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In my quest to make a few easy upgrades in the kitchen (I shared my new bamboo shades earlier in the week), I was really hoping for some sort of decorative fixture. It was near impossible aesthetically because of the close proximity to the hanging fixtures in the adjacent rooms, plus there are 6 recessed lights (hi-hats) in the space and the layout just wouldn’t allow - I wasn’t wanting to change the space that much for an electrician to come in and rip out the entire ceiling to simply add a pretty new light.
But then…
(like usual)… I had an ah-ha moment and thought to add some pizazz to the kitchen, a switch-out of the existing recessed light to a new hanging fixture over the sink would be the ideal spot.
To easily make the upgrade, I used a Recessed Light Adapter Kit (a.k.a. Recessed Fixture Converter) which quickly and inexpensively allows a recessed light to be converted to any style hanging fixture or pendant. Think about the possibilities for all those blah hi-hats that can now be WOW – hallways, bathrooms, kitchens…
To start off, the Mister and I removed the light bulb and the plastic can, so only the sheetrock and wires inside were exposed. Then we took the new white plate from the conversion kit and installed it as specified in the directions (the electrical wires were still exposed and dangling).
Then it was time to hang and electrify the fixture. If you plan on changing out your recessed light, follow the directions that come with the kit! I am not an electrician and I’m sharing the pictures and steps that I took, but every condition is slightly different.
The hanging fixture we chose was from Lowe’s and it’s a great accent to the fixtures in the nearby spaces. Cute, right? It was less than $50 so it was a winner in my book. I’ve seen similar for a lot more $$$, so I was a #happygal.
Within about 20 minutes, the fixture was hung and we stood back to admire.
Check out how the kitchen has transformed over the years.
All DIY baby!!
It’s hard to believe how it looked less than 2 years ago. I’m super happy with the recent revamp of the bamboo shades and the decorative light fixture. (Who knows what will be next…)
If you want to read more about the DIY Kitchen Makeover, click {here} or feel free to ask me.
Have you ever changed a recessed light to a decorative fixture? If not, where in your home would you like to?
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Wow! Absolutely gorgeous! What a difference! We have all ‘hi-hats’ in our kitchen. How cool would they look with hanging fixtures? Thanks so much for the inspiration! Dona
This is perfect considering we have a recessed light above our sink and want to do a floating pendant too! We don’t have any other recessed lights though, all we have is that ugly long builder grade fluorescent light thingy that WILL get changed, I just need to some inspiration and knowledge on how to do it!
Also, that HUGE window is such a blessing! I love that!
Runt recently posted..Easy Filipino Chicken Adobo
I will never understand why builders put those huge fluorescent lights in kitchens. Well once you have it taken out, I absolutely recommend a pretty hanging fixture!
Well, the big fluorescent light is the ONLY light in the kitchen (besides the one above the sink, but that really doesn’t help – I actually never use it). Will ONE hanging fixture be enough light?!
One probably won’t be enough in the kitchen. Depending on the space, at the minimum I would have 3-4 lights.
Who ever came up with that idea is a genius! A hanging light really adds depth to the sink area. So much better than the recessed light!
Stephanie@cre8tive recently posted..Catalog crushing Crate and Barrel
It totally adds depth to the entire kitchen – thanks for your kind thoughts!
This is a GREAT share! I cannot wait to try this in my own kitchen! I think that two lights would look great over our breakfast bar!
http://foodlaughterandhappilyeverafter.blogspot.com/2013/02/kitchen-organization-final-product.html
Will be coming back to your site for sure!
Julie
Thanks so much Julie! New lights would look great in your kitchen.
xo
Jenna
I am so excited to find this tutorial! I have been wondering, but not really looking into, about replacing recessed lights! Thanks, now I don’t have to look, I am pinning. And it looks Amazing! Love it!
Mindi recently posted..Tapered Crate
YAY – so happy you found my tutorial and it will help when you finally get around to changing the lighting!
xo
Jenna