Hi Everyone,
The other day, a new electrician installed the Anglo-Indian sconces I won at auction a year ago. I never dreamed it would take that long before they would be up.
Above, (upstairs) the first sconce minus its shade is up!
Now, you may be wondering why I used another electrician. Mine wouldn’t put up the Anglo-Indian sconces because they had to be French Wired with a 22 gauge wire. French wire is a thin wire that my guy said wasn’t up to code. However, what I didn’t realize is that this wire only connects the lightbulb to the LEAD WIRE, which is much thicker and attached to the unit in the wall.
My hunch is that my electrician didn’t know that; he thought the French wire was being used as the lead wire and was concerned it would be a fire hazard.
If you don’t know, French wire wraps around the delicate arm of the Anglo-Indian sconce. This kind of wiring is also done on many antique chandeliers, which is very common.
So, yesterday, as promised, Mike Patti of Patti Brothers Lighting & Furniture hand-delivered the canopies for the bell jar lanterns, which have yet to be installed. We also discussed what needs to be done to fix some noticeable flaws with the installation of the Anglo-Indian sconces he just rewired.
The first flaw was an easy fix. I didn’t realize it, but there are two pairs of very similar but different shades. One of each is on this wall. Mike put the two darker ones on this wall.
This is afterward. It’s subtle but shows up much more in real life.
Another thing bugging me is that the sconces on the fireplace wall are more upright than on the stairwell. However, it might not be possible to change the angle much without breaking the stem. Still, I would’ve preferred to have the more shallow sconces on the stair wall.
As usual, I let the guys do their thing and then I had to run out before they were finished.
It didn’t occur to me that these vintage Anglo-Indian sconces were not identical.
In addition, both of these sconces are not sitting firmly against the wall.
The beautiful Anglo-Indian sconces in a frontal view on the fireplace wall.
The mirror is coming very soon!
Remember the renderings of the fireplace wall?
I’ve lost track of time, but I think the Gracie panels should be ready fairly soon.
As you can see (above), one of the backplates is seriously off-kilter. To fix it, new holes have to be drilled. Mike is worried about this, but I think it’ll be fine. The holes aren’t very big, but the amount the plate is rotated is a lot. I guess it was always like this, and no one noticed, or if they did, it didn’t bother them.
One more shot of the sconces on the stairwell wall.
Okay, more is coming.
soon regarding the furniture and layout.
Wait, Laurel! Those light bulbs are beautiful! Oh, please tell us where you got them.
Well, my friends, they are just standard incandescent candle bulbs. You can still get these and other specialty bulbs in their incandescent form.
Thank you all for your kind words regarding the air quality lack of control and the ensuing loss of a talented but [fill in the blank]______painter.
I’m not going to go into it, but this was not an isolated incident. Thank you, too, for sharing your stories. I think it helps the rest of us know that we’re not alone in these struggles!
So be it.
However, Mike Patti has so far proven to be a person who goes the extra mile for his customers. It’s refreshing and deeply appreciated. The electrician, Chris (yes, another Chris), and Mike are both coming over soon to take care of the sconces.
Soon, more lighting fixtures will go up. Hooray!
Laurel, what about your harlequin pattern? Who’s going to do it now?
Well, maybe I’ll do it in a few weeks. I’d begin in the kitchen. It’s not a very large area, and dozens of tutorials exist.
xo,
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20 Responses
These are great pictures – they really show off how beautifully it is coming together!
OMG, Laurel – your place just looks fabulous! I checked out your Instagram site this morning, and I love it!
I love how the lighted glass cabinets in your kitchen give the feeling of a window with the sun shining in. Enjoy your beautiful, new home.
The sconces are beautiful!!!! I think slight adjustments are possible to get them better situated. Even if they can’t be made perfect, I think it will not matter once the room is furnished. They really add interesting character, and I like the color of the glass shades. I so enjoyed seeing the pictures that included views of the stairwell, den, kitchen, and newly corrected floor. Just so awesome to see the progress!!!
Candles and lights that aren’t upright bother me too. Perhaps a small shim under the bottom would raise it a bit straighter, and make it appear more level on the wall.
