My First Design Regret In My Studio
I’m still working on getting the mural wall in the studio finished. It really is a big job. After all, it’s the main wall, so I want it perfect. Plus, there are things to do that aren’t really seen, like getting the outlets inside the cabinets installed. But the fact is that this wall has taken me way longer than it should have, and I think I realized yesterday why that is. I’m afraid of it. Seriously.
I spend a lot of time in my studio because I love being in there, but I don’t spend nearly enough time actually working to finish the mural wall. And I realized last night it’s because I’m afraid to be too close to that countertop. (If you missed how that countertop project destroyed my skin for several weeks, you can read about it here.) After weeks of misery, my skin is finally feeling almost normal again, and the thought of it happening again really scares me. My logical mind tells me that it can’t and won’t happen just by being near the countertop. (It happened in the first place because I was literally covered in dust from sawing those laminate flooring boards.) But my irrational mind hasn’t wanted to be near it.
So instead of spending my time in the studio actually working to finish the mural wall, I’ve found myself spending lots of time sitting in my desk chair, far away from the countertop, and just admiring the mural wall from afar. So yesterday, in order to get through this obvious psychological block, I cleared off the countertop, vacuumed up the dust, sprayed down the whole countertop, and wiped down every inch of it about two or three times.
I don’t know if that will do the trick to get me past my psychological hurdle, but I sure hope so, because this wall is so close to being finished! And it’s darn near impossible to actually finish it if I won’t get close to it. 😀 I’m so ready to get it done and move on to another section of the room. Of course, that means making another countertop. *Sigh* I just need to push myself through this, and put all the precautions into place so that I don’t end up with a relapse of pain and misery. I just need to get it done.
After cleaning the countertop really well yesterday, I did finally caulk the window trim so that it’s ready to paint today. I also installed the wall sconce. Last time I mentioned the sconce, several people didn’t remember there being a sconce on this wall. But it’s been there as long as the pendant lights have been there. And it, too, started off solid black. You can see it right in the middle of the wall, centered between the windows, in the photo below.
When I redid the electrical wiring on this wall, I contemplated removing the sconce completely, but for some reason, I decided to keep it. Now, in hindsight, I wish I had removed it.
The whole reason I put a wall sconce there in the first place was because I had originally planned to hang something on that wall. It seemed like the perfect place for something like a chalk board, a large dry erase calendar, a bulletin board, or something like that. And I liked the idea of having a sconce over it.
But now, I don’t want anything hung there because I don’t want anything covering up the flowers. I want the flowers to be the stars of that wall, so much so that I made sure my two favorite flowers were right there in the middle. So now it doesn’t really make sense to have a wall sconce there in the first place. What is it lighting up, exactly? My favorite flowers on the mural? That’s weird.
But I had already made the (stupid) decision to keep the wiring, so when I installed the new mural, I cut a hole in the mural for the junction box for the light. After all, you can’t bury wire connections (or capped off wires) inside a wall. They have to be accessible.
So a few days ago, I gave the sconce a makeover similar to the pendant lights — gold leaf on the canopy, the adjustable arm, and the inside of the shade, and white on the outside of the shade. The problem is that the white shade doesn’t really show up against the mural. It’s fine, but it’s not great. See how it disappears in the photo below?
I mean, you really have to be up close to even notice that it’s there. I think it’s pretty, and I love how it matches the pendants, but I just don’t love how it disappears on the wall. And I also don’t love that it doesn’t really serve a specific purpose anymore.
So now, I’m not sure what to do. I could try gold leafing the outside of the shade and see if that makes it show up more.
Or I could try to find another sconce that I like better, but I’ve already spend about 30 minutes looking, and I don’t really think that a different sconce will solve anything. It’ll still be a sconce without a purpose.
One other thing I could do is remove the sconce completely. If that particular wire that powers that light isn’t actually hooked up to power, then it’s fine if it’s abandoned in the wall. There’s nothing it could harm from being there if it’s just a random wire not hooked up to anything.
