Guys, Oh my God!
How blessed am I to have you! Your comments and stories of love, courage, and immense strength made me gasp and cry. A few of you I wrote privately. Oh, I wish I could answer each of you personally. I am so incredibly touched and grateful. Truly, thank you for taking the time to not only share your stories but support me as I navigate this health issue.
Okay, other big things are happening, and they’re all fantastic.
My younger son, Aaron, has decided that he needs his family. This has nothing to do with me, but the timing couldn’t have been better. He has reached out to us and is talking. Wasband, Cale, and I are all overjoyed by this turn of events.
Then, on Tuesday, the 19th, I was back at the doctor’s, but this time only for a routine annual eye exam. There have been no big changes there.
In addition, the electricians came to install eight light fixtures.
I found some new LED bulbs that are awesome!
More about that in a sec.
If I had been smart, I would’ve collected many bulbs in the last year or so. This time, I took a chance.
The tubular E26 bulbs in the picture lights are passable, but I’ve never been thrilled with them. When they are turned low, they go gray; mid-way, they’re a little too white.
On Tuesday, I also received the new rug for the den, which I haven’t shown you yet.
***
It’s late on Wednesday now, and today was a BIG day.
The rest of the light fixtures were installed, and then my friends Wendy and Cheryl stopped by.
And look what they brought me!
Oh, how sweet of them!
And the little paintings are so charming, too! But, that note! I am blessed!
Cale is coming from Texas on the 23rd of December and is scheduled to arrive that afternoon, so we’re all set.
You guys are the best. I can’t thank you enough for the best comments ever!
WAIT, Laurel. I know you’re trying to take it easy, but I’m dying to see those alabaster chandeliers when you can.
Oh, sorry. I have them right here. ;]
Sorry about the mess. This was taken at 2:20 PM, near the end of the light fixture installation. Please notice that we changed the hanger for the kitchen glass shade to a semi-flushmount. The identical one is in the entry. It’s so much better! The kitchen looks a bit yellow here but doesn’t look yellow in real life.
The drop of the alabaster chandeliers is 60″, so the bottom of the bowl is roughly 8′-6″ from the floor.
Today, Pedro, who works for Bob Mahoney, did the work.
He did a great job with everything. Bob helped with the alabaster chandeliers and held the latter over the staircase for the lightbulb exchange.
As I said earlier, I found a new LED light bulb on Amazon, took a chance, and bought 24 of them.
They have a longer filament and are a bit brighter. The biggest difference is they have a lightly tinted amber glass surround.
I like these so much better. They are very warm, and my photos don’t capture the beauty of the lighting. They are perfect for those pieces and the milk glass lights, too. I also like them better for the picture lights. The difference isn’t that much when the lights are on all the way, but they never are, and when I dimmed them way down, they went quite gray.
These new bulbs become only slightly gray but never lose all their warmth. They are also a better color match with the incandescent candelabra bulbs in the sconces.
The colors look very close to what they are in this image.
Yes, Pedro helped me put the rug over the pad, vacuum, and break down the boxes. Oh, it’s difficult to see, but there’s an outlet hidden behind the indoor air handler console. So, Bob got a strip and managed to plug it in and then they attached it to the wall. I definitely need to be able to plug stuff in behind the settee, which is coming back very soon.
Back to the Alabaster chandeliers.
Remember when I was going back and forth about the size?
At one point, I thought the 24″ alabaster chandeliers would be a mistake. Well, no. The 24″ size is perfect, and I’m so glad I went with that size instead of the 30″.
Here’s the den with the new rug. I think I’m going to layer this one with a seagrass rug. The light fixture looks more yellow here than it does in person. Sometimes, getting accurate wall colors and lighting color temperatures in the photos is difficult.
These are all in the afternoon. The evening shots weren’t as good. The alabaster chandeliers do not look this yellow, but the evening shots make them look too white. In any case, they are stunning! The chains are substantial and very rich-looking, too.
