LIGHTING IN A ROOM: Fixtures: (wall, ceiling, etc.) , spots, chandeliers, bulbs, etc. – I want to light your way to the store!*
Vol. 4, No.24, Monday September 23, 2013
TITLE: “LIGHTING IN A ROOM: Fixtures: (wall, ceiling, etc.) , spots, chandeliers, bulbs, etc. – I want to light your way to the store!*”
INTRODUCTION
With the home remodeling coming to an end, it’s just about the time to install the chandeliers. It got me thinking about lighting, light fixtures/lamps and chandeliers. My book of the week is “Perfect Lighting: Inspiring Solutions for Every Room” by [Paperback] Sally Storey (Author). (Editor’s Note: This is another post in a continuing series on home and gardens.)
ANTOINETTE’S LIFE & TIMES*
Lighting: The lighting in a residence can create an atmosphere. Lights let you see what you are doing and where you are going. There are all kinds of light fixtures and lamps. I like those of the Tiffany type. They have great detail and they’re charming. But I really like chandeliers. They dress up a room. Chandeliers are made of glass or crystal.
Tiffany fixtures/lamps: I like Tiffany fixtures. There were two in the kitchen of my new house. They weren’t expensive, but I liked the design and earth colors. The bigger one was in the sitting area and the smaller one was in the cooking space. But they were dirty. I scrubbed them up and down. Now sparkling clean, they hang in my new kitchen. You see, the rich gold and brown tones made a deep impression on me. Now, the Tiffany fixtures give the kitchen a warm and pleasant atmosphere. Since I needed a fixture over my sink area, I visited a local home renovation centre and found one with three Tiffany-like mini lights. I chose it since it was similar to the two already up. I have received compliments over my choice. I also have Tiffany lamps in my bedroom on the night stands. They are small and delicate. I love them!
Crystal chandeliers: Many years ago we bought a big pear-shaped crystal chandelier. We had it installed in our two-storey house which dropped from the upper floor into the main floor and through a winding stairway. It was absolutely beautiful. It created a dynamic effect. On opening the front door, the sparkling chandelier was the main attraction. When lit, its high-quality crystal appeared into a rainbow of colors. When I moved into a smaller house, I took the chandelier with me in the hope that someday I would use it again. That day came. But there are some crystal parts that are missing. They’re difficult to find and the price-by-the-piece is high. Also, there was some damage from storage. Although it was in a big carton, I stored it in the basement cold room. Due to the moisture, the fixture tree rusted over the years. We first scrubbed the surface; and I am now having it restored. I am missing some crytals. From my restoration research, I discovered that the quality of crystal chandeliers is not the same. There is a price range.
THE AUTHOR: Sally Storey
Sally Storey is a full fledged lighting/design expert. She is a director of John Cullen Lighting and Lighting Design International. She designs lighting schemes throughout the world. She is an author as well as a speaker at interior design events: Daily Telegraph/House and Garden Fair, Decorex, House and Garden magazine meetings. She is a lecturer at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) conferences. She has been a judge at prestigious events: National Lighting Design Awards, the Society of Garden Designers Awards, the FX Design Awards and the Homes & Gardens Classic Design Awards. She has appeared on numerous television programmes.
SERIES/COLLECTION
Books/Articles:
Several are:
- Lighting by Design by Sally Storey (Nov 30 2002)
- Active Directory Forestry, Investigating and Managing Objects and Attributes for Windows 2000 and Windows Server… by John P. Craddock and Sally Storey (Sep 5 2000)
- Perfect Lighting: Inspiring Solutions for Every Room by Sally Storey (Sep 1 2008)
- Lighting: Simple Solutions for the Home by Sally Storey (Mar 2000)
- Perfect Lighting: New Tools and Techniques for Every Room in the Homeby Sally Storey (Sep 25 2008)
THE BOOK: Perfect Lighting: Inspiring Solutions for Every Room [Paperback] by Sally Storey (Author)
This book tells how to effectively use lighting and create atmosphere throughout a house. You will find checklists and detailed explanations of how the effect is achieved and what the author uses. If lighting is on your mind, this is the reference book for you!
CONCLUSION
Lighting and light fixtures and lamps help make a house a home.
Personal Comments
I say:
- That lighting:
- Makes an are functional
- Contributes to a decorative first impression
- Can set a mood
- Has the power to transform an area giving it the theme you want.
- That each room has specific lighting needs. For instance,
- Kitchen lights should be bigger and sufficiently powerful and bright.
- Bedroom lights should be smaller and lower. They should be soft – it’s calming. At the same time, they should also be bright enough to be able to read.
- Hallway lights needs to be size appropriate.
- That depending on your taste, lighting can add to the atmosphere you’re aiming for and pull everything together.
- That lighting in a home can get expensive.
- That chandeliers light up a room in a mesmerizing way, creating a luxurious atmosphere.
- That chandeliers can definitely be a big expense. But good crystal chandeliers are available in smaller versions. Also there are good quality glass chandeliers – they can be a great substitute.
