Studio Office Cabinet Progress (Plus, Lighting Indecision)
I made so much progress on my studio office area cabinet doors and drawer fronts this weekend! I’m feeing so motivated, and so excited to get these cabinets done so that I can be one step closer to having a finished studio.
On Friday and Saturday, I worked on the backs of the doors and drawer fronts — sanding the primer smooth with 220-grit sandpaper, spraying the first coat of paint, sanding again, spraying the second coat of paint, spraying the first clear coat, sanding again, and then spraying the final clear coat.
Saturday night, Matt asked me what my Sunday was going to look like, so I was going over my day — church in the morning, come home and make him lunch, go to lunch with my mom and brother, then come home and make him dinner. Then I said after all of that, I planned to work on my studio cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
When I said that, the expression on his face got really sad. I asked him what was wrong, and he said, “I just feel so bad that you have to work on a Sunday.” I responded, “What do you mean have to? I don’t have to do anything. I want to work on those! I’m so excited about getting those cabinets done, and I love painting! This isn’t work for me. It’s fun!” 😀
Even after all these years, I still don’t think he completely understands my love for some of these things I do. Sure, at times, it can seem like work, and I want to procrastinate and avoid it. But when I really start seeing progress on a big project, it gets exciting and fun. And that’s where I am now with these cabinets.
I had high hopes that I’d be able to finish painting and clear coating the fronts of the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to. But I did get the primer sanded, and then get the first coat of paint on everything.
I had plenty of time to get them finished last night, and the weather was absolutely perfect for painting, although it was a bit windy at moments. But for the most part, it was perfect. It got up to 85 degrees yesterday, and even after the sun went down, it was very comfortable outside.
And I really love painting. I actually watered down the paint just a tiny bit (which I’ve never done before when using my little sprayer), and the paint was going on so beautifully. I didn’t use the Critter brand sprayer this time. I needed to buy a new one, and the Critter brand had gotten ridiculously expensive. So I bought this K-Grip siphon spray gun instead (affiliate link). It’s literally the exact same thing as a Critter, except that it’s still reasonably priced, and it comes with a plastic jar instead of glass, which I actually prefer. This one doesn’t break if I drop it. The glass jars break 100% of the time, and I’ve dropped a few of them over the years.
So anyway, I was making such good progress, and I was really hopeful that I could get them all finished with a second coat of paint and two coats of General Finishes High Performance Topcoat (affiliate link), which is my go-to clear coat.
But unfortunately, I had one thing working against me last night — crane flies. They were everywhere. If you’re not familiar with crane flies, they’re large, very delicate, completely harmless flying insects that are annoying more than anything else, because they seem very clumsy, like they can’t really control their flying. And they show up in droves at this time of year after the sun goes down.
So after the sun went down, here they came, attracted to the lights in the carport. They were continually flying into me, flying around my face, flying into my hair, and worst of all, flying into the wet paint. And once they’re there, there’s no getting them out of the paint. They’re way too delicate to pick them out of wet paint. So my only option was to wait for the paint the dry, and then brush them off and sand the imperfections in the paint.
So unfortunately, I had to give up after the first coat of paint was done. I was so disappointed. I really wanted to have all of the doors and drawer fronts painted, clear coated, and ready for gold leaf today, but it looks like these little bugs have put me one day behind. It’s not a big deal, though.
Okay, moving on to another item for my office area, I want to show you something I found so you can tell me your opinion. As I shared last week, I’m going to be building a bridge with cubbies between the two side upper cabinets. That will look like this…
And then I had decided to use two table lamps on the countertop, and to use my floral print on the lamp shades. It would look something like this…
I had decided not to do pendant lights in this area for two reasons. First, I have a pendant light above my desk, and I didn’t want three pendant lights in such a small area, especially since two would be the same, and the third (the one over my desk) would be completely different. And the second reason is that I would want any pendant lights over this countertop to match the pendant lights over the other countertop. I bought these years ago, and then actually took them apart and combined parts from two different lights to make one light. So these pendant lights aren’t something I can just order more of. And I haven’t been able to find any that look similar enough for my liking.
But look what I did find. Sconces! I found them on Amazon (affiliate link), and they look so similar to my pendants!
They would need to be painted and gold leafed to look like the pendants, but I can’t believe how similar they are! I mean, they’re not exactly the same shape, but they’re pretty darn close!
