Your wedding day is one that you will remember for the rest of your life. Instead of stressing out over all the details, why not have your wedding and the reception at a beautiful country club? Wedding receptions at country clubs take all the pressure off you, and bring back all of the fun that will take place on your special day. There are many benefits that come with hosting country club receptions.
One benefit is the beauty that pervades the grounds of the country club. You might choose to have your reception inside the chic clubhouse or outdoors in the verdantly landscaped grounds. Details that add to the outdoor splendor are flower arrangements that suit the color scheme of your wedding, as well as the geography of the surrounding area, be it stunning mountains or pristine forests. A clubhouse offers distinguished architecture, wide windows, chandeliers, and many other beautiful amenities that will make your day memorable.
Another advantage to hosting your reception at a country club is the personalized service you will receive from the entire staff. You will be treated to professional consultants, whose job is to plan receptions. They will think of every aspect of your reception to make sure that all details have been considered, planned for, and implemented so that you will not have to worry about anything.
A further important boon to the wedding reception hostess is the catering staff that is ready to help you at your choice of country club. Wedding receptions often center around food, including the all-important cake, so it is important to have a skillful and experienced caterer with whom you can share your ideas of what you would like, and then let the catering professionals take care of the rest. The catering staff can assist you in menu selection, so you are sure to have palate pleasers for every course you serve. They are delighted to also aid you in selecting decor, from napkins to centerpieces, as well as seating arrangements and even entertainment. They have the answers all in one spot for all of your reception needs, which is one big benefit for holding your reception at a country club.
Country clubs also make great places to hold receptions because they offer everything you need in one place. You can hold the actual wedding ceremony there, and then the reception afterward. You will need a location that has ample dressing rooms for your entire wedding party on the day of the wedding, so a country club can amply provide for your needs. They are wonderful locations for rehearsal dinners or bridal showers before the big day as well, offering an elegant setting that you and your guests are sure to enjoy.
By: Anne Harvester
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Lucknow Travel Guide
Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is located on the banks of the Gomti River. Lucknow could be termed the cultural center of northern India where people are too polite and have their own charming culture and tradition, difficult to find elsewhere. The beautiful city with parks, palaces, gardens and imposing architectural monuments, Lucknow became one of the most celebrated centers of Oriental opulence, music, dance, drama, poetry and scholarship during its glorious days of Nawabs (1775 AD - 1856 AD). The land of endearing 'Pehle Aap' Tehzeeb (culture), Lucknow is also renowned for its silks, perfumes, jewelry, mouth-watering cuisines, and nawabi etiquettes.
The peace and prosperity under the governance of the nawabs brought about a cultural renaissance in Avadh. Musicians and dancers flocked to Lucknow giving birth to new musical forms and instruments under the patronage of the royalty. Art form like Kathak, Thumri, Khayal, Dadra, Qawalis, Ghazals and Shero Shairi saw their finest hour. In this era major stress was laid on even minor detail like the art of dressing, apparels (libaas) and jewelry all symbolic of a genteel lifestyle.
Places of Tourist Attraction:
Bara Imambara
Built in 1784 by the fourth Nawab of Oudh, Asaf-ud-Daula, the Bara Imambara is Lucknow’s most famous monument. An Imambara is where Muslims commence celebrations for the festival of Muharram. The main hall of the Imambara is 50m long and 15m high, without any pillars to support its ceiling. A balcony runs along the inside of the hall which is built in such a way that even the faintest whisper anywhere in it can be heard across the hall. A labyrinth called Bhool Bhullaiyya adjoins the main hall on the first floor. Towards the left of the main building is a baoli (step-well) connected by tunnels to the river, Gomti. Legend has it that a great treasure lies undiscovered in these tunnels. Within the Bara Imambara compound are mausoleums of Asaf-ud-Daula and his family.
Clock Tower
Opposite the Husainabad Imambara is the 67 metre high clock tower and the Husainabad Tank. The clock tower was built between 1880 and 1887.
