I've been wondering about this for a while and would love to see what you guys think. It's about the lighting in our kitchen.
Here is what our kitchen looks like right now (literally.. I just took these pictures right now):
The current pendants in our kitchen don't work for us. They don't give us efficient light since they concentrate the light downwards.. we need more overall light. (I thought when I purchased them the glass would be less opaque.. but I was wrong). They were super cheap, so I don't feel guilty for getting rid of them.. and I'll sell them on Craigslist.
I currently have this light from Pottery Barn sitting in the guest room closet:
We used to have it hanging here in our home in California:
There is a "match" on Overstock for $150:
So what do you think... should I purchase the match and hang them in the kitchen?
My other preference were a pair of these from West Elm:
(They are contained, so less dust on the inside, I like that. I also like the sleek-ness of them. And the price - two for $179. And I could sell my PB pendant to cover some of the cost).
Or option three, hold out (like for a while) for the most expensive, and my favorite, option:
Some things to keep in mind.....
- I love, love, love this house but it's not our forever home.
- We are planning on black granite countertops and subway tile with gray grout like this:
- Eventually we will bring hardwoods into the kitchen.
So... what do you think???? (I realize this is ironic... someone who gets paid to help other people with their homes asking for help on their own.. but I'm curious as to what you guys think!)
Thank you :)
EDIT - Bringing in another option (sorry). Since the island is taller than the table, another option is to bring in a semi-flush above the island and a pendant above the table
Above the island:
Above the table:
OR
Sigh.
I say totally hold out for option #3! We have absolute black granite countertops and white subway tile with light gray grout, and I had to save up for what seemed like forever for my lighting while we were building our house, but it was totally worth it! (Even if it isn't your "forever" house) :)
ReplyDeleteI of course like the most expensive option the most (it's a reoccurring problem), but I also like the "match" option, too! I like that it adds a little more black to the space.
ReplyDeleteThe paint color looks great!!
I love your paint color first of all! I like the PB choice. I guess the reason why is that they provide some contrast. You currently have what I suppose are nickel hardware and the white cabinets and light countertops. The black on the hardware of the PB lantern would make a striking contrast to the other metals in the room. I suppose the same would be true for the ones you love. Good luck, can't wait to see what you come up with.
ReplyDeleteBTW, the EXACT photo you show above of the inspiration kitchen is hanging on my refrigerator as we speak. :)
i really like the west elm ones the best visually. it seems like they would clean up better...and i know kitchen lights get gross sometimes.
ReplyDeleteWhy do they have to match? I feel like the one over the island should be a little more functional while the one over the table can coordinate and just be pretty.
ReplyDeleteI love love love the pendents from West Elm. Love.
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for the West Elm pendants...great look for the money. Plus I like the push and pull of modern and traditional they bring over your table..Love your blog Brynn.
ReplyDeleteMy vote is also for the West Elm globe. I like the PB one you have but I'd be wary of trying to get a "match"...
ReplyDeletei like the west elm ones the best visually. and it seems like they'd be the easiest to clean up...sometimes kitchen lights get pretty dirty.
ReplyDeleteI like the West Elm lights the best. I think they provide the most contemporary, young feel and would give off good light for a kitchen.
ReplyDeleteI like your edits. I really think you need two different fixtures in there, both for visual interest and to speak to the fact that those are two different spaces (the table vs. the island) with different functions. Can you get a multi-light off of one junction box for above the island? I really like the PB one for above the table.
ReplyDeleteI think since your current lighting isn't working, you probably should go ahead and update as opposed to waiting for option 3. I love the West Elm pendants. Light and breezy and youthful. Looking forward to see what you decide!
ReplyDeleteIf you are needing more light I wouldn't get the West Elm light. It only holds 1 lightbulb.
ReplyDeletei would have gone for the PBs until i saw your inspiration shot with the tile. the west elms would look best with your future kitchen IMO. good luck :)
ReplyDeleteI love the West Elm ones, but I also really like the third, most expensive option (of course :) I say hold out for what you love otherwise you won't be happy and will probably end up spending more money changing it out again down the road. That's what generally happens to me anyway.
ReplyDeleteI like the round ones from West Elm the best. I think they are cleaner and would flow the best in the current kitchen and with your future plans. I would either do them in both locations or just over the island and find one that is similar for over the table. These are awesome too http://www.westelm.com/products/glass-jar-pendants-w649/?pkey=call-lighting
ReplyDeleteWith white cabinets- you definitely need something with a defined shape like the Dream Option or the PB Pendant... the West Elm light will get lost (though I love that light and have more than once considered it for my own house!!) I have a flush like you picked out in my kitchen and a pendant over our kitchenette and it's nice, but I do wish I had another pendant!
