A Room That Works

As a child, my parents would take my sisters, brother, and myself on vacations to different parts of the country and overseas where my father was originally from. We would visit friends and family, experience different cultures, and take in famous landmarks and homes. On a visit to Ashville, North Carolina, The Biltmore Estate was on the top of the list of places to visit. I found this 250 room French Renaissance chateau built in 1895 fascinating.

 

What I remember enjoying most about these grand homes wasn’t the exquisite furniture, the fine linens, or even the four acres of floor space as seen in The Biltmore Estate.  It was the informal spaces that I couldn’t get enough of.  It was the places where the work was done to keep these homes running on a day to day basis.  The basement kitchens, utilitarian spaces, and the servant quarters are what I loved. The elements that made up those spaces have had a huge influence on the decorating elements that I place in my own home. These spaces fit perfectly within how I want my home to feel which is simple, timeless, and welcoming.

When I am presented with a design decision for myself or a client, I look at it as an opportunity to create a feeling in a home. It doesn’t matter if the decision involves picking out a new canister for coffee or choosing countertops for a kitchen remodel, they are all moments to tell your story.

When it was time to choose a new light fixture for my laundry room, I applied how I want my home to feel, simple, timeless, and welcoming, and began my search. I finally came across this schoolhouse type fixture from Barn Light Electric.

This style of lighting was first found hanging from classroom, library, and courthouse ceilings  in the 1920s. It earned the reputation as a practical choice in these settings and one that would help accomplish everyday jobs. The history, along with the look, allows it to fall into the classic, timeless, and welcoming feelings.

Lastly, I always seek a piece that I feel is real and that was the last box to check off on my list of requirements. This Barn Light Electric fixture is hand-crafted and made in America. I don’t think it gets much more real than that.