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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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February 28, 2012

Buh-bye Boob Light and Empire Patio Cover Winner!

Before I get to my farewell to “boob” lights, I need to announce the winner of the
$100 Empire Patio Cover Giveaway!
And the winner is…
Gail 
from My Repurposed Life
Congratulations Gail!
We’ll be putting you in contact with the wonderful folks from Empire Patio Covers and we can’t wait to hear what you pick from their amazing site.

So, I LOVE blogging! 

I mean, seriously love it!
Now, I know what you’re thinking…
“Ummm…OK Vanessa. We kinda could have guessed that!”
But, I can guarantee you that a good 75% (probably more but I’m going easy on myself) of the things I end up doing in my home I NEVER would have thought of if it weren’t for all of you talented bloggers.

DSC_0974-2

Case in point.

As soon as our friend Ange did her Boob Light Reduction I knew I would be doing it too!
I seem to remember a time when I wanted to be like the girls who were
 more…ahem…enhanced than me, you know?

But now, I’m joining the reduction bandwagon!

We had this one last brassy gal left in our house and it was time for her to be covered up.
And as I am in the midst of changing things up in the playroom, there was no time
like the present to finally get ‘er done.
(Well technically this should have been done when we moved in 4 years ago but I’ve been busy ok?!)

001

When we got our son a Foosball table for his last birthday, I realized that the kiddos playroom was going to start “growing up” a bit…sniff…sniff..
So, I’m attempting to move things around and make this a more dual purpose space.
My little pj wearing, bead-headed helper there in this next photo, is in the half of the room that still needs to house all of her 4 year old stuff.
I’ll show you what I’m working on for the rest of the room in just a bit!
DSC_0982-1
When I saw this drum shade on sale at Lowes, I knew it would be perfect! 
That is a skylight to the left of it in case you are wondering.
LOVE skylights!
Ange goes into more detail about how to actually hang this so I encourage you to go over to her place if you need instructions. It is super easy!

DSC_0965-1

Now, I knew that the shade wouldn’t completely hide the brass. And, I suppose I could have taken the entire fixture down and spray painted the brass parts and then assembled it all again. But that would defeat the whole point of this being a super easy and quick solution, right?
So, I dragged a ladder up the stairs and then sanded the brass a bit before painting it with an oiled bronze colored acrylic paint. It really created an almost seamless transition between the fixture and the shade.

DSC_0959-1

Tons better, don’t you think?
It still has a playful feel but definitely gives this room more panache!

And, here is what we just added to the “big kid” side of the room. 

An adorable new rug from Ikea and this fantastic sleeper chair!
Perfect for out of town guests or for when we enter the “sleepover” stage.

DSC_0987-1

My plans are to take down the Alphabet cards and add crown molding.
Then, as you can see below, I intend to paint this dresser white and have it serve as a TV console. 
I also hope to put up a chair rail and some bead board which I think will really brighten up the room.
Hopefully by the time that is all done the green carpet will have gone buh-bye too!

DSC_0988-1

When will this be completed?
I have NO idea! 
My hubby is currently working full-time and in an MBA program and I’m determined to not ask him to help me on home projects until he has his next break.
So, I will work on as much as I can by myself and hopefully it will be done before my kids are in high school!
I’m thinking those alphabet cards might start getting a bit embarrassing right?
Thanks so much for joining me at the Fence today,

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

This post is partying here:
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
DIY By Design: Winter Blues Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
Ruby Jean: Sew Crafty Tuesday
Ivy and Elephants: What’s It Wednesday
Chatty Chics: Wild Wednesday
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
Stuff and Nonsense: Friday’s Unfolded
Too Much Time on my Hands: Get Schooled Saturday

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32 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas

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Comments

  1. Anna says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:48 PM

    Awesome! What a great idea! I have two boob lights in my kitchen, looks like I’ll be looking for some shades. 🙂

    Anna
    http://www.askannamoseley.com

    Reply
  2. Tales of a Trophy WIfe says

    February 27, 2012 at 4:33 PM

    Great idea! I have never figured out the whole boob light appeal myself.

    Reply
  3. Heather says

    February 27, 2012 at 4:47 PM

    This is a great room for the kids! The new light fixture looks fantastic, although those “boob” lights always make me giggle! Great job!

    Reply
  4. Ange says

    February 27, 2012 at 5:33 PM

    Looks awesome Vanessa! Thanks for the shoutout on the reduction post! Nothing like boobs to bond us girls. 😉 Hopefully you can get some stuff done in there and share the new look in the next year or two! I love that shade!

    Reply
  5. NanaDiana says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:18 PM

    There just aren’t enough hours in the day, are there? I like the upside down shade. It’s fun-I still have a couple of those boob lights, too. (and…they are still popular in this part of the Midwest-as are OAK cabinets!;>) I hope you have a great, productive week- xo Diana

    Reply
  6. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:19 PM

    Great room..!..great light…ya mean you don’t like those boob lights?..hey like everything else, there may be a resurgence of them in the future…naaa…don’t think so..Great job on the light fixture!..love it….

    Reply
  7. Val says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:24 PM

    Sweet, Sweet Vanessa. Boob lights have never looked so good. Great job, my friend.

    Reply
  8. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:52 PM

    Looks great Vanessa! I want to try and do something like this with a ceiling fan light.

    Reply
  9. Melissa says

    February 27, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    Looks great! I need to fix up our “playroom” too! My Hubs is also working and working on his MBA….There is just not enough hours in the day!

