Shall we look at some lighting? Not boring, see-it-everywhere lighting, but unusual, vintage-inspired, crazy-good lighting. Yes! Let's!
First off, how about library task-lighting wall-mounted in the kitchen? I sigh when I see it done so well. (Though I have to admit, it has become sooo trendy that you must be careful so that it doesn't look cliche.)
See this wonderful pendant over the island, there? Imagine a bit larger version of it while I tell you a fabulous story. By now, you probably know me and my habit of lurking thrift/used shops for treasures hidden among the junk. Well, I must tell you that a light fixture popped off the shelf at me from among all the shiny builder-grade brass at the local Habitat for Humanity ReStore. It was immediately apparent that this one was different. It was simple in form and had the look of good taste and old money. It was made of old tarnished brass and had its original white glass globe. Turns out, it had local history as well - it had come from one of the old brick buildings downtown! Yes, it's mine, now!
How about a cage light? A great industrial feel works so well in this tiny kitchen/art gallery!
At another antique store I was brousing a few years ago, I came across a vintage light fixture that wouldn't let me go. It needed new chain and wiring, but that's a small fix for something great, right? Home it came, and it's literally been waiting in a box for years now, for the right place to hang. It looks just like the one hanging over that pale blue island, there. Love.
Salvaged ship's lighting is fabulous, I must say. Here, it certainly adds something to this relaxed kitchen. I have an idea of somewhere else that I may be using ship-inspired lighting, and it's not in the kitchen.
Any guesses?