A while back we bought this light for $29 at the Pottery Barn outlet. We originally planned to hang it over our sink “someday when we redid the kitchen” but then we got our oil-rubbed bronze pendant lights for over the peninsula, and although we love mixed metals, we just thought this silver + mercury glass light didn’t jive with them. So we started thinking about hanging it in a bathroom or something.
Then I asked tall John to hold it up as if it was hanging over the sink and surprisingly the shape was perfect. But the silver neck, black string, and silver ceiling cap were all wrong. But the glittering mercury glass shade was perfect (it tied into the chrome faucet and the stainless appliances and hardware). It was like a roller coaster. Perfect, all wrong, perfect. So I decided to call on my good friend ORB (oil-rubbed bronze spray paint with built-in primer) to take care of the all wrong department…
I figured giving it the same finish to help tie it into the other lighting over the peninsula was worth a shot.
A few thin and even coats later, I was left with a glossy oil-rubbed bronze fixture…
… that I couldn’t wait to hang above the sink and rinse dishes under.
I gave him a full day of drying time, just to be sure everything cured up and then up he went. It’s pretty cool how the dark finish helps balance the room and ties the pendants together, even though their shades are really different.
The new guy over the sink is sort of the “bridge” between the ORB pendants and the stainless/chrome/silver items touches in the room thanks to the gleaming mercury glass.
With our new stainless steel dishwasher installed (we actually did that this weekend by sliding a few pieces of cork under it without having to do the rest of the flooring quite yet – just have to take pics and write that post!) the room has even more balance now, since we have a silver thing on each side of the room. We didn’t plan that when we redid the layout, but it’s nice that it ended up that way (the dishwasher and fridge used to be sort of next to each other before we moved the fridge across the room).
Oh and we get requests to take photos of light installation but it’s rough to do since one of us holds the light while the other one wires it up (aka: no extra hands for photo or video taking) but if you search light installation videos I think they have a few good ones on youtube.
The little hexegons on the mercury glass shade make me really happy. I honestly think this fixture looks so much better with dark hardware to complement the cool silver shade. It’s so pretty and sparkly yet the dark tone sort of grounds it and makes it feel substantial and luxe.
We totally could have gone with another $60 outlet pendant over the sink like the ones over the peninsula, but there’s something really fun about having a light that goes, but doesn’t match exactly. And it’s a bit smaller in scale, which is kind of nice since the sink is a little less open and giant than the big ol’ peninsula.
Here are some “it’s on” shots for ya:
Now onto the “heading out” portion of this post’s title. As many of you know, we’re psyched and honored to be speaking at the Home & Garden show in Portland, Oregon this Wednesday. Which means we’ll be traveling for a lot of this week (hence us doing lots of projects this weekend, like the already-installed dishwasher, so we have lots to share with you throughout the week as we travel, speak, and travel again). We’re flying all day on Tuesday and are booked to be there pretty much all day on Wednesday the 22nd (from 5:30am to 8pm with just a few breaks for blogging and eating) and we’ll be giving an invite-only blogging seminar in the afternoon (they’re in charge of who gets invites, so maybe check their site/Facebook page for those details). But at 5:30pm there’s a Meet & Greet in the Smart House Remodel in Hall D. Anyone can show up for that, but they suggest your register. We’d love to meet you guys there!
Burger is actually staying back (with a house-sitter of course) since we thought it might be too stressful for him to travel there and back without much down time – but Clara is coming since we’ll actually have John’s mom and dad with us (they have family out in Portland so they decided to join us, which is a fun and very helpful plan).
So please forgive us if this week of posting is erratic and wonky! We’re going to do our best to get posts up at the regularly scheduled times, but there will definitely be moments when we’re in the air or at the show when we just can’t hop on and answer comment questions or get the next post up – so it might get a little funky. We tend to approve comments as we answer questions, so if you submit something and don’t see it pop up, we’re likely just waiting to get a moment to answer it or haven’t seen it yet!
