Well, guess what folks?! I achieved both yesterday! The Babe and I had an afternoon adventure going to the ReStore and browsing the aisles. I even brought home a new light fixture that will soon grace the stairwell. I proudly showed off my find to Mr. Man when he got home from work, and he rolled his eyes and muttered something about how "unique" it is (man code for ugly I guess). It certainly is different from what I ordinarily buy off the shiny new shelves at Lowe's or Home Depot, but that's precisely what I love about it. I saved this bad boy from the landfill. Now, let's just hope it works. AND with that I leave you with the video that shows I have far too much time on my hands.... :)
ANYWAY, clearly the light does work. THANK GOODNESS! I was reading horror stories online today about how difficult it can be to rewire the arms of a chandelier. Initially, one of the light bulb bases wasn't working, but we quickly figured out that the old bulb had just broken off. A pair of pliers and 30 seconds of twisting fixed that issue, and we now have a perfectly operating light for a whopping $30 buckaroos. I also just want to say that the light is super heavy... it's not cheap at all! The finish may leave something to be desired, but don't you worry... I have a plan. In fact, I've been browsing pinterest seeking some inspiration, and I happened to find this great chandelier below. Pure yumminess.
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| That turquoise would really pop against those crisp white walls, huh? ;) Source: http://pinterest.com/pin/45855627/ |
So, that's a quick peek at the new light fixture and the most likely direction I'm headed in with my plans for it. What do you think?
I also just wanted to say that the Habitat for Humanity ReStore may be one of my favorite new places to go when I'm seeking reclaimed materials for our house. The aisles are packed full of any type of materials you may need for a remodel and the prices are amazing. On top of that, all the proceeds go to help build new houses. So, you're saving stuff from the landfill, helping build homes for others, and saving yourself some $$$ at the same time. Win-Win-Win. So, get on over to your ReStore pronto and find some inspiration. Here are a few more quick pictures I took while we were there (yeah, I was that weirdo taking pictures).
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| This is actually a pallet of old gym floor planks. Can you imagine using these as a feature wall in a teenage boy's room? The lines from the floor are still visible and would tell such a great story. LOOOOOVE these. |
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| A bunch of ugly light fixtures...just waiting to be fixed up! |
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| Tons of shutters... Hello headboard project?! |
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| The lovely light fixture I brought home! |
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| A great patio set that's waiting on a fresh coat of paint and new cushions! |
Well, that's it for me today, folks! Time to start working on the light makeover! :)
Have you saved any items from the landfill lately? I would love to hear your stories, see your pictures, hear your thoughts, etc!
Love it Mary! Will and I have always loved shopping for treasures at the restore. In the past I've gotten a mirror that we re-did, some old crates and glass and bronze doorknobs. Recently Will collected a bunch of old doors with glass panes to create a cat room in our basement- kinda crazy but it corrals our cat and still looks like part of the old room at the same time :)
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of the turquoise for the light fixture... would look great with the new walls!
ReplyDeleteMary- Love the video! You're so talented. I see an HGTV show in your future. Haven't been to the Habitat Restore, but I love that charity. I'm great with a can of spray paint and a little imagination too.
ReplyDeleteK, that video was hilarious! LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the light (and on the video--very funny). After systematically dismantling our dining room light (it was a mass of uber-dusty crystals before I started) with an eye toward spray painting it, I've realized that it is beyond redemption. Yours has good bones, though. Good luck!
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