When Diana Bellgowan, an Asheville, NC architect, undertook the renovations of a downtown building, she tackled many structural and design issues. The space was part of a larger building that served as the city’s first bus depot in the 1920s but most recently housed an art gallery. The project focused on the center of this building and, after an amazing transformation, is now home to the Curate Tapas Restaurant. During the retrofitting of the ceiling, the owners decided to ”paint the exposed structure and show off the beauty and craftsmanship of the building’s bones.” Taking this industrial design direction a step further, Bellgowan chose barn light sconces, very similar to our Elroy Sconce, to line the wall of this narrow yet inviting space.

These wall sconces provide a parade of warm light and draw the eye into the restaurant’s interior. Though smaller in size than original barn lights, barn wall sconces allow traditional barn lighting to be brought inside, whether in the home, an office, or yes, even a restaurant. The Elroy, and others within our collection of Barn Wall Sconces, represent the true, classic warehouse shade styles of the 1940s and are hand crafted and American made with the finest materials available.

The Elroy Sconce is very distinctive with its ornamental arm extending gracefully from a square backing with a second brace added for both stability and a decorative touch. The classic domed shade of the Elroy is also highlighted with a rolled ridge that completes its historic look.

Choose from dozens of finish colors including copper and other authentic metals to customize the look of your Elroy Sconce. The extending glass jar that houses the bulb comes in clear, frosted, textured,  amber crackled, and colored glass. No matter how you choose to make this light your own, it will provide years of service and satisfaction.

Top Photo Courtesy of Amy Alday

As he was renovating the historic Charlotte building in Asheville, North Carolina that would house his new Chop Shop Butchery, Josh Wright wanted to find the perfect lighting.

“I wanted to have a rustic look to the lighting with a modern twist to it,” Josh says. “Lighting is so important to a retail business to showcase your products but also to help convey the sense of style you want the interior to show.” On a visit to Asheville’s Lexington Avenue Brewery (another satisfied Barn Light Electric customer!), Josh found his lighting. “I really liked the style of their lighting, and the general manager gave me Barn Light Electric’s information.”

Josh chose the Barn Light Outback Warehouse Pendant for the interior of his new business which is a perfect choice for its location in the charming old building. The new lights complement the exposed ductwork and the details of the black tin ceiling, and beautifully highlight the glass cases full of premium meats from local farms. Outside the front door, an Atomic Cast Guard CGU Sconce welcomes visitors to this independent shop. Additional sconces are also placed underneath the black awnings that line the building’s exterior brick walls which cast a pleasant glow on the sidewalks at night.

“I really like the lights a lot,” Josh says. “I actually took the wire guard off our pendants and painted them the exact color from our logo. That set off the lights tremendously and I really love the pendants.”

The Outback Pendant and the Atomic Sconce are two of our most popular fixtures due in no small part to their classic styling and durability. These American made lights can be customized with a variety of finish and glass options to fit your style and space.

“I would definitely recommend Barn Light Electric,” Josh adds, “and if and when I open another location, I’ll definitely use you all again!”

Customer Submission Shown Above: 16″ Original Warehouse Shades, HL-A Gooseneck, 96-Galvanized. Prices start at $208 each.

Located just West of Minneapolis, Minnesota is the suburban community of Minnetonka. An abundant amount of outdoor activities including lakes, parks, and trails make up this growing community. After returning from the weekend, we were excited to see we had new customer submission photos in our email! The Arneson family has been undergoing a home renovation since February 2009 and has blogged about their story online at The “L” Shaped House. They decided early on that they wanted a ‘farmhouse style’ home and over the past year and a half, the family has combined simple country elements to create a home that serves each and every one of their needs – including adding great Barn Light Electric lighting to the exterior!

The Arneson’s selected four 16″ Galvanized Original Warehouse Shades on HL-A gooseneck arms. Originally used on farms and barns, the Original Warehouse Shade was an excellent choice as each acts as a perfect accent piece to bring a touch of authentic country style to the home. The multiple gray tones of the Galvanized finish perfectly accents against the blue-gray siding and stark white doors, and over time, will weather nicely without fading or rusting – even with those harsh Minnesota winters!

At night, the galvanized fixtures seem to disappear into the dark, leaving only their glowing shadows to light up the night. Their illuminated shades cast a spotlight down upon each beautifully crafted garage door.

