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…
Aisling says
Ahhh!!! I was so excited to see this post!! Congratulations!! The husband and I are looking for a a few new fixtures for our house (dining room, master bedroom and nursery)so I can’t wait to get on the site and check them out!
Rebecca @This Nest is Best says
Congratulations! This is so, so fantastic!
Catherine says
I love the collection! I just snatched the glass bubble pendant, which is exactly what I’ve been looking for to go above my kitchen sink. I can’t wait until it gets here!
Koliti says
Happy Young House Love designs! Congrats!
Love the “Burger” design – it’s a happy up-dated hounds-tooth pattern – very fitting.
Great selection, variety, and pricing.
Your “add-ons” are an extra oomph! I haven’t seen decals for lamps before – that’s what I love – you guys raise the fun factor to the roof!
Rachael R says
This just made my day! You guys are so talented and inspiring!
=)
Angela says
This is amazing!!! SO excited for y’all and myself. I was going to be light shopping today for our living room. Now I know exactly where to look! Can’t wait to get one!
Rebecca S says
I am completely smitten by the colorful farmhouse pendants and the wire globe. We have really nice light fixtures that are less than a year old so I can’t get anything right now, but wow those are tempting. Great job!
Andrea says
That is sooooooo awesome!!!!! I am sooooo happy for y’all!!!! I’m actually
Looking for a drum pendant shade to go in my dining nook with a $100 budget. Will definitely check out your collection!
Katherine says
CONGRATULATIONS! Your own lighting line is a huge accomplishment! …And they look so fun and happy! I especially like the yellow and blue drum shade so I’ll check that out on the web site ASAP.
Sarah says
You’re my heroes…bought the two tone ikat drum pendant in coral. Can’t wait to get it up!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! I love that one! Send pics, we’d love to see him in action :)
xo
s
Gil says
You guys are awesome! Creative, fun, and affordable. I can’t wait to look at the whole collection.
On another note, I went to Barnes and Noble to get your book and they didn’t have it. I also was in a West Elm here in San Diego hoping they would have it, but no luck.
Can it only be bought online?
Much happiness and success in the coming year to The Petersik Family!!! XO
YoungHouseLove says
SO sorry, they’re having odd stock issues. It’s definitely easily found online (amazon.com, b&n.com, etc) but if you’d rather buy it from a bookstore maybe check back/call them to see if it’s in?
xo
s
Ada-Marie says
Congratulations! And just in time for me to shop for our new house. The previous owners took a few of the light fixtures with them, so I have a few to replace. Are your pieces in the Richmond showroom? I would love to see them in person! So happy for you (and me!).
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, I think they should be! Maybe call first to check?
xo
s
Julie @ There and Back Again says
Congrats on such a fun and creative project!! How exciting to see months of hard work finally come to fruition :) I love the round wire chandelier and the crazy shadows it casts, but was wondering if you find the lighting harsh with nothing really shading the clear bulb? I’d love to add a piece like this to my kitchen area but don’t want to end up looking up and unintentionally blinding myself while making dinner, haha. How does it translate in person? Thanks! :)
YoungHouseLove says
We worried about that but using a 60 watt bulb has been awesome (it lights up the whole room without being too crazy bright like an 100 watt bulb might be). Hope it helps!
xo
s
Brynn says
HUGS!!!!
Thanks for making sweet lamps with an affordable price tag! You guys not only talk the talk, but you walk the walk!
Kim S says
This is so cool you guys! Your excitement got passed right along to me as I read this post. :) I have clicked on the Shades of Light link from your site a few times and always see things I like but are a bit out of my price range. Can’t wait to peruse your collection because it sounds just perfect! Maybe I’ll finally get to replace the ugly old chandelier over our kitchen table!
CandiL says
Is it crazy that I cried a little?! So excited for this! Just might need some new lighting in my house!!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Candi, you’re so sweet :)
xo
s
J @ The Crazy Life of J says
Wow. These are AMAZING!!! Too bad we’re renting, otherwise a bunch of these would be on their way.
But seriously, you guys are so incredible to work hard to keep prices down for those just starting out!
Hmmmm… I may have to order a globe and a farmhouse just to have on hand when we do find a permanent place :)
chris says
Congrats!! Wow you guys are going places! What’s next a network TV show?
