Dream Home Crystallised with Starburst Chandeliers

Near ketchum and in Idaho, David and Jill Hitchins built their dream house filled with memorabilia and re-creations of their shared memories. What caught my eye was their decision to include replicas of the spectacularly beautiful Sputnik or Starburst crystal chandeliers from the Metropolitan Opera house.

Their home, which many of us could only dream about, took five years to complete and by all accounts the couple (who recently celebrated their sapphire wedding anniversary, by the way) - and their family – were very happy with the results. They talk about the inside decor and furniture as a coming together of many of their travels and memories. The original Starburst crystal chandeliers were presented to the Metropolitan Opera house in Manhattan New York. Whether you’ve seen them or not, beauty is always worth a second look and so I have included a few snaps.

Central foyer balcony view

Now just a quick reminder about its history: the chandeliers were created by a family business and were installed for the opening night of the Metropolitan Opera house. That goes back to a September 16, 1966, and with the rapturous reception they received at that time, they also received the nickname of sputniks. That is because each chandelier had a central section with seemingly orbiting moons or in those days people prefer to call them Sputniks.

Viewed from directly below

Whatever the name, their beauty and creative innovation was undeniable! There were actually 32 crystal chandeliers installed at that time, 11 in the foyer and 21 in the main auditorium. That made for a lot of crystal – 49,000 pieces in all and sparklingly arrayed on metal rods randomly radiating out from its central core to make them seem like light beams. The showcase chandelier was actually a stunning 18 foot across – no wonder the applause and reception they received!

Recently the whole series of these chandeliers were completely refurbished and all the crystals were changed to Swarovski crystals.

(Dream house photo by Tory Taglio)