ReplyDeleteWhat a conundrum! I like the WE lights the best because I think their sleekness is a nice juxtaposition to the traditional aspects of your kitchen (esp. when you mentioned adding subway tile and black granite). And since you can sell the Pottery Barn fixture, you aren't going to be putting up too much money for this change, hopefully!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I think the West Elm lights are awesome, I don't think they hold enough visual weight. I love the lantern concept. I would definitely hold out and go with the third option, the two lantern pendants. I can't wait to see what you select! Also, check csn.com, you can typically find an almost identical replica for a fraction of the price.
ReplyDeleteHere is one similar to your option 3 but only $140 at overstock. Good luck.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Antique-Copper-4-light-Chandelier/4127718/product.html
I'm liking the last option you added - drum light over the island and PB that you already have over the table. Since they won't be right next to each other I don't think they need to be the same. Great options - all of them!
ReplyDeleteI think the PB lantern you already have would look fantastic above your dining table. I do think you need to lower the height of the light...your current pendant as well as the PB one hung in California are too high IMO. I'm of the same opinion as Emily...why do the lights have to match? I like the semi-flush option you picked. If you go with a pendant for above the island, I think the scale needs to be smaller to keep in better proportion with the island.
ReplyDeleteso... i think if you go with the PB light you already have - it's already totally YOU and your style (from what ive seen). it goes with the flow of your house and it feels authentic to your style (again, from what ive seen). HOWEVER, if you want to push the boundaries a bit, I'd go for the lantern. looks great and is so much less traditional/federal. or, for a good blend, do the drum light over the island and the PB pendant over the table. Thats a great compromise. But, if you want to push your own boundaries a little, I'd suggest something else. Either way - you'll make it great!
ReplyDeletebtw Bryn - i HAVE to know where you got that pedestal table from your California house!!! I am in desparate need of one and thats exactly what I'd like to find!! any suggestions??
ReplyDeleteI like the PB lanterns-not crazy about a semi-flush mount over the island-it's not as interesting as a hanging fixture...
ReplyDeleteI love the West Elm pendants! I also like the idea of mixing up the light fixtures... but after a sec of picturing it I LOVE the west elm ones on both!! The modern touch is perfect with a traditional black counter top and marble backsplash! Good luck choosing!
ReplyDeleteTiffany {Living Savvy}
www.savvydesignwest.com
I had the west elm pendant over my old island. I love them, but since it's a single bulb, it doesn't give off a ton of light. I prefer the lantern- more substantial visually and more illumination.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 of the West Elm pendants above my island, and while I love the way they look I do not use them for light. I have spots and above cabinet lighting which I use and the pendants are just there for show. They do not give off a lot of light at all.
ReplyDeleteI like the flush light above the island because it will give you more light than a pendant, and the west elm pendant above the table for a little dose of modern.
ReplyDeleteI think you may want a little more task lighting for over the island, so I don't think the semi-flush would work very well for that. I would do a pendant there. I vote for either of the pendant lights with a darker finish (either the PB one or the second square lantern pendant you featured) in your kitchen because they would provide some contrast with the white cabinets and lighter elements in your kitchen. The white ones you have and the clear West Elm ones kind of get lost and I think the darker ones would also add more interest and pick up the dark color of the black granite countertops and gray grout that you intend to install.
ReplyDeleteI also have another idea- I think it may be a little more interesting to have 2 different lights in there, rather than the same pendant over both the island and the table. Why not take one of those pendants (either the PB one you have or the second one you love but haven't bought) and find another pendant that is of similar style and same color/finish but slightly different. I would say that you could do the PB one and the second dark-finish square shaped pendant you featured together, but I'm afraid their styles may not match enough, even though they are the same finish with glass around them.
You know what they say about about the cobbler's children. Always great to get some feedback - and fun for us readers! I say it depends on the feel you're going for. For more modern and sleek, I vote for the West Elm pendants. The other choices are more classic and traditional - and good for resale value. I wouldn't break the bank on a fixture unless you know you're staying for a while. It's tempting, but it hurts to leave expensive lighting behind. And taking it with you doesn't always make sense either ... Why not do something affordable (or free) now, and re-evaluate after you do counters and backsplash?
ReplyDeleteGo with #3 since you love 'em. You'll be happy with them forever. And, you can take them to your new house when the time comes- just save the ones you currently have to leave for the eventual new owners.
