| Good Lighting
ADVERTISEMENT
 
**Search over 10,000 home improvement pages full of products, tips and articles written by some of the world’s greatest interior designers. Also serving Atlanta, Houston, Miami and Los Angeles.** |
You might not realize you've got bad lighting but you'll recognize the symptoms: headaches and sore eyes, frustration in the kitchen and not being able to see what you're doing and arguments in the bedroom over whose turn it is to get up to switch the light. Good lighting will make your home feel spacious, clean and welcoming.
The key to good lighting is to create a flexible scheme that take your right through the day and all
the different uses of your room. At the flick of a lighitng switch, you should be able to transform it from a bright, vibrant living space to the setting for a romantic dinner for two with good lighting.
Natural Light
It's a fantastic asset to any home, but the quality of the lighting depends on the aspect of the room.
- North facing: cold and harsh rather than direct sunlight. Artists chose studios because the light gives truer color rendition.
- East facing: bright first thing in the morning followed by long shadows and no sun later in the day. Use artificial lighting to control glare and maximize the available natural lighingt in north - and east-facing rooms.
- South facing: warm light all day, although it changes throughout the day and year. The midday sun is usually so bright it flattens everything out. Choose south-facing rooms for the kitchen, main living areas and other rooms you spend a lot of time in.
- West facing: sinlight at the hottest part of the day, which can cause glare. In the late afternoon, you'll get long shadows and softer lighting.
 |
Colors & Painting |
 |
Softening Your Walls with Color Wash
by:
Pamela Cole Harris
If you like the soft look of watercolors, why not try using a color wash on your walls? In addition to a softer color, color washing can accentuate the texture of your plaster or stucco walls. And its so simple that even I, a faux-finish-impaired decorator, can do it
There are two techniques for color wash application...read more
|
Interior Lighting |
 |
The Key to Good Lighting
You might not realize you've got bad lighting but you'll recognize the symptoms: headaches and sore eyes, frustration in the kitchen and not being able to see what you're doing and arguments in the bedroom over whose turn it is to get up to switch the light. Good lighting will make your home feel spacious, clean and welcoming.
The key to good lighting is to...read more |
Interior Furniture |
 |
Furniture Placement Secrets
By BatSheva Vaknin
The easiest and most inexpensive way to invigorate the design of your living room is to rearrange the furniture items you already own. Furniture placement can be a daunting task, no matter how big or small the room. If you are someone who always figured furniture placement would be better left to professional interior designers, fret no more. These tips will help you embrace the task of balancing your sofa with your coffee table or armchair, and allow you to create peace and harmony amongst all your furniture.
Location, location, location
A room must be balanced. Specifically, the furniture in every room should be placed in a way that is pleasing to the eye and easy to maneuver around. If all the heavy furniture pieces like sofas, armchairs, entertainment centers and bookshelves are loaded on one side of the room, a room can feel like a sinking ship.
On the other hand, if you spread...read more |
Traditional Style |
 |
How To Use Traditional Style Decorating
The Elements of Traditional Interior Decorating Scheme
by: Kristin Abraham
Traditional Style interior decorating is a very comfortable look and is usually familiar and inviting to most people. This style is fairly ageles and is quite often used in funiture displays. The emphasis in a traditional style is on symmetry and proportion. Items are evenly spaced with a formal feel throughout the room. The feel is elegant and welcoming without much kitsch and clutter.
- Furniture - Look for pieces that have expensive and lasting wood, such as cherry and mahogany. Straight lines with gentle curves are key, and exposed wood mixed with upholstery is essential. Reproductions are quite common, such as Queen Anne, Chippendale, or Empire style pieces. Get pieces that work together in symmetry and be arranged in a harmonious manner.
- Fabrics - The fabrics on your upholstered furniture are generally fairly expensive; these include silk, damask, and velvet and feature patterns over texture. Traditional style...read more
|
Contemporary Style |
 |
How to Decorate in a Contemporary Style
Choose New, Up to Date, Contemporary
by: Coral Nafie, former About.com Guide
While it's been thought that modern interiorsare cold and minimalist, today's contemporary interiors are comfortable and welcoming without being cluttered and dark. It's a style that is equally appropriate for offices and stores, lofts and homes.
A contemporary style home can be a quiet and comfortable retreat. To achieve the look of a contemporary home, it's important to stick to some basic rules. Fundamentally, simplicity, subtle sophistication, texture and clean lines help to define...read more |
|
| |
| |
|
|
