Interior designer Denise Enright believes an eye-catching light fixture can make—or break—a room. “Lighting is an opportunity to influence the style and personality of a space, and I love the challenge of finding just the right piece.” She took on this challenge by selecting fixtures from our friends at Progress Lighting for the TOH 2020 Idea House: Cottage on the Cape in Eastham, Massachusetts.
Of the selection process, Enright says, “Consider the proportions of the room; would it benefit from a low-profile, flush-mount fixture or a bold, daring pendant? What shapes, materials, and finishes will best complement the overall design? In this home, I knew going in that we were looking for pieces that would fit the coastal-chic theme, which helped narrow down the field. But sometimes I’ll fall in love with a piece first and build a whole room around it.”
Below, we’ll show you which fixtures she picked—and which one turned out to be her favorite.
Living Room Lighting
Featured: Ratio Collection Six-Light Mini-Pendant Light by Progress Lighting
“Our living area is designed to be casual and comfortable, but decidedly modern and sophisticated. I chose a sleek, low-slung fixture that shares those traits,” Enright says of the Ratio six-light pendant. The metal frame and crisp linen shade offer soft, diffused light, and evoke casual modern style.
The living room’s lighting setup underscores how a single fixture can tie various design elements together, combining modern touches with casual comfort. By choosing fixtures that blend with the home’s coastal vibe, the atmosphere remains both inviting and stylish.
Dining Table Pendant Lighting
Featured: Jeffrey Alan Marks Surfrider Collection Pendant by Progress Lighting
With its tiers of blue reminiscent of gentle waves lapping the sandy shore, “the Surfrider pendant is definitely my favorite fixture,” says Enright. Oversize hooks suspended from a simple orb link to a floating braided metal cable, beautifully marrying form and function. Even the color evokes the ocean—it’s called Maliblue, a soft blue-gray finish inspired by designer Jeffrey Alan Marks’s love of the Malibu waves and sky.
This fixture is part of the Jeffrey Alan Marks Point Dume™ lighting collection, which celebrates a curated mix of yesterday and today, distilling both industrial and artisanal influences. The pendant not only acts as a centerpiece for the dining area but also serves to integrate the coastal influence throughout the home.
Open-Plan Lighting
Taking a view from the kitchen toward the front of the house, the blue Surfrider pendant pairs beautifully with the neutral Ratio pendant. “In an open space where you can see several fixtures from one vantage point, you’ll want the fixtures to complement one another, but not necessarily match,” Enright explains.
“Here, each fixture shares a similar shape and circumference, but the Surfrider hangs a bit lower to bring a sense of intimacy to the dining area. And the soft blue color is reflected in dinnerware, artwork, and other accessories to tie the room together.” This thoughtful integration ensures that each area maintains its unique ambiance while contributing to the overall harmony of the living space.
Contemporary Glass Lighting Fixtures in the Kitchen
Featured: Latrobe Collection Black One-Light Pendant by Progress Lighting
“Above the island, I chose clear glass pendants with matte black ceiling plates that echo the black hardware and leathered countertop for a contemporary vibe,” says Enright. These bottle-inspired glass shades combine simple vintage charm with modern appeal.
The clean lines and transparent nature of these pendants allow them to blend seamlessly with the kitchen’s overall aesthetic while providing ample task lighting for food preparation and casual dining. Additionally, this choice of lighting complements the existing hardware and finishes in the kitchen, tying together the overall design.
Stairwell Sconces Light up a Room
Featured: Point Dume by Jeffrey Alan Marks Shearwater Collection Sconce by Progress Lighting
To highlight the main stairwell’s shiplap wall, Enright chose these seafaring-inspired lanterns. “They remind me of lamplight along the coast at night.” Their placement along the stairwell not only serves a functional purpose but also creates a visually appealing focal point that draws the eye upward, emphasizing the height and openness of the space. The combination of aesthetics and functionality exemplifies how lighting can serve both decorative and practical roles.
Modern Lighting Fixtures in the Master Bath
Featured: Moderna Collection One-Light Mini-Pendant by Progress Lighting
“In the master bath, the vibe is chic and modern; I love the simple silhouette and linear frame of this one-light pendant,” says Enright. Featuring clear outer glass with an inner etched-white-glass shade, this pendant also has an AC LED module that delivers energy-efficient illumination and long-lived performance.
