I have been working on the details. But I find myself resisting the otherwise natural urge to make a statement at every turn, starting with the lighting. Strangely, I want the lighting to feel more organic. Lighting that is functional, of course but really looks like it is of the cottage as it would have been 80 years ago.
There is one exception, of course:
Found and restored, this is a family piece that will have a place of honor in this old home.
The one statement fixture in the house will be a chandelier (pictured above) that has been at every house my family has lived in as long as I can remember. I asked my mother if I could have it for the renovation, giving it a place of honor in the house. It will be hung over the lovely nine foot, antique, French bistro table in the front room. It will be one of the first things you see when you walk in the house and I can’t wait to hang it.
My Uncle Jack found this chandelier many, many, many moons ago. He recently told me the story on Facebook, of how he found and restored it:
“OMG , do I remember it ? I’m so glad you are using it . You will appreciate the history of how it was saved from the dumpster . A friend at work told me of an elderly aunt ( 86 ) that had died and the family had scavenged everything they wanted from her ten room home . He offered to humor my reputation as a junk collector and take me to see if there was anything I wanted . Yes …I’ll take that old player grand piano, the 1500s leather bound prayer book , and lots more . Now , I was eyeing that chandelier in the dining room but there were lots of prisms missing . In the entry was another smaller one in the same condition . I took both down , counted the prisms ,and was still a few short to complete this one . Rooting through boxes , drawers , and such ,I found prisms from the basement to the attic . Just enough ! I took them all off , soaked the 100 years of grime in bleach water , and scrubbed each one . It has survived many years with your Mom , now you can enjoy it for many more . I’m so happy for you.”
So thanks to Uncle Jack and his dogged determination and mom for letting me hang it in the house, I have a wonderful statement piece to hang in what will be a lovely home.
Here are some pictures of the chandelier and other fixtures that I will be using throughout the house.
I hope you find some inspiration.
Always,
Cindy
Ceiling fixture with simple silk shade.
Adjustable arm wall sconce in antique brass finish.
Clear shade with antique brass fixture.
An vintage gooseneck lamp with a Victorian crystal bead bulb cover with an accordion closure. These bulb covers with the accordion closure are very hard to find, but I found two.
They don’t make things like this anymore. The bulb cover has great weight to it because the beads are glass. The accordion closure is what makes the pair I found a rare and unique find.
Simple pendant lamps for the kitchen. Exposed twisted cord, antique brass finish and a beautiful Sheffield milk glass shade. Just lovely.
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