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Home Decorating

Lighting suggestions anyone?

11 years ago

We completed (ok, almost completed, since we still don't have lights over the bar!) our kitchen reno last spring.

I can't decide what type or how many lights to hang over the bar section of the island. I like casual/traditional sort of look I guess. I don't want to spend thousands (ok, not even high hundreds on lights), but I know they will be a few hundred at least. I like the look of some, but b/c the kid do their homework here, they need to be task oriented, as well as something pretty. :)

Any suggestions?
The island is 90 inches in length (seating area) and 69 in width.

{{!gwi}}

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Comments (6)

GypsyWaterfowl
11 years ago
Perhaps track lights would work well. Something that can be easily adjusted, so the lights can be focused on the task.

Here is a link that might be useful: Track Lighting Systems, Fixtures, Kits & More
Baroo2u
11 years ago
What about dark colored factory pendant lights? Or dark pendants with light glass shades? That way they'd act as a bit of a room divider in combination with the dark stools, to demarc the kitchen area.
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Hey lindy...I talked to my best friend today about tables and she said (with disdain) that I am NOT allowed to look at pub tables for my DR...no matter how casual we are! Sigh. You know what? We found a dark, distressed table (regular height) at World Market that I really liked and I think we might just go with that for now. As for the sofas...still haven't decided anything but this Sunday's paper had a flyer from RTG with one of the sofas I'd been considering. This time it was pictured in a beige room and the rich gold tones just seemed to POP from the sofa! Seeing that made me think it might work...but I'd still like to find a plain, comfy sofa and just decorate with pillows. You know what? After we put the girls to bed tonight, I may sneak to the computer and try to scan & post the Rooms To Go sofa to show it in a different setting!
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now that you posted pics of the whole area, I really don't mind the green. it would probably be less money and mess if you replaced the countertops and the slate backsplash w/something lighter. is that an option? I'd change your hardware to copper or soft gold to tie in w/all of the wood and your pots. maybe switch out the vent hood to a copper and wood one! I do like the wood on your bar top and would leave that. but switching that brown/gold counters w/something lighter, along /the backsplash, would be the change you're looking for. But please, try doing the lights first! I promise you you'll be amazed some examples of green w/lighter countertops (and brighter lighting!).
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Annie Deighnaugh
11 years ago
I'd hang 2 art glass pendants....I just love art glass...but you need to look at them both with the light on and light off as they will look very different.
pschul05
11 years ago
After spotting the electrical outlet, I have a slightly strange suggestion: some form of dropped lighting from above for general lighting (pendants/chandeliers/whatever), and then just have 1-2 sturdy adjustable desk lamps that can take being in a kitchen. This is one of the lamps that I have in my bedroom, and the base is quite heavy enough to act as a counterweight for the light even when the arm is fully extended.
mpmg46
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions. I am thinking of just going with a basic pendant light, since I can't make up my mind! But even then, should the bar hanging down be black or brushed nickel? We have a fair amount of black, but I don't want too much.

There's this, in either black or brushed nickel:

Is this more of what you mean, Baroo2u?

But then I think I may prefer something that is prettier and a discussion piece. Why can't I just instinctively know what to do? lol

Gyspy-Thanks for the link. I spent several hours on that site checking things out. I still don't know what direction to go though! I'm having a hard time with this one!

Annie-Do you have a picture of what you are thinking of? Sounds interesting and pretty.

pschul05-Good eye to see that outlet. I think a lamp would make me nuts on the counter! Yes, the kids do homework there, but they (and their friends-and there always seem to be extra kids here, which is great!) also eat there and do artwork and hang out and chat. I see a lamp getting knocked over way too easily with the amount of use the island gets. Thanks for the suggestion though.
mpmg46
Original Author
11 years ago
Just found this one:

I am tending to go towards the burlap look (have added throw pillows, starting to add light blue accents here and there. Plan to change out curtains to white with a little blue. Want to paint walls a creamier color.

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