I know you have been crazy busy but what happened to Clara’s 31 month photoshoot?
YoungHouseLove says
Ahhh! That’s on the list! We were laying in bed last night saying “we’re so late with that!”
xo
s
Susan says
I love them all – I am already debating which should replace the lights over my kitchen sink and in my entry – question though, is there any kind of mod kit to be able to flushmount the shades rather than hang them with the cord? Our 8′ ceilings are too low for a hanging light in the entry. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that’s a good question, I’d call to see if they sell something. Otherwise you can cut down the cord (you can hang it at any height, so it can dangle or be hung on a short cord that makes it almost appear flush mounted). Hope it helps!
xo
s
Lesley says
Congrats, you guys! The lamps are beautiful! This is such an accomplishment and I’m very happy for y’all. P.S. Devoured your book in the 24 hours following Christmas Day. My sweet younger brother-in-law (who has NEVER bought me a gift before) checked every major book seller in NYC before stalking Amazon for days. His quote, “So apparently you wanted the most popular book in America, Lesley.”
I loved making him work for it. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha, so glad he found one! That’s awesome!
xo
s
Ashley @ 7th House on the Left says
This is SO awesome, guys! Congrats on this new adventure!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Ashley!
xo
s
Marie K says
The chihuahua shade jumped out at me from the get go. I’m not usually into that kind of thing, but I think I might have to have it.
Taya says
Ahhhhhhhhh! I love it! I have to go shopping now!
Pamela says
Wow! You are both so inspiring to always follow your dreams and stay creative. I am in love with all of your designs and looking forward to incorporating some of them in my home! Congratulations! Job very well done :)
cherise says
Sherry Petersik you’re just about killing me with this post today! I’ve been lusting after a sphere chandy for my stairwell and you guys launch such a beauty. Here’s hoping its still available later in January! And many congratulations. I love watching all your achievements. Continued success to the Petersiks. I wait with bated breath for the Burger Petersik line of doggie gear. :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Cherise! And wouldn’t Burger look dashing with a little line of dog tuxedos? Hahah!
xo
s
Marcia says
Oh, you kids are brilliant! I’m seeing Martha Stewart’s replacement in the next generation already. I’m also skewing your demographic: I’m a 58-year-old (but hip) mom in Idaho who is going to buy your product. Go figure!
Love what you have done!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Marcia! We love our readers of all ages :)
xo
s
Jenn says
OH EM GEEEEE! That is awesome! Congratulations on your collection!
(!Exclamation!) ha ha
Amelia says
I’m not saying anything that someone hasn’t said before but you guys are IMPRESSIVE. And so is the collection! Can’t wait to buy something for myself (Merry Christmas to me!) :) – but so many awesome choices! How to decide?!
Emily F says
Ahhh!!! So cute!!!!!!!! I LOVE that everything is affordable. LOVE the cute little add-ons! I can see the Burger shade in my office.. The Bubble pendant in my kitchen.. And the Metal strap pendant in my guest room.. dining room…. and on a table as art. :) But really.. I need more rooms cuz they are all sooo awesome! You guys rock!
Sarah says
SO COOL! ;-) We have been searching for a new dining room fixture…I can’t wait to check out the possibilities! I know how hectic life can be…congratulations on ALL that you guys have done over the past months! You guys deserve a vacation! :D
~Sarah
Erin says
Oh my GAH! These are fabulous! I’ve been looking for a new pendant light for my closet, and I think I just may have to get the hex one. Or the scalloped one. Heck, I can’t choose! When I get it, I’ll send you guys an email showing it off ;)
Jaine says
Love the lampshades especially the one above your dining table the shadows it creates on the ceiling are really eye-catching.
Bought your book here in the UK in November a great collection of projects, I do like the lack table wall shelves am thinking of trying that in my lounge. Could I just ask a question here in the UK the ends of the table legs are not finished did you have to paint them. Hope you don’t mind the question, thank you so much for sharing your ideas.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, some seem to be finished and some don’t, so getting a small test pot of paint to paint them would work!
xo
s
foobella designs says
Good job, Young housers.
