Inspiration

Vintage-Inspired Lighting Lends Authenticity to New Barn Home

As April and her husband Andy planned their dream home in the mountains of western Pennsylvania, a timber frame or log home appealed to their love of rustic charm and antiques. When a barn nearby collapsed during a snowstorm, the couple considered using the timbers as a framework for their home.

In researching options, the couple stumbled upon a website for a builder who deconstructs old barns and resurrects them as new homes. April and Andy were sold. They worked with Antique Woods & Colonial Restorations to find a barn and move it to Pennsylvania.

“The barn frame itself was built in 1856 in Canada,” April says. “It was taken down in 2011 and we re-erected the frame and made it our home.” Even though it was new construction, April and Andy wanted the home to feel just like a converted barn. They designed the floor plan themselves to keep the frame as intact as possible. They removed only one beam from the original frame.

“We wanted a home that was comfortable, cozy, and unique,” April explains. “My husband and I love color and wanted to incorporate as many family heirlooms and antiques as possible. I wanted the home to feel old and authentic.” April chronicled their home build on her Instagram feed @barnhomeliving.

Incorporating color into the home was high on April’s list. As she looked for lighting, finding American-made fixtures was important, but having a wide range of color choices was “non-negotiable.” Her search led her to Barn Light Electric.

In the kitchen, April chose the Primary Schoolhouse Semi-Flush Mount Pendant for over her farmhouse sink. She customized this vintage-inspired ceiling light with large glass, a Barn Red fitter and canopy, and triple painted bands of Barn Red.

“We chose this light to make the kitchen feel older and add that authenticity we wanted,” she notes. “The flush mount keeps the light out of your field of vision and doesn’t block the window.” The Barn Red finish matches April’s red stove nearby.

Just down the hall, the couple created space beneath the stairs as a jail, or rather, sleeping space for their dogs. Tank loves the coziness of his special spot which is highlighted by an Atomic Topless Double Industrial Guard Sconce. This American-made wall sconce is customized with a Barn Red finish, wire guard, and clear glass.

“This space is a hallway so we wanted a double light fixture to give off a lot of light,” April says. “It looks like it might be found in a jail — kind of industrial and fun — perfect for the space!”

April and Andy’s home is filled with beloved antiques and collectibles including some vintage light shades from Andy’s father. These old shades were tucked away for decades, long forgotten in a garage. The couple discovered the hidden treasure and knew the shades would be perfect in their new barn home.

April searched Barn Light Electric’s collection of hardware and accessories to find the pieces needed for her electrician to wire the shades and install. The porcelain shades found new life as ceiling pendants in a bathroom, on the front porch, and also as gooseneck lights on the bridge upstairs.

“We wanted these to add character and history to our home,” April notes. “We didn’t want to install pendants that high then have to worry about changing the bulbs or cleaning the lights. Having goosenecks mounted to the beam over the bridge means you can reach them!”

April and Andy enjoy sharing their unique home with family and friends and hear many compliments on their lighting choices.

“They feel totally authentic!” April says. “My husband loves to talk about his Dad’s contributions to the house and those old shades are a source of pride for sure.”

Be sure to check back on Wednesday as we continue our tour of April’s beautiful home. When you see the laundry and mud rooms, you’ll want to volunteer to give Tank a bath and fold the clothes!

Photos courtesy of @barnhomeliving