Tuesday, July 12, 2011

LIGHTEN UP!


As I chip away at the last pieces of my kitchen to-do list, there is a literal light at the end of the tunnel!

The window over my kitchen sink was a dilemma!  At first I was only thinking about some sort of window treatment, but as I was considering my options I found myself also wanting a new light for over my sink as well.

Because of the tight position of the cabinets between my sink and the decorative trim on the top and bottom of them I opted for a simple natural wood blind from Levelor that would filter light. It was custom cut to fit the inside of the window. Levelor has beautiful shades to choose from! I went with a warm yet light wood shade called Origami.




The kitchen's recessed lighting around it's perimeter highlights the cabinetry and also illuminates the sink. I wanted to change the recessed light over the sink and replace it with a pendant light that would be simple and bring a little pizzaz to the area.  

I found this stylish pendant light, that required NO visit from an electrician and was easy to install!

The dapper new light with the black and white drum shade is from Ballard Designs. Made to adapt recess lighting to an updated pendent light, it was a breeze to install... and it was on sale! (A larger version of this lamp hangs in the mudroom~ post later!) This was just that "little something" the sink area needed!



With the additions of the blinds and the pendant light, my FARMHOUSE kitchen has an airy modern/classic feel!


This week's projects:
~hemming breakfast room curtains
~spray painting brass switch plates oil rubbed bronze

Next week's projects:
~ refinishing barstools
~making dropcloth barstool covers

Still on the hunt for:
~ brown transferware plates and platters
~White ironstone soup tureens
~ little blue and white lamp

I am participating in:
~WOW US WEDNESDAY at SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE
~OPEN HOUSE at No Minimalist Here



60 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh how perfect. I could stand and look at your sink area forever. Don't you just smile when you go in there? I'm interested in how your switchplates come out. I need to do the exact same thing. Will you spray some sort of sealer on them?

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  2. Love the blinds and the lighting! It fits in perfectly with your kitchen. Great choice!

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  3. Love the new light, Yvonne. Just perfect and can't wait for the full reveal.

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  4. I love this idea! I too have recessed lighting.. I'm going to have to try this! I love your kitchen, white cabinets, black counter tops and that faucet is fabulous!!! If I had a dream kitchen it would look like yours! Perfect! Totally my taste :)
    xo Susan

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  5. I love every detail in your beautiful new kitchen, Yvonne. You have combined colors and textures so well. Changing a recessed light to a pendant is genius.

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  6. Looking good! It is really coming together. I am on the hunt for some lights for my kitchen. Then I need to get my lazy but in the attic to rewire for them. Hence, my lack of excitement over finding the lights! I can't wait to see it all done!

    I will be making a post about the carne asada for you! I just love this and I am sure that you will too!

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  7. Love the pendant light, Yvonne, even more when it is one of those adapting to recessed light ones. That was such a great idea, whoever thought that one up. I've been liking these shades, too, and have been considering using them in the next house.

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  8. Yvonne your kitchen looks beautiful, I love the new light fixture! Can't wait for the big reveal!! Martina

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  9. I love your new blind and light fixture. They really add some warmth to the area. I have been debating getting a similar blind for our kitchen window since the makeover. I hope you will visit me today and see our new kitchen. Blessings, Pamela

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  10. Oh Yvonne - I love everything. Great lighting fixture. What a wonderful new space you've designed. You must be so very pleased.

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  11. Love the look! It definitely adds warmth to your farm house kitchen...and a real "pop" !!!

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  12. It's perfect, Yvonne! What a beautiful spot to do dishes! LOL!

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  13. This looks so beautiful! As I am in the middle of a remodel myself I too have a list like yours and it seems like it is never ending.

    I am looking for brown transferware too!

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  14. oh my! your kitchen is just beautiful. look at the light fixture. how divine! i had no doubt your kitchen would reflect you & your amazing style of detail. it is stunning.

    while you're on the junt for brown transferware....pick some up for me too. ;) love brown transferware! it is my favorite.

    have a lovely day!
    kellie

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  15. Now that's a sink that I would offer to do the dishes. I love the filtered light idea. I think looking for dishes and tureens is fun!! xo,

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  16. Hi Yvonne! OH, this looks wonderful! Your kitchen is so gorgeous!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  17. What a delightful shade! I think you are so right, it does add pizazz to the kitchen!

