Reviving 1930s Kitchen with Classic Look of Schoolhouse Lighting
Buying an older home is a dream for many but it definitely comes with challenges. While renovations can be rewarding, they often unveil a cascade of unexpected issues. When Melissa bought her home in 2005 in the foothills of Denver, Colorado, she knew the 1930’s-era structure needed significant work.
“This has been an ongoing and continual project for me,” Melissa says. The latest round of improvements began with an inoperable electrical connection over the kitchen table. A generous neighbor fixed the problem but uncovered a host of other issues including a botched drywall job on the ceiling and layers of wallpaper and paint that needed stripping away.
Melissa patiently tackled each task transforming the space with crisp white walls, stainless appliances, and light wood cabinets. As she pondered lighting for the improved areas, her helpful neighbor suggested Barn Light Electric.
“The only lights I found on the internet or in stores were either cheap looking or too big, too small, or too ostentatious,” Melissa explains. “The colors, customizing options, and high-quality look of Barn Light Electric products were a definite draw. I respect that they are American made, and the company was very easy to communicate with.”
To keep with the era of her home, Melissa explored Barn Light’s Schoolhouse Lighting collection for her renovated kitchen and dining space. As someone who loves to connect with friends and family through sharing food, she wanted the kitchen to be appropriately lit. The Primary Schoolhouse 3-Light Chandelier caught Melissa’s eye as the perfect fixture.
“This fixture fits the space, and the orientation draws a person into the space from the front part of the home,” she notes. “While my home is just over 900 square feet, the kitchen is quite large and will be the focal point of the home.” Melissa customized her new chandelier with small opaque glass, a Galvanized mounting, two 18″ arms and double painted bands of Buttery Yellow.
“Ironically, my front door drove the color for the lights,” Melissa explains. “I painted the exterior door a shade of yellow to mimic the color of aspen trees in autumn. The proximity of the front door and the kitchen meant the color for the lights was a given.”
For the dining table, Melissa chose the Bomber Chain Hung Pendant. She customized the handspun 13″ shade with the same Buttery Yellow finish to match the schoolhouse light. She also chose a white cloth cord to add a hint of texture.
“I wanted to find a light that made a statement and created happiness,” she notes. “The pendant is simple, yet elegant, and fits my style. I absolutely love it!” The Bomber is one of Barn Light’s most popular shades thanks to its classic RLM style. With dozens of options to choose from, customers can create the exact look they want for their space.
“There’s so much to love about the lights. The quality and beauty are a start,” Melissa says. “The lighting makes the space functional yet not harsh or overbearing. They bring happiness and joy to the space!”
Photos courtesy of the homeowner