Laurel, I love the shot of the stairwell with the sconces mounted – it all looks as if it is original to the house. The sconces are great. I was on Charish and saw some similar to yours for sale. I had no idea they were so expensive. No wonder Mike is a little nervous to correct the one you mention is slightly off. Cannot wait to see the fireplace with the mirror over it and the sconces next to it. Even without furniture the room is so lovely. Like a beautiful woman unadorned.
Oops – am I ever silly! I missed the difference you said – I was thinking they were installed opposite from what you wrote in your post! And I thought the stairwell ones would hang over the opening even farther. But now I see how I was mistaken. But if it will bother you, I’d still think to change them now while you have the electrician to hand. Although maybe he installed the shallower sconces near the fireplace so no one would bump them? I’m just glad I caught m silly mistake! 🫣
That is so interesting about the metalwork on the sconces. I tried imagining the sconces reversed, and I wondered if the ones by the fireplace, if they were swapped, would look odd if the were further out over the stairwell. But then I also thought how it would be awkward to have them stick out further like they do by the fireplace … will they ever be in the way if you had a large gathering with guests standing by the fireplace? Perhaps they are tall enough that no one would hit their head, but that would be a consideration. I think, if you have any concerns, I’d switch them, as another reader suggested. Especially if that one is hanging so far off the wall? But what a bother! The course of renovations never did run smooth. I do love them! They are just perfect.
Looking forward to seeing what you decide to do 🤩
Love the sconces, they are really beautiful! The kitchen is gorgeous, and it will be even better with the harlequin painted floor, so period appropriate, wish it were mine! Could you tell me what wood your stair treads are and what stain, brand and color, was used? Thank you.
Everything is beautiful! What is your paint color?
Hi Marsha,
The walls are Benjamin Moore Moonlight White oc-125 (matte) and the trim is Benjamin Moore Cloud White oc-130(satin) ceiling is Cloud White (matte)
We used Aura, a very low VOC formulation that is a dream to work with.
Hi Laurel,
I love how the sconces’ match the fireplace mantel to a tee. I would switch them as well, if it is going to gnaw at you.
I renovated an 850 sq ft house by myself years ago, including having siding, a screened in porch, carport and central air & heat, done to the house, all I had ever done was paint and a little gardening. I also stripped all the paint off the woodwork and painted, had carpet installed and took a class on how to lay tile and did it (not the best job). This was between 2 hurricanes as well!
I was told after I finished it, it was a good thing the place wasn’t bigger, tongue in cheek.
I learned from the experience is, if it doesn’t kill you it makes you stronger, and I would say I bet you feel the same.
I also wanted to tell you how much I love the foyer the bench tucked under and out of the way, but easily accessible and the colors and the ceiling is A+!!! I am sure it is all going to work out in the end and you can say to yourself—Bravo!!!
Cindy
Very lovely chapter of your renovation. I think some good news was very welcome after the backward steps recently. Beautiful ambience! Starting to look like the design you created …. Coming together beautifully. I hope soon those inept decisions will be long forgotten.
Your attention to detail is inspiring! Everything you have done in this renovation is just lovely, the next phase should be the most fun.
I am wondering if you chose the “decorator” rocker type electrical switches instead of the more traditional toggle style.
What a remarkable transformation. The staircase and railing are amazing—I would love to see before and after images (taken from the same angle) in a side-by-side comparison. How exciting to see your vision realized! Eagerly anticipating seeing more.
The sconces are exquisite! If it’s not a crazy amount of money, I might really consider swapping the sconces with the shallower ones by the fireplace….I think you might like it even more, and now is the time when you have an electrician you trust?
I love following along with every single detail and post. 🙂
Hi Laurel,
The sconces are lovely. The first thing I noticed is the color of the glass shades & how it coordinates with the den. And your future sofa. It’s like you planned it. 😉
Love the Anglo-Indian sconces! I remember your posts about these beauties when you bid on them so long ago. The glass shades are beautiful and the colors connect with your den and Italian ice ceiling if I recall correctly in your kitchen or was it the bedroom?
I have one nosy question that you may have answered in a prior post. Did you ever consider a marble harlequin floor? Of course a painted wood floors will be softer under foot and less expensive.
I have followed you every step of the way! Despite the frustrations, your home is beautiful! I think the kitchen is my favorite – but it’s really hard to pick one favorite. The sconces are exquisite!
Your home is beautiful! Charming elegant and tasteful! Congratulations!