So, here’s a big shoutout to Janel Previn at Brass Light Gallery. She’s such a pleasure to work with and took the time to help me get the perfect pieces for my home! They have gorgeous fixtures and not just alabaster. Plus, all their lights are manufactured in their downtown Milwaukee, WI factory.
Finally, we can see that the ceiling color (Mayo Teal) is indeed lighter than the wall color.
Above is a nighttime shot in which the ceiling disappears without the alabaster chandelier. Recessed lights create a strong shadow on the ceiling.
Okay, more light fixtures and furnishings are coming very soon! Tomorrow, Mike Patti, who rewired the sconces, and the electrician who put them up, Chris Bagnall are coming to fix the Anglo-Indian sconces.
xo,
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Related Posts
The First Renovation Tour Of The Upstairs Living Areas! (Parts 1 & 2)- 14 month Renoversary! and I’m Back In My Bedroom!
- The Primary Bedroom Suite – Final Design!
- Laurel’s Home Renovation 2024 – News & Deets!
- Why Working with a Kitchen Designer Is Crucial!
- The George Smith Sofa has Arrived in New Jersey!
- An Area Rug is a Design Element to Figure Out Early On
38 Responses
What a stunning transformation. The addition of alabaster chandeliers truly brings light and elegance to the space. It’s amazing how perfect lighting can elevate the atmosphere and make a room feel inviting.
Your blog on home decor is exactly what I’ve been searching for! The tips on creating focal points and layering colors are so practical and easy to implement. I’ve already started rethinking the layout of my bedroom based on your advice. Great work—keep the ideas coming
Wow! Just stunning… I love each successive layer of beauty. Keep ‘em coming! 😍
I am so excited for you and your son’s Christmas! I’m still trying to and hoping that I will get to reconcile with my son and his little girl. Did he just reach out independently? Blessings always, Kristy
Laurel,
Love your blog! Your heart must be very light with the return of your distant son!!!
I am so sorry for your health issue and will be keeping you in my prayers. Sounds like you are doing what you need to do!
Question. I am looking into getting an alabaster light as well. Is there a way to have you get credit if I find what I am looking for? And do you think a small one in a small foyer would provide enough light?
Thanks – and Happy Thanksgiving.
Laurel, I truly hope Traditional Home or some magazine reaches to you to showcase all you have done, when you are finished. “finished” is used lightly because we all know, we are never totally finished in decorating. Prayers for your health and no better feeling than family reaching out after a long absence. I don’t know the details but so glad you will have Aaron back. Keep up the great blog!
Your blog is one of my favorite places to visit. It has been a pleasure to see your beautiful home come together. But while I value your exquisite taste, it’s your humor that keeps me reading. Your old blog post on how to style a coffee table had me laughing out loud (a much needed tonic these days). I very much hope you have good news on the health front and that your family continues to be a source of support and comfort. And I look forward to seeing those wallpaper panels installed!
Praise for the news about your son! And continued prayers for your health. The chandeliers are the perfect size and are just what your rooms were asking for!
I’m so glad to hear that Aaron is reaching out to his family. There can’t be better news! Your home, Laurel, looks like you’ve done a *perfect* kitchen remodel, but otherwise that you just happened to purchase a *perfect* historic property with original floors, trim, marble fireplace mantel, baluster and lighting. It doesn’t look like a remodel at all. And that’s mighty high praise. Your alabaster chandeliers are just stunning, but so “right” in your home that they don’t look new. Congratulations!
You have had your share to deal with. I am so very happy for you about family news. You home is beyond lovely for us mere tract-home mortals. I wish I could give back to you a fraction of everything you give to your blog audience.
Dear Laurel
Your home is stunning … what a beautiful space to welcome your family .
Superb lighting and rug choices – so much detailed work resulting in exquisite perfection.
So happy for you that your distant son is returning.
Peace and happiness are big contributions to our overall health.
