
Schoolhouse Electric is one of the resources that we're very lucky to have right in our own town (they also have a showroom in New York). They specialize in period lighting fixtures and shades made from the original cast-iron moulds from the early 20th century.
In our search for the perfect ceiling-mount fixtures for our kitchen, Jack and I were both drawn to their porcelain Alabax model we originally saw at Remodelista. According to the salespeople at S.E., we weren't the only ones. Julianne Moore and Maggie Gyllenhaal both called in orders for the Alabax fixture after seeing it on Remodelista.

We loved it just as much in person and not because of the celebrity endorsements. It's elegant, utilitarian and will fit perfectly in our vintage modern space.
By the time we left the shop, Jack had me convinced that the black version was the way to go, adding a little drama and contrast to our white kitchen. We've since come full circle back to the white fixture; it will reflect the light better, and we have some other tricks up our sleeve to add some contrast to the space.
Here's the Alabax in the pendant style at Portland's Ace Hotel. I thought I had seen them somewhere before.

We are super pleased that these fixtures are made right here in Portland (scroll down to see pictures of the Alabax in production).
I'll be back soon to share the salvaged fixtures that we found today to round out the lighting in the kitchen.