But we can’t even tell you how excited we are to check out Portland (neither of us have ever been, but we have a list a mile long of things to check out, and of course we’ll blog about our home-related adventures during our fleeting two-day trip). Oh and to ensure that we’ll fit right in, we’ve been watching clips from Portlandia. Sounds like a solid act-like-a-local plan, right?
In all seriousness, I’m not the best with public speaking, so feel free to cross fingers/eyes/toes for me. I’m skeeered. But I’m sure I’ll survive and have at least ten highly embarrassing stories to tell you guys when it’s all said and done. We’ve even been prepping Clara for the flight. More on that here. What did you guys do this weekend? Any ORBing or lighting bid-ness in the hiz-ouse?
toni from says
VooDoo Donuts, Oh man, wish I was in Portland now. They are crazy good, you must stop by while in town. You won’t believe some of their flavors.
erin says
i am so jealous that you will be in portland this week!! we live a couple of hours away, but my brother lives there. we were actually there this weekend for our baby shower! i love portland! it is so full of things to do and especially places to eat. i hope you have some time to explore the city because it really is an awesome place to be!! enjoy it!!
Heather says
Love the light! It’s so pretty!
We didn’t ORB anything this weekend (love how that has become a verb =)) but we did take a page out of your book with the “Dude, get on that already” challenge. We bought some shutters off of craiglist about 3 weeks ago for $40. They only needed to be painted, but have just been hanging out in the garage, We finally painted them yesterday, and the husband is hanging them today. I can’t wait to get home tonight and see it. I’ve thought from the first time I saw the house that shutters would be a HUGE improvement to the boring, brick outside.
We also hung some pictures that have been collecting dust in our junk room for far too long! We did a large frame with a HUGE mat for our “guestbook” at our December wedding, and planned on framing two smaller prints (one on each side next to it). I absolutely love it! Our wedding photos were so expensive, it’s nice that we’re finally doing something with them!
Have a blast in Portland!
YoungHouseLove says
I’m so excited for you! Shutters will make all the difference!
xo,
s
Lorilyn says
I hope you guys have a great trip and have a chance to visit some cool spots! I really want to type out all these great things you should do, but I’m pretty sure you’ve probably already been bombarded with suggestions :)
Gah I can’t help it, Toro Bravo!
Safe travels!
Angie says
I couldn’t help but recommend toro bravo to them earlier either! Yum!
Lindsay@Tell'er All About It says
Yay! Us Portlandians are mighty excited to have you! Doesn’t sound like you’ll have a ton of time to enjoy the sights :-(, but some of us might be stopping by for the Meet & Greet.
GOOD LUCK!
Lindsay from Tell’er All About It
Jenna says
I love that light! You’ve definitely opened up my eyes to the possibilities things can be. When I’m shopping anywhere now, I’m retraining my eyes to see the object – and the possibilities of it.
My friend and I are super excited to see you Wednesday at the meet and greet! You’ve gotten some great Portland tips: Por Que No is hands down my fave place to eat here. Great atmosphere and juicy delicious tacos! And I’m headed to Slappy Cakes right now for some pancakes made by me on the griddle in the middle of your table. It’s awesome – interactive breakfast, ha! It’s so fun – check it out (and it’s totally safe for Clara – there’s tons of kids every time we go!)
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says
Absolutely gorgeous! You guys have given me a whole new way to look at furniture and fixtures. If something is thisclose to being perfect but X is wrong with it (usually color) I’ll say “we can just paint it” and I watch The Mr shake his head. Several projects brewing, can’t wait!
Good luck on your public speaking, you’ll do great!
Laura says
Your kitchen is beautiful and it has been fun to watch it change almost daily. I have lived in the Portland area almost my whole live and love it here. Oregon is great. We have the mountains, desert, and beach all in one little old state! Hope you enjoy yourself. Bring your umbrella!
Jessica says
It sounds like you’ll be super busy, but you HAVE to go to Rejuvenation! Their selection of school house pendants is breath taking! But I’m kind of a lighting junkie. Have a great time in Portland!!!!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for all the Portland tips guys!
xo,
s
ahrenf says
Is there a pottery barn outlet here in Richmond that I have somehow missed all these years?!? Do tell!