So now I’m not sure if I should do the sconces, or stick with the table lamps with the floral shades. I like both options a lot, but I’ve always loved using sconces where I can find places for them. Now I’m torn.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
The sconces look perfect. If I’m guessing correctly, it would drive you nuts to have a table lamp bumped askew by your cat, or by something on your counter pushing them out of place. Who needs one more thing that needs to be “tidied” all them time.
I think the sconces would look very elegant.
The sconces do not take up flat surface space…you may find that flat surface useful, even if temporarily working on a project.
Do the sconces as they won’t take up work space on the table top.
I vote for the sconces they are very similar to the pendents and once you do your magic they will look great!!!!
I am team sconces! They will look great up higher and shining light down onto the counter.
I’d go with the sconces and keep the counter free of clutter.
Hooray for your progress! Crane fly story brought back a great memory. Our daughter, who is very tough (she has seven brothers) was deathly afraid of crane flies. Once she had a job (barista at Starbucks) she began paying her younger brothers to kill crane flies. One dollar per crane fly. They got smart and began “importing” crane flies. She caught on and quit paying 😂
Another vote for the sconces!
I vote for sconces! Table lamps will take up counter space and then you run the risk of knocking them over.
I would definitely do the sconces – they fit better with your overall design.
I don’t know about you but I think I would find the lamps irritating after a while.
Love the sconces. That would be my choice!!! We have tons of those crane flies in Houston. I call them mosquito hawks. Don’t know if they eat mosquitoes.
I like the sconces. I think the table lamps could get in the way in the future.
Sconces!
SCONCES!
With much respect, the proposed table top lampshade feels forced, as if you were trying to hard.
I vote for the sconces. You don’t have a very big work space at the window and having 2 lamps sitting there would shrink it even more whereas the sconces would provide excellent light and not take up space. You never know what you’ll be needing that countertop space for in the future so giving yourself more options is never a bad thing.
Personally, I would put 1/2″ puck lights under the bridge to eliminate visual clutter, not hit my head on (I’m 5-9) and not have something else to dust. If you are working with fabrics, you know how must dust/lint it produces. I would also recommend having 1 or 2 large room air purifiers for your workroom as well as other rooms that tend to get dusty with people and pets living there.
Absolutely, use the sconces! They’ll look elegant and tie in with your other lighting w/o looking contrived. Agree with others, once you’re using your studio as planned, I think you’ll appreciate the uncluttered counter space.
BTW, one method of discouraging small bugs away from your painting projects is to utilize a fan. A large fan on a low speed is the best. It may not be effective when there’s a swarm as you encountered this weekend, but it helps keep small flying insects away from an area.
I’m usually a bit “meh” about sconces because they’re so trending right now, but these honestly are the perfect lights for this location.
So, I know you’d settled on green fabric for your chair, but what about putting the floral fabric on your chair and then doing those sconces you found in white and gold? I’m guessing you’ve already ruled that for some reason, but I don’t remember at the moment what it was.
As amazing the match of the sconces to the pendants is, i think they are too matchy-matchy…
I DO think I’d choose sconces over the lamps though…
I’d look for sconces that are less protruding than those you showed – as in a fabric shaded style (whether you choose to use a form of your floral on them or not) or in a glass or metal globed type…
Or, would you consider a semiflush mounted fixture to be secured from the center of the bridge?
You can always bring that exuberant color and interest from the wallpaper over to this spot with a lovely bouquet of flowers…
Sconces for sure!!
So, I know you’d settled on green fabric for your chair, but what about putting the floral fabric on your chair and then doing those sconces you found in white and gold? I’m guessing you’ve already ruled that for some reason, but I don’t remember at the moment what it was.
Another thing… Concerning the bugs… Buy yourself a bug zapper. It’s a device you plug in and it attracts mosquitoes and such. Would definitely help for your outdoor projects.
The scones are the better choice – less counter clutter. Good you thought about it before the cabinets were in place.
Where would the sconces be mounted? I am all for that idea. Table lamps are okay, but… meh.
Did you find that the new sprayer works just as well as the critter? I also have a critter and was going to order another one and saw the CRAZY price it is now. I would love to know your thoughts on this one vs critter spray/look wise.
Love how the office is turning out. We have done so many projects because of watching you over the years on the blog.
