, I’m done now. Promise.

Anyway, this is a shot to show you that we still have a light over the fireplace to switch out. It’s actually perfectly centered on the fireplace as you face it, although the angle of this pic makes it look all sorts of wonky. This is a pendant that broke pretty soon after moving in so we haven’t used it for about half a year. Can’t wait to hang something better suited to the chill-zone by the fireplace. Maybe a big ol’ drum pendant that’s only dropped a few inches from the ceiling so it’s high enough for anyone 6’4″ and under not to bump their heads (that’s the tallest person we know, haha). So yeah, along with spackling holes and getting a pendant for over the sink, this guy’s on the lighting agenda too.

Globes 6 Fireplace Light

But back to the globes. We actually installed a dimmer switch yesterday, which is awesome because we can blast them all the way up or lower them for we’re-just-eating-spaghetti-but-let’s-fancy-things-up ambiance. We’d love to get LED bulbs for our pendants (they’re compatible with CFLs, halogens, incandescents, and LEDs, which is nice) but since we have a dimmer switch, we have to find special LEDs that work with a dimmer. We’ll keep you posted.

Update: we’re getting lots o’ comments asking if we’ll be ORBing the stools – we’re actually going to wait for the dark cork floors to go in before making any decisions on them either way since that could be a game changer. Oooh cliffhanger…

Globes 7 Off Straight

Here’s how things look in the other direction. See how a big drum shade might be nice for that cozy corner by the fire?

Globes 8 Off From Stove

Mmm, let’s get a little closer, shall we?

Update: We gave edison bulbs a try and they were reallllly yellow in our room (maybe with white counters they’re not the best idea since they left ours looking dirty?) – we also gave clear bulbs a try but they cast a bunch of harsh shadows on the ceiling, so we prefer the frosted guys we have here for now – although we’re definitely still looking into dimmable LEDs!

Globes Off Extreme Close Up

In the words of sandwich-loving Joey Tribbiani: how you doin?

Globes Off Both Close

Oh and see that nice big chunk of sunny grellow wall between the fridge and the half wall into the dining room? We want to get a nice big piece of art for that spot. So we’re on the prowl. Will keep ya posted on that too.

Globes Off Space Over Count

When we were reconfiguring the kitchen we talked about putting an upper cabinet there but knew that the peninsula would feel so much more open to those sitting there (especially the person on the end) if they weren’t staring at the side of a cabinet. It’s actually an area where we do a lot of prepping now, so we love that it’s open. It’s hard to explain, but it feels more like a room and less kitchen-y, in a good way. Just sort of casual and airy and not too wood-riddled.

Globes Off Angle

Anyway, next on the ol’ kitchen list is patching those holes (we’ll share all the spackle-tastic details) and hanging (and building in) our craigslist range hood. Then we finally get to add the open shelves that I’ve been over the moon to “meet” since about four months ago when we decided to go for it. We’ve been keeping all of our dishes/plates/cups in a lazy susan cabinet in the corner by the stove, and while it works okay, open shelving will be approximately 957 times more convenient. Yes, I’m a complainer about turning the lazy susan one way to get a dish and having to spin it the other way to get a cup. Plus after we get the shelves made and hung and painted I get to put pretty vases and containers and frames up there along with all of our everyday dishes. Maybe even a ceramic animal or two if I’m feeling crazy. And let’s face it, I’m pretty much always feeling crazy.

Speaking of which, remember my whole self-imposed “Dude, Get On That Already” challenge?

Fascinator

How is it already Wednesday and I have yet to tackle something? Come on $herdog, you said once a week you’d get on that. So GET ON THAT, ALREADY! Hopefully I’ll have a little update for ya tomorrow. Anyone care to join me and share what you’ve done tomorrow morning?

So in summary: work continues and we’re all over the place as usual. Hah. What are you guys up to today?

Comments

  1. Grace says

    I’m thinking that big wall space is screaming for a BIG black and white photo canvas of Clara playing in the kitchen – like ‘baking’ cookies covered in flour kind of fun!

    Reply

  3. Renee says

    Okay…I’m a hairdresser so forgive me….is it the photo or is the one one the left just a smidge lower?

    I just can’t believe how different the kitchen looks, so amazing!

    Speaking of lighting…have you ever heard of a light scoop for your camera? Another blog I read, Chez Larsson, she just bought one for her camera and it makes a total difference in how your pics come out.

