Let’s talk about some Shady Business. You know the $herdog in me wanted to make that title a Slim Shady reference, right? Anyway, we’ve actually been working on a secret project for over 14 months and we finally get to spill the beans. Jazz hands don’t even begin to cover it. See, back in October 2011 Shades of Light asked us to help them design a lighting collection. And we said “who, us?” quickly followed by a “yes please!”
When it came to our goals, we really wanted to keep things casual, playful, happy, and – the biggest challenge – within our budget. Which broke down to keeping the entire collection under $99. There are even $3 add-on items to spice up the lamps that you already have (you know we love using what you’ve got). But keeping prices under that $99 mark (especially on larger lights, like chandeliers that are 2 feet wide) was a tall order. Shades of Light sells a ton of fancy $400+ designs, but they were amazingly willing to get all hands on deck to inch prices as low as possible without compromising quality, and we LOVE them for that. It was hard to mash all of the lights our bundles of joy into this post, so you can click here to browse our full collection of shades, pendant lights, and decorative add-ons.
Not only do side gigs like this help us provide for our family, they’re some of the most exciting work that we get to do (you know when we’re not juggling house projects, blog posts, book stuff, and playing with The Bean and The Burgs). Switching gears keeps us creative and it’s always fun to try something new, so projects like this are the icing on the DIY cake. Well, playing with Clara & Burger land in that category too. Which is fitting because these lights are sort of like our babies.
Here are a few “studio shots” of some of our kiddos. The apples of our eye. Picture us grinning like proud parents watching their child play “Tree #2” in the elementary school play.
That’s not all of them, so here’s the whole collection for ya. The coolest thing about this collaboration is that Shades of Light is based right here in Richmond, so it was a local affair. They came over to our house and we dropped by their headquarters a bunch of times over the course of the last year to draw sketches, look at prototypes, sample paint colors, see the products in action, and even shoot them in our own home for their online shop and their catalog.
Which means many of the lights are made/wired/painted right here in good ol’ Virginia! But of course they ship ’em nationally on their site in case you’re not a local (you can even call them for overseas shipping rates). So… woot! It’s pretty exciting to think that our babies are going to be making little pilgrimages to other cities across the country. Well, assuming people buy them. Haha.
As for Clara’s job, she played the role of quality control. When we asked her to pick her favorite one of the guys in the photo above, she kept changing her mind. She’s like her momma. She wants to rub her face on all of them.
The most exciting part of the entire process was when we finally got to shoot some of the finished lights in our house back in November (right between two book tour stops) to see how they looked “in situation” and to use some of those images for the Shades Of Light catalog. This is a farmhouse pendant that comes in a bunch of happy colors. Doesn’t the pink one look sweet when it’s fake-hanging over our the sink?
How did we fake it? Well, see the green-shirted guy on the stool in our kitchen? He actually held the mercury glass pendant that hangs over our sink out of the shot while they snagged a picture of the pink one that you see in the photo above (clamped to a rod above the sink so it appeared to be hard-wired there). It was our kinda shoot. Grass roots and lots of laughing.
Here’s another shot to show the magic of in-house photoshoots. See that giant reflector in the foreground and those three lights all clamped up to a rod that was later cropped out of picture? It’s so funny how we look at catalogs like Pottery Barn and think “oh man those rooms are so amazing and clean” – but in reality they must look at least this crazy from afar, thanks to all of the magical behind-the-scenes gear.
Here’s how those drum pendants actually looked in the photographer’s final shot. Oh and spoiler alert, we bought the scallop pendant in the middle. We couldn’t resist. We’re actually planning to hang it right in the window that you see here.
And remember the chandelier that we gave you a sneak peek of in Monday’s holiday post? Yup, it’s part of our collection. He’s one of our favorites.
We bought it as soon as the catalog shoot wrapped up in our house. At $89 for such a large chandelier (it’s two feet wide!) we thought it was a great deal, and it looks awesome with the oil-rubbed bronze glass pendants over our nearby peninsula. It also comes in a bunch of other colors beyond the rusty bronze finish that we went with (they’re painted locally in colors like plum, dark teal, white, black, gray, and red by an awesome lighting artisan).
One of the coolest “special effects” from it are the shadows that it casts on the ceiling if you use a clear bulb (if you don’t love them you can use a frosted bulb for a softer look).
And you know Burger is our muse, so… this happened. Yup, dude has his own chihuahua-riddled shades in a bunch of colors. We wanted things to be flexible for someone who might just want a shade for a table lamp or floor lamp that they already have, so we asked Shades of Light to sell the shades alone as well as with a finished pendant kit for hanging them (the full pendant kit even comes with a ceiling canopy, so it’s all ready to hang). People gotta have options. And chihuahua shades.
