Changing the light fixtures on a home is a simple way to create a more up-to-date look, according to sisters Gina Whitley and Jill Turner, owners of Hambuchen Lighting Inc.
The family business was established in 1946 by the sisters’ grandfather, Gus Hambuchen. He worked in residential and commercial wiring and sold light fixtures, all under one roof. In 1985, his son, Jim Hambuchen and wife, GiGi, purchased the business. Whitley, Turner and their brother, Eric Hambuchen, grew up in the family business. This year Jim Hambuchen retired and Eric Hambuchen went into business with a partner, forming a separate electrical wiring company, CH Electric. The sisters expanded the lighting side of what was the family business and are also now an independent company, although they work regularly with their brother for customers’ wiring needs. They are located at 724 Second St.
The business carries indoor and outdoor light fixtures, ceiling fans and a variety of light bulbs. They plan to start carrying lamps, decorative mirrors, and bathroom vanities, as well. They also repair lamps. Whitley said she or Turner can sit down with a customer, discuss their needs and help them make a selection. They will also make visits to homes to help with decorating choices.
Turner said, “We were born to do this. We’ve been coming here since we were kids. I tell my customers when they come in – we treat each customer like it’s our home too. We give them information about what would look best in the style of house they live in.”
Hambuchen Lighting can meet a variety of different price points to fit different budgets, Whitley said.
“Some people don’t have an budget, but most people do,” she noted.
While new construction accounts for part of their customer base, Hambuchen Lighting also serves customers who want to redecorate. Whitley said changing the light fixtures on a house can renew the look of the house.
“An easy way to update your home is starting with the light fixtures,” she said.
Last summer they helped a local school teacher who wanted to replace her polished brass fixtures with something more up-to-date. She purchased the fixtures a little at a time over the course of the summer.
“We started by changing her dining and foyer light,” Whitley said. “We went room to room. By the end of the summer, her whole house was changed out. We even did her garage and front porch light. It just makes it look like a new house outside.
“We say the light fixtures are like the earrings on your outfit. It’s your jewelry.”
While some people are moving away from the polished brass fixtures that were popular in the 1990s, Whitley said antique gold is a popular choice, along with black, bronze, pewter, nickel, brushed steel, rust and oil-rubbed bronze.
She said the process is not as expensive as some customers might think. A hall light fixture can be changed out for $15, she said.
“A nice garage light is $41,” she said. “If you have a polished brass fan, you can update for $86 to a more modern one.”
Turner said, “Changing out the light fixtures in your home can give you the feeling of being in a new one. It gives you a new, clean feel.”
Once customers choose their light fixtures, Eric Hambuchen or someone from CH Electric picks up and installs the items.
“The family is still together, because we work together every day,” said Whitley.
The business is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment.