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Saturday, December 17th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Accents Melange Encircle Floor Mirror will surely multiply the illumination provided by any floor lamp or overhead lighting fixture.
As a homeowner, you are a lot of things to your home. You could also be a lighting designer as you get to dictate the functions and qualities of lighting that you would use. You also need to set your home’s lighting goals and how you should go about in accomplishing them.
Control the Colors
Colors are one of the fundamental things that you learned in school. Red, yellow and blue, when mixed in any way, could produce a totally new color; mix all the colors together and what you achieve is black. Lighting also has its own primary colors.
The right lighting color could also enable you to perform your tasks more fully, make you feel more comfortable and safer and even allow you to enjoy your home’s full potential. Every room, however, comes with unique and specific lighting needs which you need to consider.
Light to Impress
When lighting your foyer, be sure to convey what the visitors would soon see in your home’s interiors. The hallway should at least have a modern pendant light, a classic chandelier, or a transitional lighting fixture that’s installed close to the ceiling.
Light to Decorate
Not every foyer is able to accommodate a huge chandelier, though, so be sure to get the right proportions for your lighting needs. A bigger space, likewise, needs a larger lighting fixture. Second story viewing becomes a lot more interesting if you’re going to look down on an interesting pendant or chandelier.
General Lighting for High Traffic Areas
Keep in mind that halls and stairways need general lighting for safety reasons. A well-lit hallway will prevent accidents. Be sure to illuminate from top to bottom of the stairs and check that there are switches upstairs and downstairs.
Lighting fixtures should be installed every 8-10 feet. Match the foyer chandelier to the hallway lighting fixtures. Foyer can be complemented with the right pair of wall sconces.
FFDM Villa Cascina: The side table lamps complete the classic look that’s achieved in this ensemble.
Highlight with Light
You can also use light to enhance the ambience in a room or to dramatize architectural features. So, go ahead, highlight the family room, master bedroom, playrooms and the living room. Find the type of light that doubles as a general light and an accent light.
Concealed Lighting for General Areas
General areas should have close-to-ceiling lighting fixtures, lamps or wall sconces. These provide ample lighting while being decorative at the same time.
Use recessed or track lighting to create a room that’s lively. Don’t forget to highlight artwork, grazing or wall washing.
Focal Point with Lighting
You can also make a focal point by correctly using light. An example is at the dining table where chairs are usually pushed in when the table is set. Your lighting fixture could become the centerpiece on this entire ensemble. It would automatically become the focal point of the room so be sure to express your personality on the lighting fixture that you use there. Your general lighting needs must still be met just as much as your entertaining and dining requirements are also met.
Find a lighting fixture that best describes who you are.
Lighting for Different Rooms
The use of pendant light or chandelier would surely set the dining room’s tone. Recessed wall washers are great sources of additional light while creating an illusion of a much larger space.
Chandeliers should be 6-12 inches smaller than the dining table’s narrowest side. Find one that has an integral downlight that would add more illumination to the dining area.
The kitchen is the heart of every home, hence, it is the busiest place there. It is the place where meals are prepared and where they could also be enjoyed.
Sketch a lighting placement plan for your kitchen. Decide which areas would get the accent, task, general or decorative lighting. Find higher watt lighting for task areas.
Tags: accent lighting, general lighting, interior lighting, light, lighting interiors, lights, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, task lighting
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Saturday, October 22nd, 2016
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Botanical Rug 0609CS Poinsettia: The mood of the upcoming holidays shouldn’t just be reflected by your lights but also by all other design elements in your home.
What common complaint do you hear when the holidays are fast approaching? Most people say it’s too early to think of Christmas. Halloween and Thanksgiving are just around the corner so it is that time of the year when signs of Christmas begin to show up.
Shops are now slowly planning their Christmas décor (if they haven’t yet changed their display windows). This is a move to increase their holiday profits. But let’s not think from a retailer’s standpoint.
As a homeowner, how can you best show that you are prepping for Christmas?
Outdoor Christmas Lights Installed
It is estimated by a 2013 poll by TellWut that about 28-percent of Americans wait until December before they put up their Christmas lights. About the same number believes otherwise; to the second group, it is okay to hang the lights earlier than December. About a third of the poll chose to not hang any lights at all.
