Journal

Brass chandelier centered above a long dining table with warm afternoon glow
How to size a chandelier for your dining room
Early evening, the table is set, and the chandelier feels either perfectly placed or slightly off before anyone says a word. We notice this quickly in dining rooms. Read more...
Close detail of antique brass arm and socket with visible patina
Antique brass, real and false — how to tell
Most of what is sold as antique brass today is not brass at all. It is paint over base metal, tuned to look warm under showroom lighting. Read more...
Two matching pendants over a counter, one warm glow and one cool white
Warm light versus cool light — and why it matters
You can install one fixture in one room, swap only the bulb, and end up with two completely different homes. One feels soft and quiet. Read more...
Three pendants laid out on linen showing clear differences in build quality
What to look for in a well-made pendant
Pendant prices run from about $40 to $4,000, and from a product thumbnail they can look almost interchangeable. Once they are in hand, the spread makes sense. Read more...
Three brass pendants evenly spaced over a warm kitchen island at golden hour
The Canadian guide to lighting a kitchen island
In many homes, the island becomes breakfast table, prep station, laptop desk, and late-night gathering point in the same day. That is why island lighting is harder than it first... Read more...