I’m working on a kitchen project, and I just want to share my thoughts on how important lighting can be for the overall design of a space.  Basically, you can spend thousands on decor or cabinets, but if you have cheap or dated lights, it will totally ruin the space.  Lights add character, personality, and shine.  Don’t skimp on lighting.  Look around and find the best deal, but save room in your budget for beautiful lighting.  Here are some examples of how lights add juxtaposition, character, richness, and shine in a kitchen.

These lanterns help draw your eye to the beautiful windows.  It brings it all together.

Again, these lights accent the dark metal in the room and bring a modern contrast to this Euro rustic dining room.

I love the contrast of this traditional kitchen with the modern pendant.

These mini chandeliers give this kitchen a feminine sparkle.

I like the industrial look of these dark pendants paired with the modern square chandelier shade.

I love the contrast of this dark chandelier with light cabinets and walls.  It’s also got a rustic look that really draws your eye up.

These pendants give great shine.

These pendants give this kitchen a chic glamorous look. Doesn’t it look expensive?

This lantern reiterates the traditional aspect of this kitchen.

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I found this picture on Pinterest that I loved.

house and home

I thought it might be difficult to find so many plates that fit together.  It really wan’t.  I shopped around and found plates for reasonable prices at TJ Maxx, Dillard’s, and Pier 1.

I laid out my pattern on the floor.  I had to take about 6 plates back.  I just had too many for the design and the wall.

Then traced and labeled all the plates so I would have a template for the wall.  Thank you to my sister for climbing the ladder, so this pregnant lady wouldn’t have to!  Then I put on the Dischangers.  I googled and searched Pinterest for ways to hang plates.  Everyone said these worked great!  They are very reasonable.  I hated those old wire plate hangers.  They are so difficult to attach.  These are permanent, but that’s okay with me.  They work wonderfully!

We measured how far down the hook would be and put our nail into the paper template.  Then hung the plates!

I’m really happy with this look.  I think it looks really cute with the new window seat pillows and the colors in the family room.

But I found it cheaper at Overstock!  $158.39

I put it in our new master bath.  It looks great!  Yes, there was “some assembly required”.  But you have to assemble the PB chandelier too.  Lesson learned:  Look around before you purchase something off one of the major retail sites.

I love this turquoise color.  I just need to find the right table to go underneath.

I moved the four pen and ink drawings (from Wisteria) on either side of the mirror on the opposite wall.

I will try to post some Christmas pics tomorrow!  I hope everyone has a lovely Christmas weekend!  God bless!

stacy

Thank you to everyone who came and made Thatcher’s day so special!

Resources:

Cookies:  The Cookie Princess

Quiche: La Baguette

French Breakfast Puffs (recipe courtesy of Pioneer Woman)  If you’ve never made these, definitely make them for the holidays!!!

Favors: Puppy Chow 

Farm Pendant from RH

lifeingraceblog.com

More pics of this fantastic kitchen HERE.  I am CRAZY over this kitchen.  I love love love the island and the hood and the range, oh and just about everything!

Pretty brass penant lights over island.

Again brass on the pendants over the island.

Again brass pendants.

Brass pendants and hardware.  From cococozy

So what do you think?  I would love to hear your thoughts!