Definitely the sconces!!! For my home I love them as-is. But for your studio, they will be absolutely gorgeous treated to go with the pendants. They are perfect! You will find another way to bring a little splash of the wallpaper into the desk area. Go for it Kristi!! Awesome progress on the cabinets…you are inspiring me to get to work on projects with nicer weather heading our way 😊
Can I vote for both? Sconces plus a table lamp for you desk. I love the idea of putting the wallpaper pattern on the shade!
Love, love, love the sconces!
Scones for my choice… then the top of your cabinets are…TOTALLY CLEAR!
While I do like the sconces, I think the idea of the puck lights in the bridge as Crystal noted is a better idea. Lights the whole countertop without anything obstructing and creating shadows on it. JMHO
Yes to the sconces!! Love that idea!!
Crane flies happen now for you?? We get crane flies in the fall in Indiana. And I know they’re harmless…but they creep me out as they look like gigantic mosquitoes!
Use the scones. The lamps are pretty but my first thought was how many times will you need to move them out of the way as you work, maybe none it was just my thought. Anyway, my 2 cents goes to the sconces.
I think you will appreciate the greater dispersion of light from the sconces. As we age project work can be frustrating with poor quality light. Moving lamps can be inconvenient.
Sconces!!!!
Beautiful progress!
I love the sconces and I love that they aren’t a perfect match. For me, it adds a touch of character and visual interest when things go together but aren’t perfect matches.
Whatever you do will be gorgeous.
Here’s my 2 cents. I think that both the table lamps and the sconces add too much clutter, and I get not wanting another pendant light. I would put a pot light in the bridge. Dimmable, no added clutter, but there to illuminate anything that you might want to “display” on the counter, or to see something better if needed.
I came here to say that. I am 100% in agreement with you on a puck light, or a couple of pin lights in the bridge. I also don’t like everything matchy-matchy and would prefer some things to be less obtrusive. I think the sconces will protrude too much. YMMV of course! 🙂
I like the idea of the lamp, but the sconces may be even better.
I can’t remember what you have decided for the pendant over the desk…any possibility of using the floral fabric on that shade? It would bring the pattern over to that side of the room, and allow you to have the “matching” sconces.
I like the sconces!
Also, how does the new sprayer compare? I bought the Critter upon your recommendation, but haven’t used it yet. Can’t believe the price of the Critter now! Holy cow.
It’s the exact same as the Critter. I don’t notice any difference at all, except for the plastic jar.
Good to know. I have a Critter that I paid $35 for a few years ago. I can’t believe it’s now $240, almost 10 times the price!
I have an idea. Buy the sconces, paint the outsides white and the insides gold but instead of the gold stripe around the outside use a proportionately similar strip of your floral fabric to link them together with the cabinets and your other floral accents. Very similar to the current hanging lamp but not matchy-matchy.
I’m presuming that you would be painting the sconces white like the ones over your counter. I like that idea. Have you considered making short drapery for the window between the bookcase cabinet?
I love the sconces. With that area having two windows though I wonder if they would provide light for the whole counter top? Would the center be left without enough light if you are working on something there? What about having both sconces and then a pot light on a separate switch. Then you could use either. I’m not sure though if while using only the pot light there might be shadows cast from the sconces. It would probably depend on how wide the area is.
Coming along nicely. I like both the lamps and the sconces but think the sconces seem too big for the space. These 7″ diameter ones seem more appropriate from what I tell of the wall and window space.
https://www.amazon.com/GOALPLUS-Gooseneck-Farmhouse-Interior-LM2205/dp/B0BBG6C6BR/
I am loving your space more each time I read your progress. As far as the lamps versus scones, I vote for the sconces. I think when you make them the colors of the pendants it will be beautiful. I read several recommendations for puck lights in the bridge, I like that as a extra light source if you need all area brightness or adding a dimmer which gives the ambient option. As I have aged I need more light to help with details. LED lighting has such nice bright results too.
You have an overwhelming Job and just know sometimes so many decisions to be made can cause a doubting mind. You have a large following for a reason, we are inspired by your abilities creating your home to a bright filled home showcasing all your talents throughout your home. Trust your process and if in doubt, pause for a time and your brain will give you the answer.
By the way, even in western Washington we get crane flies. Such pests for enjoy the outdoors when they are out in large numbers. Our grandkids love to catch them and throw them in spider website for their food. This is a skill Papa taught them this skill. Lol
Enjoy you day…Christine
My vote is for sconces. What’s your thought on painting them a deep purple with gold inside and around the rim?
I’m sure whatever you decide, I’ll be a fan.
