September 13, 2012
If you study his designs you will see that because they celebrate simplicity, the feel of his designs can be created using basic materials that are easily accessed.
I think this small sconce would look great in pairs, flanking a sofa or even a bed. But don't stop here! You can just use different lengths of pipe to create one large fixture to swing over a large table.
First put together all of your supplies, all of which can be found at your local well stocked hardware store. For one sconce I used a 24" length of 1/2' copper pipe for the stem that is mounted on the wall, a 90 degree 1/2" copper compression elbow (flanged at each end), and a 12" length of 1/2" copper pipe that extends out from the wall. (* If you are making a large fixture to hang over a table then use a 45 degree elbow in place of the 90 degree elbow)
Attach all of your pipe pieces (they will fit together very easily) and then thread your electrical wire through the pipe. You will need a long enough wire to hang down at least 4" from the pipe that extends from the wall (depending on the size of the bulb that you will be using), and also extends through the stem and down the wall to your outlet that you will be plugging in to. (* I use nylon covered cord because it looks great.)
Strip the ends of your wire that will be attached to the plug and wrap the wire around the plug screws (clockwise) The un-ribbed wire goes on the gold screw, the ribbed wire goes on the silver screw. Tighten the screws to hold the bare wire in place.
You are now ready to wire the porcelain socket on the opposite end where your bulb will hang. Thread the wire through the "strain relief", through the top of your socket, strip the ends, attach them to the screws and re-attach the parts of the socket.
Screw the strain relief into the top of your socket. This prevents the wires (that are attached to the screws) from bearing the weight of the socket and bulb.
If you prefer, you can always install a switch or dimmer on the electrical line just below the pipe bottom. I did, dimmers are amazing for creating different moods and light levels and they are so easy to install. Just follow the package directions.
Your sconce is done! All you need to do now is attach it to the wall. To do this, just use two 1/2" copper pipe clamps. Have someone hold your sconce against the wall while you use two screws to place each clamp.
One of the great things about this sconce is that it goes together VERY easily and it also swings from side to side!
Try it!...Lori PS...I have included links for all the parts in case you can't make it to the hardware store. Also, I decided to use a large clear 60 watt globe but there are also many others to choose from. The hardware store will cut the copper pipe to any length you would like for about 30 cents per cut. The materials for this sconce set me back about $9. Such a deal!
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : DIY (Do It Yourself) Projects
September 7, 2012
When you come across a little treasure at the junk shop or flea market, wouldn't you like to bring it home and transform it into a beautiful piece for your home? It's super easy to do.
Here's how you can do it in less than an hour.
I wish I had taken a picture of the state I found this one in...you wouldn't have believed it! For $10. how could I go wrong. It was really dirty brown with some rusted parts still hanging off of it.
The first thing you do is take it apart and clean it. Then decide ... Continue reading...
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : DIY (Do It Yourself) Projects
August 31, 2012
I found a great new resource for Midcentury Modern furnishings in a fabulous up and coming spot!
The spot is called Temescal Alley.
The shop is called Lot 49 Urban Home Store.
Perry, the incredibly nice guy who owns and curates this little shop has only the best stuff at very reasonable prices.
He is a graphic designer by day (Monday through Friday) and a shop keeper on Thursday through Saturday.
Not only is his furniture and lighting fabulous, but he also has new pillows that he makes using ... Continue reading...
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : New Shops
August 29, 2012
My family always takes a quick 3 day trip to Ashland, Oregon at the end of the summer. It's the perfect, relaxing place to immerse yourself in the theater... a huge source of design inspiration.
Ashland is a quaint little town just north of the California boarder with one of the most well known repertory theater companies in the country.
This quaint little town not only has the first and largest Elizabethan stage in the country, but also two additional theaters, the Bowmer Theater and The Ne... Continue reading...
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : Travel
August 22, 2012
It took me a while to decide what colors I wanted to paint the spools that I found at the construction site last week.
I finally settled on green and grey which would blend with all of the other yard and deck colors but not be too wild.
First I primed the spools with Zissner spray primer,
then after waiting a half hour I sprayed the top and center column with my favorite Krylon indoor/outdoor paint in a lime green (they call it Ivy).
After waiting another half hour I taped the center column w... Continue reading...
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : DIY (Do It Yourself) Projects
August 18, 2012
If you have some extra space in your home and can devote it to your man, what do you think he'd like there? A Man Cave of course. I'm in the process of putting together one of these caves and I've really started getting into it! Does it just have to be for a man?
I would label it hip, industrial chic....Just imagine some dark wood paneling up the bottom half of the wall, white paint above, large framed black chalkboards, and a few industrial articulating sconces hanging between each one.
Oh, an... Continue reading...
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : Room Inspiration
August 15, 2012
A couple of months ago I was approached by a group of four creative and enthusiastic entrepreneurs that were starting a new business to make interior design affordable and easily available over the internet. They knew that I was experienced in providing "e-design" services and wanted me to be a part of their team of designers.
After I helped them to solidify their Design in A Box concept, and designed the office of their first client, they are off and running!
Allow me to introduce you to ... Continue reading...
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : Internet Sale Sites
August 11, 2012
and finding some soon to be garden tables! They may look like your ordinary electrical wire spools to you now, but when I'm done with these puppies, they'll be fun and colorful outdoor tables.
Just give me a few days and I'll be back with the new and improved little spool tables.
Here's one example of what can be done. These are rustic yet modern looking. I think I'll add a bit more color.
I happened to spot these at a local construction site and asked the foreman if he wouldn't mind me lifting... Continue reading...
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : DIY (Do It Yourself) Projects
August 8, 2012
I've always loved the outdoors and usually try to incorporate them, in some fashion, into my interior designs.
One of the things that I enjoy doing is listening to and watching all of the birds that make our backyard their summer home. The bird bath that I rigged a couple of months ago has attracted even more avian friends! Ralph Lauren Design
One way to incorporate the outdoors into your home is through birds in art.
There are incredible vintage bird prints available for little to no cost... Continue reading...
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : Art
August 3, 2012
I had a FANTASTIC vacation, in the water, on the beach, and also visiting a shipping container. It was so tasty! While at the beach, my son found a great new shipping container that had opened as a waffle shop in Carlsbad (North San Diego County).
He insisted I return with him to taste the chocolate chip waffle sandwiches which sounded awful to me, but I was game. Oh My God! They were delicious! You need a waffle iron that makes thin waffles as opposed to a belgian waffle iron (which I curren... Continue reading...
Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche. Posted In : Shipping Containers