Night time lighting serves multiple purposes for homeowners – function, security, and aesthetic. Naturally, light allows you to see when entering and exiting the garage and driveway, but can also assist guests or visitors who may or may not have been to your home. When dark, or less used areas of the home are well lit, lighting at night serves as a deterrent to ward off burglars and even some wildlife. And with this home’s case, evening lighting serves as a beautiful accent to show off your hard work and dedication to creating a lifelong family home!

Whether your planning a home renovation, building from scratch, or just plain struggling to find what type of lighting is going to work best in your space, there are certain tricks that can ease the stress of your search. For starters try taking a photo and then do a little shopping around online (at Barn Light Electric of course). Next follow this top secret trick I am about to reveal, it could save you time and ultimately make you the proudest homeowner on the block! The top secret trick is (drum roll please) – Screen Shots! Don’t let those helpful photos from various websites get lost in the great proverbial Google haystack, by capturing them as a screen shot you’re ensuring that those impressions will be saved on your computer as your own source of inspiration. Today’s photo is the perfect example. There is a great retro color scheme going on in this room – golds, teal, galvanized metals, and a splash of red adds a vibrant expression to this setting. In this vintage kitchen there is a lot of blank space above the stove and counters, but no form of lighting is visible or with in reach.  This oversight could prove problematic when cooking in the kitchen, since you can never have too much light! Unfortunately many older Victorian homes only dealt with one primary source of light, and for many new home buyers these kitchens become the main focus of their project and finding the proper kitchen lighting is paramount.

After finding a few products that interest you, begin resizing them and dropping them into your photo. Some will easily be eliminated, others you can go back and forth with or ask for friends opinions! If its finish selections you can’t decide on, Barn Light Electric offers free finish samples on many of our products – just call us up or email, we’d be happy to send them out to you.

My top four selections for this kitchen are below. Atomic style shades represent the styles of the 1950′s very well and with the help of their unique industrial cast guards, can look both modern and vintage. Frosted glass jelly jars will create a softer light without making you squint when up close. Simpler Warehouse and Deep Bowl shades will also provide a retro look, but will provide a softer, country touch. Pendants provide a direct, focused area of light, and the wider shades will allow the light to fan out over more space. Depending on your overall needs and likes, both styles and selections are perfectly acceptable for this space!

1.) Discount Warehouse 17″ Cord Hung Pendant – Galvanized: $85.00
2.) Barn Light 9″ Radial CGU Pendant – Red/ Frosted Glass: $$215.00
3.)  Barn Light Wall Mount Double CGU Sconce – Galvanized/ Frosted Glass: $231.00
4.) Barn Light 12″ Deep Bowl Pendant – Red: $158.00

When you think of a farmhouse, typically you don’t think of the beach, but it seems that the two worlds have recently collided to create a harmonic balance between them.  Gone are the preconceived notions that the classic appearance of the traditional farmhouse needs to remain uniformly Victorian.  Thanks to the shabby chic movement, the natural wear and tear that commonly is associated with these older farmhouses has now been heralded as the latest trend.  Combining these worn characteristics with common reclaimed materials can lead to a unique and incredible transformation, especially when they are paired with stark whites and vivid colors commonly associated with Coastal décor.

These two rustic styles often play off of each other, neither going to dark or white, as seen in this balanced project.  This latest venture comes from the The Frugal Farmhouse, which if you couldn’t tell by the name, is devoted to designing on a dime.  The latest creation from them showcases a quaint cottage that, with its mix of eclectic décor and style, was transformed from an otherwise standard cottage into a rustic standout.  With the addition of some meticulously crafted driftwood sailboats, a splash of white from the sail invigorates the blank space above the fireplace mantle tying in with the painted walls.

Punctuating this room is the use of a galvanized 17″ Warehouse Stem Mount Pendant, which can be found in our Discount Barn Lighting section.  This reasonably priced RLM pendant combines functional style and frugality in a well-made product that is ready for mounting.  Something not offered with this pendant that was added is the use of a pull chain adapter socket, which will allow the homeowner to easily turn off the fixture while creating a vintage touch to this light.  A favorite of shabby chic and coastal décor, galvanized pendants make a great accessory that provides ample lighting and classic style.  Rooted in history, these RLM light fixtures recapture that retro look of mid-20th century Americana.  Spruce up your next remodeling project or add some much needed nostalgia to your home with this bargain priced RLM pendant.

