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Sunday, January 31st, 2016
Did this Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Chandelier 1954-355 catch your attention? Imagine what your friends would say!
As opposed to what is being propagated, there is no need to memorize lighting fundamentals or even to spend a lot of money just to make rooms look airy and lively. There is no need to commit to memory the basics of decorative or functional lighting just to plan and be able to buy the right kind of light. Illumination can be achieved in three ways – through general lighting, accent and task lighting. Any fusion of these three is what you would call a decorative light.
Don’t think that home lighting is an unimportant subject, though. This is a crucial element of interior design because it is the very vehicle that allows homeowners to carry out tasks while providing the home with a lovely appeal.
You should consider your lighting decisions based on your chosen interior design. Pay close attention to lighting when creating new environments or when redesigning old ones. This may seem like a technical topic at first but do not be intimidated by it.
To simplify matters of lighting, let’s cut down the basics into three – the purpose of light, how man perceives color, and the three kinds of lighting.
Lighting Purposes
Lighting in homes and offices are there for people to carry out their daily work. Also, light provides a level of comfort that cannot be felt when in a dark setting. Aesthetically, light can emphasize artwork, displays and define shadows.
Lighting is also there for safety reasons.
Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Pair Of Aged Regency Solid Wooden Plaque Wall Lamps 1930-112
Color Perception
The human eye responds to different kinds of colors. It is most amenable to the green and yellow spectra and less to the red and blue violet ends. When you come to think about it, this is relative to the spectrum of moods that humans feel.
A well-lit room creates happiness and a sense of well being. Dark rooms, on the other hand, elicit serious moods, even depression.
Light that falls on an object will be absorbed by the surface of that object. The colors that it reflects will be the color that will be perceived. So, in essence, purple is every other color in the universe except purple.
‘Confused already? Don’t be.
Okay, you do know that black absorbs all light while all light that is reflected is done by the color white (which is not even a color!).
Decorative lighting pieces can create serenity or cheerfulness depending on the mood that it depicts. Functional lights – like the ones found in offices – make people more alert. Decorative lighting is different because it makes you feel texture, patterns, even shapes.
Decorative lighting also comes in different levels. Dimmers are used for bedrooms while bright lights are left inside playrooms and the kitchen. Sometimes, the lighting fixture can serve as the focal point of a room. Such is the role of chandeliers and pendant lights.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Metauro Wood Desk Lamp 26577-1 is both decorative and task lighting.
The dining room, for instance, can look more elegant when a chandelier hangs right above it. Attention will surely be drawn towards this set up. Pendant lighting over a table can provide a more concentrated light. Chandeliers spell traditional and classy while pendants are more contemporary.
Lighting Types
You already know the three types of lighting which is spearheaded by general lighting. Also known as ambient lighting, these are up-lights that illuminate from the ceiling. Wall sconces are also general lighting fixtures as are floor lamps, table lamps, recessed lights, and track lights.
Task lighting is for areas that are in need of intense lighting. This is technically 300% brighter than general lighting. Such lights are used in offices, kitchens and other busy areas.
Accent lighting can add a level of shimmer to paintings, objects, architectural features, and sculptures. Halogen is the best known accent lighting that can provide brilliance and intensity.
Tags: accent lighting, ambient lighting, floor lamp, floor lamps, general lighting, home lighting, improving home lighting, interior lighting, light, lighting architectural features, lighting fixture, lighting interiors, lighting plan, lighting types, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, recessed light, recessed lighting, recessed lights, table lamp, table lamps, tips
Posted in Decorative Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Saturday, January 30th, 2016
Winners Only Dining Room 42 Inch Farmhouse Round Table With 2-8 Inch Drop Leaves 54242F. This two-seater table should look perfect on that tiny space that you’ve allocated for your breakfast nook.
Okay, admit it. You are one of those who run out of the door the moment you finish taking a sip or two of your orange juice. Whether you are this fast-paced person or a laidback one who loves to spend weekend gatherings with her family, then you know how important dining areas are. But the dining room can sometimes have an aura of formality, one that you might not want all days of the week. Casual dining begins with the breakfast nook.
The breakfast nook is an ideal place to spend your simple weekend gatherings as a family, also a quiet corner as you finish your bowl of oatmeal in the morning. It’s time to relax over your morning food.
The breakfast nook can come in any style that you want but there are simple guidelines to follow.
Seating and Table Guidelines
Unlike dining spaces which are more formal, you have to find a seat for your cozy nook before you shop for the right table. Traditionally, the nook is built in a corner right where two walls converge. L-shaped layouts work best.
Choose from a series of cabinetry, cushions, and seats. Carefully consider what you would place as a window seat, bench or settee.
Other choices for the nook are the regular dining chairs that can be placed against the window or a wall. Pedestal tables can effectively save space and you won’t have to worry about bumping on your loved ones’ knees as you enjoy your morning meal.
There is no one particular design that fits all types of breakfast nook. In fact, the table that you eventually pick should fit your preference on seats, the size of your family, and what shape you would want for your cozy corner.
Whitewashed pieces are great when you want to achieve a cottage appeal.
Canadel Dining Room Upholstered Seat Bench BEN89025TD-24. Choose your seating piece well since you only have a limited space to work with.
Lighting Tips
Don’t even think about mounting a light fixture onto the ceiling. Find pendant light or a small chandelier that comfortably hangs at 30 to 34 inches above the table.