YoungHouseLove says
We actually got that while visiting Katie Bower in GA!
xo,
s
Erin says
It might already be on your agenda, but the highlight of my trip to Portland was a visit to the Lan Su Chinese garden (http://www.portlandchinesegarden.org/). I was there during the summer, but I think it would be gorgeous in all seasons. I even have some “someday” home projects inspired by that trip! (Foot-massaging pathways, yes please.)
Jackie says
I live in P-Town and we’re currently remodeling ourselves again. We could use an extra pair of hands and since you’re not that busy…. ;)
Katie @ Lovebird Productions says
I am so excited for y’all and all the amazing opportunities that are happening! Wishing you public speaking power, fully charged batteries (sounds like long days) and a bit of sight seeing! :)
Megann says
I look at your kitchen every day and wonder how long my husband would have to be away for me to surprise him with white cabinets and long shelves at the end of the room. Love the new light.
Don’t skip the beach in New Port, Or. It is about an hour away and though it might be cold it is worth it. Tied with Paris as my favorite place on the planet.
Lonna says
Whoop whoop for Portland! If things pan out this weekend I might be able to come to the show. I have to admit though, I can’t seem to shake the odd stalkerish feeling going to see you in person seems to give me. A creepy feeling of blogging/blog reading. Am I alone in the weird feelings of reading a blog but having no relationship which leads to stalkerish feelings? Or is it up there with my fears of being acused of shop lifting despite the fact I’ve never nor would ever do such a thing?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I always think I’d be a total weirdo if I met other bloggers that I love (I nearly said out loud to Grace Bonney when I met her: “Oh my gosh you’re so cute and tiny I could just put you in my pocket” but somehow I held back, whew).
xo,
s
Dara says
Oh yay! I am planning to go to Portland in June, I hope y’all get time to be tourists and let us know what all there is to do there. Have fun, y’all will be great!
YoungHouseLove says
Will do!
xo,
s
Kristen says
I love the pendant!! I think the mercury glass is beautiful. Spray painting the cord was a great idea to make it work for the space.
Katie G says
The kitchen is looking AMAZING! With each little addition it looks more and more like it belongs in a magazine. Great job, guys!
Rachel says
Can we get a shot of the new light straight-on? Like the view from the office/fridge area? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Sure! We’ll take more pics and share them soon!
xo,
s
Lori says
It looks so nice with the other pendants! It “goes” even though it doesn’t “match” which I think works so much better than everything matching. And isn’t it great that you got to use something you already had?
We finished working on our mudroom and we are so pleased with how it came out: http://familylovehome.blogspot.com/2012/02/mudroom-reveal.html
YoungHouseLove says
Looks great! Wow- such a cool project!
xo,
s
Elisa says
Perfect fit! And good luck on your trip! Also, may I put in a formal request in for you guys to post your posts on Twitter? You can actually do it through Networked Blogs so it’s all automated (http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/young_house_love) Thank you! :D
YoungHouseLove says
We actually don’t do that intentionally, just because we use Facebook to do that and don’t want to blast people with too many links!
xo,
s
Elisa says
Too bad! If they follow you on FB and Twitter they should be prepared for multiple links! Hah.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo,
s
Lynn @ SafeBeauty says
Have a great time y’all! Oh and you got all your book tour states and dates already? I saw you mention Atlanta in a passing comment. How about sunny Florida? Any dates for here?
My best, Lynn
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no, that’s for a conference we’re doing there in June (Haven)! No news yet on tour dates but we’ll definitely keep everyone posted as soon as we hear! Our publisher will probably share that schedule with us in late summer/early fall!
xo,
s
Kahley @ Ambiance says
Love the pendant! Looks perfect!!
Christie says
Portland is a fun city and so pretty. Have a great time!
Felicia says
So excited for you to come to Portland ! My friend and I have been reading your blog religiously “since the move” and can often be caught talking about your different projects while out to drinks ignoring our other friends. I know what we have planned for Wednesday !
