Let there be Light!
Inspiration shoe by Sophia Webster. Get them here
Lighting. It can make or break a design. It has the ability to change the color of just about everything from fabrics to paint. It’s the “jewelry” if you will, to every space. And in the case of my own foyer, literally.
I designed this house more than 11 years ago, and back then, I tried to use finishes and fixtures that were classic. Nothing too modern or trendy. I don’t like walking into a room and saying “that’s so 2005”. Also back then, we didn’t have the internet resources we have today so I had to order everything locally. That clearly left me with some limited options. So for 11 years or so, I have looked at the foyer light fixture without giving it too much thought. As you can imagine, my focus is more on my clients’ projects than my own home. Then suddenly, as it normally happens to me, I needed a change. STAT! Easier said than done.
The existing fixture was 60″ in diameter and weighed less than 200 pounds. The new fixture, GOD love it, is 72″ in diameter and weighs 205 pounds. Normally this would not be an issue. But because the existing fixture was on a lift ( a motorized thing that raises and lowers the fixture for ease of cleaning and the inevitable light bulb change) that was only rated for 200 pounds we had to pause. The electricians, GOD love them too, were hesitant to make the exchange as they never want to be held liable for anything if the lift were to start fail in some way. So I suggested that we “sister” up the tresses in the attic (reinforce the tresses with extra 2×4’s) just in that spot so that there would (hopefully) be no bowing if the lift were to start to fail over time. My guys agreed and we were back in business! 5 hours later!! Just a few of the things to consider when changing out a fixture and why you should always hire good people (Designers/contractors) to ensure a great outcome to your project!
The photo above is a picture of the 11 year old light fixture in our foyer. As you can see, I feels heavy, not because its 60″ in diameter, but because of the color and the solid globe.
Here is the same foyer. The only thing that has changed is the light fixture. Notice how much more open it feels. The paint looks lighter. The space feels airier. And my favorite part, it looks like 72″ of diamonds! When this light is on at night, it is spectacular! I made sure the fixture sat in the center of the front window so you can see if from my driveway and from the street. It welcomes me home at the end of the day before I even get inside the house. Its good!!