Over the past couple of months, I have made a few changes to the kitchen eating area, so I thought I would share those changes in a small blog series. There are three main components I changed and you’ll be able to see them all, but I’m going to focus on one element per post, so we can dive into the changes and my thoughts behind them. While the food-prep side of the kitchen is done (aside from some tweaking for the seasons and playing with accessories), I knew this kitchen nook area would be an evolution. Since nothing is a permanent fixture, I can play with it and make changes when whim dictates.
So, here is how the kitchen eating area looks now…
As I said, three things have changed since you saw it last. 1.) I found some charming antique chairs on Facebook Marketplace to trade out the antique oval-backed chairs that were once in our dining room and were a placeholder in this room until I found the right chairs. 2.) I swapped out the slipcovered drum shade fixture over the table for an antique chandelier. 3.) I reworked the shelves on the wall and hutch to simplify the look.
Today, we’ll talk about the light fixture.
First, the light fixture is swagged instead of hardwired into the ceiling because the box the chandelier ties into needs to remain accessible. It is a junction box that several circuits are wired through and, when we were having the electrical work done in the kitchen, the electricians said they couldn’t cover it. Their solution was to put a round plastic cover over it that was pretty unsightly. After living with it for a few months, I decided a light over the table was needed so we swagged a chain over from the junction box in the wall. It would be my preference to have the fixture just wired into the ceiling but sometimes you have to work with what you have!
I imagined a pendant fixture with a drum shade I could slipcover with different fabrics as the season changed. I selected THIS FIXTURE from Lamps Plus. I really love the softness, color, and pattern the fabric adds but the fixture always felt a little big and visually heavy for the small pine table underneath. As with most changes, I decided to live with it for a few months and see if I changed my mind.
I didn’t change my mind. I loved the idea of the fixture, but it wasn’t quite right. It was good, but I thought it could be better. I found one of my favorite styles of antique chandeliers (a Spanish brass pineapple chandelier) on eBay for a good price and ordered it. I liked that the chandelier style would coordinate with similar fixtures in the foyer dining room, and kitchen sconces, and would feel appropriate for the era of our home.
As a refresher, here is the dining room chandelier (a $4.00 yard sale find)…
…and here are the kitchen sconces (also an find.) I found the shades at an antique store for $3.00/each.
When I first started setting up the kitchen eating area, I had considered my go-go chandelier, but I thought a fabric pendant shade would work better. It wouldn’t be as fussy and would give a European vibe. But, I guess I’m a creature of habit even in my decorating and went back to what I know and love. The chandelier I purchased was inexpensive because it was missing most of the crystals, but I was able to replace them with a lot of vintage crystals I found on eBay. I also found the cream silk shades on eBay for far less than they would’ve been new.
Some makeovers, it is about making something better. In other cases, like this one, it’s just about making a change from one good thing to another. I think it’s more a matter of preference than one being an improvement over the other. There are things I liked about the drum shade and things I like about the new (old) chandelier.
Next, I’ll share about the chairs and how I restyled the shelving…
You can find more posts about the kitchen renovation HERE.
Agreed, the chandelier pulls the elements from the other living areas through your house. Wise choice.
I agree with Barbara. This looks more appropriate in the small space with the other “brass and glass” in the adjoining spaces. While I liked the gingham drum shade… to me that ooks more like a fixture to be hung over a game table in a family room. I see this kitchen as European glam ….
I think the chandelier is a great improvement. The drum shade was heavy and overwhelming to the space, I felt.
The chandelier is wonderful there. I like that you can see thru it, feels so much lighter.
I think if it were me I would consider removing the cord cover from where it could be seen at the top of the hutch down to where the plug(?)is to remove bulk. I would change to a flat plug and scoot the hutch over just a little bit to cover. But that is me if course!
I like the chandelier much better than the drum shade!
Love the new chairs you found! And the new/old chandelier too! Both great additions!
Another idea adding to Tina’s comment is to maybe use the pot light as the source to electrify this chandy and have the swag from there vs the wall and just scoot the awesome hutch over to hide that junction box. Just a thought. I know it can be done and it will just be more natural coming from there than the wall. The other changes are wonderful – loooooove those chairs. They’re perfect! And love the chandy choice.
