Lighting That Makes a Statement

Chandeliers are the crowning focal point of a room

By Elizabeth Sugg  »  Photos by G. Frank Hart

Lighting is the finishing touch to a room. With all the time and attention spent on the desired flooring, paint color, furnishings and artwork in a newly constructed or home remodel, the end goal is to have a connected weave of light fixtures throughout that will accentuate the curated spaces of a new home. High ceilings call for a scale of light fixture that is larger and more dramatic, and often a chandelier is just that crowning touch. Chandeliers have moved far beyond the crystal confections one might think of in the grand houses of yesteryear; in today’s home-centric marketplace there are an abundance of choices that could accent a family room or a handsome dining room that can be made of hammered wrought iron, ribboned aluminum, hand-blown glass and much more. To dive into the array of chandelier styles available, a gracious home in Pinehurst No. 9 opened its doors to share a peek of some of their diverse and exquisite collection of light fixtures that crown the vaulted living areas.

With the help of Carlos Butler of Butler Lighting in High Point, family owned since 1948, homeowners Worth and Tina Mitchell had clear ideas about the artisan light fixtures they wanted to choose as beautiful focal points in each room. Butler and his lighting consultants’ main job is to help customers not only find what they are looking for but to also scale it properly. According to Butler, the height of the light needs to be proportionate to the room, and the size of the fixture is dependent on the length and width of the room, but in his words, “the ‘weight’ of it depends on the furnishings.” In other words, if it’s a light and airy room, choose a fixture that accentuates that feel and doesn’t oppose it by coming on too strong. However, that doesn’t mean your choice can’t make a statement.

With views of the 1st and 10th holes along the Jack Nicklaus golf course, the ceilings throughout the Mitchell house are all high, with most rooms boasting floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the manicured surroundings. Vaulted ceilings were a smart part of the blueprint of the estate house to not interrupt each room’s vista.

In the living room are two coordinating lights by Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting. A three-tier chandelier features faceted crystals on the base that adorn gracefully intersecting arms in a gently worn gold leaf finish. Hand-blown swirled crystallized glass shades are framed in gilded metal. Through the window is a coordinating outdoor pendant light that catches the eye just enough to balance the look.

In the dining room is a handsome artisan fixture made by Originals 22, a lighting company based in California. Real elk horn antlers are interwoven into three tiers of lights mounted onto a hammered wrought iron frame. The coordinating ceiling medallion is made by Livex, their Versailles collection. The bold chandelier has the stunning backdrop of textured walls painted in shimmering gold, silver, purple and gray brushstrokes (by Fashionable Finishes by Michelle). Sculptured giraffes add a playfulness to the large open dining nook as if they have just wandered down from the N.C. Zoo.

In the master bedroom are a coordinating chandelier and sconces, another style crafted by the Fine Art company. A venerable bronze patina is accented by multi-colored crystal gems in smoky quartz, plum and amber, perfectly at home in the clapboard vaulted ceiling. A pair of sconces bring the whimsical style to the bedside walls for a bit of soft light.

As you nest this summer, your next bit of inspiration may come at a lighting store.