Espresso Bar Armoire Part 3: Installing a Chandelier in an Armoire

As you know, I recently converted an armoire into a quaint, tucked away espresso bar. Click here to read parts one and two. This is part three...Installing a light fixture. If you are lazy and don't like overly involved projects, this is the project for you...

This "tutorial" is so insanely easy, I almost feel guilty writing an entire post that is dedicated to doing this, but alas I shall. There is something so enchanting about opening an armoire that is converted into a unique space that has a glistening little chandelier or awesome light that establishes the petite area as a place of importance or "retreat". The best part is, it is SOOOO incredibly simple to do.

Step One: Convert Your Chandelier Into a Plug-In Light (and of course, drink a yummy iced coffee while you do it!)

You are essentially turning your hanging light fixture into a lamp. There are tons of light kits that you can purchase (at any hardware store) and plenty of sites that give tutorials and instructions. I am no electrical expert, so please follow the directions on the light kit. I am not responsible for someone not doing this step correctly. If you can't figure it out, ask an electrician or purchase a "plug in" light fixture. These are available at a plethora of retailers, including Cost Plus World Market, Ikea, Pier One, and dozens more.

I kind of want to have a "laying" chandelier table lamp in my home... I may have to do another one like this. I love the look.

Step Two: Drill Your Hole

Using a 1-1/2" drill bit, drill a hole in an inconspicuous space in your armoire. I saved the little piece of wood to pop back in if I ever decided I didn't want to run electricity into my armoire anymore. I also drilled a hole in the same spot on my removable wallpaper backdrop so they line up. 

Step Three: Hang Your Light on a Hook

Yep... That easy. twist a hook into the ceiling of your armoire and hang your light.

Step Four: Plug Your Light in and Run it Through The Hole You Have Just Drilled

You can hide your cord by running it along the inside of your armoire or behind the replaceable back panel that I show you how to make, here.

Step Five: Stand Back and Look at Your Lovely Little Space in "Awe"!

A dazzling or unique small  light fixture is an unexpected touch that will add character, charm and dimension to your little space, whatever it may be.

Note: Do not leave your light on while doors of armoire are closed. You can purchase switches that allow you to click it on when you open your doors. Too much heat in a small space can cause a fire if left on. I am not responsible for any problems that may occur if this is executed incorrectly.

I am off to chug a ton of coffee and work on a remodel here in San Francisco! Let me know how this works for you! Ciao, friends!

Espresso Bar Armoire Part Two: Installing DIY Removable Wallpaper Backdrop

When you open your armoire, closet or drawers, does it's blandness get you down?? Do you feel like you are staring into a dark pit of "meh"?? (Don't worry, I am not about to start an advertisement for furniture anti-depressants...) I don't know about you all, but I like to feel a bit jolted and stoked when I open a cupboard door. My faux, fawn hide wallpaper is such a delightful eye treat every morning, I kinda wanna wallpaper or mural every cupboard and closet in my home. It adds the perfect amount of sass to the French armoire I brought home from Europe. 

This is part two to my espresso bar armoire redo, in case you were wondering what I am jabbering about. You can read about it and see some other "before" and "afters" by clicking here.

This is the stink-face I made when I opened my armoire before the redo...

In case you forgot what this armoire looked liked before I adorned it with a gorgeous wall-paper from Walls Republic, check out this photo below...

Madame Brun Armoire was a frumpy lady indeed!

I decided I wanted to wallpaper the back, but I surely didn't want to mess with the integrity of this gorgeous old piece... While this wallpaper is classic and timeless, I change my style on occasion and I didn't want to mess with the wood on the back panels. The best way to do this was to create a removable, pop-in back wall, that I could switch out or replace any time my heart desired. I also want to be able to get other wallpapers from the incredible selection at Walls Republic so I can swap out the backdrop for different purposes or entertaining occasions. I may want this to be a wine bar or hide-away Bier Garten at my next dinner party and can swap the backdrops in and out accordingly! I also wanted it to be able to slide into place and sit still without, nailing, drilling, gluing or screwing a back panel in my armoire. 

Lucky for me, my friendl Drew (a super awesome and talented construction project manager) came to the rescue and helped me figure out a way to accomplish this goal! What a wizard he is indeed! We created this template below, using old bags, and traced the top of the inside of the armoire. 

 We traced that pattern onto a piece of wood that was 4'x8' and 1/16" thick and cut it out with a jig-saw. 

We slid it in and made adjustments till if fit like a glove....

I mounted the wallpaper to the wood with spray adhesive and wrapped it around the back, so that the edges wouldn't lift. I popped it in, slid the shelf in and Bam! Shazaam! Kapow! I now had a gorgeous, wall-papered armoire! 

In case you forgot what it looked like before.....

.....and here it is now!

I am completely IN LOVE!

