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

  2. Megan F says

    Looks great! I was actually considering this globe for our entryway, but we’d have to shorten the pendant length. Is there any chance you could tell me if that’s possible? It looks like the ceiling canopy is pretty shallow- would you say it’s less than 1″ deep? I know you guys get lots of questions so obviously I understand if you can’t answer. Thanks for the updates!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I’d guess the canopy is more like 2-3″ deep. As for the chain, you should be able to shorten it as much as you want – just remove the links (we did it pretty easily- they pried open with a pliers).

      xo,
      s

  4. Anna says

    You asked what we were up to today…

    My hubs and and I are closing on our FIRST HOUSE tomorrow at 8am! So I’ve been running around like a crazy person before work today gathering cleaning supplies and…wallpaper removal supplies. Wallpaper in 7 of 9 rooms. *help!*

    Super excited for all the impending projects though. Thanks for all the inspirations to DIY!

    Love those new lights!!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Wahoooooo! That’s so exciting. I remember lying in bed the night before we closed on our first house- I totally couldn’t sleep I was so giddy. And you know what? I did that again when we moved into our second house. It’s just so exciting!

      xo,
      s

  7. Lola says

    I hate you, Sherry— I will now have horrible jamie foxx song in my head all day and probably even tomorrow

    :)

    Kitchen looks amazing!!

    Reply

  8. Ashley @ Any Lovely Thing says

    Wow! Things are looking so great, you guys!! I swear, looking at all the little things you’ve done add up to such a swanky looking space already. I now especially love the charcoal painted fireplace.

    Major DIY Kudos!
    Ashley

    Reply

  9. JanetL says

    I’m partial to the stools being painted a bright color than ORB but I can’t wait to see what you do.

    Now that you’re seeing more of the kitchen come together is there anything that you are starting to feel like you all ready want to change or you think won’t work? Just curious.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Things I want to change: I want shelves and I want cork floors. Haha. I’m just impatient about wanting the whole thing to come together, but I guess that’s par for the course!

      xo,
      s

  10. Lauren says

    I want to take some of our food pictures from our wedding and blow them up for kitchen art. I haven’t done it, so no idea how it would look, but just a suggestion! :) Everything is turning out swimmingly in your kitchen- love it!

    P.S. You guys CRACK ME UP with your jokes and singing! I think we’d be great bff’s! :) My husband snd I are forever singing ridiculously and making up crazy songs. Glad we’re not the only ones :) Too bad I live in Atlanta and not Richmond! Us Jersey girls gotta stick together!

    Reply

  11. Katie says

    This may have been answered already (I didn’t scroll through all the comments to find out…shame on me), but since the globes are clear do you get blinded by the light bulb? I’ve always loved the look of clear pendants but wondered how it was on the ol’ eyes :) Like when you look up at a floor lamp and you see spots for awhile. Does that happen with these? Just curious…the kitchen is looking soooo amazing! Can’t wait to see the shelves and the flooring!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Nah, it’s actually not bad. Having them on a dimmer is nice because we can lower them but we usually have them on full blast and they don’t seem to bother us.

      xo,
      s

  13. aynorth says

    Oh I love the new lights!!! Amazing choice and eye!

    I know you are waiting for the floors to go in, but just for fun, if you orb(?) the chairs black then your kitchen would almost have a bumble bee color scheme!! A really suttle bumble bee color scheme but still.

    I remember ya’ll saying you had a thing for bumble bees so that would be a cute inside joke. And you could get some big bumble bee art for the wall next to the counter. That is just my “just for fun” planning of your kitchen :)

    Reply

  14. karla says

    I love how you mix metals! That’s one of my favorite things to do too. I cannot believe how bright the kitchen now looks during the day! Great job!!

    Reply

  15. QS says

    Love the lights! We wanted to use the same ones but they didn’t work out with our space. It was meant to be, though, because we got a huge polished nickel RH pendant at over 60% off! I will always wistfully look at yours from now on, though. Can’t wait to see the floors! Better get on that! lol

    Reply

  16. Erin says

    The kitchen looks beautiful! Your hard work is really paying off, and it’s been so fun to watch it all come together piece by piece.

    One question: The beam running across the main part of the kitchen, it looks like it’s not meeting the ceiling above the large cabinets. Is that just an optical illusion in the pictures?

    Thanks for sharing so much of yourselves with us each day! As a mom of a 19 month-old, I can say that you’re truly inspiring with all you manage to do while raising cute Clara.

