As soon as we decided to buy this house I knew I would eventually add pendant lights over the kitchen island.
Kitchen Before
Here’s a picture taken on move-in day, July of last year.
The house was built in 2010 and the previous owners who contracted to build this home made some really great selections. The hubs and I both love the timeless look of the back splash tile they chose. It’s an off white subway tile that flows nicely with the antique white cabinets. I also love that they chose a black island. It’s a great center point to the kitchen and really anchors the space.
It was so nice to move in and not have a major kitchen renovation on the agenda, especially after having renovated the kitchens in our previous two homes. Kind of nice to just unpack dishes and do fun stuff like paint and decorate. All we’re really doing in our kitchen here is putting our personal stamp on it. Design fun without the renovation headaches is my idea of a good time.
Adding Pendants Over the Island
My goal here is to give this kitchen even more of a custom look. With it being an open floor plan with tall ceilings, I wanted to visually divide the big open space a bit more.  I knew adding pendants over the island would help with this and would also add in a nice punch of personality. With the style of the kitchen leaning toward a traditional look I wanted to bring in pendants with a slightly more modern vibe.
Since I brought my beloved black iron and crystal glass chandelier from our Kentucky home, I looked to source pendant lights that would compliment the black color but contrast in style.
Rather than rush the decision I took my time. It’s why it’s taken me over a year to finally get some pendant lights in here. But I’m so glad I didn’t make a rash decision. I love how these black basket pendant lights bring in a sleek look yet the rattan texture keeps them feeling casual and slightly coastal.
Everything in this open floor plan still flows but each space feels a little more well defined.  The power of lighting is a force to be reckoned with! It can make such a huge difference in the design of a home. And in the world of house renovations it’s the easiest one to knock out. I hired a professional electrician for this installation project since there was cutting of holes in the ceiling required, and I don’t feel like I’m quite skilled enough yet to handle that. But all in all this was a relatively inexpensive way to bring in some major visual design bang!
Next on my kitchen to do list is to replace the range hood with something a little more custom looking…….but that project won’t be happening until next year. I also have plans to paint the pantry door……hence the paint swatch that’s been on the door for 6 months. Design progress is always slow but steady around here. 😉
Kitchen sources here for anyone interested:
Carmel they look fantastic! Such a great focal point. I love everything about your kitchen, especially your chairs at the end of your table! Would you mind sharing whereto purchased them?