I tell ya! The internet is a pretty amazing place…in case you haven’t already figured that out for yourself. It is through the inspiration of blogs, just like many of you have out there, that I was motivated to remodel my kitchen. It seems that no matter what idea, design question or dilemma I have had during this process I have found the answer on a blog!
I have always wanted a pendant light above my kitchen sink…but I knew that as many handy skills we’ve managed to develop during home ownership…electrical rewiring is not one of them. Both my husband and I are not fans of getting electrocuted so we have chosen to not tackle major electrical projects. Now both of us can hang a new light fixture or change out an outlet like nobody’s business, but removing a recessed light and replacing it with a normal junction box..eh. not so much. So I believed my quest for a pendant light above my sink was a futile one…until I saw this post from Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick and had to rush out to find one myself…
Um…hello. Ingenious! Somebody…heard the pendant light cry of DIYers everywhere and created this amazing recessed light adapter! I purchased this one at Lowe’s but I am sure you could find them at other home improvement stores. They make it in oiled bronze and nickel and it costs a whole whopping $17.00! Now that beats an electrician coming out any day of the week! This could not have been easier to install. See that little “socket” you just adjust the cord to the length you want it and then screw that socket into the recessed light socket. Then you tighten the cover plate up tight against the metal rim of your recessed light and that’s it!
Seriously..10 minutes tops! Now the options are endless as far as shades go. I was really wanting a fabric shade and of course drum shades are all the rage right now. I didn’t want something too small but not too big either since I don’t have vaulted ceilings and Bama Boy is 6′ 4″ tall so he wouldn’t go for hitting his head on something every time he washed dishes…a man who washes dishes is a keeper I tell ya! I searched several places but couldn’t find the right size, color, style or price point I was looking for… until I happened to be back in Lowe’s and found this pretty little shade…
It wasn’t meant to be a pendant shade, but it worked perfectly and it was only $11.00! It is actually a little darker of a blue but since the sun managed to finally make an appearance when this picture was taken, it photographed a little lighter than it’s true color.
I just love it! It is at the perfect height thanks to the adjustable cord and it really pops against the white in the kitchen! It takes a chandelier style light, so I purchased a little round bulb to give it a more vintage feel since you can see the bulb when you look at it from underneath.
At night it gives off such a soft glow.
I use to cringe when anyone turned on that big bright recessed light above my sink, but now I love to leave this soft light on. I think it looks fabulous against my newly painted cabinets…
And that’s the only peek you’re going to get of them, because they are not quite ready for their big reveal. Up next…25 knobs, bin pulls and handles to be installed on cabinets that never had any….oh joy! 😉 and to beg convince Bama Boy to install my new beautiful dark walnut Roman bamboo shade in my kitchen window that I practically stole from got on clearance from Lowe’s…gosh I love a good sale!
As always…thanks for meeting me at the picket fence!
This post is linked up to the following fabulous parties:
Between Naps on the Porch: Metamorphosis Monday
Thrifty Decor Chick: Before and After Party
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
DIY By Design: Swing Into Spring
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesdays
Heather the new pendent light looks fabulous, I love the shade! Can’t wait for the big reveal!! Martina
I bought the same kit and put it over my sink in my kitchen, used a cute simple shade from another set.
Heather, Just too cute a shade and what an easy fix. I’ve seen them in the stores–Somebody was sure thinking when he/she dreamed this up. Waiting to see your reveal….
~ Sue
I’m sitting here thinking about the location of all my can lights and wondering where I can do this! Looks great!
LOVE that shade!
Wow! Thanks so much for sharing. I didn’t know there was a conversion kit. I have been wishing for something like that for a long time, there are a few lights in my house I have wanted to change to pendants but thought I was out of luck. Thanks, I’m going to Lowe’s in the morning.
Love your new pendent light…can’t wait to see your kitchen reveal!!!
Blessings,
Cindy
Your pendant lights are great~ can’t wait for the reveal Heather! I know it will be amazing! 🙂
Love the light and shade! I’m a new follower and hope you can follow me back!
That looks awesome! I can’t believe they sell such a thing…I need to get to Lowes very soon. I need one of these.
Great idea! I love the lampshade!
Love this shade..really pretty color too! Nice job:)
I am laughing because my hubby just switched out our regular lights with a recessed light kit. 🙂
I am off to Lowes to buy this kit……the answer to my lighting desires. THANKS for telling us about this. Your new light is amazing and the shade is so neat!
I have seen those in blogland too and they look so great!! If I ever find a nice shade that will look good above my sink I want to try it. I love your shade and I can’t wait to see the big reveal!!!!
That shade is perfect! I’ve been perplexed about one of my rooms that still has recessed lighting, I’m so excited to learn about this solution.
ann-marie
I love pendent shades and yours is sooo pretty.
This looks amazing! Great pattern and color on the shade and I know you say it’s easy, but you make it look SUPER easy! Thanks for showing us how it’s done.
Also, thanks again for checking my Inspiration Friday post and leaving such a nice comment. Heck if I lived near you I’d definitely take up your invite for coffee! Let me know if you need any advice on restaining the top of your dining room table. I’m no expert, but I’ve learned that the key is the Wipe On Poly! Smother it on!
Emily
Heather,
I LOVE the pendant light and shade. I can almost see the cabinets behind. So pretty!
Mom
I love that light fixture, I want to do that in our new kitchen! (We’re moving in a month!) Thanks for the pointers! 🙂
Heather, that light looks great. Love the color of the shade. Thanks for sharing at WUW.
I just looked this up on the Lowes site and I am so going and buying one today! Thank you! 🙂
Anna
http://www.askannamoseley.com