Traditional Nursery Lighting Options

As many of you know, my husband Jon and I are expecting our second little girl in the next few weeks.  My due date is actually October 6th, but according to my doctor, I will most likely have her within the next two-three weeks.  I am 35 weeks right now, so hearing that at my appointment yesterday was a bit of a shock! 

If my nesting wasn’t bad enough already, it’s kicked into high gear now!  I shared her last nursery update here, and we’ve accomplished most items on my checklist since then.  There are only a couple of big tasks left-- I’m still waiting on the hardware to arrive for the acrylic frame, and we still need to hang the light fixture.

We attempted (and by we, I mean Jon while I looked on for supervision) to hang the light fixture this past weekend, but we ran into a snag since it’s a vintage find.  Apparently me and my pregnant brain didn’t realize that it was missing the ceiling strap needed to anchor the light to the ceiling.  So now we’ve got to make another run back to the hardware store to fix that problem.  In the meantime, I decided to look into some more lighting options just in case this one doesn’t work once we get it hung up (which would be Jon’s worst nightmare). 

I have no time to waste, and I refuse to let an ugly white ceiling fan ruin the rest of the room so here are a few options I've found. 

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I'm praying that the one I already have will work because I love the natural patina and vintage crystals it has.  Fingers crossed!  In the meantime, here's an updated shot of the nursery since we hung the wall sconces (pardon the iPhone photo quality and crumpled curtains).  

We're getting so close to meeting our new girl! 

3A's Three Things

Here three things that caught my attention this week. Click the numerical headings for the links.

// one //

My friend Megan made these when she hosted me and my friends at her home last month.  They are a modified chocolate chip recipe (with sea salt!) that was featured in the NY Times.  I'm not allowed to bake when Jon's traveling because I have no self control with sweets at this point in my pregnancy, but I can tell you this is what I would make if I did.  The copious amount of chocolate and the finishing surprise of the sea salt make these the best cookies ever. 

// two //

I love a good before and after as much as anyone else, if not more.   This home's transformation was no exception.  Featured on Birmingham Home and Garden, this home, designed by Marianne Strong, was a real treat (sorry, I must still be thinking about the cookies). Seriously, all of the rooms were beautifully updated, but this kitchen was beyond.  Click on the links above to tour the whole home.

// three //

I decided to wander down the lighting aisle on a recent trip to Lowes and was pleasantly surprised by many of their affordable options--this Collinwick Allen + Roth pendant included. For $119 it is a great alternative to the more expensive look-a-likes out there.  If you're looking for a timeless piece in a traditional style, this a great buy.

9 Best Plug-In Sconces

I recently added some brass sconces to my second baby’s nursery design, and I can’t wait to get them up on her wall.  They will go on the same wall as the crib, flanking the artwork to be hung over the bed, and I think they'll add so much to that side of the room. 

Because I didn’t want to add one more thing to our growing nursery to do list (you’re welcome, Jon:) ), I opted for some a plug-in option.  In this case, the cord is clear and won’t be very visible on the white board and batten that we have on the lower half of the room.  After a few wall anchors and screws, they will be up and running!

Image via Sissy+Marley

But if for some reason they don't work out in the nursery, they can easily be moved to another room in the house—the office, the guest room, etc.  That’s another great thing about a plug-in option as opposed to a hardwired, they are much more movable down the road if you want to change things up.

Image via Lonny

I’ve long been a fan of sconces and think they always look so charming in a nursery or bedroom.  They offer a variant level of lighting in the room, aside from ceiling and table lamps, and they adorn the wall like pretty little earrings finishing off a beautiful outfit.

The kind I wanted to purchase from Pottery Barn is unfortunately now sold out (I was lucky enough to find a pair on eBay).  But if you have the desire to add some "earrings" to one of your rooms, here is a round-up of some more great options.  They are all in various styles and finishes to help you find just the look you’d want.

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I kept things pretty reasonable in the price category, with ranges from $45-170.  Not too bad for adding such a statement to a room!  

Ochre Arctic Pear

Since this week is all about items we're loving, I thought I'd share one of my dream purchases with you... the Ochre Arctic Pear chandelier.  Ochre is a company started by two friends who met at a London art school.  While still based in London, they now also have two stores in New York.  But back to the Arctic Pear.  This particular chandelier of their's haunts me...in a good way.  Oh how I love it.

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I first fell in love this when I saw it in an Elle Decor feature on Kerri Russell's Brooklyn home a few years ago.  I think part of the love affair was due to the fact that it was in "Felicity's" home, and Felicity was a girl after my own heart back in the day.  BUT the main reason I loved it is because it is simply stunning-- a showstopper with no fuss.  Here it is in Kerri's home.  Yes, we're on a first-name basis.

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Since then, I've seen this light featured in so many beautiful spaces.  It comes in several different sizes so you can get the perfect fit for each room.

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Double the pleasure at this Cobble Hill home designed by Blair Harris Interiors.  

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Unfortunately, these beautiful gems do not fit in my budget (prices ranging from $3,600-$9,000).  Robert Abbey does make a similar one for a fraction of the cost, but it's still around $2,000.   I have a feeling my husband won't go for that either.  *Sigh*  

Another one that I think it worth a look is Jupiter Chandelier from ZGallerie.  It is only available in one size (19.75" diameter), but it's also only $399.  For a fraction of the cost of the other two, I'd say that's a win.

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Not too shabby, huh?  Lighting really is one of my favorite places to splurge in a room because it adds SO MUCH to the overall design.  If you find a light that you truly love, I say save up and splurge.  I bought some Regina Andrew globe pendants for my kitchen over a year ago, and I still love them!  Money well spent if you ask me :)