how updated lighting can transform a room

If you’ve been following the progress on my Florida beach condo, then you know the floors have been replaced (yay!) and fresh paint is donning all the walls (kitchen and bathroom cabinets as well). The next step? Updated lighting. It is amazing how replacing old fixtures with modern ones can totally transform a room, especially when working with a Midcentury Modern decor. 

In tackling this step, I already had two factors that made my job that much easier. First of all, the Midcentury era gave us some of the coolest, funkiest light fixtures than any other decade. No, I’m not talking about those gosh awful Early American brass lamps with eagle motifs. Before those! Think George Jetson. Atomic chandeliers, futuristic sunburst patterns, and saucer shaped shades. And secondly, the existing light fixtures in my condo were, well, let’s just say… less than desirable. Almost anything I chose would have been an improvement!

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TYPES OF LIGHTING

There are 3 basic types of lighting every home needs: general lighting, task lighting, and ambient lighting. General lighting usually means ceiling lights, which we think of as solely utilitarian. Not in Midcentury Modern homes! Ceiling lights are way more than necessary accessories; they are pieces of art. This era took my updated lighting project to a whole different level, as it whimsically married function with form.

My absolute favorites are George Nelson bubble lamps and the playful statement they make.

I also adore the Sputnik style chandeliers, which range from simple to elaborate.

Midcentury Modern style floor lamps are great examples of task lighting. These lamps weren’t only workhorses, they wanted to be seen!

Finally, ambient lighting puts the finishing touch on a room’s decor. Think gallery lighting on art, and wall sconces to create mood. Table lamps, too, can be used to create mood, and some of the most beautiful and elegant lamps were made in the fifties. If you don’t want to hunt for vintage finds, several companies make lovely Midcentury Modern style lamps, such as West Elm and Y Lighting. 

I especially love the lamps with elongated, romantic shaped bodies. They evoke a Georgia O’Keefe feel.

MY REMODEL LIGHTING STRATEGY

So, how did I apply these principles to my little outdated condo without breaking the bank? I have to be honest. I did not buy expensive light fixtures. Ceiling lights, especially, aren’t touched and handled, so I felt that it made sense to find aesthetically pleasing fixtures that weren’t exorbitantly priced. I did look for higher quality for the table lamps I purchased, as those are more likely to be handled. 

My first lighting task, was to replace all the existing ceiling fans. In Florida, nearly every room has a ceiling fan (believe me, this is a good thing.) But simply replacing these dark, heavy-looking fans with simple, white ones made a huge difference. In the living room, I selected silver fans to blend in with the soft gray ceiling (photo below). 

My second lighting strategy was to replace the outdated ceiling lights with new modern ones. Here is the kitchen before (outdated chandelier and too many recessed lights).

And here’s what new lighting does…

I replaced half of the recessed lights with these stylish cork pendants to maximize the large island bar…

And I added an iconic Sputnik chandelier for the dining room..

Once all the ceiling fixtures were replaced, I focused on task and ambient lighting. Whimsical floor and table lamps added lots of personality..

I won’t show you all the lighting, because I don’t want to spoil the final reveal. But believe me, new lighting makes a huge difference and doesn’t have to blow your budget. Here’s how I did it. I replaced ceiling fans in 2 bedrooms, and 2 large fans in the family room – all for under $500! Here’s a simple guide to use when determining the size fan needed.

Then I replaced the foyer ceiling light, dining chandelier, and kitchen ceiling light. I converted 5 recessed lights over the kitchen island/bar to updated cork pendants – all for under $1000. Check out this guide for proper chandelier placement and size, and these tips for hanging pendant lights.

Finally, I added necessary floor and table lamps – 8 lamps for under $500.

If you were expecting some Rodeo Drive price tags here, you’re probably disappointed. I don’t have a limitless budget. But neither do I try to buy everything at rock bottom prices. My goal was to select lighting that is modern and simple, with a Midcentury flair, at reasonable prices. I did fill in some gaps with Ikea lamps, knowing I can replace those down the line with some cool vintage finds. For example, the Solleftea floor lamp is simply a space-holder for the George Nelson bubble lamp I’m determined to purchase! Because hey, in the meantime, I’ve got to eat.