now let's talk lighting...

Not sure how familiar you are with how much great lighting costs...but let me just go on and tell you that it ain't cheap.  However, I think that if we purchase a light a month, we just might be able to stay on budget. 

We are calling these purchases (like the tile and sink for the powder room) presents for the house...  And, we are keeping these presents safe until such time that the house is ready to receive them... 

One of the only design elements which hasn't been decided yet for the powder room is the lighting - well, I found a light that I LOVE.  But why is it that something that looks so simple, costs SO much?  Case in point...

This light would be so simple and perfect in the powder room, however the price has not budged since I first came across it - it is called the Miconos Wall Light by Artemide.  I have kept my eye on the price for about 8 months hoping that it might go on sale...no luck so far.  The specs and review are here...

The light is quite large 17" H x 12" W which I think would make a very nice statement on the wall of penny tile - at least in my untrained interior designer imagination, it will work out very nicely.  However, unfortunately it may be a bit too expensive of a splurge.

For the kitchen, we like these lights to go over the island. 

They are from Restoration Hardware and are very popular - the 13" Benson Pendant which is also quite large in scale.  We would want two of these which more information about these can be found here...

Another thing that I like to go over the dining table is a bit "blingy" - but I think will add a bit of glamour to the space and also serve as sort of an unobtrusive divider between the spaces.  The one below is a knock off of the originals which can be over $2000 - not going to happen, EVER.  But, again, overstock comes through.  This light has received very good reviews - and I can just picture all of the light bouncing off of the crystals...

  

More details can be found here...

There are still many other choices left to make and we can focus on saving money on these choices.  We will rely on Greico for helping us make these decisions.  He has plans for many wonderful pot lamps (got this word from Candice Olsen) and also some art lighting which will all be installed in the ceiling. 

Will keep you posted as we are really starting to see some great progress - the foundation should go down this week.  Update to come...