Picture Gallery
Also facing the Husainabad Tank is a baradari or summer house, also built by Ali Shah. Now restored it houses portraits of the various Nawabs of Oudh.
Jami Masjid
West of the Husainabad Imambara is the great Jami Masjid mosque. One of Lucknow's few buildings of real architectural merit it has two minarets and three domes. Construction was commenced by Muhammad Ali Shah but completed after his death. This is one of the few mosques in India which is not open to non-Moslems.
British Residency
The Residency became the stronghold of the British for 87 days during the Revolt of 1857, and is now in ruins. Within its walls are numerous stories related to the siege, when 3,000 British men, women and children escaped from their homes to seek refuge in these red brick buildings. They fought Indian sepoys, the blistering heat and disease, until Sir Colin Campbell defeated the Indian forces on November 17. Only 1,000 of those who had taken shelter in the Residency survived. What remains of the Residency has now been converted into government offices and a museum. Within the complex are graves of British soldiers who died fighting the Indian troops.
Husainabad Imambara
Also known as the Chota or 'small' Imambara, it was built by Muhammad Ali Shah in 1837 to serve as his own mausoleum. This white-domed mausoleum boasts chandeliers, gilded mirrors, colorful stucco, and replicas of the tombs at Karbala. The large courtyard encloses a raised rectangular tank with small imitations of the Taj Mahal on each side. One of them is the tomb of Muhammad Ali Shah's daughter, the other that of her husband. The main building of the Imambara is topped with numerous domes, the main one is golden, and minarets, while inside are the tombs of Ali Shah and his mother.
Lucknow Shopping
Lucknow shopping is a paradise for bargain lovers, literally. It doesn’t have many malls or fancy showrooms, but has many bazaars where you can get pretty good deals if you’re willing to bargain. The Chowk and Aminabad are the famous bazaars in the city. You get antiques at fairly lower prices, but bargaining is a must. One of the posh streets and markets of Lucknow is the Heritage Hazratganj, full of high-end hotels and shops. You can get the latest fashions and handicrafts on this glittering street.
How to Get There:
Air
Indian Airlines connects Lucknow with Delhi, Patna, Calcutta and Mumbai.
Rail
Lucknow is an important junction of the Northern and North Eastern Railways of India.
Road
Lucknow is well connected with some major cities like Agra (363 km), Allahabad (225 km), Calcutta (985 km), Delhi (497 km), Kanpur (79 km) and Varanasi (305 km)
By: Vinay Chaubey
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
The peace and prosperity under the governance of the nawabs brought about a cultural renaissance in Avadh. Musicians and dancers flocked to Lucknow giving birth to new musical forms and instruments under the patronage of the royalty. Art form like Kathak, Thumri, Khayal, Dadra, Qawalis, Ghazals and Shero Shairi saw their finest hour. In this era major stress was laid on even minor detail like the art of dressing, apparels (libaas) and jewelry all symbolic of a genteel lifestyle.
Places of Tourist Attraction:
Bara Imambara
Built in 1784 by the fourth Nawab of Oudh, Asaf-ud-Daula, the Bara Imambara is Lucknow’s most famous monument. An Imambara is where Muslims commence celebrations for the festival of Muharram. The main hall of the Imambara is 50m long and 15m high, without any pillars to support its ceiling. A balcony runs along the inside of the hall which is built in such a way that even the faintest whisper anywhere in it can be heard across the hall. A labyrinth called Bhool Bhullaiyya adjoins the main hall on the first floor. Towards the left of the main building is a baoli (step-well) connected by tunnels to the river, Gomti. Legend has it that a great treasure lies undiscovered in these tunnels. Within the Bara Imambara compound are mausoleums of Asaf-ud-Daula and his family.
Clock Tower
Opposite the Husainabad Imambara is the 67 metre high clock tower and the Husainabad Tank. The clock tower was built between 1880 and 1887.
Picture Gallery
Also facing the Husainabad Tank is a baradari or summer house, also built by Ali Shah. Now restored it houses portraits of the various Nawabs of Oudh.