ReplyDeletewhat about the two WE pendants over the island (they must be trying to tell us something if they come in a pair) and the PB lantern over the table?
ReplyDeletePlease let me know the paint color in your kitchen. What a dream color!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is so weird-I am asking for the same exact opinion on my blog today in regards to kitchen lighting options! I would go with two of the Pottery Barn pendants. I love the look of them, and you will only have to buy one more-making it cost efficient and saving you the hassle of selling on craigs.
ReplyDeleteI like the round West Elm ones by far the best! The other ones look like entry way lighting fixtures.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the west elm ones! But you really can't go wrong with any of those options. Good luck:)
ReplyDeleteSorry lots of opinion here because our kitchens could be twins right now and my inspiration kitchen is pretty close to yours! I think the semiflush mount light above the island and the PB lantern you already own above the table would be the best bang for your buck. Two pendant lights across the room from each other looks a little funny and the semiflush gives off more light above the island. I personally like the look of traditional light mixed with more architectural lighting in an open space! With the two WE lights, you would have to rewire and thats just too much work! You can always keep an eye out for the light you really like to go on sale and then switch that out over the table when it does!
ReplyDeletewest elm, all the way. so clean and stylish.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I like the west elm ones the best. I think the lantern looking ones would look nice in a foyer/entry way.
ReplyDeleteLove the West Elm lights, the edison style bulbs look so modern. Not a fan of the PB light, it looks a bit dated and the lantern light is pretty but I also think it's kind of been there done that. Also like the drum shade light.
ReplyDeleteI like the West Elm pendants best here... I might consider the one you're looking at for over the island and then the WE Cluster Glass Pendant for over the table. I think the character and scale of these two are better than the PB fixture + lantern for your space. I look forward to seeing what you pick!
ReplyDeleteI looooove the West Elm pendants. Would two fit over the island?
ReplyDeleteI like the light fixutre you already own for over your table and think two light fixutre would look better overyour island depending on how large your island is in person - I think that would create more balance - I like hanging ones best, but would'nt match them, just find ones that tie together.
ReplyDeleteAlso have you condisder a mini pendant to go above your kitchen sink??
I prefer the pair from West Elm: no dust (hey! the dust is a pretty trouble every day) and the are so "clear", fine lines. And if you're planning subway tile i think they''ll be perfect
ReplyDeleteI have the round drum light in my office and it is BRIGHT! Gives off a lot of light.
ReplyDeleteI like the WestElm option.
I like the West Elm option best. So pretty and more organic, which I think would be a good contrast to black counters and subway tile. So fun!
ReplyDeleteI agree - mix it up!!
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for the West Elm pendants!
ReplyDeleteI have the WE pendents in my insp file! Love them! Although, I think the PB lantern you already own over the table looks great. And I love the flush mount for over the island. I think the lights should be different. :-)
ReplyDeleteWest Elm. Hands down. Sleek. Versatile. Easy to Clean. PB one is overdone.
ReplyDeleteI agree...west elm. But check out Schoolhouse Electric...they recently added more fixtures and they have WAY better quality! PLUS they are made in the United States!!! Hooray!! Their customer service is great and you can customize any length you want and you can mix and match! ;-)
ReplyDeletehere is the link for the one that looks like west elm, but better!!
http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/fixtures-detail.asp?FixtureID=309&all=0
Love your blog...i read it everyday!!!
Terri
I like the final option using the fixture that is different above your island and then the light you have from PB over the table. Very chic.
ReplyDeleteHi Bryn, I follow you on Pinterest and notice that you have a lot of pinned pictures with weighty dark pendants. (Which I love!) That said, the PB pendants are gorgeous, classic, and give just enough contrast and antique feeling to balance the more modern, straight lines in the cabinets. I agree that the West Elm ones don't have enough presence. Can't wait to see what you do as I'm sure it will make a huge impact.
ReplyDeleteCamille
West Elm.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you could go wrong with any of them; however, I like the west elm lights the best!
ReplyDeleteHi Bryn! Just found your blog and I have spent the better part of the afternoon looking through all of your old archives! What a treat!!! I have to say that I have the West Elm globes in my house and love them! They can go either super sleek and contemporary or can sway towards more traditional. They look great clustered in threes at different heights as well! I'm sure whatever you do will look fabulous! Good luck! xoxo Lindsey Cheek
ReplyDeleteSAVE MONEY!
ReplyDeleteI like your very last option, with the flush-mount and the fixture you already have. The dust is a very compelling argument to sell that one, though. But I think save the money, use what you have, which does look pretty, too.