    Reply

  4. Meghann says

    Just LOVE your posts! I do marketing for an architecture firm in CO and we do a lot of second home private residential and hotel/resort. The real sheeshee stuff! I always get a lot of inspiration from our designs and figure out how to implement them a whole heck of a lot cheaper from your blog and your ideas. I own a small house and am taking it room by room, just like you! Thanks for you inspiration and your fun witty blog! Puts a smile on my face every day!! And on my mind at the moment…my living room makeover with a yellow and grey theme and a frame wall with the saying “Life is a Journey, not a guided tour…” Happy Wednesday!!

    Reply

  6. Lauren says

    I’ve been enjoying reading about your kitchen progress. Just wanted to let you know that there is a coffee shop in Orange County, CA called Portola Coffee Lab that has a similar design scheme as far as the lab stools and globe pendants. (The baristas wear lab coats!)
    http://flic.kr/p/b6qHFX

    Reply

  7. Sarah says

    LOVE the song references in this post! They put a big ol’ grin on my face on this cloudy, humid, record-breaking-high-temperature Wednesday in Florida.

    Actually, some colleagues and I were just saying yesterday that the party/dance music from when we were in college (i was at UVA at the same time as John) was so much better than today’s. I got 99 problems…but party-music nostalgia ain’t one, thanks to an embarrassingly long playlist.

    Also, the kitchen looks fabulous! I can’t wait to see how the final pieces come together!

    Reply

  8. Darcy says

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!! They look amazing! I have the hardest time choosing lighting, and then eventually, cause I can’t make a decision, I just freeze, and give up! Hence, the horribly ugly fan that is hanging in my living room for 5 years!! This year, I must change this….(adding to my to do list..)! Thanks for the inspiration!

    As for the D-GOT challenge…I was actually quite productive over the weekend – Reorganized some shelves in the garage where we keep all the extra kitchen supplies (platters, extra large roasters, bowls, etc.) that had become junked up. And we decided to get rid of some stuff (either CL or maybe garage sale in spring), then we re-organized our kitchen cabinets (cleaned and everything). Then I worked on the office, re-organizing as well! And since then, I am just trying to keep up with stuff better – dishes, junk on the table, my 2yo’s toys. So, I’m feeling like I am off to a great start!!! Yeah, me!

    And, Sherry… I gotta tell ya — “How you doin’?” Is STILL on of my FAVORITE expressions!! And since I’m now in Colorado, I feel like I’m still east coast when I say it!! LOL! Dork, right?!?!?!

    Reply

  9. Cassandra says

    I can’t wait to see if you find decent CFL Dimmer bulbs. We had an energy consultation in our last house and we were given CFL dimmer bulbs for our dinning room light and I hated them (even though they were free). They were huge with a bulky base so you could see the bulb above the shade. They would take forever to turn on and even when on didn’t quite lose that purple tinge. I’ve been looking ever since for better ones…

    Reply

  10. Carly says

    Cool lights!
    I’m not sure if they’re dim-able but have you guys seen/thought about those vintage style bulbs that have more of an exposed filament? I’ve seen them called Edison or Victorian bulbs. Might be kind of cool in the ORB orbs :) This site seemed to have a variety…

    http://1000bulbs.com/search/?q=edison

    -Carly, Minneapolis

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yes we tried those but it was a really yellow light (made the counter look yellowed like it was 500 years old- haha) so we decided they might work better in non-white kitchens!

      xo,
      s

  11. Donita says

    Those lights are so pretty, so perfect. You guys are amazing. Envy is a sin, do I am trying hard to not be envious of your home. ;-) The art for your wall, what about that pear picture you painted. Was that for Clara or for Johns sister? I love that picture.

    Reply

  12. Christie says

    I love the stools the color they are!

    Can I suggest the vintage Edison bulb? We got one for our glass lantern-style pendant over our kitchen sink, and I am in love with it. When I need relax while cooking dinner, I even turn off the fluorescent overhead light, and cook to that one little, happy, glowing bulb. And the light given off is rich and warm, and while its not bright, its perfect. I promise, if you put Edisons in your globes, you will love your globes twice over!

    Reply

  13. fd says

    I love how the kitchen is going, great work guys! And amazingly, since you put the penny tile up I have seen the light regarding the cork tiles. I jsut didn’t get it before, but now I can see why they will be necessary. EEps I can’t wait to see the end end results, but also all the in the middle results too.

    Reply

  16. Giulia says

    These look great. Have you thought about a cool message center instead of art on that wall? Once my kids got older it got crazy with paper we had to keep track of.