    Reply
  10. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    February 27, 2012 at 7:28 PM

    OH, thank you so much for sharing this! I love this idea and will head over and see how Ange did it. We have two boob lights in our house, one in our closet/master bath area that I will probably leave for a while and then one in the basement that drives me insane…we put them in when we moved in because they were a quick and inexpensive solution to our lighting needs…and well, I was kind of tired of making another decision about one more thing…

    You did a great job!

    Reply
  11. Debbie says

    February 27, 2012 at 7:41 PM

    I’m just laughing that you called it a boob light…

    Reply
  12. Kelly says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:32 PM

    That was a very unique idea to use a lampshade that way. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that done before. It looks so cute in their playroom!

    Reply
  13. Stacy Curran says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    Boob lights should be banned. LOVE how you transformed it — genius!
    Stayc

    Reply
  14. Debbiedoo's says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:59 PM

    Bye bye boobie! Gosh I hate boob lights…I actually use the other term, but you know we are a home and garden blog LOL! Looks awesome!

    Reply
  15. Anne Lorys - Fiona and Twig says

    February 28, 2012 at 12:30 AM

    Boob light, you crack me up!!! They DO look like boobs!!!

    Reply
  16. Shelia says

    February 28, 2012 at 1:37 AM

    LOL! Boob lights! That’s exactly what my daughter calls this style! I’d never thought of it before but they do look like boogs. I see Anne said the same thing! I love your drum light and the colors. What a great space for the kiddies to play!
    Thanks for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  17. Honey at 2805 says

    February 28, 2012 at 1:52 AM

    Too funny, boob lights. Willing to make a bet they were designed by a man?

    Reply
  18. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:01 AM

    Cute idea. I have a boob light that needs to be replaced, too.

    Reply
  19. thistlewoodfarm says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:52 AM

    LOL! I don’t really think the alphabet cards will go over well in highschool! Brilliant job on the light!

    Have an awesome day,

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  20. thistlewoodfarm says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:53 AM

    PS I am going to Haven, too!

    Reply
  21. Peggy~PJH Designs says

    February 28, 2012 at 6:06 AM

    OMGosh I’m still l’m still laughing! I’ve never heard those lights called that but now that you mention it…lol Very cute light redo. Haha

    Reply
  22. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    Very cute Vanessa! It seems like the projects are never all wrapped up before there are 50 more on the list! 🙂

    Reply
  23. reFresh reStyle says

    February 28, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    Too funny! Love your boob~light makeover! What a great space for the kids, your makeovers sound great!
    Debbie

    Reply
  24. Karen says

    February 28, 2012 at 4:53 PM

    So funny, we’ve always referred to them as boob lights too. I wasn’t smart enough to transform mine, I always just waiting until I could afford to replace them. I have a few left, guess I’ll go for the reduction (I buy drum shades whenever I see them for cheap). Thanks for the great idea and inspiration!
    Karen @ ItsAllGoodHome.com

    Reply
  25. NanaDiana says

    February 29, 2012 at 2:16 AM

    Heather, I think it turned out beautifully. What a LOT of work you put into that room, girl. You did a great job. You know I love the small things too and that light fixture is marvelous…as is the floor….and the molding….and the wainscoting…should I go on?;>) Have a great week-xo Diana

    Reply
  26. Jen Lossing says

    February 29, 2012 at 3:33 PM

    This is so cute. I had to laugh. I wasn’t quite sure what a boob light was. Then I saw the before, yep that was a boob light. Well now it is just perfect. Great job!

    Reply
  27. Martha says

    February 29, 2012 at 4:03 PM

    I love the light cover. Stripes, color, innovative idea… what else do ya need to make you smile. I sure did.

    Reply
  28. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    March 1, 2012 at 1:56 AM

    Hey Vanessa…you are right above me at No Minimalist so I had to come and visit. I have a few of these dreaded boob lights. I can’t believe I’m actually admitting it! This is a great solution. The first time I heard these referred to as boob lights I cracked up. Such a great description. I’m linking up to your party this week so I’ll see you there!

    Reply
  29. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    March 1, 2012 at 3:39 PM

    Okay, this whole boob light thingy is new to me … but I guess I’m not surprised. You see, I’ve been eyeing a new ceiling fan for my living room. One with a light. But haven’t pulled the trigger on the purchase. Because something just seemed wrong … you know, a bit off.

    And after reading your post I know what it is … the light on that ceiling fan I’ve been eyeing is a boob!

    I’m so glad I didn’t foolishly throw money at a fixture that would taunt me and haunt me day in and day out .. especially now that I’ve been enlightened about the boob light thingy …

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  30. Chatty Chics says

    March 4, 2012 at 8:13 PM

    It’s so cute! Great job! Your poor hubby. I worked full time while getting my MBA too. Not an easy thing! But he’ll be “yours” again before you know it! 🙂
    xoxo!
    Melody

    Reply
  31. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    March 4, 2012 at 9:27 PM

    Vanessa, The new light fixture is so cute and perfect for a playroom. I am glad to see you got rid of the boob light! Hugs, Sherry

    Reply
  32. CAS says

    March 5, 2012 at 4:29 PM

    That is a perfect choice for your playroom and so very clever! In case I haven’t mentioned it before, I am now following via LF, just in case Google does something weird again….lol!
    CAS

    Reply

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