Currently I am in the planning stages of creating an office and updating my kitchen. My guest room is almost complete and as previously mentioned I hope to publish before and after shots next week. My current 'inherited' kitchen is only a few years old, however it lacks storage and is a little too contemporary for my style. I am opting to replace bench tops, doors, oven and adding a few new cupboards if possible. I hope this will be a cheaper option, to achieve a new look without breaking the bank. My new kitchen will have a country/contemporary mix, however, I am unsure about the style of light above my kitchen island. The existing light fitting is a modern suspension fixture and will definitely not work with the country look I want to achieve.
Current kitchen
Existing light above island - Out with the old!
Changes to be made to kitchen:
Changes to be made to kitchen:
- Window - existing narrow Venetian blind to be replaced with wide, white plantations style shutters.
- Stainless steel splash back will be replaced by white subway tiles
- Existing stainless steel sink and drainer to be replaced with a sleek white ceramic basin and co-coordinating tap
- Stainless steel cooker hood - This will be updated with a hidden extractor in an extra cupboard
- Cupboard Doors - These will be replaced by panelled doors in a neutral shade of white
- Handles - existing handles replaced with antique style, pewter knobs
- Bench tops - Current white Formica to be replaced with beautiful polished granite in Irish cream (a beige/grey speckled granite)
- Existing 5 bar light to be replaced - 2 or 3 pendant lights or ??
Lighting is a major part of any renovation and can be costly as it usually involves an electrician, therefore I need to select the perfect light so not have regrets if I make a mistake. Below are few examples of lights I think may work from the wide range available from Scotlight Direct. Should my lights make a statement? should I have a bank of lights?, two suspensions...or should there be three? At times I am a little safe in my choice, so this is where I would like your help. Picture a light, bright, country look similar to the kitchens above and help me choose the perfect light above my island.
Sharing this post with the following blogs:
I think I'd go for a bold statement above the bench (unless you are going to put a pot hanger there), that adds interest and contrast to your mainly white scheme - something similar to this old French Iron chandelier, which also references the black curves of your hob.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.europeanantiques.co.nz/catalogue/page/browse/lighting/3#metal-forged-6-arm-chandelier-c-1950-s
Hi, Thank you so much for your suggestions, I had a look at the light, it certainly would make a statement. I won't be keeping the hob, I am replacing the oven and getting a flash induction top, as it is a small kitchen I thought it would give me added bench space which is very limited on the basin side. Plus I get two extra cupboards on either side of the new built in under oven.
DeleteI guess really it is difficult to get people to choose for me when I don't have the kitchen completed. However I could definitely see that light working. Thank you for your input.
Lee :)
I love the pendants in the larger middle picture. Just wish I could use them.
ReplyDeleteI think in the end Kim I will end up going for two pendant lights but maybe large ones for some impact.
DeleteThank you for your input.
Lee :)
I say two large bold pendants over the island. More importantly, I love your Poppy. Pass on a kiss for me!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your help Michele, sorry for late reply I have only just seen your reply. I have settled on two large bold pendants and found some gorgeous glass ones similar to the flared, fluted one above.
DeleteMost definitely pass a kiss onto little Poppy, she is the cutest little dog out, I am biased but we get told this every time she goes for a walk.
Thank you for dropping by.
Lee :)