I like big globes and I cannot lie. You other brothers can’t deny. When a light walks in with an itty bitty waist…
… and a round thing in yo face you get sprung. At least I do. John just gets all blown out and looks angelic.
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!
As in, I can’t stop staring up at them. And John’s been ogling them too.
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.
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.
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…
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?
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!
In the words of sandwich-loving Joey Tribbiani: how you doin?
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.
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.
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?
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?
Caitlin says
This is possibly my favorite blog post ever. EVER.
Nedra says
Wow! Sir Mix-A-Lot, Ludacris & Nate Dogg, and Jamie Foxx! You two are my type of people. Love it!!!!!
Jami @ What the Graham?! says
They look great!! Cait over at Hernando House DIY’ed some last week! They look amazing! I love this new trend going on!
kristen f davis says
it’s looking sooo good guys!!!
Jenny says
Love the plethora of cultural references and also using the word ‘plethora’.
Your kitchen looks great!
Erin says
I love the globes! They look great. It’s awesome to see your kitchen coming together…I’m a recent follower of your blog, and you’re definitely inspiring me to tackle my kitchen!
Amy@eatsleepdecorate says
Love the globe pendants (and of course that song)! I just put these West Elm beauties above our bar in the kitchen! http://www.westelm.com/products/globe-pendant-a563/?pkey=cchandeliers-pendant-lighting
I am loving your kitchen redo! Looking awesome!
emily says
totally appreciate the rap references today… got a few looks as i lol’ed at my “work” on my screen.
kitchen’s looking great!
Emily says
Love the stools! Did I miss the post where you said where they came from?
YoungHouseLove says
Perhaps! Here it is for ya: https://www.younghouselove.com/2011/12/stool-boom/
-John
Sarah Ward says
Love the new lights, and I must admit that the pictures were so realistic that I almost squinted looking straight into them.
Today I finally “got on” a project that’s been sitting in my spare room since October. I bought 1970s brown lace curtains (the lace looks like a forest of bare trees…it’s hard to explain, but it’s way modern for the time period) at a thrift store and I’ve been meaning to update it a bit and add a white fabric liner. Today I finally trimmed the fabric to the right size and sewed the tube part for the curtain rod. I’m so excited to go get the hardware and hang them! When the light shines through with the white liner I’m imagining that they’ll look like a winter forest. Plus anything will be an improvement on the bed sheets we currently have stapled over our windows.
Elizabeth says
I was just wondering if you got a CL compatible dimmer switch?
We just installed recessed can lights in our family room and dining room (along with replacing the plaster with drywall, new insulation, moving a few doors and windows – yikes!). We bought special dimmer switches that are designed to be used with dimmable LEDs and CFLs (as well as regular bulbs). We haven’t actually had a chance to turn them on (work is still ongoing) so I’m curious to see what happens with your project; and ours (although my EE hubby assures me all will be fine).
By they way I love your new pendants – they are super!
YoungHouseLove says
We did get a dimmer that’s compatible with CFLs and LEDs because we’d like to swap to those eventually. We’ll let you know how it works out!
-John
Carrie says
Your kitchen is coming along so beautifully…you have definitely inspired me! In doing research about painting cabinets, I’ve read a lot that oil paint is more durable. Do you guys agree? Why did you choose not to go with oil on your cabinets? Have you used oil in the past?
YoungHouseLove says
Formulas have evolved and many paint pros actually prefer to use Advance (we got the recommendation for the exact paint we use from two different pro cabinet painters who use it over oil because it dries faster which leads to less possibility of marking it up when it’s still curing. It’s a great scrubbable formula and it’s self leveling- it really does have all the perks of oil with faster drying time and waaay less fumes (and easier clean-up).
xo,
s
Sarah says
I’ve been stalking your blog long enough… time to finally comment on what an inspiration you guys are! I love how detail oriented your entire site is (type A? Did somebody say type A?)… I have been thinking of starting a blog for fun and it is fascinating to read what goes into your work – and how you balance your time between parenting and blogging.
