Functional Decor: Layered Kitchen Lighting
When we designed our new cottage, we didn’t include any ceiling lights in the main room, which consists of the kitchen, dining room, entryway, office, and living room. Nor did we include the recommended lights in our primary bedroom. Despite the electrician’s continued insistence that we needed built-in overhead lighting, I was adamant that we avoid it, remembering how harsh it felt — regardless of bulb type — in our previous tiny cottage.
Six months have passed since we moved in, and not once have I regretted the decision. In fact, I wish I’d listened to my gut about the kids' room too, and remained steadfast in declining the recessed lighting option in there, too. Alas, I caved on that one, and I’m still kicking myself for it.
For me, lighting is the perfect example of Functional Decor. It is the ultimate way to decorate a home and set its feeling of warmth and welcome while addressing a distinct need. Plus lighting can be designed to suit any style within a myriad of budgets.
We don’t often need to switch on the lights within our home thanks to the numerous windows and skylights that usher in abundant natural light. But after the sun sets, the kitchen requires the most illumination, which is why the room is layered with sconces, a pendant, and two table lamps. All of these include natural, eco-friendlier materials, like rattan, linen, water hyacinth, and clay, rounding out the look and feel I want for the space while helping us brighten it gently but effectively in the evenings and early mornings.
I also prefer the versatility of less permanent lighting options. With the exception of the two wall sconces on the back wall, the other lights, including the pendant, can easily be relocated in case our needs or use of the space shift over time.
The growler-turned-lamp, which is ceramic with a light iron wash and a hand-carved screen door on the front, is by a life-long friend whose works of functional ceramic art I’ve collected for 20+ years. The other table lamp (in rattan) was designed by our friend Justina Blakeney. Lighting can be an opportunity to showcase (and even repurpose) sentimental items from around your home, not only adding to the decor but also telling stories about your family and the folks you love.
SOURCES
Handmade ceramic, iron wash lamp by our friend Daniel George Designs
Linen Pendant Lampshade: Secondhand (click here for the jute pendant lamp cord)
Rattan and linen table lamp by our friend Justina Blakeney of The Jungalow for Opalhouse
Simple, Intentional Exterior Lighting
Since our new cottage is nestled in the woods, we were very careful and deliberate when selection our exterior lighting. We wanted to be sure to obtain the coverage we need for safety and navigability, but we also aimed to respect the land and its many wildlife inhabitants, many of whom are nocturnal.
We ended up with just three exterior sconces, which illuminate the necessary areas at night, while complimenting the design of the cottage.
My favorite of the three is the Maritime Collection 12" High Outdoor Wall Light from Lamps Plus over our front door. Its curved neck echoes the shape of the arches over the front stoop, while a hint of a seaside motif reminds us of our pervious cottage on the Pacific, and its ocean-fed canals after which our small business was named.
On the porch, we selected two Capital Dylan Glass 12 1/2"H Bronze Outdoor Wall Lights, one to position over either set of French doors.
These cylindrical designs soften the lines on the porch, while being stylistically the same. The lamplight brilliantly illuminates this outdoor living zone (and highlights the river recovered cypress ceiling), as well as the yard enclosure at the base that will one day be a shaded garden for our kids and pups to enjoy year-round.
The sconces were kindly gifted by Lamps Plus. Opinions, words, and images are my own.
Tiny Nursery Lighting Options
When we first created baby West's nursery bay (full post here), one of the things I struggled with the most was lighting. We definitely needed a light source, but it had to be very specific for the space. Most nursery table lamps would take up too much surface space on the tiny chest of drawers, and most overhead lighting was either too bulky or would've glowed too hot in the little closet nook. I eventually found a combination of accent lighting we loved, and that can be easily moved and adjusted for safety as West grows.
The design I use most frequently is a strand of warm-hued battery-operated twinkle lights, dropped into a rattan backpack. It hangs on the wall or from a curtain rod like a lamp, and can be toted around the cottage like a glittering flashlight.
As always, please keep safety in mind when decorating your home. Take particular care to avoid choking, strangulation, shock, and fire hazards when it comes to nursery lighting.