But then that leaves the issue of the hole in the mural. To be honest, I think it would be fine to patch it. After all, there’s been a hole right there in the mural all this time, and I would venture to guess that most of you have never noticed. Do you notice it in the picture below?
You may see it now that you know it’s there, but I would bet that most of you never even saw it until now. And it wasn’t any more noticeable when you’re standing in the room, either. So while I absolutely abhor the thought of putting a wallpaper patch over that area, I’m also convinced that precisely 0.00% of people who come into my studio would ever notice it.
So I’m a little frustrated that I didn’t remove it when I had the opportunity to do so before the new mural went up. I’ll probably still try to gold leaf the outside of the shade first just to see if that helps it show up more against the mural. If it does, I might just live with it for a while and see if it grows on me. But even if it shows up and look really pretty, it still seems like a sconce without a purpose to me.
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.
I wouldn’t have any problem patching that, especially where it’s located. My mom and I wallpapered my kitchen once and ran out of paper with about an 18” square area left. We patched it with scraps and the only way you’d know is if you ran your hand over it.
Ive done that also. That’s what i would do!
Is the sconce on a separate switch? If you were working in that area, you might appreciate the extra light in that space. Maybe, once the room is finished, and you are using it as intended, you might find that the light has a purpose!
It’s on the same switch as the pendant lights. So all three lights would come on with the flip of one switch.
You may be glad you left it down the road. If not, it seems like it will be an easy fix if you change your mind. I think the gold leaf will really make it stand out, in a nice way.
Don’t bother fiddling with the sconce – once you’ve decided you don’t like something, no amount of gold leaf will save it. Personally I’d leave it, but maybe try taking it off but don’t patch it just yet – leave your options open until everything is finished.
Agree – it has no purpose, so why try to make it stand out.
I would only keep it if you think you’d need an adjustable spotlight for fine detail work. You could get one with a longer adjustable arm. It’s so high up on the wall for that, though. Other than that, I think I agree with your decision to remove it. You really can barely tell there’s a hole there, even unpatched.
Won’t the sconce shine light on the middle of the work top? It would seem that with the two pendants on the ends, a middle light would be great to shed light mid-countertop.
I think the gold sconce blends in nicely. If anything, the light can be adjusted for whatever project you need, right? I always like to have additional lighting options as I don’t like shadows or having desk lamps. And if it bothers you, can you “frame your favorite flowers”, like hang only a frame that frames the flowers (not my fav opt)? If you really want to remove the sconce, the hole in the mural is not very visible from the photo because it’s within the borders of a dark flower and up high. If you have to cover it, I don’t think it’ll stand out so much if you paint it the same color or patch it with the blue/purple flower as the brighter flowers draw the eyes away from the darker ones. I don’t think people remember the sconce because the wall accents draw the eye away from that sconce so well. Best wishes and I hope you are able to overcome the countertop trauma. Such a beautiful space…
Hi Kristi, I don’t mind the sconce at all or the fact that it doesn’t show up as much. My first thought when I saw the sconce was “wow, like the adjustable task lighting.” If not for your post, I would have seen it as a clever option for additional lighting that could be trained on the area underneath when you are working on a project on that portion of the counter. I guarantee that most visitors, even decorators, are not going to wonder why that light is there. But I know you are a perfectionist so fix it in a manner that best suits you. My fear is that YOU will still no its there. Like you said, I had never noticed the whole there so if removing the sconce would be the best solution for you, go ahead. Especially since it sits in the middle of the large flower, it isn’t likely to be noticed.
I can’t immediately remember if there will be upper cabinets in that location but if there are then the repair won’t be noticed at all. If no cabinets, then it still works as an intentional task light, gold or white. I like it white, matching the pendents, and looks like the installation is intentional.
We all know that what ever the method you decide to use, it will be great. You always have a solution, or 10, for most of the ‘speed-bumps” you uncover.
Looking forward to the finished results. But, I am patient.
Definitely remove. It’s too high for the type of light it is and the size looks off balance. Could you put a sconce in there instead just for mood lighting, something with up lighting?
