...because home doesn't happen overnight.

First of all, WE HAVE INTERNET ACCESS!  Yay!  Okay, carry on…

This is the ‘in progress’ view of our kitchen from the living area of our future great room.  The oven and hood will be in the middle of the two windows.  {For more details on the kitchen layout, look here.}  If you look at the ceiling, you’ll notice three blue electrical boxes for light fixtures.  Specifically, they are the electrical boxes for our kitchen island pendants.  As you can see, there will be a trio of pendants centered above the kitchen island.  I thought about one big pendant over the island but since the island is going to be over 8′ long, I think 3 smaller pendants will balance the length of the island better.  I thought I’d share with you what pendant lights *I think* I’ve officially decided will go there.  Not just for your benefit but for mine too. Handy Hubby says I have to start making some design element decisions and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a tad overwhelmed.  So, I’m taking it one step at a time {while still trying to keep an overall aesthetic in mind} and starting with something relatively easy first.  The kitchen island pendants seemed like a good place to start.

I’ve been stalking this minimal, industrial-like West Elm globe pendant for months now.  {Maybe that’s why I’m somewhat fond of the globe lights in our apartment‘s kitchen.} I think a trio of them will work great above the island.  I want something see-through so that, when you’re in the living area of the great room looking into the kitchen, your eye travels past the pendants to the wall that will eventually house a streamlined hood.  A more solid pendant would stop your eye short at the island’s location and cut up the space taking away from that open, airy feel we love so much and are trying to achieve.  But the pendants still have enough presence to define the island.

Like I said, I’ve been eyeing these globe lights for months.  Mostly with the hope that they’ll go on sale and I can snag them up.  {Currently, you can get one of these lights for $99 and a trio for $269.}  But, alas, no price reduction has occurred and we’re getting down to the wire {bad pun} on picking ceiling fixtures for the Underdog.  At least, that’s what HH is telling me.  So, with thriftiness in mind, I bought $300 worth of West Elm gift cards from our local Kroger store while their quadruple fuel points special was running.  That means I got $1/gallon off my last fill-up at the gas pump! {For those of you who don’t shop/have Kroger stores, they offer point rewards for gift card purchases. The points can be used to deduct money from your fuel purchases at Kroger fuel centers or participating Shell stations.} I plan to use the gift cards to purchase the pendants.  Not exactly the clearance-priced globe lights I was hoping for but at least I got some savings elsewhere.  It all adds up.

What do you think?  Do you like the idea of minimal, non-view impending globe lights over the future kitchen island?  I think they’ll look like fabulous little fish bowls lit up in the evening hours.

images: 1) Dana Miller for House*Tweaking  2&3) West Elm

 

 

55 Comments

I love them! I wanted a few of the same one for our dining room but the husband hates pendant lights. I have no idea why but I have given up that battle to get my ways in other parts of our decor ;) Maybe one day.

21.August.2011

I love the lights. They will be perfect for what you’re going with! You’re great room/dining/kitchen is very similar to mine (vaulted ceilings and all!) and I am excited to see what you do with your space! That island is going to be amazing.

21.August.2011

I really like the pendants! The only thing that came to mind was, what light bulbs will you be using? Make sure the bulb that provides adequate light is also easy on the eyes.

21.August.2011

Ann – The pendants only hold 60W max each. I’d like a bulb with a candlelight-ish effect as most of the light in the kitchen will be from skylights {natural light} that we plan to install and from track lighting {artificial light} that will run along the ridge beam. You’re right, I definitely don’t want a harsh bulb staring me in the face. That would defeat the whole see-through effect.

21.August.2011

These were the very same lights I nearly ordered for over our sink/in front of the kitchen window. I love that they are big but they don’t block a view. We ended up buying a more antique/industrial looking one from Lowe’s that looks basically the same but in oil-rubbed bronze. We’ll see how it looks once we hang it! I think they will look great over your island.

21.August.2011

Lowes has a similar look…but they are more expensive than those west elm ones!!! So you might have found the best price already!

21.August.2011

Could you hold out until labor day to see if they are included in a sale. Glad you thought about the brightness of the bulbs. That was my only concern. Otherwise the lights are awesome.

21.August.2011

Those lights will be great!

Did you fill out your change of address form yet? We got a packet of “welcome” coupons (from pottery barn/crate and barrel/home improvement stores) after filling out our change of address form online. Maybe there’s a west elm one? I sometimes get ‘we miss you’ emails from them, with coupon codes, will shoot one your way if I do…

21.August.2011

if you have a discover card, you can also get a deal on a west elm gift card. i think it is an extra $5 for every $25…

21.August.2011

I love the pendants you’ve picked out!! They would look ridiculous in my house but they’re so neat! I know they’ll look fabulous in the Underdog!

22.August.2011

Delurking! Hi, I’m faced with the same decision although my space has been finished for a year now (and we still have no official lamps hanging….) You can see our space here: http://bakemyday.blogspot.com/2010/05/teehee-new-kitchen-nou-joepie-dan-de.html
Your ceiling will still be vaulted when finished? Is there a solution for the socket/ceiling thingy which goes flush with the ceiling?

