Updating Apartment Lighting

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Well friends, slowly but surely I’m getting settled into my new place. I have decided to take my time and enjoy the process, so don’t expect any grand reveals anytime soon. However, now that life has settled down some, I’m excited to show you around a bit. Let’s start with the updated lighting.

Before I signed the lease on my new apartment, one of the questions I asked was if I could change the light fixtures. I have this weird obsession with light fixtures (it’s one of my favorite things to choose for a space), so having the option to swap out builder basic for bold and unique was a must.

And, although I’m new to apartment living, I think little changes like these can make a huge difference when you’re trying to make a rented space look and feel more like home.

You might remember from my first tour of the apartment that I have four overhead fixtures – one in the kitchen, one above the sofa, and two in the entry hallway. They functioned well but lacked the style I was after so an upgrade was in order.

In the kitchen, I went from this …

Updated Apartment Lighting - unique and stylish chandeliers to decorate your apartment | Inspired by Charm

… to this.

Updated Apartment Lighting - unique and stylish chandeliers to decorate your apartment | Inspired by Charm

Big improvement, right?

Updated Apartment Lighting - unique and stylish chandeliers to decorate your apartment | Inspired by Charm

This is the Tangled Chandelier in Natural Brass from Schoolhouse Electric. I have been crazy obsessed with this fixture since it came out a couple years ago. In fact, I was considering putting it in my St. Marys’ kitchen.

Updated Apartment Lighting - unique and stylish chandeliers to decorate your apartment | Inspired by Charm

Updated Apartment Lighting - unique and stylish chandeliers to decorate your apartment | Inspired by Charm

Recently, it got a lot of attention in blogland, which kind of bummed me out. With this new space, I’m trying to avoid all things “trendy” and do my own thing. I considered not purchasing it for that reason. However, after lots of thought and research, it seemed like the best fit for my space, so I went with it.

Updated Apartment Lighting - unique and stylish chandeliers to decorate your apartment | Inspired by Charm

And I’m so glad I did. I think it works exceptionally well in this location. The exposed bulbs and wires tie in with the industrial elements in the space, while the brass is likely to complement the more modern and traditional pieces I hope to incorporate down the road.

Updated Apartment Lighting - unique and stylish chandeliers to decorate your apartment | Inspired by Charm

Isn’t it amazing how a simple light fixture can totally change the look of a room? It’s definitely making this feel more like home.

Over in the entryway, I used a more modern / mid-century modern-looking piece.

Updated Apartment Lighting - unique and stylish chandeliers to decorate your apartment | Inspired by Charm

This is the Possini Euro Metro fixture from Lamps Plus.

Updated Apartment Lighting - unique and stylish chandeliers to decorate your apartment | Inspired by Charm

The reason I selected this piece is that I’m a huge fan of the Modo Chandelier from Roll & Hill. However, with a $4K price tag, that one wasn’t happening.

In addition to the affordability of the Lamps Plus fixture, I like that its white globes match the white bulbs of the kitchen fixture. (There is a method to my madness.)

Updated Apartment Lighting - unique and stylish chandeliers to decorate your apartment | Inspired by Charm

My only gripe with this chandelier is that I wish it was a tad larger. It doesn’t come in multiple sizes, so it was sort of a “take it or leave it” situation. I took it.

Updated Apartment Lighting - unique and stylish chandeliers to decorate your apartment | Inspired by Charm

This space is still painfully empty, but once I bring in a bench, rug, sideboard with lamps, and some accessories, I don’t think the chandy will look so small and lonely. Here’s hoping!

Updated Apartment Lighting - unique and stylish chandeliers to decorate your apartment | Inspired by Charm

I have another fixture on order for the living room and am looking for something sort of basic for the hallway, but that’s still undecided. I’ll be sure to give you an update when they are installed.

Also, as I mentioned in last week’s newsletter (You can sign up here if you aren’t already on the list.), I have updated the SHOP IBC page to include a section for my apartment. There are only a few things in there at the moment, but I will do my best to keep it updated with my purchases in case you have questions on where things are from or want a sneak peek at what I’m purchasing.

Finally, for my fellow apartment dwellers, I installed these fixtures myself. My dad taught me well, and I have a lot of experience after swapping out almost every fixture and light switch in my other home. I do recommend getting permission from your landlord before making any electrical changes. Hire a professional or get trained to do the work yourself. Also, hang on to the fixtures and hardware that came with your apartment so you can put them back up when you move.

Updated Apartment Lighting - unique and stylish chandeliers to decorate your apartment | Inspired by Charm

That’s it for my apartment light update. What do you think? As you can see from the glimpses of other details in the space, I have lots more to share. Stay tuned, my friends!

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5 Comments

  1. I love them!!! I love your obsession. So unique and daring in picking out things. Makes me thing outside the box. You need to start your own decorating business. You have such great style.