I’d just take the sconce out; I don’t think it is going to grow on you from what you have written.
Clearly you don’t like the sconce. Get rid of it. Because of where the patch will be, and the colors of it, it won’t be noticeable. Do it now and move on.
I would cover a plate with your wallpaper and use that on the box. Skip the scones for now, leaves you options in the future and hidden in wall paper so you don’t see it
How about a clear glass/acrylic dry erase board. That way the mural will still show through, with a pretty spotlight on it.
I would leave the sconce alone for now. You can always remove it later. I say that because when you are otherwise done with the room and begin to use it, you may find it a bonus having the light there. It is virtually unseen at this point and basically blends into the wall as opposed to the 2 big pendants which are showcased by the windows.
Put it on the back burner and finish up the rest of the room first. I kinda like the idea that the sconce is unobtrusive and doesn’t detract from the wallpaper.
That is a big counter and overhead lighting will be blocked by you standing at it. The pendant lights are really too far apart to give you decent lighting in the center.
Another option might be to get a really BIG sconce light that shines up and down but is “flatter” to the wall. Or just shines down but is larger than the pendants. Make it a focal point. You could also use that electric box to attach another larger pendant and swag it out over the countertop. Lots of options. I would rather see you put this idea into the LATER box and finish up the studio first. Make it the last decision. By living with it, and finishing the rest of the room, you will have a better idea of what you really want.
I totally agree with Crystal. I know you are young, Kristie but as we age we need more light. After every remodel I have seen I ask my friends if you could do one thing over what would it be? Everytime the answer is add more lights.
I feel this way too. With so many bigger things to work on, & not being sure, I’d just wait & see. I also like the way it matches the pendants, is unobtrusive, & I know I always want more light than what I have.
I would remove the sconce and replace it with another hanging light. You will still need light for the area of counter top.
Hi Kristie, I really think you did the right thing by leaving it. You’ve basically made it disappear by painting it. It nearly invisible and down the line, if you want more light for a project or to highlight an item on the desk, you’re covered. I would honestly leave it, and know you have extra light if you need it.
Yeah, I think if you’re not sure you want it long term, making it stand out seems counterproductive. Right now it’s camouflaged well so that short term you can decide if you want it. And honestly, you might like having the light when the lights are on, but also having it hidden when they’re off.
I don’t know if this is an option or not because I seem to recall that you already had the pendant lights but if you thought you needed the extra light in the center you could probably pull the wires up through the attic and drop them down through the ceiling to mimic the two on each end and still have the extra lighting in the center. Then patch the wall which would not be noticeable at all.
you could always put a sort of open sculpture under that scone or a book cradle with maybe a oversized design book. or even a plant?
it won’t actually cover your wall up but it would give the scones a purpose.
or just call it extra lighting when you need it and not worry about it
Agree with vi in pa – use it as an accent light on a plant or art project- definitely wait and see- you can always remove when the room is complete.
Have you thought of a sconce shade that is much closer in size to the pendants? Painted white with the gold leaf. I don’t think it would look bad, at all, to have it at a different height, but am not sure if you might need a more substantial arm.
I think it’s a pretty sconce as is. If it were me I would leave it up a while and I would give it a purpose. I think it would be lovely to place something special on the countertop and shine the light on it. Im thinking a containers of flowers that repeat the colors of the wall painter. I love when flowers repeat a floral painting adding depth. Or maybe a sweet little oil painting on a small god easel.
My first thought was to use it as a task light for the middle area of the counter which isn’t lit by either side fixtures. If that doesn’t work for you, I’d say remove it and get it finished up to your liking! 🙂
The fact that the sconce doesn’t really show up is kind of an asset! It can provide task light without commanding attention! Call it your stealth light and move on…this space is looking great!
I would keep it, it doesn’t really take away from the mural being as high on the wall as it is. You might even be glad it is there when you are working on something. When I am working, I can’t get enough light. Or if you really want it gone, can you get a metal plate cover and paint it the same color as the flower it is in?
