Our plans for our new house including tackling projects both large and small.
Whether we're talking about a whole home HVAC rethink, an individual room overhaul, or the replacement of a single light fixture, we try to make sure we give each the thought and attention it deserves.
A few weeks ago Wendy mentioned the barn inspired new front lights we planned to install to welcome guests to our home.
I have to say, I was pretty excited by this change, as the previous brass lantern fixtures were incorrectly sized, badly weathered, and just not the right style for our house.
After removing the old lights, we had quite a surprise. It seems a family of birds had made themselves at home behind the old lights.
After cleaning out the nest I put a little spray foam insulation around the perimeter of the whole thing to make it even more weather tight (and critter proof).
Putting the light in place was cake but I made a small improvement. I installed a little Insteon Micro Dimmer Module
. We've decided to go ahead and slowly turn this house into an automated home, and what better place to start than the front lights. With this little micro dimmer module I can hide it in the junction box with the light's wiring, and have the light controlled by a switch, our phone, or even a timer. We can even have our lights automatically turn on when the sun sets and off when it rises.
Okay, back to the lights. The lights themselves are a simple oil rubbed bronze barn light.
The size is right for the house and it casts a really pretty and soothing light on the front porch. We used two 40w Edison style bulbs for light, which has that look that just seems right for this 1908 house.
We'll see if we stick with these bulbs long term. I know they're not energy efficient and may need to be replaced often, but we just love the way they look!
The new lights, along with the new front door color, nails the look and feeling we are going for. It's our hope that this new set up is the calming and welcoming entrance to what will eventually be our relaxed and comfortable living room.
I have to say, I like the look of these barn lights so much that I'm looking for other places where we could possibly use them around the house.
What do you think? Not too shabby, or do you prefer the old gold fixtures? In the coming weeks I'll talk a bit more about the home automation choices we're making in this house and how you can do the same in your house. Pretty much any house can incorporate some items, you just need a plan and a purpose.
