Ikea light transformed

I can't take credit for this DIY Ikea light transformation.  I've seen it on many design blogs.  What can I say?  It's a goodie.

Like all Ikea items, the fixture comes in a box full of parts; assembly required.  I suggested we paint the white paper lantern gold or two-tone.  It was settled that the interior would be gold (in hopes it would glow) and the exterior would be navy blue.

We painted the interior of the paper starbursts first.

Then the outside.  The blue did not come out as navy as advertised, but I think spray paint on paper comes out a little different than the color on the can implies.

We clipped on each paper piece to the "antenna."

And then the "antenna" onto the globe frame.

Halfway there.

And Viola!  Looks cool at night.  The gold glows warmly and the shadows on the ceiling and walls are great!

more lighting

Here is the continuation of our lighting installation.
The most important and risky choice was the master bedroom chandelier.  I say risky because I ordered a chandelier through a catalog and didn't spend an arm and a leg.  When it comes to crystal chandeliers, I find them cheap and tacky looking if they are not, you know, expensive.  Very expensive.  And vintage.
Opening the box, I had doubts.  Plus, I had to put it together, strand by strand.

Frame was installed.

And the process begins.  One strand at a time.

Paused for a hand cramp.  One more layer to go.

Viola!

Please do not judge the venetian blinds.  They are outta here this week!  More on that soon.

We also added a ceiling light at the top of the stairs.

A similar style pendant to the side mud room:

My beloved Punch sconce to the ceiling at the back stair case.  This one needs a different bulb.

guest bedroom

I feel like a real adult because I can now have overnight guests.  This room now has heat and air conditioning and it's own closet instead of a hidden walk-through to our room.

Before, it was a lovely shade of turquoise.

 I sampled a few paint options.

And settled on a very soft gray-taupe from Daryl Carter's line for Benjamin Moore, DC-08.

 It's now starting to feel like a nice place to stay.  Missing items like a dresser or desk to serve as a second bedside table, drapery and a comfortable chair to flop on will round out the space.  Until then, at least there is a bed for family on Thanksgiving!  It's looking a tad traditional, so I am going to go with really modern art in here.

paint update

More decisions were made today.
Repeat: choosing paint colors is difficult!

Big surprise here: walls will be white!

Going with Stonington grey on the lower walls (below chair rail).

What's your favorite here.  Really?  You wanna keep it turquoise?  Me, Not summuch.

Muy deliberations.