It’s been so fun to see your kitchen progress. My favorite thing so far is the tile wall – it adds such a delicious texture and that subtle, yet bling-y, quality.
Have been following your progress since September now, and look forward to seeing where you go next! Thanks for all you do…
Kelly says
I really love the new lights. My immediate thought was that they really tied into the industrial style of the stools even without being orb’d. I know that you aren’t sold on the stools yet, but I love how they are working with the new globes.
Jenn says
Ditto Kelly. I think the stools look great as is. I get a modern kitchen makeover meets industrial science lab feel. I love it. I think a large framed chalk board would look cool (and be practical) in the space between the fridge and the pass thru. Just a thought.
Andrea says
Loooooove the lights!! Is it just me or does the room look about a million times more finished with those pendant lights hanging there?? {Or maybe I just now got the final vision…kinda slow sometimes… :)} A good kitchen goes a long way in a house! Lovin’ yours!!
Ashley says
Also, I like[d] big beets and I [could] not lie tonight while making dinner.
Kim says
Seriously….This is why I love your blog! I broke out into song immediately. I’ll admit I’m obsessed with your blog. I talk about it to my family almost daily. I have tried to explain the whole “friend-in-my-head” thing! But, today I actually stopped them and made them listen to me sing the post. I, of course cracked up, all while they stood looking at me with concern on their faces. At one point (mid eye-roll from a teenager) I was told that I may need help. Anyway, thanks for making me sing, laugh and embarrass my kids!
YoungHouseLove says
Bwahahah. I loved your description of “concern on their faces” because 90% of what I do results in that look. Hilarious.
xo,
s
Lisa E says
The kitchen is looking fab. I have to run and don’t have time to go through the other comments, so forgive me if somebody else has already mentioned it. The stools…………I was thinking maybe paint them so you have a pop of color? I know you are waiting for the floors which is smart, but just a thought. Keep up the great work!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, that’s definitely a possibility that we mentioned when we got them! You know we love color…
xo,
a
Karyn says
No.You.Did.Not. Yes you DID! That’s hilarious, looks awesome as well!
Katie says
I’m not sure you’ll read this for several days (gosh you get a LOT of comments), but I wanted to let you know that I am really enjoying your blog and watching ch-ch-ch-changes…at least someone’s house is getting nicely changed, even if I can’t afford to change mine yet. I know you have a link for where you got things, but I’m wondering if you keep a list anywhere of your favorite online places to look for great steals? It seems like you’re constantly able to find just what you want at a great buy, and I just can’t. So, I’d love to see your favorite places to look.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Katie! I just try to swing by a few local places once a month or so (like the lighting outlet) when I’m out doing errands near there. I also like to check thrift stores, craigslist, and the Habitat For Humanity ReStore around once a month (or more often if I’m actively looking for something specific like a range hood). HomeGoods and Target also have great stuff along with Ikea whenever I’m out near that. I just try to keep an eye out, but definitely don’t stalk those stores every day or anything!
xo,
s
Heidi's Cottage (@HeidisCottage) says
I hope Im not the one who points it out and then all you can do is obsess about it BUT… the new cabinet’s side “wall” is a little too WHITE (looks more empty than any of the grellow walls). Are you gonna break it up with some art as well? Or maybe mirror tile? ‘Cause THAT would be classy. jk
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes! We’re not quite in the art/accessorizing phase yet but we have plans for nearly all the blank walls in the room (side of pantry included!).
xo,
s
cindy says
I am loving the old school song references, lol!!!
Evelyn says
Sherry:
I am sure you already know this- savvy shopper that you are… but right now HomeGoods has a ton of the wire baskets that you are “digging!” Just thought I would let you know.
Best,
Evelyn
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh thanks!
xo,
s
sherri says
These lights look great. Have you considered putting crown moulding around the top of your cabinets? We had some similar ones and put a wider crown moulding around the tops and they look like custom built-ins now and way more finished. Just a thought.