Jami Masjid
West of the Husainabad Imambara is the great Jami Masjid mosque. One of Lucknow's few buildings of real architectural merit it has two minarets and three domes. Construction was commenced by Muhammad Ali Shah but completed after his death. This is one of the few mosques in India which is not open to non-Moslems.
British Residency
The Residency became the stronghold of the British for 87 days during the Revolt of 1857, and is now in ruins. Within its walls are numerous stories related to the siege, when 3,000 British men, women and children escaped from their homes to seek refuge in these red brick buildings. They fought Indian sepoys, the blistering heat and disease, until Sir Colin Campbell defeated the Indian forces on November 17. Only 1,000 of those who had taken shelter in the Residency survived. What remains of the Residency has now been converted into government offices and a museum. Within the complex are graves of British soldiers who died fighting the Indian troops.
Husainabad Imambara
Also known as the Chota or 'small' Imambara, it was built by Muhammad Ali Shah in 1837 to serve as his own mausoleum. This white-domed mausoleum boasts chandeliers, gilded mirrors, colorful stucco, and replicas of the tombs at Karbala. The large courtyard encloses a raised rectangular tank with small imitations of the Taj Mahal on each side. One of them is the tomb of Muhammad Ali Shah's daughter, the other that of her husband. The main building of the Imambara is topped with numerous domes, the main one is golden, and minarets, while inside are the tombs of Ali Shah and his mother.
Lucknow Shopping
Lucknow shopping is a paradise for bargain lovers, literally. It doesn’t have many malls or fancy showrooms, but has many bazaars where you can get pretty good deals if you’re willing to bargain. The Chowk and Aminabad are the famous bazaars in the city. You get antiques at fairly lower prices, but bargaining is a must. One of the posh streets and markets of Lucknow is the Heritage Hazratganj, full of high-end hotels and shops. You can get the latest fashions and handicrafts on this glittering street.
How to Get There:
Air
Indian Airlines connects Lucknow with Delhi, Patna, Calcutta and Mumbai.
Rail
Lucknow is an important junction of the Northern and North Eastern Railways of India.
Road
Lucknow is well connected with some major cities like Agra (363 km), Allahabad (225 km), Calcutta (985 km), Delhi (497 km), Kanpur (79 km) and Varanasi (305 km)
By: Vinay Chaubey
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Custom Womens Designer Shoes Become Hot New Trend
Not since the 1970s when Candie’s took the fashion industry by storm have shoes experienced something so excitingly trendy. As Candie’s revs up for its return with Fergie as their new spokesmodel, the fashion fad is set to explode, and shoe innovator Morgan Miller is at the forefront customizing the craze. Providing the ingredients for fun-loving standards, Morgan Miller is putting the creative energy in the hands of her stylish clientele by enabling them to design their own custom-made shoes. Combining an unending array of materials, the new brand is appealing to this generation’s pop-glam attractions and their desire to share their ideas and eclectic creations with the world.
The vibrant shoe enthusiast opened her first boutique on South Beach, just off famed Lincoln Road, where fashion-forward shoe addicts can steer away from predictable pumps at chain stores to blueprint their own signature style. Whether desiring delicate kitten heels for a garden party, or jeweled, over-the-top, glam stilettos for a night on the town, Morgan Miller turns dreams into reality in 30 minutes.
Several notable celebrities have already jumped at the opportunity to put their own personal touch on stilettos, wedges and flats, including pop artist Brooke Hogan, Bad Boys II actress Gabrielle Union, The 40-Year-Old Virgin’s Stormy Daniels, Stacey Keibler of Dancing with the Stars, Victoria’s Secret beauty Marissa Miller, actress/author Holly Robinson Peete, The L Word’s Marleen Matlin and American’s Next Top Model winner CariDee English. Even the guys are getting in on the action. Former N’Sync-er Joey Fatone picked out red python for his wife, and celeb-blogger Perez Hilton steered his mother towards pinks strappy sandals.
