As you may have read, we recently bought a new construction home scheduled to be complete this year in December (hopefully). It is so wild even to type that after all the years we have spent dreaming and planning!
I have a post coming soon detailing all the unexpected elements we encountered so far in our purchase that were never a factor when we bought our previous NYC home over six years ago, like considering a design plan ahead of our move. One of the most challenging parts of this new experience is making design decisions very early on using construction plans that are slightly different from the physical space. Almost immediately after having our offer accepted and all documents signed, we had a walk-through with our builder to decide where to install every light switch, electrical outlet, light, TV, and internet connection. Like most new construction homes, they come with a certain amount of these included in the base price. Still, any additional changes are on the buyer, so this meeting was necessary and required imagination.
On a rainy morning, as I carefully walked on the plywood floors and through support beams (trying to avoid loose nails!), I had to visualize what the rooms would look like once they were painted and imagine how we would use the space as a family when we moved. Where would I like to see sconces, where would flush mount lights work best, and how big of a chandelier could I fit in our vaulted living room. To say that it was a bit stressful would be an understatement, but I was also thrilled at the opportunity to choose fixtures that would make a statement and set the tone for the design plans I had in mind.
Image: Via Damsel In Dior
I pulled considerable inspiration from some of my favorite designers & photographers who have created and photographed rooms that are warm, inviting, and so lovely. While the home is designed in a Craftsman style, I cannot help but gravitate towards both Modern and Farmhouse style fixtures. A complete contradiction! However, at the end of the day, a home is meant to be unique for the owners and each design choice should inspire joy.
Images: Via Ursino Interiors / Bria Hammel Interiors / Raquel Langworthy
Below I have shared the lighting choices we have made so far (exterior & interior lights). Although it may be hard to imagine how they can work together, I am so confident that it will capture our style in a way that feels organic and refreshing. We will focus on incorporating the house’s architecture inside using different types of molding and leave the furniture open to interpretation.
The wide chandelier is going in our living room, and because this room is an entirely open concept, you can see the large brass dome pendants above the kitchen island and the black lantern that will hang in our foyer. The brass vanity lights are for our master bathroom, which has a white vanity, and grey-black granite top, and the flush mount fixture is going to be the ceiling light in my husband’s office, which is one of the rooms we are tackling first. For now, everything else is getting a simple flush mount (boob) light!
The exterior will have a porch hanging light and a series of wall lights in different sizes, all in this Arts & Crafts style. I love the wavy glass and think it will look pretty against the grey tones and bright white trim on the house’s exterior.
Images: Via Wayfair / Kichler Vath – Lowes / Quorum International / Crate & Barrel / Windom Vanity Light / Karla Vanity Light / Carmichaels Candle Chandelier / Erdal Light Candle Chandelier
If you are interested in a similar look, these beauties above make a statement in any room without jeopardizing your budget! Have you used any of these in your home? Share with us; we’d love to see!
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