YoungHouseLove says
We actually planned on doing it and when we held the molding up we didn’t like it! Isn’t that weird? I think it’s because we don’t have a room full of upper cabinets (just a few sky-scrapers and the rest is down low) so it looked sleeker and cleaner without it. It’s gorgeous in a “normal” kitchen though! I pin things like that all the time. Haha.
xo,
s
Karen says
The lights looks great…a little jealous! We just installed sconces in our remodel and found dimmable LED lights at the Home Depot…but fair warning they are around $15 a piece…but they are also suppose to last for 22 years. Ahhh you win some, lose some. Keep up the awesome work, you are huge inspiration in my home endevours!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip Karen!
xo,
s
Michele says
Love the progress, can’t wait to see flooring in! As a single gal I just wish I could do it on my own and not look for a handyperson to do it, I am kind of scared of the power tools. When I first saw the globes they reminded me of those 70’s hanging globe pendants people used to have, a friend still has them at her mom’s house, it’s yellow textured glass. I do love the vibe though!
Brittney Saffell says
This is completely unrelated to the new snazzy lights. HAVE YOU SEEN THIS FORMICA? I haven’t tracked it down in person yet, but I want, too. It looks like white carrara marble.
Thought you might enjoy a peek at this.
http://theletteredcottage.net/faux-marble/
YoungHouseLove says
So cool! I love it!
xo,
s
Jennifer says
OHHHH Sherdog you really do make my mornings sometimes with that witty humor of yours! :) I loved the songs it really made me LOL. The lights look great the kitchen has done a complete 360 and changes the whole house, or atleast the the rooms connected to it. :) congrats!!!!
Eric Neuteboom says
Hello!
A friend of mine passed this link to me, and I thought I would post to offer our company as a resource for you! We have tons of lighting options for you, including dimmable LED and CFL bulbs. If you want to chat about bulbs, feel free to contact me via e-mail at [email protected] or call us at (888) 757-9591. We’re a small, family owned business out of Kansas City too, not some mega corporation. I enjoyed the blog too; best regards,
Eric
Jenn says
OMG I am in tears laughing at your “big globes” reference… hilarious!!! I fear that song will be stuck in my head all day now, but so worth it. That really made my day. And of course the pendants are beautiful too, and at a such a great price… Score!
Jenn says
Just got to the bottom of the post… I’ve got holes in different area codes… bwhahahahahahahahahaha!!!! You are on a roll today. I love it! Let me get back to work, I am cracking up in here!
Amy@healthy grits says
It’s looking great!!! Can’t wait to see the final reveal…seems like it won’t be long!
Kelsey says
Sorry if someone else has already mentioned it, but Home Depot has a few CFL dimmers– here’s all the available ones–
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?keyword=cfl+dimmer&selectedCatgry=SEARCH+ALL&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&Ntpc=1&Ntpr=1
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip Kelsey!
xo,
s
Kristina Gulino says
Stunning. You two have impeccable taste that’s perfect for your personalities and your growing family! I can only hope that my future home looks this good. Definitely using your home tour photos as inspiration – keep it comin’, and congrats on your success!!
Kristina
something 2 write about
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, that’s so sweet!
xo,
s
Katie C says
Sherry, wasn’t one of your resolutions to get back to your fine arts degree? Why not paint something to hang next to the fridge? That way, it would be something you love, as well as perfectly coordinated with the room!
YoungHouseLove says
I already got a bunch of supplies to get back into painting! Can’t wait! It’ll probably have to wait until after book stuff this spring though. Lots of secret projects on top of regular blog stuff and toddler stuff = not much time to get into it! But I’m anxiously awaiting the big day when I dive back in.
xo,
s
Marie says
Have you considered a 3 light track? one could face the fireplace and 2 could face the chilling out area. that way you add light and don’t compete with the pendants. Things are looking wonderful BTW, can’t wait to get over the winter blahs and get back on my own projects with your inspiration:)
YoungHouseLove says
Always another possibility! We’ve definitely talked about that too!
xo
s
Stacia Reagan says
The globes look great!