No longer are fashion mavens at the mercy of designers, rather, they have the chance to be the trendsetters and express themselves to others. From the fashion conservative to the risk-taker, to the girl who has everything, the possibilities are endless with Morgan Miller's custom womens designer shoes.
With super-chic and colorful décor promoting extensive creativity, the boutique is both contemporary and feminine. Under the lights and sparkle of Swarovski crystal chandeliers, there's an alluring selection of soles, spanning wooden heels to cork wedges, and more than 100 swatches in various patterns, leathers and exotic skins from python to alligator. Fabulous accessories such as Harry Winston jewels, square buckles, gold chains and bamboo rings personalize the look even further. With the ultimate “girls just want to have fun” ambiance, customers enjoy laughter, conversation and champagne while in-house couture cobblers craft their individualized shoes. Final designs are then presented in princess fashion on silver Tiffany platters.
Miller, a 25-year-old native of New York City and an avid shoe collector, was inspired to create this new fashion concept from her childhood trips to Europe for fashion weeks and trade shows with her father, who worked with such well-respected brands as Gucci, Canali and Zilli. It was in a shop on the Italian island of Capri where sandals were styled for Miller’s 6-year-old foot. Her Italian shoe affair continued in her pre-teens with her first designer pairs - simple black Prada wedges with a lucite buckle, and Dolce & Gabbana cork wedges with a denim strap and gold sequin accents.
Located just off Lincoln Road at 1634 Euclid Avenue in Miami Beach Florida, Morgan Miller is open Monday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. For inquiries and appointments, please call 305.672.6658. For more information, check out Morgan Miller's Miami shoe store in South Beach FL.
By: Dana Barrett -
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
The vibrant shoe enthusiast opened her first boutique on South Beach, just off famed Lincoln Road, where fashion-forward shoe addicts can steer away from predictable pumps at chain stores to blueprint their own signature style. Whether desiring delicate kitten heels for a garden party, or jeweled, over-the-top, glam stilettos for a night on the town, Morgan Miller turns dreams into reality in 30 minutes.
Several notable celebrities have already jumped at the opportunity to put their own personal touch on stilettos, wedges and flats, including pop artist Brooke Hogan, Bad Boys II actress Gabrielle Union, The 40-Year-Old Virgin’s Stormy Daniels, Stacey Keibler of Dancing with the Stars, Victoria’s Secret beauty Marissa Miller, actress/author Holly Robinson Peete, The L Word’s Marleen Matlin and American’s Next Top Model winner CariDee English. Even the guys are getting in on the action. Former N’Sync-er Joey Fatone picked out red python for his wife, and celeb-blogger Perez Hilton steered his mother towards pinks strappy sandals.
No longer are fashion mavens at the mercy of designers, rather, they have the chance to be the trendsetters and express themselves to others. From the fashion conservative to the risk-taker, to the girl who has everything, the possibilities are endless with Morgan Miller's custom womens designer shoes.
With super-chic and colorful décor promoting extensive creativity, the boutique is both contemporary and feminine. Under the lights and sparkle of Swarovski crystal chandeliers, there's an alluring selection of soles, spanning wooden heels to cork wedges, and more than 100 swatches in various patterns, leathers and exotic skins from python to alligator. Fabulous accessories such as Harry Winston jewels, square buckles, gold chains and bamboo rings personalize the look even further. With the ultimate “girls just want to have fun” ambiance, customers enjoy laughter, conversation and champagne while in-house couture cobblers craft their individualized shoes. Final designs are then presented in princess fashion on silver Tiffany platters.
Miller, a 25-year-old native of New York City and an avid shoe collector, was inspired to create this new fashion concept from her childhood trips to Europe for fashion weeks and trade shows with her father, who worked with such well-respected brands as Gucci, Canali and Zilli. It was in a shop on the Italian island of Capri where sandals were styled for Miller’s 6-year-old foot. Her Italian shoe affair continued in her pre-teens with her first designer pairs - simple black Prada wedges with a lucite buckle, and Dolce & Gabbana cork wedges with a denim strap and gold sequin accents.