    Reply

  17. meghan s says

    First, I hardly ever comment…..that said I have to say what a difference the pendants made!!! Awesome. That just confirms by belief that lighting is what jewelry is to an outfit- can make or break it. Can’t wait to see those floors go i!!!

    Reply

  18. jennifer says

    Not gonna lie, I’m not a big fan of those light fixtures (or any of the other ones with clear globes) something about seeing the light bulb (wierd, I know!)….HOWEVER, I do LOVE them in your space. I also love them in several inspiration kitchens out there floating around on Pinterest and the like. Wonder if I could do them in my kitchen?! Thanks for letting me see a real space with them and not a BHG/southern living/etc spread!

    Reply

  19. Melissa says

    check out the Kulla ceiling light at Ikea in white for in front of the fireplace; it’s a metal drum type shade, not fabric. they are being discontinued at my store and now $19.99.just put one in my laundry room and love it. They take up to a 100 watt standard bulb so it gives off plenty of light. LOVE the pendants over the peninsula! so what’s the thinking for over the sink? I love the Ikea Foto aluminum or white metal pendants; the smaller one only comes in aluminum and is only $14.99. on the high end ($500+); love the Rusty tulip pendant on Shades of Light’s site. My local Home Depot just got in some new pendants from their Home Decorator’s collection; knock-off of more expensive lights I’ve seen; you might find something there. didn’t see them on-line; just in-store.

    Reply

  20. jina says

    Hey. I love the new lights. And you’re right it totally changes everything in the room. It’s totally dorky on me, but I’m on pins and needles for the floors. No pressure. ;) But when do you guys planning on laying some cork? Wow… that sounds dirty, and I didn’t even mean it to…

    Reply

  21. Dawn says

    Looking good Mr. Kotter! (You may be too young for that reference!!). Can’t wait to see the floors go in. I vote for ORB on the stools and some jazzy fabric seat cushions. Oh, and some textural art on the wall by the peninsula. Okay, I’m done:-)

    Reply

  22. Lisa G says

    Love, love, love, love the way the kitchen is turning out. We’ve done some lighting in our also- my hubby actually installed our 5 new can lights. Can’t wait to see how you do your ceiling patches- that’s next for us. And we need to pick out a pendant for over the kitchen table and over the sink.

    Reply

  23. Angelita says

    Your kitchen is looking great – mostly :). I must say, those chairs are pretty ugly. They look like chairs from a kitchen from an old office. It kinda brings down the clean/bright atmosphere of your kitchen. Besides that, it’s looking real nice.

    Reply

  25. Heidi P. says

    :D :D :D I loooooooove them!! They’re so much bigger looking in “real life”. Which is perfect! And I love how they have a little japanese lantern/pagoda thing goin’ on (the metal part that connects to the glass). Do you see it?

    I missed the boat on the “eh eh eh electrical” referrence… What song is that?

    Reply

  26. Tannie Smith says

    Love it! I am sure you already posted on this, but somehow I missed. BUT…I noticed that you have the science lab stools. I was considering getting some of those for my island as well. So I was happy to suddenly see them in your kitchen, giving me a good example of how they look. I was in a back or not to back debate in my mind. I like that you went with the back. Anyway would you mind telling me where you got them from, or just direct me to the post you talked about them in, if you did already. Thanks so much!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We went with the back because we knew small kiddos would be sturdier and it would help us snap in Clara’s seat (we couldn’t secure it without a back). We also figured we’d appreciate the backs too (just for getting comfy) and we do! Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  28. Dee says

    Wow, the kitchen is really coming along and it looks great! Are Jessica Helgerson’s designs an influence on you guys? I love her work and your place has a lot of elements I see her in style.

    Reply

  30. Maggie says

    Love to see the progression, and love the globes! I cannot wait to have my own kitchen to spruce up!

    Personally (as a custom-residential architect), I would replace the broken pendant over the fireplace with a recessed wall-washer…then you could aim the light at your art or mirror over the fireplace…very nice effect :)

    Reply

  31. Alice says

    I was just kind of feeling so so about the pendant photos yesterday. Okay, I have to admit that I told my sister I hated them! And now I have to take it all back after seeing them today! They look fabulous!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha- I wonder how many people out there at this very moment are telling a relative they hate something we picked out. Hahaha. I have no idea why that is hilarious to me, but it is. I forget that we’re not just talking to ten people like we used to (I write posts to ten people because if I think about how many people are reading I get writer’s block- haha).