Wishing you a joyous celebration…
And loved the orchids and hand painted notes…
Bask in the love and admiration…
Yeah, a good news week! So deserved. Love the chandeliers! Love that Aaron has reached out even more.
Love that teal room. But most of all I love that Aaron has reconnected with you!
Laurel, you have some of the kindest people following your blog. I was also touched by all the comments on your last post. I reason that “like attracts like” – meaning because of your kindness, you attract others that are kind. I’m so, so happy that Aaron has reached out to your family and pray that all will work out in that regard. Relationships with adult children can be tricky; yes, I know from first hand experience! Your alabaster chandeliers look fantastic and like they were meant to be there! I also like the semi flush mount option on your kitchen lighting. Both rugs are looking gorgeous. Looking forward to seeing more!
Literally the light at the end of the tunnel! Now on to the fun (and less dusty) part of the reno!
Hi Laurel,
Your light fixtures are beautiful. You went through some test runs regarding the size you needed & it payed off. They are perfect!
I’m so happy that your son has reached out. When our children aren’t in our lives it leaves a painful hole in our hearts. My daughter & I had a disagreement years ago. I didn’t hear from her for over a month. I was beside myself with grief. Thankfully we made up.
Laurel, I have been following along with your progress and get so much vicarious pleasure with your renovation path. I have done two major renovation projects in the last 25 years and remember the excitement and trials that came along the way while living amidst it all. I am so inspired by you and so enjoy your vision and resilience throughout these last few years. I am still working on this last once, although slowly as I am in my 70’s and my hunk is 81. But it gives me pleasure to have a project to work on and you inspire me. I hope you have had as much joy from this project as I have in following along with it.
Congratulations on your progress and I share your joy at seeing your family reunite. Both are special, as you are equally special to all of us who follow you. We are blessed to share it along with you.
First, I am so pleased that your whole( i presume) family is communicating again. It is indeed very timely.
The chandeliers look beautiful. My your home be a source of peace and rest very soon.
The alabaster fixtures are stunning! And the kitchen ceiling fixture looks great as a semi mount. I can hardly wait for the Gracie panels to be installed. Everything is progressing nicely, and I so look forward to your posts. Very exciting!
Good news about your younger son reaching out. Family is very important.
Beautiful! It’s coming together.
Reading all the kind words from everyone cheered me up as well. We are all so very blessed.
FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!
Who knew that anything could surpass the joy of reading your restoration trials, tribulations, and successes of which there are many. But, the news of Aaron’s reconnection to the family surely did!
Now, with a little good news tomorrow, all my prayers for you will be answered.
Love the lilies and sweet note.
I love your new light fixtures! What’s the smartest way to clean them?
Stunning!!! I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful it was to work with you. The fixtures look beautiful in your outstanding home. Thank you for the bulb recommendation. I get asked all the time for the best bulbs to use for our Alabaster. Also, so nice you will have your son home. I love when my adult kids are home. It makes everything better!
Laurel, love the new chandeliers. The photo you posted of the rug, fireplace and the new chandelier is gorgeous. I cannot imagine how wonderful it is to wake up each morning in your home. So lovely! And it is only going to grow more so as you furnish it.
Your home is stunning even without the furniture! The light fixtures, mantel, and rugs are the icing on a beautiful cake, a home to enjoy for many years to come. And that kitchen, magazine worthy!
Take care of yourself and enjoy your family, you have worked so hard in so many ways, and it shows. In my opinion, there is no greater reward in life than knowing you’ve raised your sons with wisdom and grace, especially when they want to come home to their family, there simply is nothing as important.
Oh, Laurel,
I read your last post, and I was in such funk. I seldom rail at the heavens, but I really couldn’t respond – I was in shock.
I’m a girl always waiting for the other shoe to drop, and although I live in the light of what God does over and over for me, and those I love, life’s trials can still get so overwhelming. I’m constantly having to be reminded to look up. So your post on lighting fixtures is so timely – to look up!