Located just off Lincoln Road at 1634 Euclid Avenue in Miami Beach Florida, Morgan Miller is open Monday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. For inquiries and appointments, please call 305.672.6658. For more information, check out Morgan Miller's Miami shoe store in South Beach FL.
By: Dana Barrett -
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Lighting & Your Kitchen - Two Of The Best Decorating Tips For The Stylistically Impaired!!
Hey let’s face it: there are just some things that we are not the best at. Maybe we excel at running businesses or teaching children how to better understand the world—no one said we had to be blessed with decorating skills as well! But truthfully, a poor decorating taste can be a near constant source of embarrassment and leave you cringing at the most inopportune moments! So for those of you blessed with talents other than decorating, here are five simple steps to help bring a little life into your décor.
Fixing the Fixtures
One thing that definitely separates the pros from the rest is lighting. Frankly, this is one area of the home that adds a subtle touch of sophistication and style if done properly. If done poorly, the illumination will be inadequate, the fixtures won’t complement one another, and the entire effect will be a disaster. In every room possible, all try to include at least one source of:
Ambient Illumination: This is the general or overall illumination in a room and is typically provided by: ceiling fixtures, pendants, chandeliers, and floor lamps or torchieres in some cases.
Task Lighting: This is the more concentrated illumination used for completing tasks like homework, work, or food preparation. Sources of task lighting include: desk lamps, table lamps, hanging pendants (downlight).
Accent lighting: This low level illumination helps highlight keepsakes or art, brighten dark spots, and even out the lighting in a room. Examples include: wall sconces, accent table lamps, and track lighting.
Quick Kitchen Makover
The kitchen is most likely the busiest room in your home and therefore the most cluttered. It always seems like you are fighting for prep space and the area can be an embarrassment during social events. While you would love to spend the thousands it would take to completely renovate the space, here are five easy things you can do without breaking the bank:
Paint
Fresh flowers
Table cloth/linens
New cabinet hardware
New light fixtures
While not the new cabinets, flooring, windows, or new appliances you would love to have—these simple additions will add new life and vitality to your kitchen and will tide you over until you can properly renovate the space.
These simple ideas will help bring a sense of unity, style, and sophistication to your home. Whenever you invest time and energy into your home, just remember to keep things unified and consistent and you will quickly have a home that is the envy of friends and family alike!
By: Pamela Tice
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Fixing the Fixtures
One thing that definitely separates the pros from the rest is lighting. Frankly, this is one area of the home that adds a subtle touch of sophistication and style if done properly. If done poorly, the illumination will be inadequate, the fixtures won’t complement one another, and the entire effect will be a disaster. In every room possible, all try to include at least one source of:
Ambient Illumination: This is the general or overall illumination in a room and is typically provided by: ceiling fixtures, pendants, chandeliers, and floor lamps or torchieres in some cases.
Task Lighting: This is the more concentrated illumination used for completing tasks like homework, work, or food preparation. Sources of task lighting include: desk lamps, table lamps, hanging pendants (downlight).
Accent lighting: This low level illumination helps highlight keepsakes or art, brighten dark spots, and even out the lighting in a room. Examples include: wall sconces, accent table lamps, and track lighting.
Quick Kitchen Makover
The kitchen is most likely the busiest room in your home and therefore the most cluttered. It always seems like you are fighting for prep space and the area can be an embarrassment during social events. While you would love to spend the thousands it would take to completely renovate the space, here are five easy things you can do without breaking the bank:
Paint
Fresh flowers
Table cloth/linens
New cabinet hardware
New light fixtures
While not the new cabinets, flooring, windows, or new appliances you would love to have—these simple additions will add new life and vitality to your kitchen and will tide you over until you can properly renovate the space.