Next, I will be sharing with you how I installed my chandelier and where I hid all my cords to my espresso machine and light fixture! To read more on the transformation of this armoire, click here!

I want to thank Walls Republic for the fabulous paper and Drew for helping me make it happen! 

Stay tuned my friends! 

Top Posts of 2013

Prost Neu Jahr! 2013 was a pretty emotional year for me (95% being happy emotions). It was filled with an abundance of exploration, incredible food and wine, plenty of soul searching and the realization that I was a zillion miles away from home (can't believe that took a whole year to set in). Last year was definitely filled with it's ups and downs, mostly ups and I am so honored to have been able to share our home and most precious moments with you all! While there are tons more recipes, DIYs and travel ideas, I have pulled together a few of my top posts from the year, starting with my absolute favorite. After that, they are in no particular order. To see a particular post click on the image or the description below the image.

Enjoy!

My Philosophy {What Does The Poor Sophisticate Even Mean?}

San Gimignano, Italy

Montepulciano, Italy

The dining room looks pretty darn different today than it does in the picture below. Can't wait to share the most recent and biggest changes with you all in a post coming soon!

Winter {2013} Dining Room Reveal

Vintage Map of Epic Proportions

(Rental) Barn Kitchen Transformation

DIY Removable Wallpaper

DIY Salvaged, Industrial Entry-Way

Rosemary, Blackberry, Camembert Grilled Cheese, Drizzled with a Homemade Balsamic Glaze

Spring Ready Living Room

Exploring Burg Eltz

Summer Barn Coastal Decor {The Power of Pillows and Accessories}

Charming Strasbourg, France

DIY Ombré Series

DIY Flavor Infused Chocolate Syrups

Barn Falliday Decor

DIY Drop-Cloth Zebra Hide Rug

Contemporary-Classic Living Room

Quirky and Eclectic Time Zone Clock Wall

Branstetter Barn Holiday Tour 2013

Enchanting European Christmas Markets Part 1

What were your favorite moments of 2013??

BRING ON 2014!

DIY Holiday {Or Anytime} Pedestals {Handmade Giving Series}

Are you all getting in the Christmas spirit yet??? I am so thrilled for this holiday season, happiness is beaming out of my ears! Anyhow, today I am doing a tutorial over at the incredible blog, Le Famille, for Alicia's Handmade Giving Series. If you haven't had a chance to see all the gift tutorials done by these incredibly talented women below, click on over to Le Famille to check them out and be inspired! Alicia is an absolute sweetheart and has a gorgeous and inspiring blog that I just adore. 

Today I am showing you all how to make these fabulous, eclectic and totally customizable cake, organizational and decorational pedestals. They make the perfect gift for anyone and everyone.

You will just have to head over to Le Famille and see why they are great for everyone and all the zillions of ways to use them.

Let's get gifting, friends!

If you haven't seen our Barn Holiday Tour yet, click the image below to cheek it out! 

2013 Barn Holiday Tour

Welcome, welcome, everybody, to our holiday barn tour! And if you are new around here, I am super happy to have you! I am so ecstatic to a part of this 24-blog, Christmas home tour, hosted by the wonderful Krista from the "Happy Housie" blog. How truly giddy I feel.

I hope you all can kick up your feet, grab something hot and delectable to drink, put on some jazzy Christmas music to set the mood, and come tour our barn with me! 

I moved to the German countryside last year with the military. I was so blessed to have found this 130 year old barn that was converted into a home next to the largest castle ruin in Germany! My landlord let us paint over its vibrant, pastel orange, yellow, and purple walls and we switched out all the light fixtures (we can take all the lights we purchased wherever we go) and started making it home. Fresh paint and dazzling lights can make all the difference in the world! It hardly feels like a rental anymore. Because we are on a strict (military) budget, everything you see in our place was built by us, someone else's throw-aways (that we have fixed up), or things we scored for next to nothing at flea markets. We want to save our money for traveling while we have the opportunity to live in Europe. We have had a blast creating a home here in Germany. I really feel as though it is an expression of the  journey. 

I am having the time of my life exploring Europe and implementing old world, and folk design and traditions into our own home.

(To see before pics click on the "Home Tour" tab)

I will have to get a picture of our village castle (above) with snow once it decides to stick! 

These little red mushrooms actually exist here in Germany, Can you believe it?! I thought they were just in the Mario Brothers video game!! Silly me...They are simply darling and the Germans love decorating with them for fall and winter festivities. I had to use them in our Christmas decor too.

Felted wool is commonly used in Germany and you will see booths decked out at the Christmas markets with handmade felted-wool clothing, crafts and decor.  I was stoked to find these little felted  acorns at our local discount market! Especially since velvet ones in The States cost a fortune! 

I designed and had the mantle built in the picture below with old barn wood, a barn door and beams our landlord was about to dump. The decoration on the front was dug out of the trash, and after it was cleaned and painted, it added the perfect amount of embellishment to our cozy little fireplace. I am thrilled to be able to take the mantle we built (from parts of the old barn we lived in) any where we go! What a wonderful keepsakeI will have from my time here. 