And see those sculptural white metal diffusers under each of these geometric-ish ikat shades? Those were another add-on that we thought could spice up someone’s life light. Say you already have a pendant light at home but want a little more flair – one of these (in either the hex pattern or the quatrefoil pattern) can definitely up the ol’ lighting ante.
We loved adding small (and inexpensive) DIY options, like these $3 add-ons. They’re basically decals (fancy word: appliques) that we thought would be fun on a lamp base that you might already own (or one you could score at a thrift store and spray paint in a solid color). So whether you’re into a white, black, or yellow bee shape; a favorite number in black or white; or even scalloped patterns that you can use alone or layer like crazy, you’re covered. Can’t you see a big white #7 on a navy lamp base? Or a white bee on a cheery yellow gourd lamp?
And now for a Burger story. Remember way baaack when we posted this picture of Burger for Thanksgiving in 2011? Well, that half-loaf of Panera bread that he snuck off with was actually from one of our first meetings for this project. The Shades of Light team was over at our house and we were excitedly talking about colors, fabrics, and shapes when Burger snuck ONTO THE DINING TABLE and grabbed it without any of us seeing him until it was way too late. Sneaky little bugger. It was the first and last time he had such brazen food-stealing confidence. Thank goodness. Just look at the regret in those big brown eyes…
So that ends our little 14-months-in-the-making collection o’ lights, shades, & add-ons. Oh and to anyone who isn’t currently shopping for lighting or doesn’t have any money to spend, we also hoped this collection would inspire the DIYers out there – perhaps just to paint a metal pendant or lamp base that you already have – or even to make little personalized decals to spice up a lamp base in some personal way.
And now for some gushy love for you all. We’d never be “here” without you, and for that we’re eternally grateful. To think that this all started with one little blog post back in 2007 is crazytown, and we’re so grateful to you guys for making it possible. Oh heck, you guys are like our babies too. Come to momma, I feel a hug coming on…
Hallie says
Congratulations…well done! I’m very happy for you!
Briel K. says
This is so cool you guys! I love the grellow scallop drum shade. It just might work for my living room lamp. The current shade is a boring one from Ikea. And I’m also in love with the wire globe lanterns! Gorg! Sadly I would have absolutely nowhere to put it. Congrats on the collection!
bria s. says
wow you two! livin’ the dream!! congratulations!!
Nikki D says
Amazing and unique just like you guys. I’m so impressed at how you continue to evolve “your brand” just by being you! Congratulations…and now to shop for a new hall light ;))
Jennifer says
Perfect timing! I was just lamenting yesterday that stylish lighting is RARELY affordable. I was looking just yesterday for kitchen lighting on Pinterest and got really depressed by how pricey everything is. I just bought the clear pendant lamp and the globe chandelier. THANK YOU! You guys rock!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Hope you love them!
xo
s
Kerry says
Sherry and John — you are lighting designers!!! What’s next for the Petersiks — introducing the beauty and ease of spraypainting furniture to lifeforms on Mars? The sky is the limit for you two. Keep it coming!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thaks Kerry! It’s so crazy!
xo
s
Nikki says
You guys never cease to amaze me! I’ve been searching for lighting for my home and I am sure I’ll find some amazing pieces in your collection. Congrats! What an exciting adventure. :)
Beth says
Wow!! You guys are so gifted. I love the designs, and the bubble glass pendant is my current fave. We are in need of a light fixture too, so I was sad to see they don’t ship to Canada. :(
Seriously though, amazing job guys!
YoungHouseLove says
They do! I think you can call them for international shipping rates :)
xo
s
Laurie says
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. I was reading really fast because I couldn’t contain my excitement to leave you a comment. Love them. I thought that light was from Restoration Hardware over your Christmas dinner. So cool. Now you’ll have books all across America being read underneath your very own light collection!
Kathy says
Congratulations! Love the Chihuahua shades!
maureen says
Buzz Buzz, just ordered two each of the bee decals… Our house growing up was called “the bee hive” can’t wait to send them to my sibs. Love the lights, will be ordering soon. Thanks & Congrats to all your success.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw that’s so cute! My tip on those is to peel them off very slowly from the paper (if you’re in a rush you can rip off their little legs). We had so much fun playing with them!
xo
s
Ashleigh says
I love the globe chandelier, think it is just what we have been looking for for our livingroom. Will be finding out about international shipping :-)
xox
Laurie says
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. I was reading really fast because I couldn’t contain my excitement to leave you a comment. Love them. I thought that light was from Restoration Hardware over your Christmas dinner. So cool. Now you’ll have books all across America being read underneath your very own light collection!
