Lighting

In every design / build project, it is important to create a budget for fixtures early on in the process. If you wait, either you’ll end up paying more than you intended to or you will have to compromise on quality.

It is equally important to set aside time and do your research. Regardless of what your budget is, it’s important to find well-made lights, that will last you a long time. Although there are a lot of options out there with enticing price tags, it’s hard to gauge quality thru photos. So in addition to reading reviews, make sure to also read up on the materials used and the overall construction.

I’m including a few budget-friendly alternatives to some popular lighting as an example to show you that you can achieve high-end looks regardless of how much you want to spend. These are handmade lights, using high quality materials like hand-finished brass and brushed nickel — all made by local artisans, who specialize in lighting. These aren’t mass-produced; they are made to order — by designers who believe in quality over quantity. What you get at the end of the day, is a beautiful one of kind fixture at a fraction of the price, while supporting a small business.

If you are at a loss, Etsy is a great place to start your search. Many of these lighting designers also sell directly through their own site. Below are a few of my go-to lighting sites for custom pieces.

I also love getting personalized emails from these shops keeping me updated on my order status. These tiny gestures go a long way!

www.illuminatevintage.com
www.pearedcreation.com
www.oldebricklighting.com