Featured Customer | Remodel Blends Traditional Architecture with Modern Industrial Touches

With the vintage rage still roaring like a flapper in the 1920s, it’s no wonder people salvage historical details whenever they remodel. In this Featured Customer’s 1,500-square-foot apartment in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, there were many pre-war details the homeowners wished to save.

“There is some nice, traditional detail, however, our aesthetic skews more toward modern/industrial,” explains Keri. “So we tried to balance the traditional with a more industrial and contemporary feel.” Keri selected Fox Force Five Construction to help in her efforts, and Chana Sweetbaum served as general contractor.

“We salvaged and restored the existing architectural moldings, parquet floors, and the original doors,” Chana says. When the walls came down, the exposed iron beams, columns, and brick work added instant character to the space. And since the kitchen is now open to the living room are the ironwork and bricks were prominent, Keri chose the Fargo Pendant to highlight her kitchen island.

“We wanted the balance of something that could go classic or industrial depending on your design sense,” Keri says. “In addition, the wattage was great on the Fargo. We found that you can’t always get high wattage and good design, but these lights gave us both.” The Fargo has all of the styling of larger deep-bowl pendants but in a 5″-wide shade perfect for smaller spaces. Keri chose the Satin Steel finish with a wire cage and a white cloth cord for her pendants.

Over the sink, Keri chose our Austin Wall Sconce, a classic American-made, RLM warehouse shade in a complementary Galvanized finish.

“We loved the style of this light to hang over the sink because of its specific directional light,” Keri explains. “We chose the finish color because we didn’t want things to match too much, and we didn’t want a color that would distract from the beautiful shell backsplash tiles.” She notes that the sconce also coordinates well with the rustic chandelier that is the perfect height to allow for opening cabinet doors in this apartment-sized kitchen. And while we no longer sell this exact chandelier, a very similar version is being developed so be sure to check back soon!

Keri found Barn Light Electric, like many others do, through the virtual pinboard Pinterest and is very satisfied with the choices she made.

“These lights strike just the right balance for us and have terrific wattage for brightening up the kitchen!”

Photo courtesy of Fox Force Five Construction NYC