Lindsay says
I so wish I were leaving sunny SC to head to Portland to see you guys. My brother lives there, so say hi to him for me!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, will do!
xo,
s
Lisa in Seattle says
That light is perfect! And I love the first full-room shot, where we can see how beautifully your dining room built-ins harmonize with the kitchen. Happy accident, or careful planning?
I’m so bummed that I can’t come down and watch your session, but we have a meeting at work Wednesday that I cannot miss on pain of death. Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful visit to the City of Roses.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- most likely a happy accident! It’s all just trial and error so we do things and see how we like them and just course correct along the way. So sad we can’t meet on Wednesday but I’m sure we’ll get to meet someday! Maybe we’ll be back for book stuff in the fall?
xo,
s
Beth S says
I am so glad you did this! I’ve been thinking of ORB’ing my current pendants for weeks, but didn’t have the guts to spray the cord. Is your cord rubbery/plastic?
YoungHouseLove says
It was actually covered in some sort of string/yarn, so it was sort of made of fabric if that makes sense! It took the spray paint really well though! Hope it helps.
xo,
s
Holly Neill says
Yeah! I already signed up to meet you guys and I so excited it quite silly. Have fun in Portland and I look forward to meeting you on Wednesday! BTW I really like the ORB light. When we moved into our house, to save money we spray painted all of our light fixtures hammered nickel so they matched each other without being the same lights.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw can’t wait to meet you Holly!
xo,
s
Emily says
I’m loving the mercury glass shade! It looks awesome! Your whole kitchen looks awesome! I can’t wait to see it with the cork floors!!!! But I’m so bummed about Portland!! I live in Seattle and I was so excited to drive down and see you!!! ….but…. I was thinking that you would be there over the weekend. I just can’t make the trip during the week because of work! BUMMER!!! But I’m really hoping that you guys have a book tour. And I’m extra hoping that your book tour brings you to the Seattle area!! :) Have a good trip!
Ginger says
That light is awesome!
I always cringe when I see parents holding a child or sitting with a little one BEFORE the plane. There’s 4 of you to chase her, should be relatively easy to wear her out. She’ll have a blast in the airport.
Lauren says
Looks great! The window looks out to your sunroom, correct? Any plans of making that a pass-through or anything?
YoungHouseLove says
Someday we’d love to do that! The sunroom is on its own heating system so to make things energy efficient we’d need to get it on the same duct work as the rest of the house. Someday we’d love to though!
xo,
s
Elizabeth says
I love that new pendant! I have the same ones hanging next to my bed…but I definitely didn’t get them for only $29! You super shoppers…you!
If you scroll all the way down on this post you can see them. http://cavens.blogspot.com/2011/11/best-bed-ever.html
I LOVE your kitchen!
YoungHouseLove says
So pretty!
xo,
s
Laura says
I’m sitting at my desk reading your post and laughing at myself. I knew you had purchased new appliances but *forgot* the new dishwasher. Your white dishwasher was bugging me and every time I saw it I was like…that is so not like them. DUH! I’m really enjoying your kitchen!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, oh yes! It has been bugging us too! Can’t wait to share the new and improved one!
xo,
s
Anna says
Oh my gosh, that is my absolute favorite paint color! I’ve used it on drawer pulls, lamps, frames in my living room, and my bathroom mirror. Okay, maybe I like it a bit too much! I adore that light!
Heather says
Love the light. You will LOVE Portland. It’s supposed to be raining on Wednesday (but hey, it’s pretty much doing that here ALL THE TIME), though our city will (hopefully) still wow you. Can’t wait for the Home and Garden Show!
Heather S. says
Yea! I knew you’d paint the fixture and use it in the kitchen! You’re going to love Portland – I visited years ago and can’t wait to get back over there.
Kate M says
I live in Seattle and am actually going to Portland this weekend, but won’t be able to make it on Wednesday. Totally bummed I’m going to miss an opportunity to meet you! But I hope you enjoy Portland – it’s a great city. I’m sure you have a ton of recommendations already, but Fire on the Mountain has amazing chicken wings + tater tots, and Pine State Biscuits has delicious biscuits + gravy. I’ll definitely be going to those two places this weekend!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for all the Portland tips guys!
xo
s
Jill says
Sooo excited to see you guys in Portland! Too bad you are here for such a short time, Portland is an amazing city with lots to offer!! Have fun traveling tomorrow!
