De-glamming

I've seen some beautiful homes that fall into the newly-created category of Hollywood Regency, but our taste runs more to the streamlined than the glitzy-glam. Several cosmetic changes are being planned for our new (built in 1950) home, which was probably pretty sparkly and/or curlicued at various times in its 56-year history.

This chandelier in the dining room...

...will more than likely be replaced with another Sputnik like (or similar to) the one we have now.

These ornate drawer pulls in the bathrooms...

...will have to make way for something simpler, because they appear a little incongruous paired with these fixtures.

The current owners have changed out all bathroom and kitchen/bar faucets to a modern design in chrome, and while I'm generally a fan of matching metals, these door pulls in the dining room have to stay. They are very heavy and have a beautiful patina. It would be a shame to toss them. 

All these ceiling fans will have to be replaced, probably with something very modern and very unobtrusive...

...like this, either in an unobtrusive white or a brushed nickel.

It may take a little time, but we'll get it all de-glammed, and eventually the whole house will look as if it's in harmony with this fireplace.

Living room fireplace (Yes, the mirrors on either side are coming down.)

Stay tuned for more de-glamming. The double front doors desperately need a "less is more" makeover, curtains need to come down, and pink and blue kids' rooms absolutely must become white...soon.

Part 2: Bargain hunting

We're still working on the remodernization of our 1964 house after the previous owners "traditionalized" it with curves and curlicues, mostly in oil rubbed bronze. They changed out every fixture, pull, handle and hinge...and now we're changing them back. To keep it from breaking the bank, we've been shopping for bargains.

I shared some great finds in my previous post. Here are a few more the you might enjoy.

• Ceiling fan for sunroom

Harbor Breeze Mazon fan, $118. Lowe's

• Cabinet pulls

Orrnas knob, $3.99/2-pack, Ikea

Orrnas 13" pulls, $12.99/2-pack, Ikea

• Light fixtures

Galaxy vanity strip, $155.80, Lowe's

Kichler vanity strip, $79, Lowe's

For you bargain hunters out there

Do you need a nice, modern light fixture or ceiling fan that doesn't cost a fortune? Or towel rings and door handles that don't break the bank?

When we moved into our new house, we knew we were going to have to replace every single light fixture, cabinet pull, towel ring, door handle and hinge. The former owners were two sisters partnering in the house-flipping business, and they had filled our 1964 ranch with all things ornate. To be fair, what they did appeals to a broad segment of homebuyers...just not to modernists. 

We knew that ripping it all out and starting over would be expensive unless we shopped carefully, so I began creating my usual Pinterest pages, just as I did when getting ready to build the little Modernist Nest. Those of you who have read my blog for a while know that I'm never happier than when I'm planning a decorating project and hunting for great prices, and with this one, the smiles just keep coming. 

Here are a few things we've used in the ongoing restoration of our house from curlicued oil rubbed bronze back to modern.

• Ceiling fans

Minka Aire Roto, $160, Lightology

Casa Vieja Viridian, $199.95, Lamps Plus 

• Flush mount lights (modern and unobtrusive for hall, over sink, laundry room)

Access Lighting 11", $25.77, Amazon

Back in April we had chosen a different style and had even installed one of them, but after living with it for a while, we decided it was too large, and exchanged them for these.

• Pendant lighting

Feiss Beso pendant, $111, Lamps Plus

• Bath accessories

Hollywood towel ring, $7.47, UnhingeHardware
(Matching toilet tissue holder available)

(Disclaimer: I had to ask UnhingeHardware for a partial refund, because their website has a glitch and doesn't give sale discounts, but they were very prompt to accommodate, as well as very courteous.)

• Door handles

Schlage Latitude handle, $28.63, HandleSets

• Bathroom fixtures

Godmorgon sink/cabinet, $299, Ikea

Moen Method faucet, $150.65, Lowe's

These are just a few of the things we've installed since we moved in March, and the work continues. I'll share more bargains with you in my next post.

Modern ceiling fans

It's been said that a good man is hard to find, but I've found it even harder to find a good modern ceiling fan. Until now, that is. The Haiku fan and the Sycamore fan have dispelled all my preconceived notions.

The Haiku website shows a picture of a traditional ceiling fan deconstructing to reveal their innovative design underneath, and that image says it all. The Haiku completely shatters the ceiling fan mold, which is exactly the type of fan I've been looking for.

Haiku fan
coolgizmotoys.com

Haiku fan
gearculture.com

The Sycamore fan is even less like a traditional ceiling fan. In fact, it looks like something you'd find in a home of the future...and I love it too.

Sycamore fan
getprice.com.au

Sycamore fan
mhc.net.au