Embarking on another one of Sherry’s ingenious ventures, I found myself immersed in her “Dude, Get On That Already” challenge. Apparently, the “dude” in question also applies to me, as this initiative aims to finally tackle some of the items we’ve been collecting hoarding in our spare room. It’s essentially a “use it or lose it” proposition – or more accurately, a “use it or donate/Craigslist it” mission. This week’s primary target? A unique light fixture we rescued from a Delaware thrift store nearly a year ago for a mere $19. This distinctive piece had been patiently waiting on the playroom floor since its acquisition, and it was high time we allowed it to fulfill its illuminated destiny once again.
The Enchanting Thrift Store Find: A Vintage Spaghetti Lamp
This captivating light fixture immediately caught our eye with its unusual design. Crafted from what appeared to be some sort of resin, it resembled a large, glowing orb of clear spaghetti – yet in a remarkably cool, distinctly 70s aesthetic. An enlightening update from a savvy reader later informed us that it’s officially known as a “spaghetti lamp,” meticulously fashioned from spun lucite. Back in February 2011, our initial vision was to refinish its existing gold hardware with an Oil-Rubbed Bronze (ORB) treatment and suspend it gracefully in our master bathroom nook. However, as often happens with home projects, plans evolve. Fast-forward to the present, and our strategy has subtly shifted. We’ve found this radiant orb a brand-new home, nestled perfectly within our closet space.
From Bathroom Nook to Closet Oasis: A Strategic Relocation
The decision to install the lamp in the closet, rather than the master bathroom nook, proved to be a more practical and aesthetically pleasing choice for several reasons. Firstly, the bathroom nook is directly visible from the bedroom, and we concluded that this large, spherical fixture might visually compete with another prominent round fixture already present in the room. We wanted each lighting piece to shine independently without creating visual clutter. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, the closet was suffering from what we affectionately termed “Yawn City Syndrome” – it was illuminated by nothing more than a dull, bare bulb. This striking spaghetti lamp offered the perfect solution to transform a mundane utility space into something truly special and functional.
The transformation is truly remarkable. Ahh, much better:
We finally “got on that!” What a happy day indeed, to successfully repurpose something we already owned and elevate a previously neglected space. While the light fixture was the catalyst for this project, our closet had a few other “happenings” that also needed attention. We’ll delve deeper into the illumination details in a moment, but first, let’s address the broader closet transformation that unfolded simultaneously.
Beyond Illumination: Tackling Closet Chaos and Canine Comfort
When our closet was last featured a few months after we moved in April, it presented a picture of impeccable cleanliness and organization. It was a space of serene order, a testament to careful planning.
However, the passage of time, combined with the delightful presence of our beloved chihuahua, Burger, had, shall we say, significantly derailed its pristine state. It’s actually somewhat unfair to place the blame entirely on Burger. While moving his crate into our closet from its former spot in the playroom closet did displace our laundry basket from its nice little nook, the primary reason for this relocation was our daughter, Clara. We frequently discovered her interacting with Burger’s food, water, and crate – much to Burger’s quiet dismay. To ensure Burger’s peace and privacy, we decided to tuck his setup away in our room, a space Clara doesn’t frequent as often.
Interestingly, Burger, our furry family member, has always demonstrated a preference for small, cozy spaces. He feels most secure and comfortable with his crate, food, and water bowls tucked away in a quiet closet or nook. Since we only feed him dry food, there are no odor concerns, and we’re fortunate not to contend with ants or other pests that might be attracted to it. So, after a year of deliberating over the perfect “nook” in our home, we unanimously declared our closet: “The Best Nook For The Job.” This decision meant that while the spaghetti lamp sparked the project, we couldn’t ignore the other less-than-satisfactory situations that had cropped up in the closet. Fortunately, an easy and creative solution presented itself.
Innovative Storage Solutions: Repurposing a Shoe Rack for Pet Needs
To make a long story slightly longer, despite the light being the primary catalyst, we had to address the other organizational shortcomings in the closet. The solution lay on my side of the closet. You see how much spare room I had on my side?
Unlike Sherry, my better half, I don’t utilize the entire shoe rack that was left by the previous owners. It’s a classic tale: I own one pair of brown shoes, one pair of black shoes, and my flip-flops and sneakers reside in our shoe bins near the front door. Meanwhile, Sherry’s side of the closet boasts a collection of footwear that could easily dress a small army. Not that I would ever attempt to walk in any of them, mind you.
So, after a bit of productive “couple’s brainstorming” – which largely involved Sherry gently encouraging me to allocate some of my floor space for Burger’s crate – I took action. I completely removed my shoe rack. After the Herculean effort of removing my two pairs of shoes from it (sheesh, talk about backbreaking DIY!), we got down to the real business of repurposing.
Sherry expertly pried the shoe rack apart, and I carefully cut down the two long shelves by approximately 14 inches. This modification was crucial for fitting the rack into a smaller footprint while still providing essential storage.
Once the shelves were trimmed to size, we diligently nailed the pieces back together, thereby creating a perfectly “John-shoe-collection-sized” rack. This new, more compact version was not only functional but also freed up significant floor space.
This smaller, reconfigured rack created just enough room for Burger’s crate to comfortably fit into the corner, establishing his new personal sanctuary. We are incredibly pleased we finally tackled this project. Why it took us 13 months of living here to implement such an obvious solution, I honestly can’t say. But the outcome is fantastic.