Also, to read all the comments from your readers – what resilient folks! How inspiring! I was amazed how many silent heros there are … donating kidneys … wow. I had a kidney issue after my 4th son was born … a constricted ureter, and I thought I would die … so much pain, and after surgery-complications. But I’m alive, I had two sons after that ordeal, and I live life daily in gratitude and thanks.
You, dearest Laurel, brighten so many lives, share so much humor, and have, as one reader said, created something beautiful out of nothing … thin air (or whatever makes up the Internet these days!)
My prayer for you is that you would know what is True, Beautiful & Good. Haven’t people in all ages looked for this? And those who seek, find?
And doctors and statistics are best guesses … I always tell my sons that you don’t get to pick when you’re born, or even when you die. You just get to choose what you do with what you are given.
May you, dear Laurel, be flooded with joy, peace, hope and grace. I’m beyond delighted that your two sons are there. That is truly a miracle … isn’t it amazing that we women give birth to some of our best friends? (And honestly, sometimes some of our biggest trials 😆)
Blessings to you and your family at this time. Thank you for sharing the hard things with us. Sending you hugs!
Dear Laurel,
It is so exciting to see this come together! It is all gorgeous. The lights and rugs are perfect! I have enjoyed seeing this project unfold. I think you need to publish a book about this renovation. It would be great to see the pictures from start to finish. Your commentary is so informative, too. Please consider it. I would buy it for my coffee table!
Hi Laurel – My heart is warmed that difficult health news was followed by great happenings at home. You are a special person, top notch at your profession, and a Grand Mom! Looking forward to the next update.
Cathy
When a beloved family member returns to the fold, well, nothing is more beautiful or comforting or necessary in life. I’m so happy for you. I’ll bet I’m not the only subscriber who has been praying for this. This is going to be a memorable holiday season for your family. Have fun while you reconnect!
The light fixtures are perfect. In fact, they look like they’ve always been there! I think your comment about the heft of the chains was an important one, and it’s a real sign that no part of the design or manufacturing process was stinted on. Well chosen, Lauren.
Laurel, So wonderful your son is making his way back to your family. Your home is becoming so beautiful and reflective of the beautiful spirit of the gracious lady who perseveres in life. You are inspiring. Thank you
It’s all coming together and everything looks wonderful. Your rugs are just what the rooms were calling for. The living room rug really draws one’s eyes to the floor, which looks terrific. The chandeliers are perfect and I’m so glad something Made in Wisconsin has made its way to your home, since that is where I am from. We pride ourselves on doing things right. I think my favorite part of your home is the way your glass cupboard in the kitchen gives the illusion of being a window. Every time I look at your photos, at first glance, I think it is a window rather than a cabinet. It was a great idea for a windowless room. But the best news was about your son Aaron. I’m sure that alone makes you feel better. Peace and Joy to you!
OMG, those lights. Just beautiful! Your home is so classic and gorgeous, and uniquely you. I love seeing it come together. And those rugs – they work perfectly. I’ve learned so much from you!
Also, it’s wonderful that your family is reconnecting. My sister and I have become so close in recent years after a long period of limited contact, and she is so important to me now.
Wishing you good health outcomes. It seems we all have health challenges as we move through time and getting patched up is part of the long game. ❤️
Absolutely stunning Laurel! It feels like you are letting a breath out that you have been holding since this project got underway. I look forward to your posts so much and adore your gorgeous renovation. Sending positive thoughts to you as you navigate your health challenges.
So beautiful, thanks for sharing! Prayers for your health, and so many good doctors where you live!
So glad to see/hear some positive news for you. You sound almost giddy! Everything is beautiful and there is progress daily.
Blessings and prayers for you and your family in your ‘new’ home…
The alabaster chandeliers look like they’ve always been there. You’ve done an amazing job restoring this old home and I look forward to seeing it when the furniture is all in.