Hello to another Michele with one “L”…. I hope Kristi can tell us apart from our email addresses. lol
Kristi,
I love the sconces. After you paint and gold leaf the sconces and get them put up, they will look classy….and be out of the way. You never know, you just might have a time when you would need to use that countertop and need some spread out room. Moving those table lamps would take up time and get annoying.
I love your doors. They look so beautiful all laying there drying. Like you, I really do hate those big flying crane flies. I never knew what they were exactly. Now, thanks to you, I do.
Hey Kristi, sconces sconces sconces. Look at the space that could give you. And those gold letter leaf hanging lights are incredibly beautiful. Sort of like jewelry to beautify your gorgeous cabinets
I’m in the neither camp this time. Install downlights in the ‘bridge’ and go for functional over frippery. You don’t want too much clutter. The star of the show over in this part of the studio will be the massive pendant light you are planning. I’m so looking forward to seeing that.
Puck lights are my favorite too for functional lighting. The lamps would be a beautiful decorative element. The bulky sconces would make the area look crowded and cluttered, imo.
Scones all the way!
They’ll look awesome once made over x
I’m with the others. Table lamps will get in the way constantly. The sconces will be so pretty and elegant.
While I like the lamps, I think they will get in your way sitting on the countertop. I like the sconces because they are out of the way and the light source is higher. And I know you will get a lot of light from the window but what about nighttime. You work a lot at night and if I know you, you’ll be using every horizontal surface at some point. 😀
Hi Kristi – I’ve been following you since before you bought this house and you’ve taught me a lot – thank you! As far as the lighting in this situation, I definitely wouldn’t do table lamps and there’s a lot already going on with patterns and colors and the window trim/shade. I’d suggest doing recessed lights in the bridge and use those lights somewhere else. Just my 2 ents… take it for what it worth. : ).
Sconces. I like table lamps but my cat likes them too and knocks things down on the table.
I’d do the sconces. Once painted and leafed, they are going to make the whole area cohesive. I just love the white ones you installed on the other side. I’d dearly love to add 3 to my art studio. I know you’re dying to bring some of the wallpaper over to that side; would a little pillow in that fabric do the trick? I like the lamp idea but I love the sconces even more.😀
So I was wondering are you mounting the sconces on wall or sides of cabinets? I ask because it doesn’t look like enough room to mount on wall on either side of window.
I’m going against majority here but the sconces mounted on sides of cabinets seems crowded/awkward.
That may be because I don’t have any idea of the scale of sconce to cabinets and probably just need to trust the process.
The lamp is cute and you should find a place for it. Love the clean line of base with your floral shade.
They would have to be mounted on the sides of the cabinets.
I vote for the scones. They won’t get in the way of anything you may want to put on the work surface, won’t clutter your counter up, and will give you better light. Besides, it’s almost karma that you found sconces so similar to your pendants, so you have to use them!
How long do you wait between coats of paint and the different coats of top coat?
This time around, I had 18 doors and drawer fronts to paint. By the time I painted the last one, the first one was ready for another coat. If I had to guess, I’d say that’s about an hour-and-a-half. I try to handle them very carefully for a about 30 days to let everything cure fully, but once that clear coat is on and dry to the touch, the finish is really quite durable.
Sconces, hands down!!!!
You have been a busy lady. The cabinet doors are so pretty. I’m excited about seeing them up. Can help decide on lamps or sconces. Lamps could display the material but sconces would fasten to the wall or cabinets and be out of the way. Lamps might turn over; sconces won’t. I don’t know. Lamps will take up more space. Now that I have written about it, I’d go with sconces. The shape is almost perfect.
Matt probably wanted your attention instead of you working on Sunday. Have a good week. Supposed to be cold (cooler) tomorrow.
Wouldn’t the sconces protrude out too far from the cabinet and interfere with the busyness of the nice wood trim around your window? The style seems kind of bulky for where they would be mounted. The table lamps, however, would be the perfect place for something pretty — kinda balance out the top heavy window trim with something at the bottom… and the shades are a great place to use your fabric!
I LOVE the bridge with the cubbies!! That was a genius idea and there’s nothing dated about that!
The Sconces , the Lamps will take valuable worktop space and you will be everlasting moving them out of the way..
Sconces, hands down. All I could envision, when you first posted the mock-up of the table lamps, was they’re going to get in your way, at some point. The sconces will be easily seen and not get in your way!