I am sure someone else already chimmed in but Costco/Sam’s Club carries Dimmable LEDs: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11680552&whse=BC&topnav=&cm_sp=RichRelevance-_-itempageVerticalRight-_-PurchaseCP&cm_vc=itempageVerticalRight|PurchaseCP
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks!
xo,
s
terresa says
I love your pendant lights!! I have a question. You said the common recommendation for pendant lights is 30 in above counter. Do you know the recommendation for a light fixture above a dining table. I bought a new Pottery Barn fixture for our dining room which is bigger, and I want to hang it lower for more presence in the room. but I don’t want to go too low. There isn’t any traffic on the other side of this room, other than to sit down and eat. any thoughts?
YoungHouseLove says
I think that’s 34″? Maybe try googling to be sure?
xo,
s
Bethanyblntn says
I’m still trying to get past the fact that you actually used the word ‘sprung’ in your post. Kate must be getting to you Sherry. lol. The lights look great!
Lyn says
You are waaayyyy tooo young to remember this but an episode of Johnny Quest had this glowing creature coming out of a cave or down a trail AND that is what the ball lights remind me of. Yet they are very pretty! Be well-L
James says
Ok, Im sure John is prolly’ way past this project by now……but we did a post on patching the holes in our ceiling..
http://thecavenderdiary.com/2012/01/14/fixing-the-hole-in-the-ceiling/
I’ve had to do several since we moved in …..
Best,
James
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Thanks James!
xo,
s
Kris says
1) LOVE the lights. They’re super awesome.
2) My $.02 on the stools… (or less, since it probably isn’t worth that much anyway). Paint them a fun color (orange? turquoise?) and add a custom cushion. I’m guessing you could cut a piece of plywood to match the shape of the seat, apply foam and fabric to upholster it, and screw it from underneath the stool seat. That’s it! Love your blog, humor and ideas. Keep them coming!
YoungHouseLove says
Definitely another possibility! Can’t wait to make the call once those floors go down!
xo,
s
Christina W. says
i loooooooooooove these lights!
Christina W. says
ps – with as awesome as your kitchen is becoming, that floor is probably feeling like the ugly step-floor right about now haha
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- totally. I’m dyyyying to get to the new floor. Soon I hope!
xo,
s
Megan says
My husband is a fine art landscape photographer. Maybe you’d fancy one of his prints to fill your pretty grellow wall.
http://www.lukaswengerphotography.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lswenger/
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh pretty! Thanks for the links!
xo,
s
Erika says
Your kitchen is lovely. It looks so homey, and it inspires me to make my home a comfy, welcoming place for my two children.
Deb says
I agree re you waiting to paint the stools. Their current color seems to me to pick up the color from the tiles, ar least in the photos. They could contrast quite nicely with the cork floors.
Have yo tried those light bulbs that are half silvered? That might work plus they look really nice.
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh I love those! Haven’t tried them yet but will keep you posted!
xo,
s
Lynda says
Love the lights. Live in Richmond, where did you find the discount lights?
YoungHouseLove says
The store is called The Decorating Outlet on Midlothian. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Anne Leigh says
Love love the globe lights!! I love how they are part lantern, part globe and they look gorgeous in your kitchen! By the way the wall above your stove looks gorgeous as well! Nice work, hard work paid off! :) Good luck to you and your family, I’m a new reader to your blog and I think it’s a wonderful blog!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Anne Leigh!
xo,
s
malissa says
love those lights! super cute! do you know what type of overhead lighting you’re putting over the table area? i’m curious what type would look good…
YoungHouseLove says
We’re thinking about something giant since the table is so big (70″ wide). Maybe a chandelier or a large drum shade? We have a drum shade in the office around our chandelier in there so we want something different so I think we’re more in the giant graphic chandelier camp. Will keep you posted!
xo,
s