Holiday light installation can be a tradition that your family can look forward to every year. The sad news is that a lot of homeowners get hurt because they don’t do the installation properly. Remember that there are safety precautions if you want to hang holiday lighting without getting hurt.
There are recommended tools that are used for holiday lighting setup. Just like any home improvement task, there are certain tools that can help you do the job easier. Here are such tools –
Put this Stanley Furniture Dining Room Buffet 443-11-05 to good use this coming holiday season.
Guidelines in Choosing Lighting Materials
Lighting materials can be purchased in many home depot and hardware shops in your locality. Prior to spending, though, be sure to make a careful inventory of the materials that you already have. See if there are still some Christmas lights that you can reuse from the last holidays. If they are already cracked or chipped, then don’t even think about using them anymore.
Test the lights before you pay for them. Make sure also that you know how many lights you actually need before you purchase. Also, be sure to buy outdoor lights and not the indoor types. The latter won’t hold up to the outdoor elements like snow or rain. They could also start a fire when they blow a fuse.
Ask for a three-pronged extension cord for your outdoor lighting use. This is a safer bet for all your Christmas lighting needs. Be sure to plug it into a GFCI outlet so that you won’t have to worry about short circuits.
Let’s Hang Those Holiday Lights
Be sure to follow the safety tips above if you want to hang your Christmas lights without any problems. Use light clips as much as possible, even gutter hooks. Remember that roof repairs can become costly so make sure that you minimize wearing and tearing. If you do use nails, just be sure to attach them first to a fascia board.
Use a ladder that is stable when opened. Just to be safe, have a friend hold the ladder as you install the lights. Never place the ladder on water or ice.
If you decide to use hooks, be sure to use gutter hooks. Never carry all of the materials that you need to the roof all at once. Just take it slowly. Have three or four feet distance between hooks. Have a friend hand you the lights then slowly hang them on the hooks.
As soon as every piece of light is in place, be sure to check that there are no burned out bulbs. The electrical wires must also be kept away from high-traffic areas and all lights unplugged when you’re not home or when you’re asleep.
Tags: ambient lighting, Christmas lights, hanging holiday lights, holiday light installation, holiday lighting, holiday lights, installing holiday lights, interior lighting, lighting fixture, lighting plan, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Monday, September 19th, 2016
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Jelani, Table Lamp 26987 provides accent lighting for your living room.
You may think that light is the least essential design element when the days are at their longest yet this is the best time to buy quality lighting and select fixtures that would properly light your home. The first step that you need to undertake is to know the three kinds of lighting.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting can also be referred to as general lighting since it provides an overall glow. In essence, it does the role of sunlight during the night. Full ambient lighting can be achieved by properly spacing recessed downlights. This can also be achieved by a single central ceiling fixture.
Ambient lighting is often chosen for its decorative feature. Be sure to check the wattage when you want to know how much light the ambient fixture can offer.
One problem that you might have encountered in older homes is that homeowners only used task lighting. This gets the job done, sure, but it can leave a lot of dark corners or make rooms appear smaller.
Minus ambient lights, you are likelier to trip over stuff, this is why this kind of light is now the most common light used in many modern homes. The unfortunate news is that people tend to stop at ambient lighting, not even bothering to layer with another kind of lighting.
Accent Lighting
This kind of lighting, on the other hand, provides any room with a more polished look. Of course, it is important to make the room more visually interesting which is why you should carefully choose accent lights.
Just like any beautiful painting, accent light has the power to draw the eyes to it. This visual piece can be that attractive lighting fixture or some directional lights.
One of the most natural accent lights is the chandelier which can highlight the dining table. Downlights are able to illuminate a piece of art or an interesting decorative cabinet.
Task Lighting
The last type of light is task lighting. This is that focused light that can create a spotlight on a task. This is important in the prevention of eye strain, therefore, to eye health.
What could be more fun than a glowing peacock? Featured here is the Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Cast Brass Peacock Wall Sconce 1900-111
Relax, Have Fun
A lot of designers rely on lighting designers when taking on a remodeling project. The latter make sure the rooms are properly lit for the crucial tasks. They also know that mood can be easily created with light. If you want to ascertain that your home is correctly lit, then you should begin by knowing the three kinds of lighting and to know how and where to use them.
