Let there be light!

I like fancy fixtures like the next decorator, but there are lots of good affordable options out there too...

A hot topic I get asked about a lot is lighting. What type of fixtures should go where, how big should the fixture be, how many lumens, warmth of bulbs and on and on. ALSO “why are light fixtures so expensive?”!

You will have to hire me to get the answers on most of these questions (the topic of lumens is just too boring to get into on substack), BUT one thing I can point you towards are some attractive fixtures that won’t break the bank.

First of all, to plug myself, I have a section on my website that has affordable finds broken down by category - one of which is, you guessed it, lighting! I am constantly updating this section of the website so continue to check back if you’re doing a home project on your own and are looking for suggestions.

But let’s get specific, shall we?

In a project I recently completed on Park Avenue, we used this little scalloped number from Pottery Barn for $229 and let me tell you, it looked expensive. How is that possible you might ask? Well, my approach is always high/low. The room features custom roman shades, a charming painted dresser, and a few other special items but the rest is really all catalogue. It only takes a couple of special items to lift everything else up!

Now let’s talk about wall sconces for a second. I think they up the “special” factor so much in a room. Whether above a bookcase, on either side of a bed, in the living room, or like in this very same room where they reside between the twin beds.

These are hard wired, but a. they were not expensive, and b. they come as a plug-in version. If you don’t have the budget to bring in an electrician, I truly believe sconces that are mounted on the wall with plug-in cords achieve almost the same effect, especially if the cords can be dropped behind a bed or sofa.

In that vein, I really like these, which I have used on the inside of two custom bookcases to achieve a little reading nook.

Sidebar: this project will be published in it’s entirety next spring so consider this a sneak peek and don’t say I never gave you any bonus content on substack!

Ok, lastly in wall sconce world, these are very fahncy and very charming but also very $$$. We had them add a cord for a client who’s walls didn’t allow for cordless and I just felt the need to share them because I love them so much.

I did find a pretty good dupe for my client on Park Ave, though they don’t have the same adorable rattan shades. I really love a wall-mounted reading light next to the bed if you couldn’t tell…

I feel like there is an endless amount to share on this topic, but in an effort to wrap it up so you don’t all get bored and leave, here are some insights in no particular order:

1. If you are looking for affordable lighting, try Etsy. Seriously everything is on there. Even this incredible dupe of a high end Rose Uniacke pendant. And look at this cool thing I found yesterday!

2. Think outside the box. You don’t only have to shop on catalogues if you’re looking for affordable options. There are some great small makers out there. For instance, we just got this beautiful paper pulp shade for a client’s playroom in Maine and it’s so special! In the same color loving client’s primary bedroom we installed this linen italian pendant and it totally upped the cool factor of the room.

3. We did not get into kitchens or bathrooms. I guess because I like splurge-y lighting in those locations from Urban Electric and the like. Sorry, I am who I am.

4. At the end of the day, it’s hard to go wrong with a Noguchi paper ball. They are a lot of look for not a lot of money, plus the rice paper diffuses the light in the most glow-y way. I have one in my bedroom and at night I dim it down, turn off all the other lights, and try to imagine that I’m at a spa somewhere very remote, lol.

Ok that’s all. And I did promise fashion for Substack #2 but I am currently writing this from my bed wearing sweatpants (albeit fancy ones from Suzi Kondi that I do happen to love and live in) and not feeling very inspired by clothing. Next time!

À tout à l'heure!