    Your kitchen is a dream!

    Mary
    From Virginia

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  18. Love it Yvonne! It's the little things that really make a room, huh? You've done a splendid job from what we can see so far. Lovely!

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  19. Hi Yvonne, thanks so much for visitng and leaving a comment on my blog today! I do love my new kitchen! :-)

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  20. Oh, I LOVE the pendant lighting! You must be loving your new kitchen. It looks so soothing & comfy.

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  21. Lovie, the shade & pattern of the lamp are gorgeous together. I cannot believe you create all these wonderful dishes and tabletops out of that spotless kitchen !!
    xx's

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  22. Hi Yvonne!
    I'm back from my first two summer trips...
    Ahhhh a quiet sweet summer day is finally here.
    I have COMPLETELY loved my two trips... to see my son, Jason, in TX and then this weekend we went to a family reunion {husband's family} just returning last night.
    but...
    today begins my summer {I must report to work on Thursday, but it's only a short car ride away}and only for Thursday :o)

    I caught up on your latest posts ~ it looks like your kitchen is finished and getting a few final touches,like that adorable over the sink lamp!
    Your summer porch green & black tablescape is FUN! I love the color scheme very much!
    I'm glad you shared the zucchini latka's ~ I'm SURE we'll be getting some nice zukes from our neighbor!
    {Our plants are coming along
    s l o w l y.

    Wishing you lovely summer days ahead, Yvonne!
    Blessings always,
    Maria

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  23. My cabinets and window are almost identical to yours. I thought I was going to go with a shade and then found a valance type piece that I liked. I do love the look of the shade. I didn't know what to do about lighting. I love what you've done, but I couldn't go that way because our crown molding at the top of the cabinets stretches across the sink area. We ended up with additional recessed lighting above the sink. It is all those little things that get confusing. Yours looks wonderful!

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  24. Love the fabric of the new lamp in my colours as well. Oh I see the whole reveal hasn't happened yet. Thought I'd missed out and was hunting your blog for it..hehh

    Veronica
    www.tasselsandtwigs.blogspot.com

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  25. Yvonne,
    Lovely lamp shade, dear! I adore Ballard Designs!!! Your Farmhouse Country Kitchen is coming along nicely. Know you're anxious to be completed. . .and that "to do" list is getting mighty small!!!Happy hunting on those "wish list" items! After all...hunting is only half the fun. The other half? Finding a hidden treasure in the search!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  26. Yvonne, first of all I just found an adorable blue and white lamp for my kitchen at Christams Tree Hill in Rockvale. Now, I LOVE the new pendant light AND the shade!!!! They both look great! I love all the new things you are doing and am so anxious to see the drapes! Try to stay cool!!!!!!!!!! It is blazing hot out there, huh???? XOXO, Pinky

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  27. Wow- it looks beautiful! Your kitchen is absolutely gorgeous! happy to find your blog- thanks so much for stopping by mine today. :)

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  28. I love your kitchen especially your sink and Ballard Light. BEAUTIFUL!!!

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  29. Hi Yvonne, I took one look at your shade and knew it was from Levolor. I should know as I'm a sales specialist in home decor at Lowe's! LOL It looks great and is the perfect covering for your window. You also gave me a wonderful idea with the vintage colander. I have one that was my mother-in-laws that is white enamel trimmed in red.
    As always, thank you for a wonderful post

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  30. Your kitchen is gorgeous Yvonne! Love the new light! Perfect!

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  31. This is the perfect fixture for your beautiful kitchen! Good choice.

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  32. I think your window treatment and light are just perfect!!!

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  33. Goodness gracious, your kitchen is so pretty. The drum shade is perfect in that spot. Thanks bunches for visiting me. ♥Olive

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  34. Love all the colors, textures, and details in your kitchen. That drum shade is just the perfect accent. I cannot wait to see the final reveal!