I’d wallpaper the access plate and take down the sconce. Nail polish/sharpie on the screws if they show. If it was lower, I’d consider some retractable power cord possibly. Maybe if you get into sewing you could power that pattern projector thingy with it. Plans change, hobbies adjust, you may find a use later, it’s useless now.
I like the way you’ve matched the sconce more to the lights, but here’s a wild, random thought: why not shift your focus from the sconce to the wall? Here’s what I mean. You often change your mind about details after a while and change things up, so what if you should change your mind down the road about your wall paper, even though you totally love it right now. Why not focus on the wall now instead of the sconce? Remember the resin art you did a while back? Well, why not select/tape off an area on that wall, round, square, oval, diamond, and create some resin “art” that matches the wallpaper. Use a piece of the wallpaper that matches the pattern exactly and mount it on a backing you can hang. But play with your resin to enhance the wallpaper; make it shine, give depth, and be really artistic. Maybe border it with the gold leaf, as well. I can just see your mind starting to whirl and experiment with all kinds of different options for that wallpaper that you love. Later, it you decide to change out the wallpaper, you can just remove the “art” and will still have the sconce if you want to hang a different picture or art work. Yeah, I’m crazy, but you have so many ways/things to focus on besides just the sconce. What do you think?
If you are working in there at night, it will illuminate that middle area of the counter. I’d leave it for now.
Can you treat it as a library light? Use it to wash the wallpaper with light.
Maybe if you are working on something that needs detailed light, you can pull down the shade so the light shines right on your project. Like put your sewing machine there.
If you do choose to patch do it by taping a square patch that matches then using a art knife to cut the pattern around the hole. Peel off the old and glue in the new patch It wont be noticeable then.
Could you put a couple of coatings on the countertop like you have on your floor or furniture to encapsulate the laminate?
Also, take out the sconce box, patch the papers d you are done.
Add me to the “leave it for now” camp. You can always take it out later but it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb (though maybe it does for you) and it may be helpful to have a bit of fill lighting in between the pendants when you’re working in there.
I don’t think I would waste any time on the sconce right now. If it is hooked up then a little more lighting along that long surface won’t hurt. For the record I like it as is and it doesn’t bother me that it disappears into the wall from a distance. Not everything has to be a focal point.
You’ve got plenty to do and it is a small detail that you can assess and fiddle with later.
You are obsessing over this. Leave it!!! Walk away and do something else. In the meantime, your busy mind will churn away and come up with a solution in time. Don’t waste any more time on it. You can always make a necessary change when it comes to you….and you won’t have More regrets. I happen to like the gold tint you put on it…it ties in to the other lights and it PROVIDES lighting, which is what it’s all about. It’s a long wall and you may wish you had the lighting later. In the meantime, take a deep breath and do something else. You will come up with a perfect solution in time.
I can never say enough how talented you are and I have such respect! Why not wear gloves when working on/near the countertop?
What about a clear acrylic dry erase board, in the area below the sconce? I happen to like the sconce, but maybe adding some gold leaf to the exterior of the fixture will change your mind. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
I vote to keep it and match it with the hanging lights, pop in a bulb and maybe it will provide task lighting? I’ve lived in Chicagoland my entire 50+ years and we get very gray doldrum winters so I always vote for extra lights when possible. Maybe you can put a small floating glass shelf to display something that let’s that light shine through and not block that beautiful wallpaper too?
Regarding the sconce, it looks beautiful right now. Please don’t remove it or do anything to it until your studio is done, and more importantly, until you are actually USING IT. If you go in there to work at night, you may find that it is helpful to have the light from the sconce in addition to your two pendants. Until you see how you will use the space and how you will use it after dark, please think about leaving it just where it is right now. And who cares if it shows up against your wall paper or not? Plus, you may want to turn it on, just to highlight your favorite part of your wallpaper when you are working on a project in the evening.
Put some artwork there and give it a purpose!
