Shop Lighting from This 19th-Century Schoolhouse Renovation
What do you think of when we say “unique interior design concepts”? A modern home fully stocked with exclusively Mid-Century Modern furniture? Winding staircases, reimagined conversation pits, and rooms packed with plants? Well, today we want to draw your attention to one of the most unique homes we’ve ever seen: a circus-themed 19th-Century schoolhouse renovation. Covered by Architectural Digest, this home is truly a masterclass in taking the unusual and making it accessible in comfortable and refreshingly modern spaces. We saw this and were inspired, and then delighted to see some familiar lights! This proves to us that modern, Scandinavian, and contemporary lighting can slip into almost any space and add character, be the source of calm, or match the whimsy of the space. The great news? You, too, can shop the lighting from this 19th-Century schoolhouse renovation right here at HORNE!
19th-Century Design
The 19th-Century was a fascinating one hundred years. Marked stylistically by bold and big details and filigree, this was the era of macabre museums, the Regency era, the Ringling Brothers circus, penny-farthing bicycles, Queen Victoria, the Industrial Revolution, neoclassicism, and more. So there is no shortage of inspirations that can be pulled from this century of innovation, art, and scientific advancement.
But what we’re here to talk about is lighting. While the core of 19th-Century lighting was oil lamps, candles, and later Tiffany stained-glass shades, the foundation these designs laid for 20th-Century and more modern lighting is clearly seen. This is clearly seen in every part of this 19th-Century schoolhouse redesign, and we love how well these modern lights just work, no matter what setting they find themselves in.
Shop Lighting from This 19th-Century Schoolhouse
Okay, we’ve finally made it to the list! We love these lights and we were so happy to spot them in the photos of the AD article. We can’t wait to see them in more projects.
Bola Sphere Flush
It’s a bit hard to see in the photo, but we spotted the Bola Sphere Flush wall and ceiling light in the kitchen space. The Pablo Designs Bola Sphere Flush offers powerful flexibility with dimmable warm lighting (2700K to 1800K) which helps you adjust lighting to the mood. Use these lights as primary lighting or as an ambient addition.
Chamber Sconce
Workstead’s Chamber Sconce has the classic oil lamp inspirations on lock which makes it the perfect connecting fiber between the 19th-Century and the 21st-Century. You’ll find them in a hallway of the schoolhouse project, flanking a painting of a bear balancing on a ball as part of a circus act. Together, all the elements of this space, including the Chamber sconces, transport you back in time.
Brick I Wall Light
Arranged in a set of three, the Brick I Wall Light appears by a deep, vintage-looking sink to create an asymmetrical composition. With a square enamel frame surrounding the single bulb, these lights are a bit of a call-cack to the ceramic sinks and subway tile that were often found in older bathrooms. We love the usage of the geometry of these lights as well as the fact that they put two together and then set the third on the other side.
Lodge Pendant
The Lodge Pendant made a bit of a surprise appearance for us. This very modern-looking light shows up in the bedroom/lounge space and acts as a fantastic complement to the curved sofa and wood fireplace. The Lodge Pendant uses natural material combinations and organic forms that feel both grounded and elevated, creating substantial presence that enhances any space it enters.
Lodge Double Sconce
The Lodge Double Sconce is one of our favorite lights. Setting a moody atmosphere with it wood cylinder and two bulbs, the Lodge captures warmth and makes lodge-style lighting so appealing. Used in this project as powder room vanity lighting and paired with an S-shaped mirror, they act as a balancing point with a pinch of whimsy to match the theme.
Flos Glo-Ball Wall Sconce
The final light we recognized is the Flos Glo-Ball Wall Sconce. This magical orb of light is best paired up and this schoolhouse project definitely utilized this strength. Found in the bathroom, the designer let these lights reflect in the mirror to create an optical illusion while amplifying the warm glow.
Find Amazing Lighting for Unique Homes
This is a story of adaptable lighting. Modern lights, designed decades or even a hundred years after the home or space was built, still serve the design concept. They adapt to the room, enhance the theme, and add that perfect modern touch that updates the space without losing its historical roots. At the end of the day, we love our modern lighting collection and are so excited to see these masterworks of lighting design appreciated for their artistic flair. Find amazing lighting for unique homes at HORNE and shop the best lighting from iconic designers.
Explore related collections, including Pendant Lights, Modern Pendant Lighting, and Lighting, and visit our design guides for a broader point of view.
All photos are property of Architectural Digest and Pablo Enriquez.
