Panache Lighting

I recently acquired an extremely unusual and somewhat rare W.B. Brown chandelier in Ohio. The entire thing is made from oak, and dates back prior to 1910. I had it shipped to me in pieces and have been looking for someone to rewire it, as it had been gutted of it’s original wiring. I shopped it around locally, and no one wanted to touch it because of it’s complexity and perceived fragility. When I decided to contact some of my friends in the Arts & Crafts community for a referral I was introduced to Jana Olson of Panache Lighting. When I brought the fixture to her at her shop I was delighted to see another W.B. Brown fixture on the table when I walked in. We talked about wiring options, as well as replacing the crappy modern sockets that were currently in it, and more importantly, about crafting a mounting bracket so as to attach it to a modern electrical box. 2 weeks later, I was called and told that it was ready. When I walked into her shop I was blown away. She had it hanging up and electrified so that I could see it in all it’s glory. I had never seen it all together and illuminated before, and was so so pleased with what I saw. The way she ran the cables up the wooden links is absolutely gorgeous. When it was time, she lowered it into a big clothing storage box where it was hung from a bar, and then helped me load it into our truck.
When other people balked at working on it, Jana said «OH! HOW COOL!!», and took on this project with passion. Don’t be put off by any mention of shop hours. Jana worked with me and allowed me to meet her at her shop on one of her «closed» days, and has offered to stay late to meet with me. I have since brought her another oak fixture (I have a thing for wooden lighting), and once again she did a beautiful job.
I love that I now have this incredible resource in my arsenal.
I cannot recommend Jana Olson and Panache Lighting enough.

Jana was able to repair a modern halogen lamp for less than $ 100, so I’m definitely a fan.
My only gripe is her hours of operation. For those that work during the week, and don’t live down the street, getting to her shop requires taking time off work. I would recommend a couple of things:
1. Staying open one hour later on Thursdays
2. Opening shop on pre-​determined Saturdays either all day or half a day

For antique and new lamp repairs nobody wants to do RUN to Jana and she will do it.

When my wife and I had our home remodeled, we purchased 4 French art deco light fixtures on ebay. Since electrical standards are a little strange in France, the fixtures all had to be rewired to work here. Panache Lighting did an extraordinary job. Recently, she fixed an outdoor fixture for us. I have always been so impressed with her work.

Awesome! Jana is super knowledgeable, friendly, and knows her craft inside and out. Don’t miss the opportunity to check out the amazing workshop. Whether you want a lamp made out of weathervanes, cornish hens, or art deco detritus, Jana can do it, and beautifully!

Over the last seven months, I have beaten a worn path to Panache Lighting, due to buying a condo where I have replaced six ceiling fixtures with Deco originals purchased on e-​Bay that needed restoration and/​or rewiring. At the same time, I took two more original fixtures from my 1924 house that needed rewiring and restoring. Now I am taking several table lamps for rewiring or new parts. Jana Olson is an artist with an incredible understanding of period lighting. Not only does she offer wonderful suggestions for restoring a fixture, but she can also quickly spot a part that is ersatz and tell you what really should go in its place. One 1920s five-​socket chandelier I gave her was beautifully restored to its original finish by stripping off the accumulated paint, sandblasting, and then shellacking the original finish so that it would not tarnish. Friends who come by my condo tell me that all the lighting looks original and compliment Jana’s work. In comparison, her prices are very attractive and she does the job with no fuss, delivering on time. However, it is her judgment about how to best restore a specific fixture that I value and admire. She has on hand a treasury of parts from which she draws very creatively. Her workshop is a «plus» on any visit, almost like going to a museum, for her own novel creations, together with those she has repaired for clients, hang from the ceiling or are displayed on several work tables. She is a genuine artist, a practical businesswoman, and a friendly source of advice for any project. I cannot recommend her enough. I encourage you to explore her website, give her a call, and take to Panache whatever project you have postponed. You will be delighted with the results.
Linda L., Oakland, CA

I have taken several old lamps to Jana for repairs — one needed a new base; others needed rewiring. She has all the hardware needed to fix/​rebuild an old lamp. She knows what she’s doing, can advise you about options, and get the job done well and on time. She is fair and honest about her pricing and time frames. Also she’s an artist and it’s fun to look at her wonderful creations in her shop — chandeliers and lamps made up out of recycled stuff. She can make one of those for you too. All in all a pleasure to do business with.