Wednesday, September 23, 2009

A Delightful Statement

On my last trip to visit my daughter I helped her move in and
decorate their new apartment.
She is so happy with it, but as we sat at the kitchen table we decided that there was something lacking. The sofa in the living room is such a beautiful statement piece that when you walk into the kitchen it's almost disappointing. The light fixture was so old, ugly, and boring. I took on the challenge of finding a cure for her kitchen blahs. I found a chandelier at the thrift store for about five dollars and I snatched it up. My daughter was thrilled and gave me carte blanche on it's makeover.
Her kitchen is a pale green and there is green in the sofa, so it only made sense (to me) to paint the chandelier a gorgeous leafy green. I was so excited that I started painting before I took a "before" picture.
If you look very closely you'll see that it was originally the shiniest, yellow-ist brass that a fixture can be.And yes, I hung it in a tree and spray painted it in the dark.
Once dry all that was left was to install it---which proved a bit tricky. I've never actually installed a light fixture. I've always assisted in the process but this was my first time to actually do it, all by myself.
And I must say that, although it took me a while, I'm so proud to admit that I am now an accomplished chandelier installer!
The chandelier looks fabulous and really compliments the rest of the apartment.
After I installed it I noticed a broken candle holder close by that had square crystals and knowing of my daughter's love for all things sparkly, I took the holder apart, strung the crystals together and hung them on the chandelier. I think that it's just the perfect finishing touch!

25 comments:

  1. Great idea! I love what you did-and crystals are the perfect touch...

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  2. Aren't you awesome!? On top of all the displays & beautiful gardens & crafts - now you're an electrician- so impressive! LOVE the green!

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  3. Simply beautiful! I have been searching for a chandelier just like it!!!

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  4. Beautiful chandelier! I thought my mother was the only one left that still had those dreadful light fixtures, lol.

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  5. Hey Joy, I have a question for you... I just picked up a similar (but bigger and with more 'candles') for $20 with the intent to do the same. The only problem is, the white plastic 'candle' things are all cracked and broken! Do you have any suggestions on what I could do?
    I was planning to paint the chandelier a bright, whimsical color and put it in my daughter's room, if that info helps.

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  6. What a great makover, you did great. Those buggers are hard to get installed, so kuddos to you. I recently did one for my daughters room and it was so much fun to do!
    You daughters apartment is absolutley fabulous. Very chic! Love it!

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  7. Lorchick-You can buy replacements for those white sleeves at Home Depot or Lowes. Just look in the lighting department.

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  8. Oh my goodness!! This makes me want to go the D.I. and find one of my own!!

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  9. You are so brave in your color choices, and it always pays off! I have painted several chandeliers, but I always do the safe colors, like bronze, ivory, black or white. You inspire me to go bolder and do GREEN!

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  10. I love spraying those brass chandeliers...they have a nice shape and deserve a new life. I love the color your sprayed it. Greta job!

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  11. I love it! I too like things sparkly and love the addition of the crystals.

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  12. The gems are just the perfect touch! They really pull it together with the look of the couch.
    Kim
    www.vintagepretties.typepad.com

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  13. Such a great mom!! Love the way it turned out. Perfect accent.

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  14. Wow...wow.... what a wonderful change you have made!

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  15. I am so glad you posted this today. My MIL gave me a chandelier that is the exact same shape, but white. I have been debating leaving it white, or painting it a vibrant olivey green (I have basic boring white/cream walls because I am afraid of color LOL). Seeing you paint it green has allowed me to see both, and the green is MUCH better. I am off to the store to find some pretty spray paint and hopefull will have a new beautiful light hanging in my dining room soon! THANKS a bunch!!!

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  16. Great Job! I have a chandelier that has been sitting in my dining room corner for weeks now because I have not had the courage to attempt to install it yet, but you have inspired me and I think I will get on it this weekend.

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  17. Question about painting chandeliers...do also paint the chord?

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  18. Now that is very sassy looking! Love it!

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  19. Meghan---Yes, I painted the cord as well because it was also a bright yellow/gold.

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  20. I love, LOVE your makeovers. You make it seem to easy and fun to do these things. I would seriously PAY you to help me redo stuff. If you ever want to come vist Belgium.=)

    Have a good day.
    God BLess
    B

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I am truly humbled and thrilled that you read and comment on my blog. If you have a question for me, please feel free to email me.
Thank you so very much for inspiring me to be more creative!