A Canine’s Cozy Corner: Burger’s Personal Closet Tour
You know what, it really only seems fair to let Burger himself give you the grand tour – after all, this newly organized space is practically his domain. Prepare yourselves, because this next section is about to be narrated, in pretend, by our very own canine connoisseur.
“Welcome, esteemed internet populace, to my humble abode – my bedroom!”
“Here, you will observe that my previous, perfectly adequate sleeping quarters, have been rather unceremoniously replaced by a mere receptacle for dirty clothing. Apparently, my humans prioritize their soiled garments being within arm’s reach over the comfort and convenience of their most beloved canine companion.”
“But fret not, for all is not lost! I now enjoy the supreme luxury of enhanced privacy, nestled back here in my exclusive master suite. Hello? Do you perceive my subtle “peeper” from the depths of my private chamber?”
“Conveniently situated adjacent to my sleeping chambers are the esteemed dining facilities. Why, thank you for inquiring – yes, I do, in fact, live a life of unparalleled indulgence and comfort. A truly enviable existence, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Speaking of my exquisite cuisine, kindly permit me a brief moment of culinary indulgence. One must maintain one’s strength, after all, for the arduous task of being utterly adorable.”
“Actually, on second thought, I find myself with a sudden preference for hand-feeding at this precise moment. Oh, tiny human! Come hither and attend to my gastronomic whims!”
Alright, tour’s officially over. John here again. That Burger, quite the character, isn’t he? You can see in the image above precisely what we meant when we described Clara’s fondness for getting into his food (please ignore the sticker-covered monkey, sock, and floor – typical toddler chaos). It’s not the worst thing that she enjoys feeding Burger his food piece by piece… if only she didn’t feel the inexplicable urge to swirl each piece around in his water dish first. I suspect she inherits her delightful strangeness from her mother.
Anyway, this post was *supposed* to be primarily about a light, right? Heavily sidetracked much? Let’s steer back to the main topic.
Illuminating the Closet: Hardwiring the Vintage Spaghetti Lamp
The installation of our spun lucite spaghetti lamp proved to be surprisingly straightforward. First, we carefully cut off the existing plug and cord, exposing the internal wires to prepare it for hardwiring into the ceiling. Next, we acquired a standard hardwire conversion kit from Home Depot, which provided the necessary components to attach the lamp’s chain to a crossbar for secure ceiling mounting. A minor challenge arose in finding a ceiling canopy that perfectly fit the vintage aesthetic and dimensions of the fixture; we ultimately located a suitable one at a specialty lighting store. We made the conscious decision to retain the lamp’s original gold finish. Given its location within the closet, we felt it wasn’t imperative for it to perfectly match other fixtures in the main bedroom. Furthermore, we developed a genuine fondness for the retro gold look it brought to the closet – a subtle nod to its 70s origins. While we always have the option to paint it down the line if “the bug” to change things strikes, for now, we appreciate its unique character just as it is.
It’s important to note that the room isn’t as dark as it appears in some of these photographs. I intentionally lowered the camera’s exposure settings to better capture and showcase the intricate texture and glowing quality of the light itself. These static images genuinely don’t do it justice; it’s truly super cool and dynamic when it’s on. Sherry is so captivated by its “real life” effect that she’s contemplating making a video to share its true brilliance, so you might have that visual treat to look forward to!
One of the most captivating aspects of this light fixture is the mesmerizing pattern of little streaks of light it casts all over the walls and ceiling. They resemble tiny, delicate party streamers, dancing playfully around the room. It almost makes us feel like we should have installed some mechanism to make it slowly rotate, like a disco ball. Okay, not *really*, but it’s a fun thought! The effect adds a whimsical and unexpected element to a space often considered purely functional.
It’s a bit of a shame that this beautiful light spent nearly 12 months in an unceremonious pile in our playroom. However, the satisfaction of seeing it now hanging in all its glorious illumination makes up for the waiting period! As for how we determined the optimal hanging height, it was a practical, hands-on approach. I simply stood directly under the fixture while Sherry adjusted it to various heights, and we collaboratively selected the position that allowed for comfortable headroom. The lamp now hangs approximately 6’4″ from the floor, perfectly complementing our 8′ high ceilings without impeding movement or creating an awkward visual.
Oh, and if your curiosity is piqued regarding the fate of the substantial excess chain we didn’t use (it initially came with about 8 feet, perfect for swagging), you can witness Clara getting her “Jersey” on with it over at Young House Life today. And yes, there’s a video involved. Prepare for fist-pumping. Predictably, I am utterly mortified, while Sherry is absolutely elated by the footage.
Conclusion: Projects Accomplished, Spaces Transformed
So, we want to know: did any of you tackle a task from your “Dude, Get On That Already” list this week? Perhaps you embarked on a closet reorganization project, transforming a chaotic space into one of serene order. Or maybe you successfully roped your husband (or another unsuspecting individual) into a challenging home improvement endeavor. And, on a more whimsical note, has anyone else had the unique experience of ghostwriting a blog post from the perspective of their chihuahua? Just me? Either way, it’s incredibly satisfying to see these long-standing projects finally brought to fruition, making our home more organized, illuminated, and surprisingly, a haven for our beloved canine.