Schoolhouse Shades Lend Texas-Sized Style to Austin Kitchen

We love hearing from our customers about their home improvement and construction projects. One comment we hear quite often these days is that when building or buying a brand new home, homeowners strive to create a house with the character that is more often found in older homes. That effortless, lived-in look of a house that just belongs on a piece of land and has been graced with thoughtful touches from the past. Such is this shotgun-style home in an historic neighborhood in south Austin, Texas. Though new construction, the kitchen gives a definite nod to history in a space filled with vintage details.

From the beadboard walls and subway tile backsplash to the industrial style stools, this kitchen is oozing with character. Yet it still has a fresh, gourmet-kitchen feel with the sleek stainless appliances and hood, the pot filler, and the glass front cabinets. The schoolhouse shades overhanging the cherry breakfast bar come straight from the 1920s when this style of lighting was first introduced in government buildings, libraries, and yes, the local schoolhouse.

To get this look in your kitchen, check out our Early Electric Schoolhouse Pendant, part of our expanding collection of Schoolhouse Lights. Four shade sizes are available ranging from 12″ to 18″ and you can choose from six different stem lengths. The opaque glass shade emits a soft glow perfect for casual conversation at a breakfast bar or dining room table. The stem and neck can be finished in your choice of colors. More than 20 finishes are at your fingertips from traditional shades of Black or Architectural Bronze to brighter colors like Medium Blue or Yellow that will give your American made schoolhouse shade a more retro feel.

For a similar schoolhouse shade with a different mounting, consider The Fairfax Schoolhouse Pendant which features a three-foot chain hung mounting. This fixture comes in one of five traditional finishes including Polished Brass, Old Bronze, or Satin Nickel.

Top photo courtesy of RisherMartin Fine Homes