YoungHouseLove says
Ahhhhhh! That makes me head explode. Boom.
xo
s
emma says
CONGRATS!!! What an accomplishment! You guys truly show there’s always more to do, just keep looking behind each door and you’ll find more…work, err fun!
Sheila Fox says
This is totally exciting news!!!!!!!! Shades of Light is usually out of my price range, but now I have reason to check it out!!! Thanks!!!!!! Great stuff………
Amy G says
Congrats! Like a few others posted, this is PERFECT timing! Our current pendant lamp in our dining room is falling apart as we speak (seriously, that can’t be sanitary :), so we need a new one ASAP! I’ve been scouring stores online and in person for some good after Christmas/New Years’ sales, but have had no luck. I love that these combine all of what I’m looking for: style, great price and a bit of whimsy! Thanks guys!!!
Reenie says
WOW!! Congrats you guys!! I love the pink one over your sink. I may have to order the yellow one for me.
:)
Roo @ NiceGirlNotes says
YOU ANIMALS!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha, thanks Roo! Right back atcha.
xo
s
Stacey says
LOVE THIS. HARD.
i’ve been DYING to replace our yucky colonial-esque dining room light since we moved in 8 yrs ago (yes, EIGHT…i’m very fickle and indecisive, if you couldn’t tell) but could never seem to find a fixture i liked that also fit our ever-waning budget. since you’re holiday post i’ve been coveting your dining room fixture. i’m thrilled to be able to get one now affordably! you guys are the bestest!
Stacy says
Very pretty! I bet this will be highly successful :)
Could you do a post regarding light bulbs and favorite lighting? (or just reply with what you know) With the whole phasing out of incandescent lighting, I am so confused on what options there are now. I want to be efficient but I want it to look good (and natural!) too.
YoungHouseLove says
Sure, we try to go with anything energy saving (sometimes eco halogen and sometimes CFLs or even LEDs). Whenever we can we buy them in “warm white” since that tone seems to work the best in our house (not too cool/blue/stark). Sometimes we just buy a few options and see which one works best and return the others or use them for other fixtures. There’s a lot of trial and error :)
xo
s
jenny says
wow! You got to design a lighting collection! That is SO fun!
I LOVE LOVE every single light in your collection. They are so bright and fun, yet simple and classic.
I think a few of them see a bright future in my home. ;)
maureen says
Buzz, Buzz. Just ordered 2 each of the bees. Our house was called the bee hive when I was growing up. Allway a hive of activity. Bee pins were always a gift for my mom. Can’t wait to send these to my sibs. Thanks & Congrats on all your success.
Maureen says
Ok, I am like THE MOST excited ever about a post. I have a bit of “problem” with lamps. Kinda like your ceramic animal addiction. You will now be my official brand for lamps since I have many to replace right now! Off to go pin my faves! And will we have to worry about sell outs??? I’m already panicking. LOL
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahahha!
xo
s
Katie says
Ok, we have a whole nursery in Chihuahua theme (to represent our Chi rescues:)! Burger drum shade is what’s missing. And the rest, so great and so reasonable! Seriously, love your blog and couldn’t be more happy to support you by buying from Shades of Light. LOVE how doors are opening up for such a sweet family!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Katie, that’s so sweet.
xo
s
Robin @ our semi organic life says
How do the lights look lit in the photos if they’re not really installed? I wish industrials light and magic behind the scenes was still around! lol.
YoungHouseLove says
They’re insanely amazing and they wire them on site so they get power (so they glow in the pics) but they’re not installed on the ceiling (they hang from a bar). Isn’t that awesome?
xo
s
Christina @ Homemade Ocean says
Oh my good gosh golly! How exciting!!!
I really don’t know how you guys do it all :)
I am in love with them all…it is going to be very hard to choose!
Pamela says
This has completely made my day!! We are doing a big re-wiring project in our home and adding fixtures to rooms that currently don’t have anything. I am planning to buy several of these.
And as for the picture of Burger, I don’t see regret in his eyes, I see a combination of pride and defiance, LOL.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah, could be that too!
xo
s
Nancy S says
Congratulations Young House Love!!!
You guys are amazing, they are all very cool.
Stinks that I just broke our light over the bathroom vanity – wish I would have broken a kitchen fixture instead ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahah!
xo
s
Andrea says
Congrats!!!! All the lights look beautiful. We just finished our basement and currently have a bare bulb hanging in the stair well and I’ve been dreaming of a big beautiful globe shaped pendant for up there. If you keep coming out with books and collections, my house is going to start looking like a John and Sheerry tribute!
