Light Conversation — Our Favorite Things

Snowflakes 0

There are many ways that crystal compares to ice. We have several chandeliers named for the similarity - the Ice Palace, the Winterking, and the Winterfire, and these name conjure the reflective and brilliant nature of snow and ice.

They say each snowflake is different - but they all bear a resemblance to the unique view underneath a chandelier.  

Check out these images of some of our chandeliers from directly below:

Another Gorgeous Home 0

Flipping through an issue of a favorite, Old House Interiors, Early Homes, we saw this:

Photos by Bridley + Graves.  Article by Patricia Poore

That is one of our lovely creations - custom designed with the customer.  

Read the article here.  Or, check out The Old House website for fabulous photos and product information. It is a must for anyone interested in old homes. www.oldhouseonline.com.  

How to Choose the Right Medallion 0

We hear frequent questions regarding ceiling medallions.  What size? What style? Should I paint? What about the center hole?  Let's see if we can help!

What size ceiling medallion should you choose?

There are many different opinions and a formula or two to help you pick the right size medallion.  Here is what we have to say about the subject:  A ceiling medallion is an architectural element - just like your crown molding (moulding) or your chair rails. Choose a medallion that suits the style of your room.  

If the ceilings are tall and the molding ornate, then choose something that fits into the decor - an ornate, big medallion larger than your chandelier.  If the room is simple and has 8' ceilings, then choose a plainer medallion that is smaller than your chandelier. Don't worry about the exact size of the medallion.

What style of medallion is right for your chandelier?

Any style is right - again, choose something that suits your room and your home. You can consider matching motifs (Egg and Dart, Greek Key) to your molding. 

Should you paint your medallion?

Yes!  But, how is up to you.  You can match your trim using a nice glossy paint. Or, you can paint it an accent color.  Most medallions are purchased primed and ready for paint.  Victorians would paint the various elements of a medallion in color schemes.  Beautiful if it fits your room. 

Why are the center holes in medallions different?

You will see medallions with center holes that are of varying sizes.  When choosing, keep in mind how your chandelier mounts.

Some medallions have center holes that are smaller than the ceiling box (frequently under 2"). In this case, an electrician will need to install the mounting hardware before the medallion is installed. You can then choose whether to use a canopy or simply use the screw loop without the canopy.  Other medallions have holes that are larger than the canopy you intend to use.  This is okay, as long as your canopy covers the hole in the ceiling.  The bit of the ceiling that peaks through between your canopy and the medallion can be painted the same color as the medallion and will blend in.   

A fancy medallion may protrude some at the very center. For extreme extension, you may need what is called a bee-hive canopy or another type of deep canopy.  

Whatever you do, it will be beautiful! And, if you don't want a medallion, that is perfectly fine. Without a medallion, you may see the gorgeous play of light on your ceiling.  

There is more than one way to light art 0

Our dear friend and dynamic artist,  Meridith McNeal, just sent us these lovely images from her latest exhibition at Figureworks Gallery in Brooklyn, NY.

Our Princess chandelier in the foreground of this image and her lovely  Signora della Casa: Lace Dress on the wall behind.  Meridith frequently includes chandeliers and chandelier components in her art, and if you take a good look, you can see a chandelier in this work.

Meridith McNeal, Signora della Casa: Lace Dress, ink on paper, 74×55″

This is our Gem – assisting you in your feeling of being in this kitchen – gazing out the window.

Meridith McNeal, Sperlonga Windowphilia: Casa Celeste Kitchen, watercolor on paper, 53×37″

Meridith McNeal, Sperlonga Windowphilia: Casa Celeste Kitchen; Byron Kim, Sunday Paintings; and Maira Kalman, Angel

We encourage you to take a look at her webpage: Meridith McNeal or follow her on instragram: @meridithmcnealart.  Or, come by the showroom – we are the proud owner of some of her beautiful chandelier art!

Dressing Downton exhibit opens at Lightner Museum! 0

We were so excited to help prepare for this fun, informative, and beautiful exhibit.  Our good friends at Lightner Museum in St. Augustine have gone to great lengths to make "Dressing Downton" extraordinary.

Tim and crew cleaned the existing  chandeliers and added a new chandelier to the halls.  You can see them at work here.

If you are missing Downton Abbey, this is the next best thing!

Snowflakes or Chandeliers? 0