Iconic, American-Made Barn Lights Complete Farm Stand Renovations
For almost 100 years, the Marini family has farmed land in Ipswich, Massachusetts, and sold their produce in a beloved community farm stand. With help from Windhill Builders and Cummings Architects + Interiors, the family has spent the last eight years refreshing and expanding the facilities at Marini Farm.
“Phase I began in 2015 and included a bakery and commercial kitchen,” says Shawn Cayer, founder of Windhill Builders. “Phase II in 2021 winterized the farm stand with interior and exterior renovating. Phase III was completed this year and included the addition of an all-season space for registers and retail sales as well as an awning to cover seasonal produce like pumpkins and corn.”
The design for these improvements focused on the original charm and character of the farm stand which opened in 1928. Exposed Douglas fir beams, eastern white pine ceilings, and live edge countertops all create a warm, welcoming feel to the retail space.
When choosing lighting, the design team looked for an American-made product that offered flexibility with color and mounting options.
“The selection of barn-style lighting reignited the light in the original farm stand that needed a facelift,” notes Chloe Rideout, interior designer with Cummings. “We were confident that this style would preserve the character built over a century while also sustaining the durability needs of a fully functioning farm.”
The team chose The Original™ Warehouse Pendant Light to accent the interior spaces of the farm stand. These iconic, handcrafted pendants are customized with generous 16″ shades, a Galvanized finish, heavy-duty cast guards, and clear glass. Standard black cords made it easy for the installers to customize the height from the sloped barn ceiling.
“The Galvanized finish hides dust well, and the heavy-duty guard is good for the commercial application of a working farm,” Rideout explains. “Aesthetically, the brighter, galvanized steel color complements the pine wood boards on the ceiling, keeping the feel of the space light and bright.” These customizing options also help balance the proportions and volume of the space.
“These details provide an authentic feel to the new space while complementing the original farm stand,” she adds. “The goal was to capture as much original charm in the new space as possible so people don’t even notice that they are walking into a new addition.”
For the exterior, the team chose The Original™ Warehouse Gooseneck Light to highlight the signage. This 20″ shade is customized with a powder coat Black finish, and a G22 gooseneck arm.
“This light truly captures traditional New England architecture,” Cayer notes. “We wanted to catch the eye of those driving by the farm stand who may not have visited before. This light fixture holds so much character and charm. It almost begins to tell the story from the outside in.”
Other exterior doorways are illuminated by Original™ Warehouse Gooseneck Lights with 12″ and 16″ shades customized with a Textured Black finish. This color was chosen to tie all of the finishes together and create unity in the space while staying true to the rustic, original farm stand.
“Our client loves the authenticity and charm each of these fixtures brings,” Cayer says. “We hit the jackpot with Barn Light Electric as we were confident in your American-made products. The various design options allowed us to execute our vision perfectly.”
Photos courtesy of Windhill Builders