    Reply

  17. Nick says

    Looks awesome! So bright and airy.

    I am curious if you could shed a little more ‘light’ on the recessed light fixtures. Ie. size and trim style. We are redoing our kitchen and I want to add some recessed lighting but very confused about which to go with. Yours look nice and bright and the fact that you only needed 4 means that they must be.

    Thanks and can’t wait to see those holes patched up!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I think they’re just basic 6″ can lights? We asked our electrician what he recommended and he likes Halo brand lights and thought anything smaller than 6″ would be more of a spot light and wouldn’t illuminate the whole side of the room. They’re each 60 watt but we have Halogena bulbs in them which put out 75 watts of light and only use 50 watts (energy savers). Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  18. Ingrid says

    Those pandants are fabulous and you can’t beat that price. I think they would look great with some clear Edison bulbs. The kitchen is coming together so nicely.

    Reply

  19. jana says

    Looks fan-freakin-tastic!! I come to your blog everyday…it keeps me sane as my husband, I, and our two kids bide our time living in a 400 sq ft apartment while we finish school. When we get our own place I am going to be DIYing like a crazy person!! Your kitchen reno is an inspiration :)

    Reply

  21. D'Ann says

    I am loving all your progress. It is such a wonderful transformation. I recently saw some dimmable LED bulbs at Lowes in the ceiling fan accessory area- they looked promising and were marked down to $11 each so not too pricey. The big orbs are beautiful, alas my OCD is screaming for you to remove those dang stickers on the sockets and maybe brush some ORB paint on the copper stem that shows. Beautiful pieces and such a great deal too- Love it!

    Reply

  22. Becky says

    I’m trying to figure out how to tell my 16 year old that I know she’s got a boyfriend since she hasn’t shared this with me. UGH!

    (Nice big bulbs, you’ve got there.)

    Reply

  24. Lindsey E. says

    I am LOVING everything you are doing to your kitchen. It’s really inspiring me to tackle our own ho hum kitchen.

    Have you guys thought about maybe putting open shelving next to the fridge/peninsula instead of art work? I think that could be really neat and a nice carry over from the other side of the kitchen. But art work would also be bangin’. :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I think we’ll have enough open shelving on that whole back wall, but you never know! We do like to tweak our plans as we go, so it should be fun to see where we end up!

      xo,
      s

  25. Jenn says

    Love love love these!!! AND I totally appreciate you talking about mixing and matching metals. I have Oil Rubbed Bronze light fixtures in both my open concept kitchen/diningroom/livingroom but have brushed nickel curtain rods for a whopping 6 almost floor to ceiling windows in attempt to add a bit more bling. I was going to change out the lights to match but now I am not!!! Looks great! I wish we had more discount stores in my little town here in Ontario, Canada.
    Keep up the great work on your fantabulous kitchen! I check everyday for updates!
    Much love and admiration!!!!

    Reply

  26. Amanda says

    I can definitely see how the floor would be a game changer for ORB-ing the stools. I’m actually thinking that a somewhat-darker-than-copper might be just perfect there, with the cork floors. Something that’s close to the ORB but not so close that it just looks like it’s mismatched. (Something like ‘Aged Copper’ from Rustoleum — see http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=181&sid=249131 )

    (I have to admit that looking at the lights my first thought was “OMG, those stools have to be ORB, too!”)

    I definitely agree on waiting to see how it looks with the floor, though!

    That said, aren’t you worried about a drum pendant obscuring the view of your frame gallery?

    Reply

  27. Karen J says

    Look at the globes on that kitchen! HaHa. I love them, but, I confess, I’m worried. Are they going to show Every. Speck. Of. Dust. The combo of ORB (which shows dust 100 times more than stainless) and illuminated glass (which shows every speck) has me worried. I had glass pendants over our breakfast bar but couldn’t take the “every other day” dusting needed to keep them sparkling. But maybe our house is extra dusty? You’ll keep it real and let us know about upkeep, right?

    Have you considered DIY for the artwork? Here’s a great technique you could use, adjusting the colors and subject for your “vision”. http://www.ourlakelife.com/2011/10/17/ballard-designs-inspired-snowbirds-blossoms-tutorial/

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha- I’ll keep you posted on the dust thing. So far, so good. Maybe light blows out dust so you can’t see it since all you see is… light? Haha. As for the DIY art, so cool!

      xo,
      s

  28. Amy K says

    Lowes carries dimmable LED bulbs. But beware. With your clear glass globes, they may not look right because they look a little different than standard bulbs. A lot of extra plastic casing towards the top of the bulb.