Traditional spaces can use smaller chandeliers that are made of metal or wood. If you really favor the farmhouse look, then find painted or tole chandelier. Metal flowers can have a classic effect.
For a more modern look, use pendant lighting with barrel shade or an art glass.
Flooring Options
Kitchens are often installed with hardwood flooring. This is because of the heavy foot traffic that is expected in this area most days of the week. You can soften the tough look of hardwood by placing a rug that is the same size as your breakfast nook table and seats. This rug defines the area while providing your feet with a comfortable feeling as you eat your breakfast and enjoy reading the newspaper.
Find a rug that can be easily spot cleaned. You can also buy a patterned or colorful rug that can hide visible stains.
Window Treatment Selections
Even when the breakfast nook’s windows are already shady, it is still pays to have an added amount of privacy by installing minimal window treatment. Such can add color, texture, pattern and warmth to your nook.
Woven shades can filter light while not totally blocking the natural light that comes in. Add patterns by having valances, cornice boards or faux shades. Should the windows face the street, then you should find a window treatment that lets in light while not having the diners feel uncomfortable because of passersby staring at them.
Maitland-Smith Kitchen Brass Paper Towel Holder, Rooster Décor 1254-262
You will also need to adjust the window treatment if your breakfast nook sits in the east. Make sure that it can protect your eyes from the glare of the morning sun. Consider louvered shutters, fabric shades or plain blinds.
Accessorizing the Nook
Say no to fussy pieces since you are just decorating a small area. Say yes to some throw pillows, bench, tie-on chair pads, tissue holder, and other simple yet decorative pieces. Personalize the area by bringing photographs and artwork.
Now that you’ve created the breakfast nook, an intimate spot, let’s hope you enjoy more cheerful mornings and create happy family memories in this area.
Tags: art, art decor, artwork, breakfast area, breakfast nook, cabinets, chair, designing nook, dining chair, dining nook, dining room bench, dining table, general lighting, guidelines, home lighting, interior lighting, lighting fixture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, nook, settee, table, tips, unused nook
Posted in Accessories, Dining Room Design, Furniture, Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »
Friday, January 29th, 2016
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Esher Twig Candelabra 19866
Have you ever wondered why most homes that hang chandeliers and decorate with candelabras are viewed as sophisticated? You may not have a family member that knows how to craft candelabra with his bare hands but there are a lot of skilled artisans who now put their works in the market.
Candelabras are candle holders which can support two or more of these lighting pieces. Most of these are now decorative in nature, with the artist carefully placing an awesome display. A single candle holder is known as a candelabrum.
The word candelabra comes from the Latin word for candlestick. People have been using candles for many, many years for lighting purposes. Even in the ancient times, people have paired these candles with candelabra.
In the beginning, candelabra were utilized to increase of the amount of light in a room. In the next centuries, however, their role when it comes to enhancing the ambience slowly became apparent. Pretty soon, churches, social gatherings and stages were already using them.
Candelabra are now equal to glamour, chic, stylish and romance. Place one in any room and in an understated manner and you will find more and more guests marveling at their beauty.
Candelabra can also be used during weddings. Just position some by the entrance hall or right on the guests’ tables. These can serve as stylish center pieces. Also, during Christmas, ornately designed candelabra can be placed atop festive tables.
The dining table can be enhanced with lovely candelabra. Nothing can be more dramatic than this central piece. Think of a special occasion that you attended wherein you noticed how the house glowed with warmth and the homeowner probably set up a number of candelabras for guests to appreciate.
Maitland-Smith Accessories Urn Candelabra 1653-754
Which Candelabra Should You Buy?
First, consider what you are going to use them for. Are they going to be added as decor? Or will they be used to light a room?
You must also consider the kind of material and the style that your candelabra will have. Of course, it is paramount that you consider your preference.
Candelabra Types
Various candelabra in high quality are now available in our shop. The most common designs that you can look for are – the fountain dropper, crystal droplets, hanging candelabra, glass tea light, standing, and cake candelabra.
The fountain dropper is decorative as it comes with pearl beads or crystals. These gems are attached to the branches with each flowing to the base.
Crystal droplets come in different sizes. There are smaller versions in sparkling dots or the bigger types with diamond-like gems. These effectively catch the light and can magnify the glimmer of candles.
The hanging type is great to use outdoors. Those who choose to bring it indoors should make sure that it is paired with exposed beams or ceilings. The glass tea light candle holder is made to hold many small tea candles also known as votives. It can offer a vintage appeal and is best used in shabby chic settings.
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Kara, Candelabra 19395
The standing candelabra have a huge impact in any setting because of their sheer size. Often used in pairs, they offer subtle symmetry as well as balance in any environment.
Lastly, the cake candelabra are placed atop iced cakes to hold birthday candles. These are novelty items that are charming and impressive.
Candelabra Care
Just like any candle holder, you need to regularly clean the candelabra. First, never leave them unattended when the candles are already lit. Standing candelabra can be anchored to the floor but for all others, you have to find a way to make them more stable.
Find a specialist cleaning agent to remove wax. Always use protective gloves when handling hot candelabra.
Tags: accent lighting, ambient light, ambient lighting, candelabra, candelabrum, decor, dining room light, home lighting, improving home lighting, interior lighting, light, lighting fixture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, room accents, tips, types of lighting
Posted in Accents, Decorative Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
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