Light Conversation — #roomglitter

The Stables at the Virginian at Westlake 0

One of my favorite projects of 2019 is completed!  A new barn venue was conceived and created in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia by Jackie Baker and Mike Boyd, and we had the pleasure of working with them as they selected the interior and exterior lighting.  

The Stables at the Virginian is a beautiful space... fun, classy, elegant and rustic all at the same time!  The design is upscale stable, and it manifests the warmth and hospitality that one would expect in the perfect venue space. I can't imagine any better setting for a wedding. 

Check out this article written by Karen Dillon for the Smith Mountain Laker.  Photography is by Heather Turner.  Heather's photos are worlds better than mine, but below are some pics from my phone.

The main space houses the Schonbrunn flanked by custom chandeliers - Baltimores that we made to be 32" wide instead of 30" wide. The radiant crystal looks magnificent against the gorgeous wood of the ceiling and banisters.

A variation of our Wentworth chandelier hangs in threes here in the Bride's Room.  They accompany 2 sconces.  Jackie custom designed these chandeliers in order to get just the right amount of sparkle. This ambiance will make all bride's feel beautiful!

We worked with Jackie on the rest of the interior lighting, as well as the exterior lighting and fans, to achieve that perfect balance of rustic and sophistication. 

Jackie and Mike know the importance of lighting - both practically and aesthetically.  Each fixture (over 75 of them) was carefully selected to blend the elegant and rustic aspects of the decor.

It is gorgeous, and we are so proud to be part of this project.  Congratulations to Jackie and Mike.

Just Gorgeous! 0

The Alexandria (one of my favorites) in the newly restored Mildred Grant House in Mason Texas.  Stay tuned for news about this historic home and inn, The Mildred Inn.

Get to Know Our 8+4 Crystal Chandelier Series 0

One of our most popular chandeliers is the 8+4 Medium. It looks lovely in just about any setting.

It is ideal for what we call a "medium sized" dining room - a room that is 12' x 15' or 13' x 14'.  However, this is a very full chandelier with abundant trimmings, so it looks a bit larger than its 26" diameter and can enhance even a larger space, including a foyer.

In an 8' ceiling, using 1' of chain, this chandelier will hang about 29" off the table which is a tiny bit closer than our guidelines indicate, but no one will be the wiser!  (One link of chain really looks like more because there will be a screw loop protruding from the canopy.  Don't be afraid of one link!)

In the photo above, you can see how well it works in an uncomplicated space.  It also fits a more decorative space.  

This truly is the perfect chandelier!  But, just in case you want a smaller, or larger, bit of 8+4 perfection, check out the 8+4 Small or the 8+4 EXL (the 8+4 Large was lost in history).  

All of our Signature sconces are a perfect fit for this chandelier.

Victorian Lighting in Double Parlors 0

If you are a follower of our blog, then you know I've been using it to catalog and preserve some of the articles and press that have included our crystal chandeliers over the years.  The photos are fading, which is particularly a shame in regards to these grandly decorated Victorian homes. I truly love the wallpapers and fabrics used in these interiors.

(Speaking of wallpaper... we frequently share the stage with Bradbury and Bradbury - check them out if you aren't familiar.)

Double parlors were common in Grand Victoriana, and those spaces just beg for fantastic, show stopping chandeliers. There is just something luxurious about twin crystal chandeliers and these photos are true examples of that lavish decor.

Our lovely Richmond 6 is lighting the space shown below, a historic home in the Algiers Point neighborhood of New Orleans. 

Victorian Splendor in New Orleans... written by R. Stephanie Bruno and Photography by Eugenia Uhl.  Victorian Homes October 2011. 

Our Charleston 6 is doing a fine job of adding to the historic feel of this Brooklyn Brownstone's double parlor.  

Decorating a Brooklyn Brownstone ... written by Frances Gay and photography by Rob Kern.  Victorian Homes issue Winter of 1994.  

Stay tuned for more pretty photos and archives!  

New Photos... 0

Here are some beautiful photos from a customer in Virginia. Thank you, Mary, for the photos!

Above is the popular 8+4 Medium.  

Above is the Chesapeake.

And, lastly, the Rosalie. 

Victorian Decor 0

If you are a follower of ours, you know how much we love Victorian homes and decor.  Flowers, animal print, real brass, crystal, velvet - all gorgeous elements of the Victorian room - are perhaps a bit out of trend in this time of grey tones and farmhouses. But, Victoriana is timeless.

I am still cleaning out drawers and organizing old press.  Below are a couple of camera shots of pages from Victorian Homes which, sadly, recently ceased publication.

Our Charleston 6 chandelier and Charleston Sconce in the Heritage Hills neighborhood of Johnson County, Kansas. 

Article by Gloria Gale, Photography by Bill Mathews, Victorian Homes Magazine August 1999

Our Richmond 6 in Claybaugh House built 1892.  Anaheim California. 

Article by Rebecca Ittner, Photography by James Itagaki, Styled by Merrie Destefano.  Victorian Homes June 2010