Lighting is one surefire way to make a real unique style statement in a space. And damned if it isn't one of the most overlooked things in a room-- have y'all SEEN some of the shiot out there?! I regularly bring in vintage lighting (lamps and ceiling fixtures) for some chic 'lisciousness in my projects, but I also use store bought lighting and just customize it to make it sing...here's how:
Start with your store bought light. I used West Elm's Perforated Diamond Pendant on a recent 'teen dream' bedroom project.
Sad Panda alert: this specific light is no longer available at West Elm. BUT, they've got this Bentwood Pendant or this Capiz Orb Pendant or even this Organic Blown Glass Pendant so there's still plenty to be #stylelapped over in terms of West Elm pendant lighting.
Next, click y'all-selves over to ColorCord and snag up several feet of cloth covered electrical cord in your favorite color. This company is genius! They offer a ton of cloth covered cords in yummy colors as well as accessories for DIY lighting. I chose hot pink for my project. Naturally.
I bought 20 feet, believe it or not. Why? I personally like A LOT of wiggle room for draping and coiling my colored pendant cords. I feel like if you're going to feature exposed electrical wiring, you might as well own it and make it a deliberately bold gesture with not only the color of cord BUT also by how you swag and coil it. It can be very sculptural and bring a lot of fun energy to the room.
Next order a socket and plug, also available at ColorCord.com Like these:
Now, this is the part of the post where I'm obligated to tell y'all that if you're making a light fixture or altering any kind of light fixture or plan on installing any kind of light fixture you need to consult/hire a licensed electrician. There's that.
Once y'all are good and wired, and your pendant is safely in place in the ceiling, install another hook in a nearby corner (usually the corner that is closest to the outlet you intend to plug your cord into) and drape your cord to it. This is where you can have some fun and make it a large drape or coil your cord once or twice, then secure to the hook. Then from the hook, let the rest of the cord hang down and eventually insert the plug into outlet. Sometimes I have enough cord to do another coil or loop on the way down to the outlet. Here's 'Teen Dream' light safely installed in ceiling with some large drape action:
Here y'all can kinda see my coiling technique in the back corner of this shot, then the cord travels along corner towards the outlet:
I lurv how something store bought that, yes, was great on its' own, but with a few easy & relatively affordable changes, becomes a personalized and custom piece for a space. These are the types of details that help take your space to the next level. And in turn your entire life b/c this isn't just decorating folks, this is LIFE. REAL LIFE. Through lighting.
Your welcome.