Along with replacing out dated hardware, changing light fixtures can make a big impact. Before we were married, Ben installed oil rubbed bronze lights in our kitchen, hallway and dining room. We began the phase out process of oil rubbed bronze on the main level when we installed a drum shade over our DIY dining table.
Then we replaced the ceiling fan in the guest room for a coffee filter pendant.
Anyway, we chose brushed nickel flushmount lights. I would have loved a semi flush fixture like the one in our master bedroom, but couldn’t due to the linen closet door swing. Here’s what we started with.
Notice the junction box with out a fixture? Yeah, that needed to be fixed, too. After about 20 minutes, we had two new lights in our kitchen. After a little work in the kitchen, Ben moved onto the hallway.
And here’s what we have now.
Our upper level lighting is much more cohesive now. We still have a ceiling fan to replace in the boys’ room, but the rest of the lighting is either brushed nickel or white (fabric or coffee filters). Anyone out there inspired to change out their old light fixtures?
ourhumbleabodeblog.com 
I would LOVE to change out the light fixture in my master bedroom, but the hubby and I can’t agree! I want a beautiful chandelier, but he’s afraid it will a) disturb his television viewing and b)bump his head on it. Since we can’t agree, the old one is still there and we’ve lived here for four years!! Maybe I’ll attempt to change it out one day he is gone, then he can’t complain, right?? 😉
I spy a photo gallery wall in your hallway! Are there other pictures of this somewhere?
We have changed all hardware (incl doorknobs) from shiny brass to brushed nickel….next up is allll the hinges (kitchen, doors, bathrooms…etc)
Hi Andrea,
I have a post planned about it, but here’s another post with pictures of it: http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2010/06/04/weve-been-framed/
We still need to update our doorknobs from brass to nickel, but we also need to paint our doors.
Nicole,
What about a semi flush mount? We have one in our bedroom and my office. They hang down about 1 foot, but look really pretty. Perhaps that would be a good compromise? You can see part of it in this pic: http://ourhumbleabowed.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/of.jpg Ours are by Portfolio and you should be able to find it at Lowes or Home Depot. Just an idea.
Thanks!
Amanda
Ooooh, that one is pretty! Off to show the hubby! Thanks!
Half our light fittings are just bulbs waiting for the right light cover to be fitted! I’ve only managed to buy one black modern chandelier for the bedroom as I can’t decide on what style I want for the other rooms – study, guest room and hallway. I find its the last thing to do to the room once its been painted and decorated – do you agree?
Hi Michelle,
It can be tough. Our rooms happen to have the lighting chosen last, but I don’t think it has to be last. If you found something you love, that can serve as the inspiration for the rest of the room. I think fabric is usually a great starting point becuase it’s colors need to blend. Good luck on your search! 🙂
Amanda
YES!!! Can’t wait to begin adding in our own style!! We purchased a new build 2 1/2 years ago, and even though the fixtures were nice, they definitely were nothing I would have chosen, given the chance. All oil rubbed bronze, but too fussy for my taste. We’ve slowly been changing it over, room by room. Hoping in a few weeks I will have a new chandelier for our nook! 🙂 Love how your place is looking.
Ummm your dining room is freaking adorable! It is pretty much EXACTLY what I want our dining room to be. We got a similar light fixture that we just installed in our kitchen nook and I love it! Now I want to tackle the hideous gold light over our stairs and put something in our dining room. One project at a time…
How have I never seen your blog before?! I think I’m in love.
Thanks, Tiffany! Glad you stumbled upon us!
I wandered over from YHL. I own a craftman style 1920s bungalow – so I am switching TO oil rubbed bronze fixtures in the LR, DR and possibly in the MBR. Period appropriate and MUCH better than the shiny brass from the 1980s that is there now. The kitchen is getting a schoolhouse light. The verdict is still out in the bathroom.
Ooh, I love craftsman. You’re right, oil rubbed bronze is so much better for that style. These sconces are really beautiful. These are, too. I’d love to see pictures on our Facebook page 🙂
Hi where did you get your dining room light fisture??
Hi Denise!
The fixture is from CB2. Here’s a link: http://www.cb2.com/eden-white-pendant-lamp/s616641 It comes with a plug at the end, but can be converted to a hard wired fixture without much trouble.
Thanks!
Amanda