I’m in love with big glass globe pendants. They instantly change the feel of the kitchen and give the peninsula the focused light it desperately needed. We hung two clear glass globes over the peninsula and they’ve already made that area feel brighter and more intentional.
We followed the common guideline for pendant height—about 30″ from the top of the counter to the base of the pendant—but ended up at 31″ so my tall husband wouldn’t have the globes right in his face. That extra inch made a surprising difference. The pendants are inexpensive at a local outlet, which helped us get two for around the cost of one at full retail.
We still have a few small holes to patch—five to be exact—but the new lighting already makes the space look much more finished.
It’s hard not to stare. The globes draw your eye upward and give the peninsula area a polished, modern vibe. John agrees—he’s been admiring them too.
One area we still need to address is the lighting above the fireplace. The current pendant is centered but it broke shortly after we moved in, so it hasn’t been used for months. We’re thinking a shallow drum pendant closer to the ceiling will suit the cozy seating area without interfering with taller guests.
That fixture is on the list along with swapping the pendant over the sink and finishing the patchwork. I want the fireplace area to feel relaxed and well-lit without being overpowering—hence the consideration for a larger drum-style shade mounted only a few inches below the ceiling.
We installed a dimmer switch for the pendants, which is one of the best moves for kitchen lighting. With the dimmer we can go bright for cooking or lower the lights for a more intimate dinner. Because of the dimmer we need dimmable LEDs if we want to switch to more efficient bulbs, so we’re hunting for LEDs that are compatible with our dimmer.
Update: We’re getting questions about whether we’ll change the bar stools’ finish. We’re holding off until the dark cork floors are installed—those floors could change the whole look and affect our decision.
From the opposite side of the room, the pendants look balanced and help define the peninsula as a distinct zone. A larger drum light over the fireplace would echo that softness and help create a cozy corner for reading or relaxing.
We tested different bulb types. Edison bulbs were too warm and made our counters look slightly dingy, and clear bulbs created too many harsh ceiling shadows. For now we prefer frosted bulbs for their softer, more flattering light. That said, we’re still searching for dimmable LED options that give the right color temperature and work smoothly with our dimmer.
On another note, the wall between the fridge and the half wall offers a great spot for a large piece of art. We’re on the lookout for something that balances the kitchen’s brightness and adds personality to that sunny “grellow” patch of wall.
When reconfiguring the kitchen we intentionally left that end of the peninsula open instead of adding an upper cabinet. That decision makes the space feel more open and less kitchen-y—more casual and airy, and very practical for food prep and serving. The peninsula now functions like a true gathering spot rather than just another countertop.
Next up: patching those holes (we’ll share the spackling process), installing our Craigslist range hood, and finally adding the open shelving we’ve been excited about for months. Open shelves will be far more convenient than the lazy susan corner cabinet we’ve used, and they’ll give us a chance to display everyday dishes, vases, and a few decorative pieces.
Also, on the self-imposed “Dude, Get On That Already” challenge: I promised weekly progress, so consider this a nudge to myself to keep moving. I’ll try to have a spackle update soon—anyone want to join in and share what they accomplish tomorrow morning?
In short: lighting has made a huge impact, a few finishing touches remain, and the kitchen is steadily coming together. What are you working on today?