Recently, I showed you the light fixtures we were considering since the dining room chandelier from our San Francisco apartment was too short (and I realized that it would be nice in my home office). From the comments on the blog post and Instagram, there were definitely favorites. Of all the casual dining room chandeliers, I chose the second favorite and I will explain why.
Also, with a retired husband who was in the travel industry for the last 30 years AND my only grand-daughter living on the opposite coast…we have a need for good luggage that isn’t too heavy. Let me show you what I’ve found out.
And there’s more as it’s Five Fave time with Annie and Cindy!
1. Our New Dining Room Chandelier
I’m happy with our new high quality Savannah chandelier from Serena And Lily! The reasons I chose this design style are I wanted:
- Something with soft curves since there are already so many right angles
- A ceiling light that is different from what we had for the last several years (although I still like it)
- A textural, coastal modern chandelier feel
- A more casual chandelier reflective of the rest of our home decor (you can see this dining area from the kitchen and living room)
The Savannah chandelier is 22% off right now for a limited time. The bottom of the fixture is about 36″ from the dining table. It has three 60 watt light bulbs on a dimmer switch. The lamp on the console also provides ambient lighting.
You can read more about this Spring table setting here . And you can shop Our Home here.
It’s the right dining room chandelier for us and we like that it has a bit of a wow factor, especially at night.
2. The Camille Chandelier In The Office
I never showed the vaulted ceiling in this room as it had a huge, less than attractive, ceiling fan that I never turned on as it would blow everything off my bulletin board.
Now the room has a bit of elegance with this aged brass and crystal chandelier in here.
I replaced the chandelier shades with wicker ones from Ballard (on sale now). It’s nice to work in here as we have other lighting sources such as the table and desk lamps, too.
3. Well-Priced Light Weight Sturdy Luggage
We’ve used Away luggage for years and I was dying to try out the Quince expandable carry-on suitcase to compare since it’s less than half the price. This Quince case has everything that our Away carryon has and even a couple of extra mesh pockets for socks, underwear, etc.
The 360 degree wheels glide easily and the telescopic handle works well. The handle may not be as heavy as the Away handle (maybe). Otherwise, there is no discernible difference. Except Quince does not have as many colors available as Away has.
I will take it to Charleston with me this week and on some other future trips and will keep you updated. Has anyone else bought this suitcase? It does get excellent reviews.
4. Early Layered Spring Outfit Of The Week
Here are some layers for Spring including some more Quince things I would love to have like the well-reviewed Quince polarized sunglasses, the Italian leather crossbody and the extra cushioned and arch supportive ballet shoes. All for way less than comparable brands.
Striped Tee • earrings • Barbour Jacket (similar to my favorite green one that I wear all the time) • camel cardigan (would be cute tied like a scarf over the shoulders, too • Madewell kick flare jeans (comes in petite, standard, plus, tall and taller!) • Dior plumping lip gloss I have this.
5. What To Read: The Women – by Kristin Hannah
To the neighbors who saw me walking Chief with tears falling down my cheeks…listening this audiobook was the reason why. I could see in my mind Coronado Island in San Diego where I have been several times, but the other parts of the book in war-torn Vietnam are portrayed frighteningly real. I’m glad I read it, though.
“A #1 bestseller on The New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times!
From the celebrated author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds comes Kristin Hannah’s The Women―at once an intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided.”
I hoped you liked following our dining room light fixtures story! All these little touches have us settling in quite nicely.
If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Daisy says
Can you tell me in your office who your sofa/day bed is by? Thanks!
Mary Ann Pickett says
It’s by Pottery Barn: https://rstyle.me/+ERx25LoMbNedW9gdkDwSow
Gail says
As usual, you picked a gorgeous light fixture that is perfect in your beautiful dining room and your guests will be bathed in stunning soft lighting. Your old one looks great in yours and Chiefs office! Thanks for all the great tips you share, your blog is still in the #1 spot on my favorite blog list!
Kathy says
Hey sweet lady, you are always doing new and improved things. Wasn’t so sure about the new chandelier, but I am not there to see how it ties in with other rooms. But I kept the faith in you and love,love, love how beautiful the new chandelier is when turned on. You are so smart!!! Sweet hugs to Chief. Xoxo
Juliet says
MA! Love your chandeliers … and I didn’t know Quince had luggage. Oh my gosh, I’m going to check it out right away …. I’m due for a travel upgrade. Perfect outfit for this time of year… and the Barbour jacket is the icing on the cake. xo
Nana Diana says
For some reason, I don’t think I have visited your blog in a long time-even though it was on my reading list on my blog side bar. At some time along the way, I lost several of the blogs I used to read. Anyway….
Love the new light fixture and the whole dining room. Do you know what color is on the walls? It is lovely. I am just redoing a bathroom in our clubhouse (condo here) and that looks like a perfect color that would coordinate with the tiling that is in there.
Lovely post all the way around. Have a wonderful week. xo Diana
PS- The Women is on my ‘must read’ list. I volunteered for several years (pre-Covid) at our local VA clinic and we had a lot of Vietnam era vets there. Heartbreaking to listen to some of them.
Karen L says
Your dining room is such a vibe! The chandelier is to die for and perfect for your space. I’m very tempted to get the S&L light for our beach cottage, if it will work over our round table. Your dinner guests must love to come over just to see your latest tablescapes and new design elements! And to enjoy the food with the lovely ambiance you create!
Amy says
I love the new dining room chandelier! It’s not what I expected you to pick but it really looks beautiful in the space, and it pulls in a beachy feeling element. I also like the repurposed chandelier with the wicker shades in Chief’s office, lol. Please update us on the durability of the Quince suitcase; I’ve been eyeing it for an upcoming trip to France later this spring. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Mary Ann Pickett says
I will definitely keep you apprised of the durability…we are rough on suitcases! We’re going to Hawaii in April (long trip) so that will be a good test.
Christine says
Perfect choice dining room chandelier! Love the wicker shade update too.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Christine. The original white shades had sort of yellowed. So this was a good adjustment to the chandelier.
Susan says
Beautiful chandelier! Loved it lower as well. I just finished The Women & loved it! It was my era, I knew men going there & coming back wounded. So many memories.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I remember seeing the older Vietnam vets coming back to class when I was in college. Yes, one in a wheel chair. So sad.
Katherine says
Hi Mary Ann,
I think the chandelier you selected is fabulous. Your dining room table looks beautiful, . You are a pro at setting such a pretty and inviting table.
Your office is full of light, a peaceful place to be in. Chief is in charge.
The luggage you selected looks perfect for your needs.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I love how Chief thinks its his office too.
Susan says
I didn’t see your other choices of chandelier, but curious as to why you chose a whitewashed look in a room full of earth tones? To me it seems a little out of place , although it iS stunning
Mary Ann Pickett says
I actually wanted it to stand out here, Susan, and the rest of the house is a whiter, lighter feel, especially the adjacent kitchen.
MARILYNN says
Excellent use of contrast. well done
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Marilynn. We wanted to get some bang for the buck 🙂