I cannot see the hole at all, and I’m sure you could put a clock or something or nothing, and no one would even know. BUT, I was looking at the whole, and wondering if a light right above the counter with no window might be handy anyway. If you are working there, an additional light would be nice to have. I would leave it and use it. I’m sure you will be working on a lot of projects on that counter! Maybe the gold would be more to your liking?
Someone may have mentioned it already (I haven’t read the comments), but there are laminate flooring cutters similar to tile cutters that produce much less dust. It wouldn’t help with the lengthwise cuts, but it would decrease the overall dust you’d be exposed to. I don’t think they’re terribly expensive, either, and you could probably even just rent one. I wonder if you’d produce less dust doing the lengthwise cuts with a jigsaw or possibly even a bandsaw rather than a table saw? They wouldn’t be so nice, of course.
As for the sconce, what about switching it out for one with a really extendible arm, so that if you’re doing detail work of some kind you could aim the light right where you need it and as close as you need it? Then it would have a purpose!
How about painting the outside of the sconce the same color as your cabinets & leave the gold leaf as it is?
I think that once you are actually doing things on that dreaded counter , you may like having the extra light.
I like the sconce. Use it to highlight an original Kristi Linauer art piece of your Addicted to Decorating banner. It is your work studio after all. Rather than hang it on the wallpaper, use a custom easel (I know you can make something beautiful) to set the piece on the counter, then shine the light on it.
Kristi, why not give the sconce something to highlight on the countertop? You have great decorating instincts, so I’m not even going to suggest anything. I vote not taking it out; it looks finished and functional now.
Kristi,
Did you also wash the vanes of the big fan in the room? Dust goes everywhere and would be there, too!
Don’t do anything yet about the sconce. This is your studio and not many people will be in there and if they are they won’t notice it. I didn’t notice it until you pointed it out. It just blends in. You are worried about something most of us are not going to see. And don’t dwell on I wish I had done something different. You don’t know what the future holds and you might end up doing something different in that space in the future and need the light. I suggest you just let it be and move on to the more important things like your other cabinetry.
I think the extra light would be useful when working – but that would mean you want a sconce that can actually come down low, close to your workbench… I recently bought a magnifying lens with light for my desk, because I’m getting older and doing detailed crafts work is difficult when you can’t see what you are doing! https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B097JV9YCK
But even if useful, it would be weird for it to just hang from that particular part on the wall… is there any way you could extend the cables all the way to the ceiling (so you have 3 lights over the bench), and then patch that part of the wallpaper permanently? (and yeah, nobody will ever know – besides, even if you don’t have a wallpaper piece, you have the images on your computer and can re-print, and both you and your mother can patch up a painting).
I’m team leave it for now. I think you may have an (understandable) aversion to the idea of using that counter right now. That may change as time goes by.. I really do need more light as I age. You know you can remove it later if you want, but get that studio up and running first and see how useful it really is.
Add a clear dry eraser board. You can still see the flowers but still have it useable.
I would definitely patch it. You will do a perfect job, and it will never be noticeable. I don’t think you will ever be pleased leaving it there and trying different sconces. You always do perfect work 👍
After reading about your skin problems I looked it up and some of the brands have formaldehyde in them. You need to read what can be done. I did read that it can release gases only for a time but since you’re using it on a counter I’m not so sure. Please be careful with this and possibly call an urgent care or an emergency room to see if you can get some answers. Look up the brand and see if it tests positive for formaldehyde.
I hate to think you would have to take it all off and just get some Formica but your health is so important than a countertop, especially with you being Matt’s care giver.
You might end up using for future projects, the light could come in very handy. It blends well into the background now, so I would leave it as it is.
Since it’s there already, if you leave it for awhile, you may find that it gives extra light for any project you might be working on right underneath it. Then, if it still doesn’t work, you can remove it and patch the wall.
I would leave it. The additional light may come in handy. Also, you want your favorite flowers to be the focal point. Isn’t that the idea for the light to NOT stand out and draw your eyes away from the flowers? It looks great to me.