Megan says
I love it ORB’ed. You are right, it does look better. I am putting money down that those stools get ORB’ed too!
Emily says
I live in Portland and wish you could visit for much longer to see all that we have to offer here! I love locally owned Fabric Depot for it’s acres of fabrics (over 20,000 to choose from — the largest in the country, they say). It’s a 5-minute drive from my house and they have 35% off days. Currently I’m on a ribbon binge.
jbhat says
I live in Seattle, just a hop and a skip from Portland, which is one of my favorite small cities ever. Great shopping, excellent eating, wonderful, easy vibe. I really wish I could go to the show this weekend, since I’d love to meet you. Alas, I cannot. But have a WONDERFUL trip. Eat at the Screen Door Cafe if you can.
jbhat
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks jbhat! I’m sure we’ll meet someday!
xo,
s
Angie says
It might just be me, but the hexagons on the mercury glass look like honeycomb to me. A subconscious nod to your love of bees? :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- totally!
xo
s
Doug says
As fan of your blog, let me welcome you to the PDX!!
Things you must see/do if you have time…
Powells is must (a bit touristy, but nirvana in a bookstore)
Voodoo Donuts (try the eastside location, rather than the one downtown. shorter lines. I suggest the maple bacon bar, or the memphis mafia)
Get the spicy fish sauce wings at PokPok (or if the lines are too long, the Whiskey Soda lounge across the street – they share the kitchen) THEY ARE AWESOME!!
There are some seriously great vintage stores in the area, salvage hardware stores, etc. A reader earlier suggest taco at Por Que No, if you decide to hit that place, The Rebuilders Center is across the street. Great place to tour and check out the architecture (all salvaged). Hippo is another …
There are lots of places with the name McMenamins in the them, any are worth checking out but especially The Kennedy School, Baghdad, Mission, Edgefield, etc. If the weather is decent, I suggest the Edgefield. Bit of a drive, but you can make a day of it and keep heading out to see Multnomah falls in the gorge.
Oh, and I highly agree with the Cupcake Jones recommendation!!
Jenn says
The hexagonalish (definitely a decorating term) light reminds me of a bee’s honeycomb…and I know how y’all like bees ;) The kitchen looks amazing!
Nicki says
Oh man, that mercury glass pendant is so beautiful, I am so glad you could make it work. The kitchen is really coming along. It looks so bright and clean all the time. So jealous of that. I don’t have much natural light in my old home, nor does it ever seem clean with all the renos going on.
Have a great trip. My aunt lives in Portland and I visited in 2005. It’s a great place.
Debbie says
The new pendant IS perfect!
And isn’t Portlandia a hoot? I have a thing about birds and home decor…sort of like Sherry and white ceramic critters. So my fave is “Put a Bird On It”. Have a wonderful trip. I’ve always wanted to go to Portland.
Betsy says
I’ve been meaning to ask (this has nothing to do with lighting), on the window wall (next to the floating shelves), what did you use as trim where the tile meets the paint? I was trying to see what you used, but couldn’t find a close enough picture. I’m looking for ideas! thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Those are just small pieces of craft wood from Ben Franklin that we painted a soft gray color to match the grout! We like that they don’t compete with the tile but just sort of slip in there.
xo,
s
Laura says
In fact, I am totally ORBing today! You guys inspired me with your “How you like them handles” post and so I’m freshening up all the hardware on my front door with the products you guys used. Keep your fingers crossed it all works out! Oh, and you’ll be pleased to know that someone is learning from your trials, as I picked up automotive grade sand paper. Thanks!!
YoungHouseLove says
Good luck with everything! Let us know how it goes!
xo,
s
Angela says
I love the honeycomb pattern on light. Does hanging it also count toward your “Dude get on that already!” challenge?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- yes it totally should! It was just sitting in the playroom for months with all of my weird animal friends!
xo,
s