    Also, I’ve found that dimmable LED bulbs buzz AND flicker. And while some may not find that noticeable, it drives me out of my mind.

    So buy one bulb at Lowes, keep the receipt and the original packaging, and try it out for a day or two. That way you can return it if it drives you batty. :)

    Reply

  30. Jo(ke) says

    This is totally unrelated but I was just reading through your wedding posts and realized we’ll share the same wedding date. My fiance and I are getting married July 7th. :)

    Reply

  32. thomas says

    Would you PLEASE let us know when you find CFL bulbs that work with dimmers? I’d love to find something. We have a family room with can lights on a dimmer, but ever since I changed out to more eco-friendly bulbs, I can’t do a darn thing with them without flickering. Looking to YHL for help!

    Reply

  33. cd says

    I vote for (wait, this isn’t a democracy, is it) not ORBing the stools but going for a fancy pop of color. I think that’s in your mind too since I recall a comment to that effect on another pinned photo with bright red stools or something. Bright red would be fun! Just no more grellow like the office chairs ;) They have their moment in the other room!

    Reply

  34. Shannon says

    Love the lighting and everything else you guys are doing!!! Have you ever considered using Edison bulbs where you see all the filaments which may make those pendant lights even more ba-bam! They are a bit more expensive than a regular light bulb but in my opinion (not that anyone is asking) look super stylish and bring a clear light fixture to the next level.

    I love reading your blog everyday and I love Sherry’s sense of humour!

    S

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We tried those but they had a yellow cast (our white counters looked sort of dirty) so we went with brighter white lights. Can’t wait to give LEDs a try though!

      xo,
      s

  35. Chelsea in Richmond says

    I took a holiday job (that’s become a permanent second job haha) at Pier One and last night I put out little ceramic birds and bunnies that definitely made me think of you. They’re little ornaments- not sure what you would hang easter ornaments on though- but oh so tiny and cute!

    Oh and we have a ceramic white cow for creamer. That also makes me think of you when I walk by it :-)

    Reply

  37. Natalia says

    “I’ve got holes. In different area codes…”

    Hahaha Sherry, that cracked me up. Thanks :) You should start singing randomly in posts more often.

    P.S. They look lovely.

    Reply

  39. Anne says

    I can’t wait to see it with the cork floors. Right now everything is so light that it’s almost stark. I do agree that the “grellow” is photographing much better now! Looks great! :D

    Reply

  42. Sue Symens says

    Okay I love the lights but the stools need to be a color. Not ORB. Sorry just my thoughts. Have a great day!
    P.S. You are fun people you need to have that fun bright spot with the stools. okay I am done. Sorry.

    Reply

  43. Bethany says

    Yeah, nineties hip hop references! Love it!

    Thanks for the GET ON THAT ALREADY MOTIVATION: I am tackling some cleanup in the basement. Nothing motivates me to clean like a looming recylcing day (tomorrow!) booyah!

    PENDANTS LOOK AWESOME! Your kitchen is starting to look Petersik-y! :O)

    Reply

  45. DanielleR says

    $herdog’s out in full force today I see! The sad part is I knew every song you played off and sang along in my head lol.

    Reply

  46. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    It’s just coming together so nicely! Every day looks better and better. Looking forward to that spackle post…I have a few holes to fix myself from a fluorescent light that we took down. Love your choice on the pendants and I agree that a drum light by the fireplace would be fantastic!

    Reply

  47. Slipcity says

    Love your new lights! One suggestion I have would be to have matched the cabinet hardware to the great metal on the lights! Just my two cents. The kitchen is looking excellent!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha- no worries! We love layering in different hardware and lighting (we have ORB curtain rods and door knobs in rooms with big silver lamps and trays) but it’s definitely a personal preference thing! We plan to bring in some more ORB so it relates to a few other items and then the stainless appliances and hardware can relate to each other and it’ll be a nice little mix. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  48. Susan says

    Beautiful lights! We went crazy too trying to find the right height for our pendants. We were looking online and in books trying to find out what the standard was and also how far apart they should be was very hard to figure out. I have no idea what measurements we finally settled on, but we’re happy! :)

    Reply

  49. Jennifer says

    It’s looking so good!! I didn’t realize there was a light by the fireplace from the ceiling. I think my thought would have been to use floor lamps to give a cozier feeling in that area. Would it be too dark, or is that not your thing. I love me a good floor lamp! ;)

    Reply

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