- That lighting could be effective – it’s worth the effort to have proper fixtures.
- That good quality lighting has always been a priority in my house. It’s worth the cost.
The Point
Lighting is important. A chandelier is the way to embellish a home in an elegant way. It also contributes to a good first impression. I encourage everyone to consider this possibility. I also like Tiffany fixtures/lamps. I encourage you to consider these as well.
ANTOINETTE’S TIP SHEET*
Everyone should:
- Think about lighting when making architectural plans.
- Figure out the furniture placement and ensure that lights fit the use.
- Employ good quality lighting so as to enhance a visual first impression.
- Choose the appropriate size light fixture for its location in a residence.
- Consider chandeliers for the hallway, dining area, etc.
- Invest money into good lighting – it’s a sound investment.
- Take a pause about buying a cheap fixture; although it may look good, it may not work properly and securely or have durability.
- Buy energy efficient bulbs – there are also bulbs with low watts, but high brightness.
- Remember the flashlight in case there is a power outage.
I’m pleased that I shone some light on the subject of lighting. I hope you now see the light in a different way!
And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours?*
Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”
PREVIEW
P.S. Big News: There are big changes coming to my blog – Please stay tuned.
P.P.S. #1 I have a TWITTER page. Consider becoming a follower? Visit www.twitter.com – saveandread
P.P.S. #2 I also have a FACEBOOK page. Consider becoming a friend? Visit: www.facebook.com – Alp Save Andread – please check it out.
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CREDITS
-Web Tech: richmediasound.com
The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.
*TM/© 2013 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.
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PAGE 2
NEED SOMETHING FURTHER? TRY SAVE AND READ* (S&R*) .
ONE – “IT WORDS FOR ME!*”
For today, my word/phrase(s) are: “chandelier”; “fixture”; etc.
“A chandelier is a decorative ceiling-mounted light fixture. Chandeliers are often ornate, and normally use lamps. Crystal Chandeliers has more or less complex arrays of crystal prisms to illuminate a room with refracted light.” (Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandelier
“A light fixture (US English), light fitting (UK English), or luminaire is an electrical device used to create artificial light by use of an electric lamp.” (Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_fixture)
TWO– STUDY/STATISTICS:
“The earliest candle chandeliers were used by the wealthy in medieval times. They were generally wooden crosses, with spikes on which candles were secured. They were hoisted to a suitable height, hooked on a rope or chain.
More complex and elaborate chandeliers continued to be developed throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, but the widespread introduction of gas and electricity had devalued the chandelier’s appeal as a status symbol.
From the 15th century, more complex forms of chandeliers, based on ring or crown designs, became popular decorative features in palaces and homes of nobility, clergy and merchants. Its high cost made the chandelier a symbol of luxury and status.
By the early 18th century, ornate castormolu forms with long, curved arms and many candles were in the homes of many in the growing merchant class
By the 1890s, with the appearance of electric light, some chandeliers used both gas and electricity.
More complex and elaborate chandeliers continued to be developed throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, but the widespread introduction of gas and electricity had devalued the chandelier’s appeal as a status symbol.
Toward the end of the 20th century, chandeliers were often used as a decorative focal points for rooms, and often did not illuminate.”(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandelier)
THREE – BONUS ARTICLES
S & R*NEWS ALERT*#1: Smart renovations add value to your home
“Every homeowner has been told that renovations pay off in the long run. But it is hard to know which ones and how much. In recent years real estate giants have been crunching the numbers and working out formulas to help property owners wrap their heads around what they’re getting out of their renovation investments.
Amongst such smart reno investments as kitchens, bathrooms, fresh paint and flooring is the installation of a fireplace. According to the Remax Return on Reno Index, the installation of a fireplace generates an estimated 11 percent return on investment.
Advancements in flame technology and auxiliary heating have made incorporating a fireplace into any dwelling an easily, viable option. Dimplex, an innovative leader in this field, tells us that electric units offer realistic flame technology to give your home a quick update. With a sleek design and optional heat output, these units operate for pennies an hour, without the need for a gas line. Utilizing electric units in design and reno planning also allows for greater flexibility in room placement and does not require a builder permit or a post-installation inspection.
Smart realistic flame technology is offered in an array of décor-friendly styles from mantels and wall-mounts to television console units. The added benefit of on/off heat control lets owners utilize the flame-only option to add ambiance to a room in any season, with or without heat output. Perhaps, one of the most appealing aspects of an electric unit is its easy installation, the simple assembly and plug-and-play design allows for easy set-up.
In addition to fireplaces, other big impact renovations included the installation of a soaker bath, which can generate a 56 percent greater return on investment than the average renovation (think personal spa); fresh paint generated a 29 percent return; and sprucing up curb appeal netted 7 percent.” www.newscanada.com
S & R*NEWS ALERT*#2:Decor Trends 2014: Decorate with themes that inspire you
“Photo caption 1: Seaside Harmony gives you the colours of sun, surf, and sand. A cool palette of blue-green and white, plus the warm peach with white, revives the spirit. Design elements: minimal furnishings, sculptured driftwood, and sea glass. Behr Paint Colours: Ocean Liner (T14-1), South Peach (T14-2), Miami Weiss (T14-3), Edgewater (T14-4) and Sky Blue (T14-5).