Recently, my girlfriend Jessica (also an interior designer) came to visit me and she suggested that I add a  tartan bow-tie, donated by my friend Jackie's husband, to help make our little deer friend look a little more dapper! 

Doesn't he just look so sharp!??

Move over Victoria's Secret, there is a sexy new angel in town!! I added a miniature set of wings to our golden hippo and he looks fierce...

I am loving my one Euro Tartan pillows (below), what a score they were! They sure give our room that English/Scottish country home feel!

We just got this wonderfully tacky and kitsch faux oil painting in Trier along with some gorgeous Florentine trays to add to my collection. The pipe is also a vintage flea market find that has a fantastic "gentlemen's" look. To learn how to create a mason jar snow globe, like the one pictured below, click here.

Our Christmas tree, which is popping out of vintage luggage is adorned with antlers, more angel wings, mercury glass acorns, antique brass stars, petite pictures, silhouettes and tartan Christmas balls.

Our vintage skis were an amazing birthday gift from my friend, Ivona! I LOVE them and use them year-round! The tartan from the inside of our flea market luggage really compliments their warm wood tone.

Now, come along to our dining room!

I have rearranged our dining room quite a bit and I love it's natural "flow" now! The pops of black make it a little more masculine and bring out the vibrant colors of our humongous vintage map. 

Since candlelight changes the light and clarity of the pictures in our uber dark barn, I have some photos with and without the candlelight.                                                       

I also use our cocktail bar as a dessert bar! Decadent Christmas goodies go perfectly on my DIY holiday cake pedestals! These are so easy to make, check out the tutorial I did for my friends blog here! 

Even our silhouettes are dressed and ready in holiday attire. 

I placed some ornaments on our French bottle dryer to turn it into a bar-top Christmas tree. 

 Our DIY Drop-Cloth Gold Zebra Hide Rug is a nice back-drop for our Christmas decor. 

Because I am known as the village hoarder, I received some gorgeous old doors and this antique drafting stool from our generous neighbors! The industrial stool is the perfect contrast to the frilly and more feminine sconce and chandelier.  Our time zone clock wall has now moved into this striped hall since the map is now where the clocks were. I think the clocks look even cooler on the stripes! We love knowing what time it is in our home states (California and Kentucky) and imagining what holiday fun our family is up to. 

We love our monogram from Southern Proper Monograms...It makes the perfect "wreath".

Let's move on tour cozy kitchen!

I recovered our kitchen chairs in this ikat chevron print, just in time for this Christmas tour! I am so pleased with how it turned out! It adds just a touch of funkiness to the kitchen.

I have painted the tips of our antler candlesticks gold to give it some extra pizazz... I am so thrilled with how they turned out!

During the holidays,  I really enjoy sipping my own version of Glühwein/ Vin Chaud/ Glögg (spiced, hot mulled wine)! We have a little bar set up for our guests to enjoy some as well! To get the recipe for this European Christmas-Market favorite, click here!

and fin!

Thank you so very much for coming to our home and celebrating the Christmas festivities with us! To see more of our home click the home tour box in the tab section above! Different seasonal looks will be in the side bar under seasonal.

Penny and I are off to visit our neighbors!!! Tschüss!

Be sure to check out all the other fabulous Holiday home tours by clicking the links below!

Here is a sneak peak at what is in store...

Tuesday, December 3rd

1) Krista from The Happy Housie 2) Laura from The Turquoise Home

3) Amy from Commona My House 4) Abby from Just a Girl and Her Blog

5) April from House by Hoff 6) Shayna from The Wood Grain Cottage

Wednesday, December 4th

1) Jenna from Rain on a Tin Roof 2) Jen from Migonis Home

3) Rachel from Maison de Pax 4) Jamie from So Much Better With Age

5) Molly from The Poor Sophisticate 6)Tanya from Twelve O Eight

Thursday, December 5

1) Amy from The Blissful Bee 2) Heather from The Southern State of Mind

3) Candace of Vintage News Junkie 4) Lauren from The Thinking Closet

5) Amber from Averie Lane 6) Sarah from Life on Virginia Street

Friday, December 6

1) Chelsea from Making Home Base 2) Aniko from Place of My Taste

3) Christy from Confessions of a Serial Do-It-Yourselfer 4) Corey from Tiny Sidekick

5) Patricia from Little Cottage on the Pond 6) Emily from Two Purple Couches

Each day this week, you can come here and click on these beautiful homes to get loads of inspiration once each tour goes live!
Note: You cannot view the homes until the actual post date that is listed above the set of homes. They go live at 7pm Eastern Standard Time.


Enjoy and be inspired! You don't want to miss any of them!

Linking up to:

DIY Holiday Decor Link Up