The One About the Cords

I rent in the good old Bay of the Area and have restrictions around paint color and electrical mods and built additions- and I know I’m not alone! As an interior designer who would still like her deposit back, of course it’s not what I would choose but it's the kind of challenge that mocks me and therefore, a challenge I love to subvert! 

A recent challenge that arose is the very white, high-ish ceiling kitchen where the main cabinetry is located. It felt like there was too much open air above the counter. The effect felt simultaneously cramped and cavernous. The vertical space needed expressions of volume/something to fill its void, I believed, in order for the zone to feel grounded or human-scaled. 

The plug-in sconces that I’ve added at either side of that main counter should create a layer of light that breaks up the height of the room and create a warm, romantic feel for the active prep/clean zones.

Now, because I cannot hardwire any fixtures in my place, I did a deep dive and located an attractive and inexpensive plug-in sconce. Installed, I’m loving them but the unsightly cords trailing down to reach the outlets are killing. my. vibe.

I hate cords. So I’m going to do something about it.

Leather cording and trim are incredibly versatile. Depending on the size of it, you can create useful and beautiful elements at wildly different scales. For example, in the past I’ve done 9’ tall room dividers created from strips of leather, woven around a simple metal frame for a luxurious and functional result. Here on this occasion, I chose small gauge cording - the same kind that jewelry makers use and can easily be found (link at the bottom) - and tested my theory that wrapping leather cord around a regular one can transform an unsightly necessity into an indulgent curiosity.

1.

Start at either end of the cord and tie the leather on. I did a super simple knot.

2. Keeping each onboarding rotation of the leather cord as tight as possible to the one before it is key.

HOT TIP: If you need to stop because your hand is cramping, you can always tie it off and save the rest until later. 

3.

I chose to stop and start around the switch.

LESSON LEARNED: Whenever you tie off your cord, be sure to overestimate the length of cord you will cut from the spool. When you tie it off, it will be easier to get a good grip. You can always cut the excess off later.

4. There really isn't much to this besides wrapping and wrapping and wrapping. It’s a lovely mindless task that feels meditative.

5.

When all is said and done, feel free to play around with how your cord is expressed. I chose to casually loop mine around the base of the fixture itself. It feels fun and a bit sculptural!

You really can’t beat an inexpensive, simple change with a great impact.