It’s about that time where I need to select lighting for our kitchen.  Pretty soon, we’ll be done with the plumbing and will need to move on to electrical wiring, so I’ve started researching options to get an idea of how many lights I’d need and where.  Our plan is to install pendant lights above the island, a single fixture above the sink, and then pot lights near all of the kitchen cabinets.

I’ve been dreaming about certain fixtures at Circa Lighting, ever since I visited Savannah in the late summer.  While I’d love to buy out their entire store, I think it’s time to narrow down the selection and pick a couple.

Before I show you the options, I think I need to provide you with some context around the aesthetic I’m aiming for in our kitchen.

Close your eyes and picture this.  Or maybe read first, then close your eyes. Unless you have some sort of text to speech software, in which case you can do the first thing I said. Or…never mind.

Warm white kitchen, with tone-on-tone cabinets and counter tops. Antique Brass accents.  Warm wood floors. Barnwood-covered beam. Fabric-upholstered counter stools.  Think modern classic with a touch of rustic.

Do you see it?

So, option 1:

left: Circa Lighting, right: Restoration Hardware

The hicks pendant light (on the left) is trending now, big time.  Here’s an idea of what it would look like in a kitchen:

via Style at Home

I like how the black color contrasts against the all-white kitchen and adds a nice touch of glamour to the space.

Here’s option 2:

Circa Lighting

The second option has a more country feel, and would blend very nicely with the wood and warm white tones.

I’m totally torn because I love both.  Which do you prefer?  Please share and tell me why!

I recently went with Adam and a couple of friends to Les Enfants Terribles for brunch.  The food was great but what I couldn’t take my eyes (and mind) off of was the artistic floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall installation of reclaimed wood.

I’ve been swooning over reclaimed wood for months now.  I just can’t get enough.  The possibilities are endless in terms of what you can do with it.

You can make small objects like key racks,

via Apartment Therapy

 Covering a wall with rustic barnwood adds warmth and interest to a space:

via Vintage Finds

 You can build a headboard out of barnwood to add drama to your bedroom:

Via Crafty in the Concrete Jungle

There are also plenty of ways to incorporate reclaimed wood in the kitchen.  On the ceiling, the cabinetry itself, shelving, and architectural beams:

via Fern Creek Cottage

via Country Living

via Houzz

Starting to see where I’m going with this???  Last week, we received our long-awaited barnwood boards that we will be using to cover the beam between the kitchen and the family room.  We are extremely lucky to have a friend whose parents live on a farm and who coincidentally had a big barn that they were about to tear down.  Can you say score???

I’m a first-time barnwood decorator, so I’ll have to do some research on how to prep the wood before covering the beam.  I’m not keen on sanding it too much, for fear of losing it’s authentic rustic feel.  But maybe I have to protect it? Seal it?  I have no idea…. BTI! (Bless the Internet).

Here’s a pic of what it currently looks like:

I’m no baker but who says I can’t pretend?  Anthropologie‘s new line of baking items is absolutely delicious.  When oh when will my kitchen be done so that I can buy these lovely items?!?!

My faves:

Adorable Cookie jar

Milk Bottle Measuring Cups

Dishtowel

Large Farmer’s Market Basket

The Art of French Baking, Phaidon

Magic Whisk

Ceramic canister