Photo courtesy of Coastal Living Magazine

A designer is always on the lookout for fun, new ways to decorate. One of our favorite magazines, Coastal Living has a way of taking everyday beach decor, and combining it with elegance and sophistication – ultimately creating a space that we could only dream of living in.

The designer of this space had one thing in mind, family; the bright colors and open floor plan welcome guests for a weekend of fun. Traditional accents like pineapples, dolphins, and shells add a kid friendly touch of of whimsy to the space. Adding to the whimsy, one may notice the metal bucket hanging over the kitchen island. Such pieces typically house fresh clams, lobsters, and oysters for a typical New England clam bake, but have now been brought indoors to add additional coastal charm.

At Barn Light Electric, this style of fixture is our Sports Bar 2 Light Bucket Pendant. Representing a true galvanized metal bucket, the Sports Bar 2 Light Bucket Pendant has side handles and a ribbed center texture. For mounting options, this fixture comes standard with your choice of black or white cord or for taller ceiling heights, an added chain hung option is available.

A Galvanized finish has the ability to match almost any style of decor. Its reflective metal finish attracts and moves around natural light brought in by mirrors and a wall of windows. If you are looking for an even more unique finish option, the Sports Bar 2 Light Bucket Pendant is available in over thirty colors. Not limited to only coastal homes, distinctive pendant is ideal for restaurants, sports bars, or game rooms. Simply select your finish color of choice, and apply your family name or company logo to the sides for a one of a kind look. For additional accent lighting or for smaller options, Barn Light Electric also offers multiple Bucket Pendants or a Cabin Lodge Gooseneck Light.

1.) Best Buy’s Sony 32″ 1080p HGTV: $999.99
2.) Barn Light Electric Benjamin Sky Chief Porcelain Pendant: $219.00
3.) Sears Stack On Gladiator Garage Storage: $770.99
4.) Sears Craftsman 11644 19.2 Volt 4 Piece Combo: $428.99
5.) Kenmore 20.9 Cubic Foot Refrigerator: $616.00
6.) Barn Light Industrial Static Topless Sconce: $135.00

So far, 2010 has allowed us so many new and unique opportunities; one of which has brought us to the national television scene. Our friends at DIY Network are entering season two of their popular series, Garage Mahal. With that on our minds, and the upcoming Father’s Day Weekend, we thought what better space to pay attention to than the garage? Most of us haven’t had the pleasure of winning an ultimate garage makeover, but if we did, it would be enough to make even Tim the “Tool Man” Taylor jealous.

Regardless if your father is a handy man or one who just tries his hardest; every man needs his basic tools for those small, “around the house” projects. Sears stocks a full line of quality Craftsman tools that can be purchased separately or in combo kits like the one we chose. Whether he has a multitude of tools, or your basic hammer and Phillips screwdriver, he’s bound to need some storage to hide paint cans, lawn equipment, or car care products – for this we chose Sears Stack On Gladiator set. It’s heavy duty, all steel construction and thread plate texture makes these units virtually indestructible.

Keeping with heavy duty, (almost) indestructible products we chose to outfit our space with our very own Barn Light Electric fixtures. For direct ceiling lighting, we selected our new line of Porcelain Enamel shades. Constructed of steel with a porcelain finish, the 16″ Benjamin Sky Chief Warehouse Shade has been stem mounted for added durability. Its high quality, black porcelain enamel finish will resist the wear and tear of years of hard use, making these lights perfect for both residential and commercial purposes. For bonus lighting, and to bring in some color, we chose our Barn Light Industrial Static Topless Wall Sconce.  Wall sconces can be placed around the room and can add extra light where some pendants can’t reach. The Industrial Static Topless lays close to the wall without extending out, risking the ability to get bumped around or broken. Don’t let that mislead you from the durability of this sconce though; the red metal cast guard surrounds an interior glass jelly jar, which in turn protects the light bulb. This style of light has been around for years, becoming known for long lasting, durable units that have been used in industrial and coastal applications.

Transforming an ordinary living space from initial start to completion involves a great deal of planning, especially when it comes to genre specific details. For most home and business owners, the decision to follow one specific building or decorating style becomes paramount with the desire to create a cohesive layout throughout the entire project. In order for any decorating project to go off without a hitch, every aspect from furniture to lighting must be addressed.  For instance, you would not want to mix the traditional styling of a Dutch Colonial home with a Koi pond, slate floors, and European minimalist furniture from Ikea.  As odd as that combination sounds its really not that far from reality, not that each by themselves is a bad thing, but each element of décor has a place with in a style or era.

