life and puppies

When I bought this condo in April 2005, there was really only one thing I couldn’t stand: the pendant light in the ‘dining area.’ Since April 2005, we have had the kitchen completely gutted and updated; had all of the flooring replaced (except the upstairs bathroom tile) – bamboo upstairs, new carpet downstairs, new tile in the downstairs basement; painted almost every wall; had several windows replaced; had the downstairs bathroom shower tiled; had both toilets and one sink replaced; and had a walk-in closet built. Still, that damn chandelier remained. But no more! Ugly pendant light, b. Unknown – d. Jan. 20, 2013. RIP.

Old pendant

I hope you’re not thinking it’s not that bad. I mean, I know it’s not THAT bad and it could be worse and Brady, don’t start on your weirdo number. Yes, it doesn’t have fake melted wax and it’s not made out of leather or crepe paper or anything but really, I did not like it and I felt like it was staring at me every day thinking, “I know how you feel about me, but I’m still here.” And then there would be a wicked cackle.

Closer-up of ugs light

I’m really struggling to photograph anything well these days. Ok, you know what else was wrong with this thing? It collected dust like nobody’s business and resisted all of my best efforts to clean it. Consequently, it always felt like the light it gave off was filtered through a serious cover of dust on a thick piece of opaque glass. Not very illuminating.

It took me some time to figure out just what I wanted to replace it, which was part of the delay. I didn’t want to spend too much because (a) we’re broke and (b) I hope we can move in the next few years and I don’t intend to make the lighting fixtures part of any potential counter-offer should we be lucky enough to get an offer in the first place. So I knew my desire for a Le Klint would have to wait. There are knock-off Le Klints, but I ultimately felt that just wouldn’t be the right look. Enter: Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co., which led me to Barnlight Electric. I pretty much love every lighting fixture they sell. Thank you, Barnlight Electric.

Our new light

Please excuse the mess; I’ve turned half of the table into my crafting zone of projects for Bear’s birthday party. Don’t look too closely – you don’t want to ruin the surprise! Anyway, AO & I put up the light together with me mostly acting as the brawn. Aside from a few frustrating moments (Thanks to my mom for entertaining Bear while we worked on this), it really was pretty easy. And I just love the new light. I get that you may not, but I do. And I think AO does, too. And I’m nearly positive that Bear is completely on board.

Our made in the USA pendant

I don’t know if you can tell, but the light is a white porcelain enamel with a black line of trim around the bottom. I chose the black cord and black canopy to make it pop a bit. The company is so great because you can make all sorts of choices – porcelain color, cord color, canopy cover, stripes (on certain models), cages, etc. So cool. AO said he’d be willing to do this all again, so I have my eye on a few numbers to replace some of the more obnoxious flush-mount fixtures chez us. Maybe we’ll just live here forever.