Apply accent, ambient and task lighting – these are the three kinds of light. Don’t force them, though. It would be unwise to cram them into one space. Layered lighting is only considered successful if the entire room has a flattering glow to it. There shouldn’t be any daunting shadows anywhere. The most interesting parts of the home must also pop because of proper lighting.
The three kinds of light can be layered but don’t get confused by them. A family room, for instance, can have recessed lighting which could provide a casting glow. A ceiling chandelier can double as ambient and decorative lighting. A white table lamp (still in the same room) is a great decorative piece when placed against dark walls. While it is decorative, this lamp can also offer task lighting for anyone who wants to read a good book.
Alright, here’s the simple secret –
Begin with ambient light as the first layer. The task light follows as the second layer and the accent lights finish the job. If you can commit that to memory, then all you have to do now is to find the fixture styles that would match your home’s theme.
Tags: accent light, accent lighting, ambient light, ambient lighting, general lighting, interior lighting, layering, layering in interior design, layering lights, lighting fixture, lighting interiors, lighting layers, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, task light, task lighting, tips, types of light, types of lighting
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Friday, September 16th, 2016
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Tuxedo, 6-Lt Single Shade Chandelier 21130
The mere mention of the term chandelier makes one think of class and sophistication. This is that ornate lighting fixture which is just as much decoration as it is a lighting source. Most of the ideas from the ancient times still haven’t changed although those that did were marvelously welcomed.
The word chandelier originated from a French term, chandelle, which literally means candle holder. In the beginning that was the original function of this lighting fixture. Historically speaking, the first batch of chandeliers appeared on the 14th century. There were no frills during that time, design-wise. In fact, the chandeliers then were so simple that all it took to design them were two wooden beams that formed a cross. This cross had a spike at its end that held candles.
Structures that needed chandeliers back then were abbeys, churches and other large gathering areas. The cost of chandeliers could only be afforded by the wealthy. These were the only people who were able to buy and maintain such pieces.
After the candle era of the chandelier, it welcomed gas lighting which led to the birth of gasoliers. It was during this time that chandeliers were slowly converted into gas holders rather than candles. This trend continued till the advent of electrical lighting.
But those days are long gone.
Chandelier History Continued
As production and materials greatly improved over time, so did the look and ornate nature of chandeliers. Materials were no longer limited to metal or wood; other options now include glass, crystals, etc. These lighting fixtures are now even considered as art. They are also status symbols; with the more intricate ones seen to be more sophisticated.
Interestingly, chandeliers are now bigger and more extravagant. Most of the time, the emphasis is no longer just on illumination anymore. Lighting designs have become so artistic that form has taken over function many times.
But, once again, those days are slowly coming to an end.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Botanic 4 Light Milk Glass Chandelier 21271
Modern Chandeliers
These days, the function over form concept is, once again, being embraced. Rooms are made extra special not solely because of the chandelier’s beauty but more of its achieved function. Modern chandeliers come with the needed lighting for dining rooms, living rooms, even bedrooms. They also still come with that wonderful glow that adds an extra appeal and character in those rooms.
One of the major characteristics of chandeliers these days is versatility. Wherever you place them, they are out to beautify and fulfill their lighting duties.
Modern chandeliers come in different colors, shapes, sizes, styles and patterns. There is also a wide array of materials that you could choose from. Crystals may be the most common design pattern nowadays but one cannot discredit the beauty of glass and metal chandeliers. There are even those that come with faux candles and other such interesting designs.
Home lighting has never been this interesting but just make sure that you get the proper one for your home. Get one that’s too small and it would look like an eye sore there, one that’s totally out of place. Buy a humongous one and you’re left with an overpowering lighting fixture.
Proper sizing is a crucial factor if you don’t want to commit these mistakes. Take the time to measure the height of the ceiling down to the floor. See also if the chandelier is going to be placed above the dining table or the center table in the living room. Make sure that you leave enough room between the furnishings and the chandelier.
Balance is the key to handling the modernized chandelier so be very careful in making your choice.