I vote for option #3! I think it'll provide great contrast and interest. I love the West Elm lights, too, but think they'll get lost against the white cabinets and ceiling. Those spherical globe lights can also throw off some weird shadows sometimes.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I totally know what you mean about designing your own home, its like decision paralysis sets in. For what its worth I like the scale of the PB lights, the white ones you have now look comparable in size to the glass orbs, which may appear even smaller since the glass will "disappear". I like the lanterns too, but since you already own one PB light I say stick with that. I'm also going to vote to use the same fixture over the table and island since they are so close in proximity. It is more in keeping with the feeling of your inspiration picture, in my opinion anyway. Good luck and have fun!
ReplyDeleteSo...while I like them all, I say go with the PB, and overstock or the PB and a the semi flush. I have a thing about doing permanent things to houses that don't exactly match their intended style. So in my (possibly crazy) mind, that means the light fixtures that are wired in need to be fairly traditional because you have a traditional house, while the lamps don't. Does this make sense? I also think you can get away with slightly less traditional lighting in the bedrooms, but not on the main floor in the main living areas.
ReplyDeleteI say buy the Pottery Barn match on Overstock. Use what you have, it will look great :)
ReplyDeleteI can see where the current fixtures just aren't giving you the light you need in your kitchen. I agree with those saying why not mix things up a bit, so I say use the PB lantern you own in the eating area and why not try something like this where you can add additional lights over your island http://www.shadesoflight.com/lighting/pendants-hanging-lights/converters-hardware/?#PE08012 You can choose which parts to use and make it coordinate with the PB light. I am sure no matter what you choose, it will look great as you have great taste!
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us all give our 2 cents!
Cathy @ Room Rx
I love the lantern option#3 -- the one you said is your favorite. Is it super pricey? Would you mind sending the link -- I'd love to see the difference in price and size. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI prefer the West Elm pendents.
ReplyDeleteBryn- I say save your pennies and get what you really want. I don't think you'll be truly happy until you have it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, have you considered canned lighting so you have a range of options? We recently got a quote for our condo and it was surprisingly very affordable. I can give you the electricians name and number if you're interested.
xo-Sarah
I am a big fan of that west elm pendant
ReplyDeleteBryn you need to call me tomorrow at Worlds Away! We will get this little project taken care of!!!
ReplyDeleteCHCapiz 18 or CHCapiz Sq with a George, Paul, or Ringo....or go in a totally different direction with a Marilyn S and the Marilyn pendants....or something completely different! Those sets however, would look fantastic! Remember that your lighting is your jewelry!
I really like the round 2nd one from West Elm!
ReplyDeleteThe ones from West Elm. They would look best in the space!
ReplyDeleteWe love our globe pendant lights. They can take a full-size light bulb which allows them to give off more light. We are tryin out the cool Edison bulbs now too.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.tealandlime.com/2011/06/globe-pendant-lighting/
Can't wait to see what you choose!
I vote for the West Elms - love them.
ReplyDeleteI just hung that Robert Abbey lantern above my kitchen table and we LOVE it. It casts a beautiful glow at night as well.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Pynn used two in a kitchen on her show Pure Design. Check out Pure Design online and look at Beth and Jack's kitchen:
ttp://www.hgtv.ca/puredesign/theshow.aspx?season=2§ionid=378&categoryid=6010984462690383300&postid=90743
I like the West Elm option or the first mix and match option. We're not in our forever home either so it can be tough sometimes to make decisions without breaking the bank.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to respond to this right away this morning, but your blog is blocked at work =( Anyway, though I love the West Elm pendants as much as you, I think they won't bring in enough light (even though the glass is clear). I do love your dream lantern, but don't think now is the time for the splurge it seems. The flush mount also seems like it won't give you enough light, so my opinion is the PB lantern with the Overstock match... I am saying this without first reading the other comments... hope this helps your decision. Love your style.... anything you go with will be great.
ReplyDeleteI'm an interior designer in Australia, so taking into account, I'm not really up to speed on US design - but the West Elm pendants are gorgeous. They're sleek, stylish and won't date, and especially if you do decide to on sell the house, they will appeal to a much wider base of buyers and suit more tastes than the lantern-style pendants. Plus, they seem more functional? PS - I love your blog.
ReplyDeleteHilarious. I just put the "splurge" light in a board for a client, and the west elm pair is in contention for another client, in a kitchen where I suggested subway tile with grey grout! I guess our taste has more in common than I would have thought.
ReplyDeleteI say, work with what you have and do the overstock fixture to "match" the existing lantern. It's a softer look than the lantern, which I think is nice in your space!
