lighting
Contemporary Kitchen by Lanefab Design/Build Lanefab Design/Build Save Email A similar, but far more common, light fixture is the Ikea Maskros. This piece (seen here in a project by Lanefab Design/Build) has been appearing in dining rooms across America as fast as yellow dandelions populate a park in the spring. Its paper shade comes in diameters of 22 and 32 inches — so a statement is assured.WHILE SAVING UP FOR THE ONE IN THE PREVIOUS PICTURE...!
Improper lighting. Lighting in a home is often too dim or too bright. It’s best to define the task at hand and light accordingly. How to break this habit? Vary the levels and sources of lighting in a room, and by all means install dimmers. In this multiuse dining room, pendant lights are focused on the table. Whether highlighting food or books, the proper lighting makes this room a place you want to be in.
Hanging around. Plunging pendants are a terrific alternative to wall-mounted sconces in the bathroom. Why they work: It’s a fresher, less expected look. The pendants free up all-important wall space that can be used for hidden medicine cabinets. Hang them at eye level for proper facial illumination.
Lighthouse. This ingenious column acts as an architectural beacon. Why it works: This dramatic light is the focal point of the staircase. When it’s fully lit, the steps are flooded with light. When dimmed, it casts a soft glow that works like a nightlight to keep the staircase safe. I HAVE STAIRCASE ENVY!
Add layers of lighting. In this kitchen seating area, the backsplash is lit, the artwork is highlighted and the cabinet interiors are filled with light. One central lighting fixture would not have had nearly the same dramatic result. Professionals build layers of lighting to create interest, intrigue and variety. In a room where everything is lit evenly, nothing stands out. Pick a focal point and perhaps a secondary focal point and highlight those. Add general ambient lighting and some lower lighting, like table lamps, for interest.
Don't sacrifice lighting to trim your budget. The mistake I see most often is light fixtures that are too small or that don't dress the room properly. Use appropriately scaled, relevant lighting. Lighting, more than any other element, asserts style, much like a chosen piece of jewelry defines the style of a little black dress. Don't be afraid to inject personality with a statement piece.
LOVE TWINKLY LIGHTS! nclude a fantastical touch. Nothing says the holidays like twinkling lights. A single strand of white fairy lights around a door or window or across a mantel would add just enough sparkle to feel special. String one around the mirror in the guest bath or in a group of empty cylindrical glass vases with the cord tucked discreetly behind.
Mix in metallics. Metallic decor radiates light and holiday cheer. Switch out a few small pieces with silver or gold accents to add sparkle and glamour. Place a gilded drink table next to your favorite chair or put a gold-toned table lamp in place of your current one in the living room. Stack small silver boxes on the mantel or on the coffee table for extra shine.
Light up the night. Candles are an inexpensive way to add a sense of wintry romance. Group them together in clear glass hurricanes or on crystal candleholders to allow the glittering candlelight to reflect off the surface. Put large pillar candles in oversize lanterns on the fireplace hearth or front porch to welcome guests. Tip: Set different-size candles on a large silver tray for the perfect centerpiece or scatter votives in unexpected places, like on the bathroom counter or an entry table.
This beautiful mirror reflects the light-filled room opposite.t's common knowledge that we need general, ambient lighting in our homes, but there are things to consider before you get out the ladder. To avoid surprises, it's helpful to understand how your new lighting will look. If you recently swapped out your incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent ones with a screw-in base, you will likely have discovered that the light quality is different — whiter. The same is true if you have traded in your vintage Christmas lights for new LED mini lights. All lighting is not alike. contemporary living room by Mark English Architects, AIA Mark English Architects, AIA Do you like warm light or cool light? You have probably heard lighting described as having a color temperature, which is measured in degrees Kelvin (K). Simply put, this indicates whether the light will appear warm or cool — more yellow or more blue. Desirable temperatures for home lighting depend on the effect you want to achieve: • 2,700 K: Warm, similar to soft candlelight • 2,900 K to 3,200 K: Warm, the Goldilocks zone (for many) • 3,500 K: Neutral • 4,000K: Cool. Mimicking natural daylight starts here; the light gets co...
This living room has the full gamut of lighting. The recessed cove lighting brightens the ceiling and reflects light down, a skylight brings in natural light during the day, lighting above the cabinets brightens up an otherwise dark recess, downlighting in the pot lights defines the perimeter of the room and accents the fireplace, and lamps provide general ambience lighting. This lighting combination provides a more uniform light and is great at reducing glare for added visual comfort.
1. Entrance Lighting Many entrances have some natural light, so the goal for this space is to ensure adequate lighting for the evening and those times when the clouds roll in. In this entrance wall sconces add ambience and free up space on the console table, while a ceiling fixture provides a good amount of general lighting. Good color contrast in the furniture, flooring and light fixtures aids in depth perception and creates a warm welcome. traditional family room by HartmanBaldwin Design/Build
5. Layer Your Lighting Windows bring in horizontal light to counter overhead lights. Without a window, all you’ve got is vertical light coming straight down — not flattering. Wall fixtures will bring back that glow to your face (and your space).
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