Tags: accent lighting, ambient lighting, chandelier, designing with chandeliers, general lighting, history, history of chandeliers, home lighting, improving home lighting, interior lighting, lighting types, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, types of chandeliers, use of chandeliers
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Sunday, July 3rd, 2016
FFDM Collector’s Room: Daylight is the most effective source of light but you have to learn to put proper lighting when dusk sets in.
Homeowners often talk of the creation of layers of light but did you ever wonder what that even means? The use of multiple light sources can provide maximum effect on any space. Ambient lighting, for instance, can be fused with task lighting if you want to create a shadow-free work. Accent lighting, on the other hand, can add a dramatic depth while decorative lighting can show your personality. Mixing different fittings can create different themes or stage a much richer home environment.
Multiple Lighting to Break Rooms
Homeowners who embraced the open-plan concept can understand the difficulties of establishing boundaries. Furniture pieces can do this trick but lighting can also do offer the same effect. Light can divide larger rooms into zones such as what happens when you use high-output downlighting on work areas while infill downlighting can be used as ambient lighting. Dining areas can be softened by pendant lights as well as concealed cove lighting.
Different Lights, Different Tasks
When downlights take care of ambient lighting for the dining area, there is no longer a need for decorative lights to provide a high output. Keep in mind that not all lighting fixtures should provide like levels of light.
When it comes to downlighting, make sure that you plan their placement so that they can add to the richness of the surroundings. The wrong use of downlighting can lead to a shapeless and soulless room and, of course, you don’t want that.
You can alter the focus of attention by increasing or even lowering the different lighting fixtures placed in different areas. Remember to group lights into small circuits so you could be more flexible. You can always have separate circuits set at same levels but it is not easy to split 20 or more lights wired together to act as one light.
Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Verdigris Bronze Patina Monkey Lamp 1753-570
Accent Lighting in Bathrooms
Bathrooms can be a challenging project to take on when it comes to lighting. Ideal lighting in this room should have a controlled color temperature. This temperature is how warm or cool lighting should appear.
Bathrooms should have cool lighting, one that would make you feel alert in the morning. In the evening, it should have warmer glow so that sleep would easily come.
LED is often fixed when it comes to color temperature. It is still possible, though, to layer the light when using different circuits for different tasks.
The area where you usually apply make-up should be a well-lit one. Combine low-level accent lights with accurate lighting fixtures with the first to be used at night and the other during the day. They key here is to separate the circuits so you achieve flexibility.
Adding Intimacy
Accent lighting means you have to know which features matter to you. You can also use this type of lighting to make the eyes focus on a beautiful feature. So the next time you want to bring something to life, just focus an accent light on it.
LED has many choices for accent lighting. Find whether you would want a downlight, uplight, or linear fitting.
Consistency Is Key
The use of multiple light sources can better unify any space than having a blanket of downlights with the light source coming from just one direction. Now remember that even the subtlest variation in light can be accentuated so take the time to test the different fittings. See if you can compare them side by side.
Achieve Maximum Effect
Use several kinds of lighting and make them work together to your advantage. Downlighting can provide the light when you’re at work while the decorative lights soften the ambience. Add glamour and personality by having ambient lights set up.
Tags: how to layer lights, improving home lighting, interior lighting, layered lighting, layering, layering lights, lighting fixture, lighting layers, lighting plan, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 29th, 2016
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Daisy 8 Light Industrial Pendant 21284 looks traditional, perfect for those who are hesitant to cross from vintage to modern.
Lighting in residential spaces consumes about 8-15% of the household budget. There are factors to consider when gauging lighting technology. One is lighting design, another is the user behavior, also the efficiency of the light that will be used. The last factor (efficiency) will greatly affect the household’s energy savings.
In the year 2012, the average energy use in homes showed varied results. This is because the climate can also be a huge factor on how lighting is used in each home. For household use, energy is essential for water heating, cooling or heating, and the use of appliances.
Lighting homes should have the objective of providing comfort and a safe environment. The lighting used must also be visually appealing. Nowadays, with green living and all being propagated, it is also important to know that your light is as energy efficient as it claims.
Lighting Design
Thinking of proper lighting design fuses different day and electric lighting strategies. You need to optimize certain aspects so that light will be properly distributed inside your home. You also need to consider the whole house’s energy impact in order to minimize the overall energy use, if needs be.