They just had to know their site would crash once it was announced.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw man, if you refresh it should come back up! They have an awesome backup system :)
xo
s
Jessica says
These are gorgeous- wow!! I love that you stayed true to yourselves and kept them at such reasonable prices. So great!
Willa says
Your lights are fresh, cheerful, affordable and oh, so tempting. Shades of Light knew what they were doing to ask you to design a line for them! Maybe I’m missing something, but I don’t see anything that could replace my inherited “boob lights” that I’m itching to get rid of. I need at least a couple that pretty much hug the ceiling; that aren’t pendant in other words. [Of course I’ve found some that are in the $300-$500 dollar range, but our budget simply won’t stretch that far.] Any thoughts?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we are talking to them about how necessary something non-boob-ish is to the collection (something cool and flush mount and clean looking) so we’d love to add that down the line!
xo
s
Kasey M. says
And to think, I was giddy with excitement yesterday when HB brought home two new bedside lamps. Now I’m yearning for that yellow farmhouse light. He’s going to think I’ve gone light crazy!
I hope they keep these around for a while. I have to replenish the (very small) lighting budget before I can scoop one of these up.
Eileen says
That bubble glass pendant is exactly what I’ve been looking for for our dark, gloomy, windowless basement bathroom. Beautiful!
Erin says
OK, A. How exciting and I bet it was super fun. I love the Burger shade! And B. Thank you , thank you, thank you for keeping everything affordable. It blows my mind how much some lights can cost and it’s really frustrating because I just know it could be less. Congrats!
Meg says
I love those all! I’ve actually ordered a few things from there (and got the discount from your site!) so I got their email today and saw the announcement! Awesome!!! Congrats!!!
tiffany says
AMAZFEST!!!! guess I won’t be getting much work done today…but once all that light is in this room…watch out! Can’t wait to order!
Tracey H. says
How exciting for y’all!! Love ALL of the lights and the price, thanks for keeping the prices realistic!! I received your book for Christmas and love it, now hoping for a light fixture for my anniversary:0) Congratulations again!!
Lisa R says
Oh hells yes! We desperately need a new light in our entrance way. We still have a brass light from the ppl who orginally built the place! So many options to choose! I am so excited and the pricing is perfect. Lighting can get so ridiculous! So excited for you guys!
Anna says
This collection is awesome! Love the Burger shades…. they might be my favorites=) Great job!!
Jessica says
AHHHH!!! THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL!!!! (I think everyone that reads your blog is trying to get on Shades of Light….cah! It won’t load!!!!!) I can’t wait to go over there and check them out :)
Can’t wait to see you out here in Tacoma!
Rachelle says
What a great accomplishment! These are gorgeous. You two work so hard, you deserve every good thing that comes your way. Can’t wait to see what’s next for you!
Sarah says
Congratulations to you both! What an amazing accomplishment! And now I must find an excuse to get something ;)
Karen F says
Just adding to the chorus of how amazing and awesome this is! Congrats!!! Can’t wait to check everything out! When you came to Ridgewood, and I asked how you guys do everything you do (the blog, the book/tour), I had no idea this was also going on! Jeez, you’re making us normal humans look like slackers :)
Just this morning, I was thinking about rearranging my furniture after I take my Christmas tree down, and realized I needed a new lampshade for a floor lamp I have…Such great timing!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s so funny about Ridgewood because I think when you asked that in the back of my mind I was like “can’t wait to talk about the lighting thing!” – hahah!
xo
s
Amie says
This is very exciting! I love the collection. The colours are very fresh, and happy, just like you two, or four.
With house buying in our very near future, as much as I would love to buy a few right now, I need somewhere to put them! Besides, do they ship to Canada?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, they ship internationally, they just ask that you call to get their shipping rates :)
xo
s
Heather W says
I am soooo excited for you both! I love/adore your lighting collection. I have been coveting a sphere light for my kitchen area. Could you please help me though. I have a small round table that measures 41 inches x 41 inches so would you get the small orb or large. So, hard to tell by pics. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
I’d go for the big one! We’re always in favor of something being more dramatic than too piddly, and once you factor in the chairs around the table there will most likely be 50+” of “grounding stuff” under the 24″ fixture, so it should be great!
xo
s
Jenn says
AWESOME!!! Congratulations! I know exactly where I can hang one of these! :)