Photo caption 2: Urban Alternative applies neutrals like olive and burnt orange to showcase skills and craftsmanship in wood, metal and stone work. The atmosphere is modest, relaxed and attainable. Design elements: distressed wood treatments, raw metal finishes, filament lightbulbs and earthbound shades. Behr Paint Colours: Boho (T14-6), Offbeat (T14-7), Film Fest (T14-8), Hipsterfication (T14-9) and Coffee Bar (T14-10).
Photo caption 3: Grand Reign captures the imagination with a sense of opulence, romance and mystery. Use luxurious detail, colour, and ornamentation. Choose a rich, masculine look, or delicate and feminine. Design elements: jewelled colours, layered textiles, guilded frames, and decorative mouldings. Behr Paint Colours: Imperial Jewel (T14-11), Coronation (T14-12), Grand Soirée (T14-13), Cloisonné Blue (T14-12) and Minuet Rose (T14-15).
Photo caption 4: Natural Avocation expresses respect for the things that intrigue you. In your favourite room, give any curious mind a rich colour experience in passions like botany, geology, archaeology and celestial events. Design elements: weathered maps, antique books, geological artifacts and illustrations of birds, plants and insects. Behr Paint Colours: Arboretum (T14-16), Archivist (T14-17), New Shoot (T14-18), Sunday Afternoon (T14-19) and Amaryllis (T14-20).
(NC) What do grand mansions, ocean liners, natural science and industrial metals have to do with decorating? Experts predict that the latest home decor trends will demonstrate one or more of these special interests.
Indeed, as home fashion begins to reveal the newest looks for 2014, it is the influence of history, hobbies and the impact of nature that will be swaying our choices in paint colour, furniture pieces, and decorative art.
It’s an exciting opportunity to express admiration for many aspects of the world around us, says Erika Woelfel, the director of colour for Behr Paints. And because it’s a truly personal touch, this trend is creating some of the most beautiful rooms to date. Our company is launching four eye-catching themes with twenty brand new paint colours for 2014. They are Seaside Harmony, Urban Alternative, Grand Reign, and Natural Avocation and each one gives the do-it-yourselfer easy tools to showcase the people, places, and things that most intrigue them.
Woelfel points out the highlights of each theme:
Seaside Harmony is the open look of modern resort chic, where the colours of sun, surf, and sand come together in a relaxing mix. The cool palette of blue-green and white soothe the senses; a warm peach and white revives the spirit. The design elements for Seaside Harmony include minimal furnishings, sculptured driftwood, and sea glass.
For Seaside Harmony, the colour recommendations are Ocean Liner (T14-1), South Peach (T14-2), Miami Weiss (T14-3), Edgewater (T14-4), and Sky Blue (T14-5).
Urban Alternative, Woelfel continued, features inviting neutrals, especially olive and burnt orange:
This style is inspired by time-honoured skills and craftsmanship in wood, metal, and stone work. It is the natural evolution of the ‘industrial modern’ decor into something that feels more modest, relaxed and attainable. The design elements for Urban Alternative include distressed wood treatments, raw metal finishes, filament lightbulbs, and earthbound shades.
The new colours for 2014 in this theme are Boho (T14-6), Offbeat (T14-7), Film Fest (T14-8), Hipsterfication (T14-9), and Coffee Bar (T14-10).
Grand Reign is your invitation to distinctive opulence and romantic glamour:
Showcase a favourite room to reflect an exquisite residence from another place and time. Fascinate the eyes with luxurious detail, colour, and ornamentation. You can do it with a rich and masculine look, or make it delicate and feminine. The idea is to capture the imagination with a sense of romance and mystery. The design elements for Grand Reign include jewelled colours, layered textiles, guilded frames, and decorative mouldings.
Behr’s new colours for Grand Reign are Imperial Jewel (T14-11), Coronation (T14-12), Grand Soirée (T14-13), Cloisonné Blue (T14-14), and Minuet Rose (T14-15).
The Natural Avocation theme, says Woelfel, gives the spotlight to your hobby, adding a sophisticated touch to your home:
You might choose the world of science and nature expressed with local and exotic flora and fauna motifs. Botany, geology, archaeology and celestial events give the curious mind a rich experience one that especially comes alive with colour. The design elements include weathered maps, antique books, geological artifacts, plus bird, plant and insect illustrations.
The corresponding Behr colours are Arboretum (T14-16), Archivist (T14-17), New Shoot (T14-18), Sunday Afternoon (T14-19), and Amaryllis (T14-20).
More information on the latest colour trends is available at www.behr.com and the colour trend brochures are available at The Home Depot.“ www.newscanada.com
*TM/© 2013 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.