Lighting design also takes advantage of glazing technologies as well as shading strategies. These can be used to moderate the spectrum and intensity of the lighting that is used as well as the daylight that is allowed to stream inside a home.
Lighting can also be set up so that heat gain is minimized during cooling season while heat loss is reduced during heating season.
Lighting design also chooses the right window aperture size, shading and glazing for every orientation.
Daylighting Explained
Daylighting science makes use of daylight to negate the use of electric light. Daylight sources include sunlight, a directional beam, skylight, or a diffuse light that is about a tenth of the sunlight’s illumination. Daylight is wonderful as it constantly alters its colors, direction, even its intensity.
With this in mind, make sure that you design your home in such a way that it would only require electric lighting at night.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Toledo Industrial Lamp 29332-1 offers a metallic look that veers towards modernism.
Industrial Lighting Put to Good Use
Lighting upgrades can significantly cut your energy costs. You can have your existing fixtures retrofitted so that ample light will be provided without upping your costs and diminishing your comfort.
LED lights are a necessity. They are efficient, durable, long-lasting, and they offer a lot of design options. These are environment friendly lights which you can operate with zero emission.
Upgrade your home lighting now to LED industrial lights in order to increase your energy savings. Whether you require high ceiling lights, fluorescents, or LED pendants, it’s high time to change to what’s modern and cost effective.
Remember also that industrial elements are quite huge in interior design nowadays so you would surely be the talk of the town as you embrace the trend. Industrial materials are not, of course, for the faint of heart but it is surely a move that you will never regret.
This is where industrial lighting best comes in. It will create a bold statement yet subdued enough to those who aren’t ready to go all in.
Industrial Lighting Applications
Industrial style pendants are best placed over the kitchen island. First, they are functional and now they also have the added feature of being visually pleasing. Use industrial lighting to stage a specific theme inside any room. You can go rustic with this light if you use the same style on the lighting fixtures and the railings of the stairs.
Try to think beyond mere metal when designing your industrial lighting. You can also use glass for your pendants.
Tags: daylight, general lighting, home lighting, industrial lighting, interior lighting, layered lighting, lighting fixture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016
Uttermost Accessories Garvin Twist Sconce With Candle 19476
Interior design lists lighting as one of the crucial elements yet it is one of the most overlooked phases in design. An effective lighting plan should improve the overall look of the room, furnishings, even the colors.
There are three kinds of lighting that can work together in order to achieve balance. These are the task, accent and ambient lighting. A wall sconce, depending on where it was installed, can fit into any of these three categories.
If you snubbed wall sconces in the past, well, it’s time to reconsider. Minus any wiring task, there are pluggable sconces that can up your fashion statement.
Cords Can be Fashionable
Who said wall sconce cords are plain nuisance? Most wall sconces now come with cords that are meant to be displayed. There are also built-in channels that can improve the wall sconce’s decorative appeal. Many lighting suppliers now offer channels which you can add to wall sconces to cover any unsightly cord. The cord can then be concealed behind paneling or furniture.
Be bold as you choose the wall sconce cord that you will display. This can be made of sparkling metal or any bright-colored channel. You always have the option to spray paint the cord, too, so that it would easily match the color of your walls.
Free Up Your Desk
Get rid of that old table lamp which just eats up desk space. While it is an effective task light, having it feels like you are still working inside the office and not at home. If you have decided to set up a home office, then be sure to tone down the lights. You are, after all, alone in your office environment so you can now adjust the task lighting.
Use the same ol’ plug for your sconce but, this time, instead of a bulky table lamp, what you have is a modern look that didn’t just diminish the amount of clutter on your desk but also gave your home office a more fashionable appeal.
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Cristal De Lisbon 2-Lt Wall Sconce 22401
Closet Conversion
Another way that a wall sconce could come in handy is when you convert a closet into a disappearing home office. Every square inch counts and so a wall sconce is a great way to optimize available work space; the wall sconce will also make the closet feel less of a closet.
Wall Balance
What wall wouldn’t look lovelier if you place a pair of wall sconces on it? Plug-in wall sconces can effectively frame a lovely art piece. This pair of ambient light can bring attention to your piece of art which is something that you would want the beholders to do.