      xo,
      s

  32. Margaret says

    Looks great! I love the touch of old-timey factory “Lyddie”-esqueness they give off. Speaking of industrial, I don’t know if you’ve seen these yet but I read an article about the new Switch LED lightbulbs are really cool looking (www.switchlightbulbs.com). I don’t think they’re out yet for sale, but something to look out for…

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      But of course! We’re not in the accessorizing or art phases yet, but when we get those shelves up and some art for that blank wall- look out! You know I love color…

      xo,
      s

  35. Georgia says

    They look FREAKIN’ AWESOME!!! Any chance you could do a tutorial/show and tell about how you change light fixtures. You make it sound so flippant and easy, “oh, we are just going to change out that light fixture”, and I have so many in our holiday house that I’d like to do, but I’ve never done it and it scares the becrappers out of me. I’d love to just see it, with step by step instructions. Kind of a changing lights for dummies. And I’m sure there are places online I could find, but I love how you guys make things seem so do able and not daunting.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      It is easy! Just not easy to photograph or video (since one of us usually holds the fixture up while the other person does the wiring). Maybe check youtube for a great video to help you?

      xo,
      s

  37. Lindsey says

    Bless your heart, but do you know what Sir Mix-a-lot means when he says ‘get sprung?’ :) And I think the lyrics from Ludacris are actually ‘I got hoes in different area codes.’ lol. Just for the sake of keeping it family friendly. hehe. You guys rock though!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha- I know that’s why I did a PG spin on them using home improvement references! I’ve got holes with ceiling holes and big globes being lamps = hilarious to a nerd like me. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  38. Robyn says

    Loving the room so far, but I am really really looking forward to the dark floor going down to balance the paleness a little bit! (And new shiny dishwasher too!).

    Reply

  39. Kristy @ whitebrickwall says

    Oh My! Those globes are amazing!!
    It’s really hard to find things like that here in the land of Oz…and if I do they’re usually at designer prices. Same goes with fabrics, and well anything really. Reading your blog, makes me wish we could move to Richmond USA.

    Reply

  40. Candice says

    Things are coming along swimmingly in your kitchen. I really like the pendant lights you selected. I haven’t seen any like them before! Oh, and about your bar stools…I was walking by the engineering office at work and there was a stool just like yours sitting all by its lonesome!

    Reply

  41. Kevin says

    The more photos I see of the progress in your kitchen the more often I find myself questioning the green walls. Maybe it’s how the color levels on your camera are set but things are looking slightly sallow, no offense. Maybe a shade or two darker would help ground things? but…like I said, it could just be the way it’s photographing.

    Reply

  42. Beth C says

    The lights look gorgeous! I want to hang a pair of pendants over my kitchen island, but I can’t decide what I want. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply

  43. Melissa says

    Lighting looks nice. I’ll be honest…I’m not feeling the stools. They are narrow at the top but wide at the bottom and look crowded. They also look cheap…sorry!

    Question on the cork flooring…are you a little worried about all the different types of flooring making it feel chopped up? Don’t get me wrong…I love your home, but I’ve always had a thing about consistent flooring. Am I wrong?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We love consistent floor color but we’re ok with mixed materials, so when we refinish the rest of the hardwood floors in the same mocha color as the cork it should all flow nicely even though some will be hardwood and parquet.

      xo
      s

  44. Christina says

    what about open shelving in that area by the fridge above the peninsula? Could be just used for “pretty things” – doesn’t have to be functional for dishes :)

    Reply

  46. Kelly McK says

    I’ve read through all of the comments trying to get this, but I’m afraid I just haven’t! What exactly does everyone mean by “ORB”-ing the chairs- what would that entail- new ones, or fixing these guys up?

    Thanks so much for helping with my ignorance (and please try not to laugh!)

    Reply

  47. michelle says

    Love all the work you have done, it looks incredible! You should be proud. My only but, is the stools. They just don’t fit. But that is just me. Everything else is love!

    Reply

  48. Amanda says

    They look fantastic! Those are so similar to what we want over our peninsula in our kitchen – so it’s nice to see them used in a similar space! I’m so (so so so) excited to see your kitchen come together! It’s looking amazing!

    Reply

  50. Tirzah says

    Lovely! We have the CB2 Firefly Globe light fixture over our dining table, which we love!

    http://www.cb2.com/pendant-lamps/lighting/firefly-pendant-lamp/f5281

    It’s a little scary to clean though with the globes banging into each other.

    Are you planning anything on the side of that long cabinet? (It’s on the left hand side of your first picture.) It might be fun to have some chalkboard paint there. I can’t remember if you’ve already done a chalkboard paint project.

    Reply

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