Kristi - SimplePrettyThings says
A-Maze-Ing!!!! I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am of you guys! It’s like every month you are doing more and more amazing things and it makes me so happy to see this happening to a wonderful family! You continuously inspire me to want to blog so for Christmas m brother hooked me up with a blog! I don’t think I’ll ever make it to the success you guys have but thank you for all you do and share with us each day! YHL is a major part of my day that I look forward to and especially when you tell us such good news! Keep up the good work!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Kristi! You’re so sweet. You guys are such a huge part of our crazy path and we’re so so grateful to you guys!
xo
s
Danielle says
You. Guys. Are. ROCKSTARS !!! My heros. I want to make a cape with an “sPj” on the back and run around my house in it !!
I was just last night trying to convince my husband we need to change the “pineapple” chandelier that came with our kitchen 6 years ago (!!!)… I absolutely HATE it. And now I have the BEST reason EVER !!! CANT WAIT to get my grubby hands on some $herdog and JBoom light fixtures !
CONGRATS !! This is SO well deserved for you two !
PS – I will see you next week at your book signing in Miami, I can NOT wait !!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah, please make that cape. And then send us a picture. Haha! No way, wear it to the signing in Maimi! CAN’T WAIT!!
xo
s
Amy says
Amazing! Love them all. Can’t wait to get a Burger Shade :)
Renee says
AH-MAZING! LOVE the lights and the shades!! One (or more) are going to be mine in the very near future!! Congratulations!!
Shana says
YEAH! You guys are awesome – so happy for you! I am about to contact them right now and find out about shipping rates to Toronto. Thank you SO much for designing lights that are affordable – this was my biggest shocker when we bought our first house!
Jessica says
This collection is incredible. Awesome opportunity for you guys and awesome work. Love it all!
Jessi says
No flippin way! So all morning I’ve been obsessing over the lighting situation in our house, and making a mental plan for how to DIY a makeover every single one of our lighting fixtures on a budget. And then I see this. Love it!! I totally want one of those drum pendants in my kids’ room. And maybe one for the bedroom too. I’m so excited to shop your collection now!
Shana says
YEAH! You guys are awesome – so happy for you! I am about to contact them right now and find out about shipping rates to Toronto. Thank you SO much for designing lights that are affordable – this was my biggest shocker when we bought our first house!
Sarah says
Did you read my mind?!?! I’ve been scouring the intertubes for light fixtures for our new house! Love it! Thank you!
John @ Our Home from Scratch says
Congrats guys!! Great lights! I love their simplicity.. that small glass pendant and the larger colored ones! brilliant!
Jane @ the borrowed abode says
This is so cool that you’re branching out, and what an awesome opportunity. Congrats!!
I loved hearing that they were able to do some manufacturing/painting/wiring locally, too. Made in America is so important to me when I shop.
PS: I’m not sure their website was quite ready for the YHL Effect :)
Misti says
How wonderful! Love you guys, you are living your dream! Congrats! I have a small 50’s ranch, and am getting ready to knock a wall down to have a dining area in what was previously a bedroom..can’t wait! I have already been thinking about lighting, and now I don’t have to..I can just order one of yours when the time comes. Great collection, loved them all.
Misti says
How wonderful! Love you guys, you are living your dream! Congrats! I have a small 50’s ranch, and am getting ready to knock a wall down to have a dining area in what was previously a bedroom..can’t wait! I have already been thinking about lighting, and now I don’t have to..I can just order one of yours when the time comes. Great collection, loved them all.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Misti!
xo
s
Jessi says
No flippin way! So all morning I’ve been obsessing over the lighting situation in our house, and making a mental plan for how to DIY a makeover every single one of our lighting fixtures on a budget. And then I see this. Love it!! I totally want one of those drum pendants in my kids’ room. And maybe one for the bedroom too. I’m so excited to shop your collection now!
Ashley @ LibertyBelles says
Wow I love these!!! I definitley am considering buyin g one for above my kitchen table.
Ashley @ LibertyBelles says
Wow I love these!!! I definitley am considering buying one for above my kitchen table.
Rachel says
Congrats, you guys! What a fun venture!
I’m in love with the sphere you have in your dining room. Adorable!
Lindsey says
As a momma to 2 chihuahuas, I absolutely LOVE your chihuahua shades! I will definitely be ordering one for our home. Thanks for really bringing out your awesome sense of style in this line.
Kate says
Awesome! Congratulations! I feel like I need to buy one right away!!
Laura says
Absolutely love the collection! Had two in my cart already to order….but alas…they don’t ship to Canada. :( Heartbreaking…. I’ll have to figure another way !
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, if you give them a call they’ll give you international shipping rates!
xo
s
Meg says
Congrats! I love the collection!