When Unexpected Changes Lead to Better Design

Sometimes renovation surprises push us toward choices we wouldn’t have originally considered. When we discovered our renovation would allow us to redo the family room ceiling, we knew we had a decision to make. Either replace the dated canned lights with new recessed fixtures, or try something completely different.

After careful consideration, we opted for four Hinkley Colbin Small semi-flush fixtures. The decision transformed not just our lighting scheme, but the entire character of our family room. The Colbin’s clean lines and modern industrial aesthetic brought an architectural element that recessed lighting simply couldn’t match. Each fixture’s opal glass globe, surrounded by a sleek metal frame, creates a perfect balance of form and function.

The generous light output from the Colbins eliminated our initial concerns about moving away from recessed lighting. If anything, the new arrangement provides better illumination, with light dispersing more evenly throughout the space. The semi-flush mount profile maintains our room’s clean ceiling lines while adding just enough visual interest to make a statement.

To complete our ceiling refresh, we installed a 60″ Swell flush mount fan in crisp white, also from Hinkley. The fan’s modern profile perfectly complements the Colbin fixtures, proving that ceiling fans don’t have to be an afterthought. Its low profile design maintains adequate clearance while providing excellent air circulation, and the clean white finish seamlessly blends with our ceiling.

Check out the renovation on my instagram!

What started as a necessary change became a unique way to add a bit more character to this space. The combination of these fixtures elevated our family room from a basic living space to one with architectural interest and intentional design choices. Sometimes the best solutions come from embracing the unexpected.