Commercial Lighting Imparts Modern Industrial Vibe to Restaurant Reno
Timing is everything when it comes to remodeling. Getting demolition tasks completed while creating a new design with all the pieces and parts ordered and delivered is a delicate balancing act. Deb Presson, of Presson Interior Design, took on an extensive remodel of the Don Gallo Mexican Grill in Knoxville, Tennessee, recently, and she had her work cut out for her.
“We changed the layout completely minus the kitchen and restrooms,” Deb says. “The only things we kept were the chairs and some wall treatments in the back.” Her vision for the space was a casual, modern, industrial design. A faux brick wall was freshened with paint and a mural while industrial touches were added with concrete countertops and lighting.
“It was important as we were selecting lighting that we could customize the sizes and colors,” Deb explains. “We wanted the lights to be part of the artwork and add to the overall design.” The project was on a tight timeline but Deb turned to one of her favorite lighting manufacturers who could check all the boxes.
“I learned about Barn Light Electric from Delaney, my amazing lighting rep at FSA Lighting in Knoxville,” she notes. “She provides wonderful support and helped me develop the lighting concept.”
The duo selected Glass Ball Pendant Lights to accent the seating by the windows near the front of the space. Deb customized these handcrafted pendants with 12″ clear glass, a Teal finish, and standard black cords.
“I loved matching the teal color that we have on the hostess stand tile with the metal on the glass pendant lights,” Deb explains. “I kept the cords black so they wouldn’t distract from the pop of the teal finish.”
For the bar across the room, Deb was attracted to the Sinclair Draftsman Pendant for its authentic, early 20th-century industrial vibe. These American-made pendants are customized with 10″ shades, a Black finish, and standard black cords.
“The Sinclair has a timeless feel to it with its simple lines,” she notes. “I like that it is petite and will add a lower site line, but it doesn’t take up too much space so you can see around them.”
Over a large, round table near the bar, a Loma Pendant Light lends a bold touch to the décor. This oversized, 28″ pendant features a Matte Black exterior finish and a stunning Painted-Aged Copper interior finish.
“The Matte Black finish gives a good presence, and I chose the copper finish to add some warmth to that space,” Deb says. “We have copper and rust finishes on the barstools and other light fixtures throughout the space. I like to use similar colors around the room to tie the design together.”
To highlight a long community table, Deb wanted something oversized and different. Three Original™ Warehouse Gooseneck Lights, customized with 20″ shades and the Painted-Aged Copper finish, fit the bill perfectly. These iconic gooseneck lights are handspun from commercial-grade aluminum and suspended from rugged, adjustable G36 gooseneck arms.
“Being able to customize each of these fixtures to the space enhanced the design. The fact that Barn Light is an American manufacturer allowed us to make these custom fixtures in a very reasonable amount of time,” Deb says. “The Barn Light line is so versatile that I have been able to use it in both my commercial and residential projects. I even have them in my own home!”
Photos by Bruce Cole Photography