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  35. I am having kitchen envy here! Yours is stunning and that sink is to die for!!!
    Lovely Yvonne!

    Pamela xo

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  36. I love your new light over the kitchen sink, the drum shade is gorgeous. The window treatment is perfect too, it will work with anything. You have a lot on your "to do list". I've had some of those unchecked on my list for a while too. I finally decided on a window treatment and its up now. i love your white cabinets............

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  37. Loving the new light! It looks fabulous!

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  38. Oh my, I am LOVING your kitchen! The light and the new blinds are the perfect touch. I'm going to 'pin' the picture in Pinterest for future decorating ideas. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  39. I'm seriously in love!!! You light is just perfection! LOve your sink too! I hope you find what's on your wish lists!

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  40. I have been wanting to do a woven blind in our living room, you have inspired me....and oh my gosh!!! that hanging light is perfect, love it
    hugs
    janet

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  41. Pretty! I wouldn't mind doing the dishes if I could do them at that sink. :)

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  42. Hi Yvonne, I've enjoyed browsing back thru your blog. Love your new kitchen elements and this lamp is perfect! xo Debra

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  43. That light is just perfect. Can't wait to see the rest of the kitchen, but from what I've seen so far it is gorgeous.

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  44. I love it! Great look! From what I can see your kitchen looks fabulous!

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  45. My farmhouse is almost identical to this and I have been wondering what to do with a pendant as well and this is it!!!! Thank you so much I am surely stealing this idea, only can't use black I will find a barn yard red that will work with color scheme....love, love, love it!

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  46. yvonne,
    Your light fixture is the jewel that sets off your sink area! love the checked fabric and the blind gives just the right amount of texture. From what I've seen, your kitchen is gorgeous! Can't wait to see the rest!
    Rebecca

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  47. Look absolutely nice, I need this to my kitchen! LOL, gloria

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  48. Your kitchen is gorgeous! I love the oil rubbed bronze knobs and pulls with the crisp white cabinetry. Lovely addition with the shade and blind too!
    Sherry

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  49. Yvonne, your farmhouse kitchen is gorgeous! I adore white cabinetry and with the dark knobs it is striking. Love the blinds and the modern drumshade in a somewhat traditional fabric- a perfect mix of farmhouse/traditional/modern. Lovely!

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  50. I love your kitchen and the shade and light are absolutely perfect. Looks fabulous. I am with you, hunting for brown transferware is like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Almost impossible to find unless you win the lottery. Hugs, Marty

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  51. Hi Yvonne, The new light and blinds are perfect in your kitchen! Have fun with your search for transferware and the tureen and thanks for joining my party.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  52. So interesting learning about your pendant light not requiring an electrician. Your kitchen redo is amazing what I have seen so far.

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  53. This is gorgeous!! I LOVE your kitchen! I can't believe that I have not found your blog before! It is Wonderful :) I am your newest follower and I will be back!

    Lou Cinda

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  54. Yvonne, this is fabulous! I love the new shade and light. It truly does create such a wonderful farmhouse look! Your kitchen is stunning. *Becca*

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  55. Oh, I really like this. How great to be able to change to that wonderful pendant and not have to call an electrician. I'm wanting to do something similar but didn't know about that kind of adaptation.
    Love the shade too.
    I enjoy your Sunday Scripture posts too. Thanks,
    Babs

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  56. What a nice transformation of the recessed light into a pendant. I've seen the adaptor kits sold in stores before. Yours from Ballard is simply too cute. Like your new filtered light blind, too. I don't have anything in my kitchen windows and I've contemplated this type of shade- but I need to wait for new casement windows to be installed first. According to the window guy, the moldings may not be the same size as they are now and I want to use an outside mount because of the screens. Ahhh... if it's not one thing, it's another! :-) Sue

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  57. I'd love to hang out on your kitchen. So cozy and beautiful. I can do all the dishes in your kitchen if you want. Thanks for sharing.

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