Be Gone Awkward Areas
There are areas in your home that are a bit more difficult to light. Such is the case with your reading nook, corners and window bench. A pair of wall sconces will effectively add another layer of light (apart from the natural light brought in by the windows). These nooks can be beautifully framed and the result is a jewel-like spot.
When setting up for a reading corner, use a downward-facing lighting fixture. A swing-arm sconce will also be a great spotlight.
Save Bedside Reading Space
If you have a cottage interior design, you can choose a bronze or black plug-in sconce for your bedside light. This is a great way to provide guests with individual reading light while still adding to the cottage appeal. The space is also saved for the nightstand where they can place their eyeglasses and books as they doze off.
Wall sconces can be awesome architectural highlighters. Cap your living room, bedroom, dining room, even bathroom looks as you place pairs of sconces on your walls.
Tags: accent light, accent lighting, ambient lighting, designing the lights, general lighting, home lighting, interior lighting, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, wall sconce, wall sconce design, wall sconce installation
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Saturday, April 9th, 2016
FFDM Hyde Park Collection: The wall installed lighting fixtures with their warm glow add a different level of elegance to this dining room.
The dining room is one room in your home that needs to have the correct ambience and lighting. But should this light sparkle or should it just highlight certain points?
More often than not, the dining area is a much smaller room than, say, the master bedroom or the living room. The lighting fixture that you end up choosing could become the central feature of the dining room itself so this can be a lovely piece of jewelry that can also serve its function.
Be adventurous when choosing dining room lighting. Keep in mind that this is something that you will enjoy looking at but won’t get touch that much. You can afford to invest in the prettiest sort of light because it is at an area where food or beverages won’t be spilt.
The dining room lighting should primarily set the mood and everything else will follow.
The same collection is featured here with a round dining table and natural daylight.
Different Table Shapes, Different Lighting
So what sort of fixture should you hang over a round or rectangular piece of dining table? The answer to this question simply depends on the design and architecture of your the dining space. The form and size of the table also matter.
Linear lighting fixtures work best with rectangular tables. These are those pendant lights that are crisp and elegant, complete with perfect proportions. See if you can find a piece that is a third of the actual length of the dining table.
A small round table, on the other hand, can do with an equally round or globe chandelier. There is a need to echo the shape of the table here. If you don’t want to have two round objects inside a single room, then you can cluster some pendant lights. Use an odd number to come up with this cluster.
Lighting Quality
If you want to be guaranteed of lighting quality, then be sure to install the fixture 36 inches from the bottom part of the fixture till the top of the dining table. This is the standard height where you can effectively hang dining room lighting.
Where a large architectural space is involved, you can do as much as 40 inches in order to accommodate the doubled height.
In picking the right bulbs, make sure that you always purchase the lights with dimmers. This is so you can adjust the light according to your needs. Having dinner with children means you should have as much light as possible. Say yes to bright light during such meal times.
If, however, you choose to have a relaxing dinner with your loved one during special occasions, then use the dimmers. Use 60 to 75-watt bulbs as the warmest lights are the most flattering to use inside a room, especially intimate spaces such as the bedroom or the dining room.
Most interior designers choose to have the light fixture centered on the dining table. This is not an absolute rule, though. You can also play a bit by using various light sources, linear formats, or light clustering.
Scale and proportion have a lot to do with the eventual quality of the dining room light. Typically, large fixtures should go in huge dining rooms and the smaller ones in, well, smaller rooms. But it can also be fun to watch a different set up at times.
For instance, wouldn’t it be nice to have a large chandelier inside a small dining area. This can be unique especially when you effectively use scaling and proportion.
Choose a Lighting Theme
Believe it or not, there is also a theme when it comes to lighting. Traditional dining rooms often incorporate beautiful crystal chandeliers or pendant lights. For the contemporary dining room, these lighting fixtures could be changed into the linear types.
If you want your dining room lighting to stand out, then you can also install track lighting, sconces or pin spots.
The same collection is featured here with a round dining table and natural daylight.
Tags: ceiling light, dining room light, home lighting, improving home lighting, interior lighting, lighting fixture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Dining Room Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
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.
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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 »
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