The interplay of clear and etched glass adds a luxurious yet understated touch, reinforcing the room’s sophisticated ambiance. This thoughtful selection highlights how minimalist designs can deliver high impact, contributing elegance without overwhelming the space.
Welcoming Light in the Mudroom
Featured: Point Dume by Jeffrey Alan Marks Rockdance Collection Semi-Flush by Progress Lighting
The mudroom required a lighting fixture that was both functional and stylish. Says Enright, “This piece is described as being inspired by a bespoke handbag or boot, and I felt it was right at home in our mudroom/family entrance. It’s fashion-forward, with beige leather straps and seeded glass, and I love the way it plays off the blue-green walls here.”
The fixture’s unique design adds a touch of sophistication to the utilitarian space, while its transparent glass provides ample illumination for this high-traffic area. Incorporating stylish design even in functional areas shows how consistent attention to detail can elevate the overall home experience. The thoughtful pairing of materials and colors enhances the welcoming feel of the mudroom.
Overhead Task Lighting
Featured: Cedar Springs Collection One-Light Farmhouse Wall Lantern by Progress Lighting
For the workshop, Enright was looking for fixtures to illuminate the workspace and foster creativity. “This fixture has the classic, gooseneck style I was looking for, but the cheerful pistachio-colored shade is what really drew me to the piece.”
The shade adds a pop of color to the workspace, creating an energizing environment that encourages productivity and creativity. Integrating color in task lighting transforms a functional requirement into an inspiring element.
Guest Bathroom Vanity Lighting
Featured: Metric Collection Four-Light Bath & Vanity Light by Progress Lighting
This cool and modern design features a quad of simple, etched opal glass shades nestled inside a die-cast frame. The clean lines and minimalist aesthetic of this fixture complement the bathroom’s modern design while providing ample illumination for grooming tasks. The etched opal glass shades diffuse the light evenly, reducing harsh shadows and creating a flattering glow—an important consideration for any bathroom vanity area.
Asymmetrical Chandelier Lighting in the Entryway
Featured: Astra Collection Six-Light Chandelier by Progress Lighting
“Our ADU (auxiliary dwelling unit) is modest in size but packs a lot of personality,” says Enright. “This asymmetrical steel chandelier reminds me of a starburst. It’s modern, yet lighthearted and fun, and adds a unique focal point to the entryway.” The chandelier’s dynamic design brings a bit of excitement and sets the tone for the entire space, demonstrating that even compact living areas can benefit from bold lighting choices.
Sophisticated Pendant Lighting
Featured: Hangar Collection Three-Light Pendant by Progress Lighting
“The ADU sleeping area is a modest space, but the high ceilings gave me the opportunity to create some real visual interest,” explains Enright. This three-light pendant, which features a sophisticated, statement-making brushed-nickel frame with graphite accents, helps occupy the vertical space. Maximizing vertical space with statement lighting turns a small area into a striking visual experience, proving that size constraints need not limit design potential.
Lighting Up the Living Area
Featured: Beaker Collection One-Light LED Mini Pendant by Progress Lighting (no longer available)
Balancing functionality and aesthetics ensures that the ADU’s living area remains versatile and welcoming, capable of adapting to the evolving needs and styles of the occupants. “I really like the mix of industrial and modern styling of this fixture, and it brings a sense of balance to the sloped ceiling in the living area,” says Enright.
Suspended from a round canopy by herringbone cloth cords, these mini pendants are named Beaker, as they were inspired by beautiful glass forms commonly found in a science lab. The 9W LED source offers energy-efficiency and cost-savings benefits, while the industrial-inspired aesthetic complements a variety of interior designs.
Farmhouse-Style Lighting Fixtures
Shown: Cedar Springs Black One-Light Extra-Large Wall Lantern by Progress Lighting
Finally, this fun take on the traditional warehouse shade provides excellent illumination at the doorway to the workshop. Says Enright, “The gooseneck styling and matte black finish are in perfect harmony with the rustic barn door and black hardware and trim.” The same farmhouse-inspired fixture can also be found inside the workshop with a different shade color.
To experience more than 5,000 lighting fixtures made with trendsetting elements and unique detail, visit ProgressLighting.com.