The busy fabric was a lot with all that’s going on there – esp with those busy shelves.
The eye couldn’t rest and enjoy, it was competing. Well done, Marian.
I agree with Tina’s comment, too, and Michele’s idea is great! The chandelier is 100% better for the space, the drum shade was a little too big for the space and the table. I think the cord cover went with the drum shade because it was material + material, but somehow it clashes with the delicate chandelier. It’s too bad the electrical can’t be on the ceiling without the need to swag, but maybe the pretty chain from the drum shade could be used? Just an idea! And I love those chairs, I can’t wait to hear your adventure finding them!
The drum lamp didn’t really strike me as too big, until I saw it and compared it to the chandelier. The chandelier is perfect and I also love those chairs. Can’t wait for that story!
Love the chandelier!!!! I think of them as formal.
Can I use one on a small kitchen that has a much needed light/ceiling fan? Can Someone find a small one with crystals inexpensively?
Love, love the kitchen.
Yes! I agree with all the changes. While it looked okay before, although to my eye it was a bit congested and crowded, it looks ever so much better now! Love the lightness all the “new” items bring to the area. Nicely done!
Love the changes! Your choices are “golden”!
I may have misunderstood – I know you would need to keep the junction box and cover on the wall, but wouldn’t it be possible to do just that, but add the necessary electric to hang the chandelier from the ceiling. And then slide your hutch down those few inches to cover the box. I don’t know if that makes sense. Either way, I love the changes you’ve made and the room is lovely, as always.
You have done such a nice job on this home. I love the new chandelier and chairs. Simplified but graceful and elegant. I think it might look even better if you had a smaller display where the shelves are. It looks a little busy in some shots but may not look that way at all in person. You do a great job of finding treasures! I love to open my email every day!
Oh, how I adore a brass and crystal chandelier! I have two in my home and I smile whenever I pass by them. Those chairs are to die for!!! Perfect with your table. I’m not a fan of the white shelving. It just doesn’t fit in with the antique pieces, in my opinion. I also think the space could benefit from removing those shelves and having some breathing room. You could rotate your favorite pieces on display.
I agree with Laura, the white shelves just don’t go with Marion’s style and they look cheap. But I know she wants to display all her beautiful ironstone. My guess is she will eventually find something that will go perfectly there, and those shelves are just temporary. I can’t wait to see what she finds!
Yep, not a fan of the white shelves at all, too busy and those brackets don’t go with the room’s style.
I love the old/new chandelier. I do think there are way too many shelves of ironstone. I don’t know how kids can relax & enjoy mealtime with all those around them. I would remove the shelves & leave room for everyone to take a deep breath.
Oh, that chandelier is SO much better looking in the space! And cohesive with what you already have in other areas. I do wonder if a very nice brass chain would look better and more invisible than the fabric covered cord. I am also thinking that those chairs are too short for the table height, it looks like you would be eating from a table that hits your upper chest, or is this just an illusion?
With the 2″ cushions added, the height is perfect. I could’ve remove the small casters off the table if needed, but it works with the cushions added.
Hi Marian,
I found a chandelier that I like but the hubby didn’t like the price. He told me to be patient. hmmm….. Well, lo and behold I found one at a charity shop for $45 instead of $300. I guess it does pays to be patient.
I love the changes you’ve made. I felt that the drum cover, tablecloth and seat cushions were too much for a kitchen eating area. The new look reminds me of a place we rented in Venice. Could you touch upon how you’re able to keep the open hutch top and wall shelves dust free. I want a similar look but my home is really dusty no matter how often I clean.
Much better, but I feel the white shelves look out of place. I totally love those chairs
I have a question, kinda off the whole point of your post, but I am loving the little bowl/tray that you have your pottery barn salt and pepper shakers sitting in. It is so cute like that…can you tell me what type of piece that is, not sure I’ve seen anything that shape, it just works so perfectly for the shaker set…thanks.
Dear Marian,
Your eating area now looks like an extraordinary still life. And yet, your lovely additions invite life around table and insprie creativity in your bloggers.
A blessed Easter,
Diney on Mercer Island