I totally love the West Elm spherical lights. Your kitchen needs a less traditional light and these just feel fresh. Totally not the one that you would have to buy another from Overstock and the one you would have to wait for is beautiful but too stuffy. And definitely no mixing of semi flush and pendant.....you should do the same...it looks more custom. Go for the West Elms.....besides their customer service rocks!
ReplyDeleteoption 3- definitely, for sure!!! It's modern, it's classic, looks expensive. LOVE.
ReplyDeleteThe clear globe is the coolest! I wonder if any of the options will give you enough light, though. One bulb per room or several tiny bulbs seems inadequate (if pretty).
ReplyDeleteI'd go for the West Elm pendants. Simple. But perfect for the space - open and airy. And not a budget breaker...
ReplyDeleteIMO you won't get much enough light out of the Pottery Barn fixture to sufficiently light up the kitchen. I agree that a clear glass-sided fixture is the way to go to get light everywhere in the kitchen and not just on the island.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the flush mount in the kitchen will work either. It'll get pretty shadow-y underneath the upper cabinets.
It would be nice if you could put 2 pendants over you island, but since this isn't your "forever" home I doubt you want to go through the expense of makeing electrical modifications. What about a 2 or 3-light fixture instead?
PS: My new kitchen looks pretty much identical to the photo and we love it! We even found a double farm sink.
Personally, i love the west elm pendants, but this is not my kitchen, its yours. You should choose the one you feel most comfortable with. If you prefer to splurge to get your favourite, then go ahead and buy it! But if you'd rather save your money and get the other, just as lovely, lamps than get the other lamps. What's important is that you feel comfortable with what you buy. In the end it's you who has to see these pendants every day and it would be a waste of money if you bought a pair of lamps and you end up being unhappy with them and end up buying the pair you truly like.
ReplyDeleteI realize I am a day late to this party, but I love the classic feel of the bell jar from PB......
ReplyDeleteHi Bryn. Have you seen the new glass jar pendants from West Elm? They recently caught my eye :) the gray color might work well with what you have planned.
ReplyDeleteWhatever you decide, the space will look lovely!
- Kristy
http://www.westelm.com/products/glass-jar-pendants-w649/?cm_re=catlandingd1-_-lightingcatmain-_-glassjarpendants?cm_src=hero
They're all really pretty, but I like the ones from west elm
ReplyDeleteI would usually say get what you REALLY want because you won't be happy until you do (especially something like a very prominent piece such as this) but as it is not your forever home I would go with the Pottery Barn fixtures you already have. They are very similar to your 'dream' fixtures and Pottery Barn is a very likable style for when you decide to sell the house. AND you won't mind leaving them behind when you do. Hope this is helpful! Thanks for entertaining us with your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm totally late, but my vote is for the West Elm pendant. I've been eying that baby for a while now. All the options will look great though.
ReplyDeletei haven't read all the comments, but i like the west end globes best
ReplyDeleteTotally go for the West Elm ones. Best option by far, and they look great.
ReplyDeleteIf you're interested, I have that exact PB light that's never been used. Just let me know if you want it and we'll strike up a deal:)
ReplyDeletehttp://mapleleavessycamoretrees.blogspot.com/
I love that PB light - I'd for sure use it. I would be hesitant to get a "match" that wasn't really a match, so I would not go with the overstock one. I do love the other option for over the island and think it would compliment the PB light very nicely. Plus, it looks like it's very much your style, IMHO.
ReplyDeleteGood luck - can't wait to see what you decide!
I'd go with the west elm fixture. They would look great with the ghost chairs. You may also want to consider these. They would look amazing against your chocolate walls.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lowes.com:80/pd_198671-2121-2428A_0__?productId=3388492&Ntt=edison+light&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dedison%2Blight&facetInfo=
http://www.lowes.com:80/pd_348489-2120-34551_0__?productId=3367286&Ntt=edison+light&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dedison%2Blight&facetInfo=
Hi Bryn! I vote for the West Elm pendants. What if you did the two industrial globe lights over the island and this drum shade pendant over the table: http://www.westelm.com/products/short-drum-pendant-w504/?pkey=cpendant-sconce-lamps-chandeliers.
ReplyDeleteCan I ask what paint color your kitchen is? I love it!
ReplyDeleteI would go with the West Elm globes. From what I can tell you like some traditional melded with some modern as seen in the table with uphostlered and acrylic chairs. The globes are beautiful and would compliment the acrylic chairs and bring both spaces together.
ReplyDeleteI think the ones from West Elm would work the best with your kitchen and dining area. :)
ReplyDelete