MMy dining room has been a work in progress since the holidays. I haven’t posted the final “after” photos yet because I’m still tweaking details. I tend to be more of an “in progress” person, so the finished reveal often takes longer than I expect.
So what is keeping me from calling the room “done”?
Well… let’s look up from the corner I usually show in the room. Now look down for the photo.
Behold, my current dining room light. Around here it’s known as the Flying Saucer Surrounded By Goblets. I turned the lights off so you wouldn’t be blinded.
If you ask me, the flying saucer surrounded by goblets undermines the old-world mood I’m aiming for. It’s not inspiring. It’s not the worst fixture I’ve ever seen, so don’t worry if you have something similar—this one just doesn’t fit my style right now, and I want a change.
{And yes, painting the remaining band of swine would help finish the look as well.}
Recently I was invited by Apartment Guide to participate in their New Year New Space Challenge. I love a good challenge. Apartment Guide is an online resource focused on making the most of your home, wherever you live.
Through this challenge I had the chance to pick out something new for my home to inspire me in 2011. You don’t have to ask me twice to spend a gift card—I’m on it.
After thinking it through, I knew what I wanted.
Since my goal for 2011 is to make this house feel like home, I’ve been searching for the perfect lantern to replace the dining room fixture. I want to move beyond predictable builder lights to something a bit more unique and characterful.
I love the quirky old lanterns and chandeliers from my previous homes, and I’m excited to add similar personality to this house with an interesting light fixture.
Before I left for Blissdom, I asked my friend Holly to help find a vintage-inspired fixture—she has great taste. She found a beauty from Wisteria that I adore.
I think I love it. It brings the right touch of old-world style and personality that I want for this house.
Here it is pictured above a dining table so you can imagine it in the space:
But because I like options, here’s another contender I’m smitten with—option #2 from Pottery Barn.
It’s a bit simpler and maybe less unique, but still makes a strong statement. I love it. Imagine just one of these centered over the table:
Which lantern do you think I should choose? Help me decide!
I’m thrilled about the chance to add an amazing light fixture. Whichever I choose, I know I’ll love it.
making a statement
Sometimes all it takes is one brave but simple change in a room to make a big impact.
I’ll share the after photos once I pick a light, but in the meantime would you like a chance to win a $100 gift card? What would inspire you at home in 2011? A new office, a command center, fresh paint, or new dishes—dream a little about what a $100 AmEx gift card could do to refresh your space.
There are up to 3 ways to enter this giveaway! One random winner will be chosen.
1. Leave a comment here telling me what new space you’d create with a $100 AmEx gift card, and tell me which lantern I should choose and why.
2. “Like” Apartment Guide on Facebook and leave a comment on this post saying you liked it.
3. Tweet about the new space you’d like to create. Include these handles in your tweet to enter: @aptguide @theinspiredroom #newspace
Easy enough? Thanks for your help!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!
PS—I’ll announce the winners from the previous giveaway this week. Sorry for the delay from Blissdom; I’m looking forward to getting back into my blogging routine.
Apartment Guide is owned by Consumer Source, Inc. Apartment Guide partnered with bloggers such as myself to participate in its New Year, New Space Blogger Challenge. As part of that program, I received compensation. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the products used for the New Year, New Space Blogger Challenge. Apartment Guide and Consumer Source believe that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Consumer Source’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.