22.August.2011

Beautiful, make sure your energy efficient bulbs are pretty too, cos some of them are kinda ugly :)

22.August.2011

love the pendants, I just got some similar ones from Arhaus that have panels of clear beads around the interior bulb to diffuse the light, for our still in construction island. BTW West Elm does send out a 10% coupon for new home owners, it must have been from the change of address form. The underdog is looking great!

22.August.2011

From looking at your mock up it seems like your ceilings will be too high for the cord – how do you make that work? We have 15′ ceilings and I’d love to replace the pendants over my island but I’m not sure exactly what’s involved in making a standard pendant work with such tall ceilings… Hoping you’ll explain how you do it!

22.August.2011

Love your choice, I have the same lights over my island, also on a slanted ceiling. I love the look but rarely turn them on, I switched to softer bulbs after the glare bothered us and it doesn’t provide much functional light. As long as you have other light sources it should be great.

22.August.2011

Dana,

Wow, its looking so great! Just a little tip I found this week…we were vacationing in a small town in central Texas and found this amazing store- Star Antiques in Wimberley Texas. It looked like a crazy funky agarden/antiques shop, but when we opend the door to the main building, it was filled with vintage lighting. I was so overwhelmed. the owner’s name is Teresa, and prices were VERY reasonable…you can even ask for just the shades, or piences if HH or you are up to piecing them together. The website does not do the place justice, but if you give her an idea of what you are looking for she will sned you picks. There is even a massive warehouse full of pieces. Hope this helps!

http://www.starantique.com/index.html

22.August.2011

BEAUTIFUL….and a little jealous!

22.August.2011

As Ann mentioned, have you considered which bulbs you’ll be using in these glass pendants? Since Congress is passing legislation banning incandescent bulbs, be sure you like (or can at least stand) the look of the energy efficient bulbs in the glass domes. I’m not much of a fan of the twisted light look, so these wouldn’t be a good option for me personally.

Otherwise, I love the reasoning for choosing those lights!

Emma
City Roots, Country Life

22.August.2011

Oooo…. saw those in the YHL house crashing of Kelly Moore’s house and LOVED them. Good choice!

22.August.2011

I have these sitting in my dining room in their box waiting for the electrician to install them in my almost complete – finished basement. Purchased them for the same reason you did – light and airy feeling. Good Choice!

22.August.2011

I’ve been drooling over those lights for a while now too. They’re so very cool looking! We live in an apartment, so we’re not really able to do big upgrades to our light fixtures, but these are in our “someday” wish list. I can’t wait to see them installed (and your kitchen set up!)

22.August.2011

I love these globe lights! I had bought a Fado from Ikea for our entryway, but with these being clear you can definitely make a statement and maybe have a cool Edison bulb to add to the aesthetic. Good luck on the design decisions!

22.August.2011

I have always loved these pendants too! I think they’re the perfect choice. As far as bulbs are concerned I’m sure you’ll be able to find a bulb that works well with those, maybe even something frosted. You could even use an ‘Edison’ bulb/fillament bulb that has a really cool vintage and industrial look and is meant to be seen. I just saw that Pottery Barn sells them for $9 each. Maybe you could find them elsewhere for cheaper though. And yes, West Elm just mailed me a 10% off coupon since I moved last month and changed my address with USPS. Your kitchen is going to look amazing!

Love them, and I think they will look perfect over an island of that size. So simple yet so stylish. Thanks for sharing. Happy Monday!

22.August.2011

Just curious…are those brand new windows I see in your soon to be kitchen? Sure do look white, bright, and clean for an old house…*hmmm…:) *
Love the globe lights…go with them. And…I MISS MY KROGER!!!! Living in Florida sucks because there are no Krogers…just the Tom Thumb stores/gas stations. And who wants to do their grocery shopping in a gas station…??? UGH!

22.August.2011

I love the pendants! I’ve been eyeing a similar set from CB2 for a while now – http://www.cb2.com/pendant-lamps/lighting/firefly-pendant-lamp/f5281. It appeals to me because I think it’ll require less installation :-)

22.August.2011

i love them and pinned something similar on pinterest a few weeks’ back. two thumbs up.

in a year, you won’t remember how much they cost but you will think about how much you enjoy them every time you see them. go for it! there will be other places to save and other surprise deals that come up.

22.August.2011

Oops – one more thing – I’ve had weird luck calling West Elm and ordering stuff over the phone. I once called with a question about a sale item and the wonderful lady on the phone hooked me up with a bunch of extra discounts and free shipping. She said they were running in-house specials or something like that, which were different (and better) than the internet specials. So, it’s worth giving them a ring, even if it’s a long shot.

I’m playing the West Elm sale waiting game for a dining room table. They seem to cycle through sales on different categories, so i’m holding out for a 10-15% off sale. Cross your fingers for me!

