Help choosing and finding mini pendant lights (and kitchen eye candy!)

FREE IMAGES So, we've recently had some demo work done in our house (pics coming soon!).  And as exciting as it is, picking things out for the revamped space is a bit daunting.  We are starting with looking for 3 mini pendant lights to go over our new breakfast bar, which is small at just 6' x 18."  The issue is that we would ideally like to spend no more than $70 per fixture, and hubby and I don't really agree on what style we like.

I want something transitional - I really had my heart set on clear glass, and he was frosted or art glass, which I just don't want.  We will ultimately have to choose a chandelier to go over the dining table, which is about 6' from the breakfast bar.  I don't want anything to be from a matching set, but I also want the chandelier and pendants to work together.

Here are some options I like:

Love these, but hubby thinks if we get these we might as well just have exposed naked bulbs hanging from the ceiling. I also like these because I feel like regardless of the chandelier we go with they will work together.

via Decoist

 These could potentially work, but I wouldn't know what finish to go with.
via Decoist

I like this style, but I can't find any in our price range.

via Home Decorators Collection

Maybe these?

via Home Decorators Collection

Traditional Kitchen by Narberth Architects & Building Designers Philip Ivory Architects

These are basic enough to work as well.

I like these vintage railroad pole pendants from Etsy.  They could be sophisticated in the right setting and have a story behind them.

Liking these globes too but I would want them a lot smaller and I doubt they exist in my price range...
via Pinterest via BHG


Any ideas for us or places for us to look?!?!?

Chic and beautiful lighting

FREE IMAGES I am a sucker for a beautiful lighting fixture but am always very nervous when faced with having to commit to one.  There are so many and most cost a pretty penny, so I'm always worried I will regret a very expensive decision.  So ever since we moved into our new home in June I have been gathering inspiration for when we are ready to change our lighting (which is high on my priority list)  I've decided that to build my confidence, I am going to start with changing out the hallway light fixtures since they will be smaller and less expensive than a chandelier for above our dining room table or a pendant for the master bedroom. Although it might not seem that big of a deal, hallways are one of the most used light fixtures in a home and are often left on, so they shouldn't be neglected.

It's important when changing out something that's going to be around for a while, especially if you have a small budget like us, to think about the style and decor of the rest of your home so that they tie into the design you've already started or will work if you decide to change your flooring, wall color, etc.

via belgianpearls

Something a little more elegant and classy is a much better fit for this space. The mix of modern and historical is great match for the rest of the home decor. If the light fixtures were any more traditional and flashy than these I probably wouldn't like the space as much.

via ruemag

Something more artsy and eccentric stands out in this space but still fits in with the theme of the home. This is a great example of having something that catches your eye but doesn't take away from the space.

via georgiandesign

Mixing and matching may be the best idea for hallways that are connecting multiple rooms. This works well with eclectic styles but if done correctly you can mix and match any type of home decor style. Keeping the light fixtures in the same family or "collection" but in different styles is the best way to achieve this.

via Margot Austin
I'm really loving the look of drum style pendant lights in the hall.  The slim console with a lamp is a nice touch and adds a cozy feel.

via Arcadian Home
Again, really liking the drum style pendants.  If you can manage, space ceiling fixtures about 8 to 10 feet apart in a hallway.

Ideas for lighting your home

FREE IMAGES Lighting in a room can really make or break a space! Unfortunately, the lighting fixtures in my new home are as far from my style as you can get, so I have my eye out for some inspiring solutions to light my dining room, kitchen, halls, and master bath...

I've been scouring ebay and craigslist for a mod brass chandelier like this one to hang above my dining room table.
via House Beautiful

I've been crushing on sleek chrome or silver lighting in the kitchen like the fixture hanging over the island in this GORGEOUS kitchen

via BHG

via High Gloss Magazine

Lacking in natural light?  Join the club. There are a variety of light choices for any space you have in your home. What do you think of the multiple sconces used in this space?

I love how this homeowner jazzed up an affordable light fixture by winding rope around the cord.
via Rue Mag

via Houzz

I'm not generally a fan of recessed lighting, but done unusually I think it can add to a space.  Just make sure it's on a dimmer!!!

via Apartment Therapy

Basements can be the hardest to light because there isn't much natural light there. I like the idea they have here of using the long drapes to create the feel of a large window and using larger lights to warm up the space.  If you live in a basement apartment or spend a lot of time in your basement this is such a cool idea!

this post in partnership with mailorderlighting.co.uk

Super Dreamy Kitchens

FREE IMAGES Happy Friday everyone!  I am excited to create my dream kitchen in our new home, here are some looks I'm loving...

A dramatic pendant over the sink.
via BHG

A wall mounted monitor - most of my recipes are from the computer, and I don't like to waste ink or paper printing out a recipe that I may not like.

Open shelves aren't for me, but otherwise this kitchen is a dream...
2 above via House Beautiful

The gray brick is really beautiful, but I wouldn't want the stainless steel counters.
via Interiors Porn

The three below are all from the same kitchen.  I think I'm definitely going to go with white cabinets.  I also love the marble countertops, but that won't be in our budget for a long, long time.

The hood is really cool

Love those stools too, and the pendant lights

3 above via House Beautiful

Gathering inspiration for my home office

FREE IMAGES As some of you know, we just bought a home and I will have my first true home office. Not in the dining room, or the nook of the bedroom, a whole separate room!

Here are some office spaces I really like:

The 4 images below show the office of Apartment 34's Erin Hiemstra

Loving those gold pendants!

This sitting area is great for flipping through magazines, sketching, etc..

via Rue Mag

The office of Maison Luxe, based in Seattle.

Great use of the nook!

via Rue Mag