One of these eras that is receiving increased attention is the Industrial Era, this modern genre is set apart from so many others simply due to the use of raw materials and the developing refinement that ultimately led to the Contemporary movement. The major issue that is often encountered when pursuing this design style is that there are few true examples to draw from when choosing lighting.  Most home improvement stores and Internet retailers only have specific lighting geared toward modern décor, with few options available for industrial inspired lighting.

Recognizing the need to supply more lighting variety for our expanding industrial minded customers, this latest edition to our Barn Wall Sconces section reveals the ideal marriage of sleek linear forms and raw components.  The Laredo Wall Sconce both ideally suits postmodern and industrial décor, with its smooth lines and vented appearance causing this light to stand out head and shoulders amongst the competition.  This attractive profile not only offers a stylish appearance, but it also provides a robust spread of light.  The Laredo’s unique design showcases a series of stacked vents resting atop the flared shade that encompass a jelly jar glass enclosure.  This feature not only vapor seals the area around the bulb, but it has the ability to mask the outline of the light bulb though a variety of glass choices.  Complete with a large selection of finishes and sizes, the Laredo Wall Sconce is sure to add that completed look to your upcoming or ongoing industrial project.

Gathering inspiration from timeless maritime influences, the distinctive appearance created by nautical lanterns has led homes and businesses to incorporate this historic lighting style, which can instantly establish a unique, nostalgic presence. Originally identified by large glass enclosures, protective guards, and looping brass arms, sailors and fishermen of the early 1900’s used these durable lanterns to guide their ships through the dense fog and sudden squalls that often lay off the coast of New England. With such a recognizable appearance, oil-burning lanterns have become a highly coveted piece of history that are valued by collectors and interior decorators that wish to top off their coastal Cape Cod or Myrtle Beach home.

Complete with traditional maritime elements, the Hamner Sconce breathes new life into the classic designs of nautical lanterns from the past. Using a vintage brass ship lantern from the early 1900’s as the basis of its design, the Hamner embraces many elements that oil-burning lanterns possessed stylistically. Combining modern refinement with a large selection of premium finishes and metals, the silhouette of this vintage reproduction beckons back to the turn of the 20th century.

Further highlighting the Hamner Sconce is its unique stance, one that displays a larger decorative top that is positioned above the rolled glass enclosure.  Historically this displaced appearance was of paramount importance for mariners, by simply shifting the bulk of the weight closer to their hand they were able to reduce the amount of swaying caused by rough seas.  Following this uncharacteristically balanced design, the Hamner boasts an ideal weight ratio that is perfectly suited for enduring strong winds and harsh weather.  Take advantage of the function and style that this wall mounted sconce exudes, with a long list of premium finishes and your choice of glass, the Hamner Sconce is sure to give that look of authenticity to your nautical project.

Nestled along the Florida coast, just 20 minutes away from downtown Jacksonville, resides this ocean front country club that fully recaptures the charm of the Mediterranean coast.  With its mix of brick cobblestones and decorative arches, the Sawgrass Country Club in Pont Vedra Beach is reminiscent of Greek and Spanish influences with a modern take on this classic architectural style.  Identified by its use of open archways, decorative ledges, and soft clay colored roofing tiles; this building style sets the benchmark for coastal elegance.  Taking advantage of the historic Spanish influence, that finds itself commonly associated with this area, the Sawgrass Country Club uses a perfect blend of coastal elements to create the ideal beach side setting.

With so many ornate details already incorporated into this structure, providing the right complimentary exterior lighting for this visually stunning façade soon presents itself as a challenge.  Complete with Mediterranean charm and a color pallet enriched by creamy earth tones, the choice to go with a darker finish for the exterior lanterns allows for a contrast between the sandy columns and deep wood accents.  Function also becomes a priority in this application, with the desire to create a wide dispersion of light to showcase the impressive details of this coastal country club and provide ample exterior lighting to its patrons.

To further compliment this timeless building style, the incorporation the Pamplona Barn Lantern maintains the identity of the architecture through its deep old bronze finish and looping organic details.  The natural elements of this hand forged lantern is reminiscent of the Spanish and Greek villa buildings that line many of the coastal cities in Europe.  Not limited to being an outdoor lantern, the Pamplona’s versatile style extends to the outside with an Exterior Pendant version of this popular lantern.