22.August.2011

The globe pendants will look awesome in your space. They come with 9-foot cords which will be perfect for your vaulted ceilings. We just did a trio over our kitchen island with the Edison lightbulbs and we LOVE them:
http://www.tealandlime.com/2011/06/globe-pendant-lighting/

22.August.2011

I’m new to your blog and I love it! Definitely the west elm lights. :)

LOVE these! I can’t wait to see this space come together :)

22.August.2011

I love the lights! And that is not a bad price either, when I saw West Elm, I was expecting you to say they were much more than that. Recently, I have started purchasing gift cards from ebay and Plastic Jungle for places that I know I will go anyway (walmart, home depot). It is a built-in percentage off. Then if I find sales/coupons it is bonus!

22.August.2011

I love these. I have them hanging over our stairs which also has a gallery wall. I wanted the light without the blocked view. I had my electrician hang two of them from one base and they work perfect. We were able to use the newest halogen bulbs on the market that were clear, shaped like normal bulbs, and energy efficient. The light reflects in the prettiest way inside the globe. Check the cord length though…I forget how long the cords are.

23.August.2011

I just got a coupon for 15% off from West Elm through September 4. I think it came in a catalog, and I just found the coupon on the floor! If you want it, you’re welcome to it, I can give you the coupon code if you contact me via email.

23.August.2011

ADORE!! those are just lovely.

23.August.2011

Jenny B – How nice of you!

23.August.2011

Jackie – Thanks for sharing! Your trio just reaffirmed my decision!

23.August.2011

Julie – Fingers crossed…

23.August.2011

Dawn – The kitchen windows aren’t original to the home. They were updated before we bought the Underdog. However, there are still a few windows {garage, A/C window in future dining/mudroom, bathrooms, master bedroom} that ARE original to the home. We plan on replacing them.

23.August.2011

Sharon – Thanks for the heads up on the change of address with West Elm! I’ll definitely have to get on that!

23.August.2011

I’ve had my eye on the West Elm globes too, then they introduced these glass jar ones, which I think are awesome as well:
http://www.westelm.com/products/glass-jar-pendants-w649/?pkey=cnew-lighting-arrivals

They are affordable take-offs on the (I think) super-cool Niche Modern pendants http://www.nichemodern.com/

This AT house tour yesterday reminded me of the lights you’re interested in (although theirs are grouped all together, and it sounds like your lights will be evenly spaced over the island). Can’t wait to see how they look in your space!

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston/rich-amp-emilys-somerville-surprisehouse-tour-154380

Btw, from what I hear, incandescent bulbs aren’t being banned; manufacturers are just required to make them more efficient. So you’ll still be able to buy regular-looking incandescents for the space that will put out 60 watts of light but use up less energy than the bulbs we use now at the same wattage. Although if you wanted to go the CFL route, they’ve gotten much more attractive lately, so that certainly helps.

24.August.2011

Can you tell I’m obsessed with WE sales? I got an e-mail this morning for $20 of $100 if you fill out a quick little survey for West Elm. Let me know if you didn’t get it, and I can try and forward it to you. They’ve always allowed me to combine coupons, so stock up!

24.August.2011

Erin – I saw that AT tour too! Great kitchen! I’m usually drawn to the Boston home tours. And thanks for the added info on the incandescent bulbs. Things have been so crazy here lately I haven’t had a chance to look into bulbs but I guess that time will be here sooner rather than later.

25.August.2011

Dana,

Really nice plans for the kitchen. Those bulbs are really impressive. You may want to wait to make the purchase until your cabinets are in and the room is drywalled. Once the room is closer to finishing, you may change your mind about some details. I know my wife and I were all over the map about some of our fixtures while we were remodeling our last house.

Good Luck! Looking forward to following the progress.

25.August.2011

Here’s our current picture (http://www.athomealterations.com/2011/08/what-the-dirt.html). We’re pretty much in the same place! I’d say, “race you to the end” but I think you’ll beat us by a mile :)

25.August.2011

Mike @ HA – I wouldn’t bet on it! Anything could happen…

26.August.2011

Dana,

You mentioned in an earlier post that you’ll be providing details and tips on how the FSBO sale went for you. We’re trying to put our home for sale, kind of in a similar situation to yours where we’re moving to another place and making renovations, but we’re not sure whether to go the FSBO route or hire a realtor. Having followed some of the upgrades you made to your house, it would make more sense to hear your perspective on the experience instead of what’s generally written elsewhere. Thanks in advance.

26.August.2011

Chuck – FSBO post coming next week!

26.August.2011

love love love these great choice!!

12.August.2014

[…] *https://www.housetweaking.com/2011/08/21/kitchen-island-pendants/ […]

06.January.2016

I am a big fan of all of your design choices! Just wondering what size of pendant you ended up ordering?

06.January.2016

We bought the 11″ globe pendants. It was the only size available at the time, but I think a trio of the 11″ is the perfect scale for our 9′ island. Hope that helps!

30.November.2016

I love your kitchen! We also have a 9 foot island and are hanging the West Elm lights up. Can you tell me how far apart the lights are spaced? It would help heaps!!! Thanks!

12.December.2016

From center of globe to center of globe, they are ~26′ apart. Hope that helps!