Making a Chandelier and Making Over A Room
Project by: Patchi
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
| We have been talking about this chandelier for such a long time. It has probably been two years since we decided we needed/wanted it, until the time we hung it up last a few Sundays ago. It turns out I have some very talented and artistic men in my family. One of them being my brother-in-law, Rique, owner and co-founder of Tomada. Tomada is a company that specializes in unique, modern, and eclectic lighting. From chandeliers, to floor lamps and more, all of Tomada’s items are handmade in Brazil, by my brother-in-law and his business partner. |
So, when Rique and his wife Paula flew from Brazil for a two-week visit, we gathered together and watched him as he planned our very own custom chandelier by Tomada. Once we settled on his idea, Alex and Rique hit Home Depot and Yukon, our favorite local lumber yard, for all the materials.
One afternoon, the building party began in the garage. There was lots of drilling, cutting, and wire weaving. Rique used wooden blocks for his massive chandelier design. All blocks were cut into 8″x8″ cubes. The blocks were then arranged in a large circle and connected using a metal pipe. The chandelier hangs from three simple steel cables. There is a beautiful contrast between the weight of the blocks versus the lightness of the cables. He installed twelve spot lights in different places of the chandelier. Four of the lights point down, two lights point to the side, and four more point upwards.
Once everything was set the chandelier rested peacefully in the garage for about one week. Then the planning to install this beast started. It took two guys, one guide (moi), two gigantic ladders, lots of patience, and a full Sunday. This gorgeous custom chandelier added so much to the space. Its size was just perfect. Very proportional to the size of the room and its high ceiling.
Thanks, Patchi ! You can see more of this project on Patchi’s blog, Trendy Peas.
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