MMy dining room has been a work in progress since the holidays. I haven’t shared a true “after” because I’m rarely fully finished — I’m more of an “in progress” kind of person. An official “after” may still be a while coming.
So what keeps me from calling the room done?
Well… let’s look up from the usual corner I’ve shown many times in this room. Then, take a look down at the photo below to see one of the things that prevents me from feeling finished.
Behold my current dining room light. Around here it’s affectionately known as the Flying Saucer Surrounded By Goblets. I turned the lights off for the photo so you wouldn’t be blinded.
If you ask me, the flying saucer surrounded by goblets undermines the old-world mood I’m trying to create. It’s not inspiring. I’m not saying it’s the worst fixture ever — so please don’t call me crying if you have something similar — but it simply doesn’t suit my style right now. I need a change.
{And yes, painting the remaining band of swine would be a lovely finishing touch too.}
Recently I was invited by Apartment Guide to join their New Year New Space Challenge. I love a good challenge. Apartment Guide is an online resource focused on helping people make the most of their homes, no matter where they live.
Through this challenge I had the opportunity to pick something new for my home to inspire me in 2011. You don’t have to ask me twice to get inspired to spend a gift card — I’m on it!
After thinking it over, I knew exactly what to do.
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 something beyond the predictable builder light — a unique, inspiring piece with character.
I always loved the quirky old lanterns and chandeliers in previous homes, and I’m excited to age this new house with more interesting lighting.
Before I left for Blissdom I asked my friend Holly to help me search for a new vintage-style fixture — she has impeccable taste — and she found a gorgeous option from Wisteria. I was thrilled!
I think I love it. It has the right balance of old-world charm and distinct personality that suits this house.
Here it’s pictured above a dining table so you can imagine how it might look in my room:
But because I like options, here’s another contender I’m smitten with — option #2 from Pottery Barn.
This one is a bit simpler and perhaps less unique, but it would still make a strong statement. I love it too. Imagine just one of these hanging above a table:
Which lantern do you think I should choose? Help!
I’m so excited about getting an amazing light fixture. Whatever I pick, I know it will bring new life to the room.
making a statement
Sometimes a single brave but simple change in a room can make a big impact.
I’ll share the “afters” once I decide on a light, but meanwhile — would you like a $100 gift card for yourself? What would inspire you at home in 2011? A refreshed office, a command center, a fresh coat of paint, new dishes — let’s imagine what a $100 AmEx gift card could do to create a new space in your home.
There are up to three ways to enter this giveaway. One winner will be chosen at random.
1. Leave a comment here saying what new space you would 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 in your tweet to enter: @aptguide @theinspiredroom #newspace
Easy, right? Thanks for your help!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!
PS — I’ll announce the previous giveaway winners this week. Sorry for the Blissdom delay — I’m excited to get back into my blogging routine!
Apartment Guide is owned by Consumer Source, Inc. Apartment Guide partnered with bloggers to participate in its New Year, New Space Blogger Challenge. As part of that program I received compensation. They did not dictate what to purchase or what to write about the products used for the challenge. Apartment Guide and Consumer Source believe consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Consumer Source’s policies align with relevant ethics and disclosure guidelines.