These simple ideas will help bring a sense of unity, style, and sophistication to your home. Whenever you invest time and energy into your home, just remember to keep things unified and consistent and you will quickly have a home that is the envy of friends and family alike!
By: Pamela Tice
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
How To Buy Thrift-shop Sold Chandeliers
In our modern times, chandeliers are becoming a common thing in people’s homes. Almost every place in a well-off person’s house has some form of chandeliers or a chandelier-looking piece. Nonetheless, chandeliers are being used by people to add a sense of spark and elegance to a room.
Chandeliers are known for their ability to invoke a sense of grandeur and elegance, especially antique chandeliers which are unrivaled in conveying an aura of antiquity. People who want to try and recreate a turn-of-the century feel to their room would benefit most from purchasing chandeliers that have an old look to them, which can only be achieved if a piece is actually made a few years back. Replicating this type of chandelier is difficult to do since there is no substitute for the actual thing.
If you are one of those people who are unlucky enough to not inherit an old chandelier that is handed down to you through generations, then the place for you to find your antique-looking, if not truly antique, chandelier would be in thrift-shops that sell such pieces of furniture. If not, then you will have to settle for buying a ready-made piece, and you will have to try and give it an old look to it to achieve your desired effect of an antique chandelier.
Buying thrift-shop sold chandeliers can be a very rewarding experience. You may even be able to find certain chandelier pieces that are much better compared to those factory-manufactured chandeliers that lack the old look that most antique chandeliers possess.
When buying in thrift-shops, try to avoid those chandeliers that are slim and polished since these types of chandeliers have a modern look to them, and will not pass of as antique-looking. Keep in mind that antique chandeliers are never shiny. You should try to look for antique chandeliers that have elaborate and intricate aesthetic designs or carvings on them, this helps make them ornate lighting pieces. Antique chandeliers are mostly made up of crystal, bronze and brass with an aged look.
Some antique chandeliers that you may find in thrift-shops are candle chandeliers, which are much more appropriate in creating that archaic, old look. Antique chandeliers, especially those that are very old, are gas, kerosene, or electric, so be sure to check for those.
Just be aware that some antique chandelier dealers in thrift-shops may be selling you with cheap and fraudulent chandeliers, so it is best that you get as much information about antique chandeliers as you can so you can protect yourself from getting duped into making a poor purchase. Make sure that the antique chandelier dealers that you buy from have the necessary knowledge and information about chandeliers to help you make the best purchase.
Thrift-shops can offer some of the best finds in chandeliers, especially if you are looking for those that have an antique look to them. Just keep in mind that quality antique chandeliers need not be expensive, all you need to do is look for them in the right places.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
www.goldenageusa.com
By: Vanessa Doctor
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Chandeliers are known for their ability to invoke a sense of grandeur and elegance, especially antique chandeliers which are unrivaled in conveying an aura of antiquity. People who want to try and recreate a turn-of-the century feel to their room would benefit most from purchasing chandeliers that have an old look to them, which can only be achieved if a piece is actually made a few years back. Replicating this type of chandelier is difficult to do since there is no substitute for the actual thing.
If you are one of those people who are unlucky enough to not inherit an old chandelier that is handed down to you through generations, then the place for you to find your antique-looking, if not truly antique, chandelier would be in thrift-shops that sell such pieces of furniture. If not, then you will have to settle for buying a ready-made piece, and you will have to try and give it an old look to it to achieve your desired effect of an antique chandelier.
Buying thrift-shop sold chandeliers can be a very rewarding experience. You may even be able to find certain chandelier pieces that are much better compared to those factory-manufactured chandeliers that lack the old look that most antique chandeliers possess.
When buying in thrift-shops, try to avoid those chandeliers that are slim and polished since these types of chandeliers have a modern look to them, and will not pass of as antique-looking. Keep in mind that antique chandeliers are never shiny. You should try to look for antique chandeliers that have elaborate and intricate aesthetic designs or carvings on them, this helps make them ornate lighting pieces. Antique chandeliers are mostly made up of crystal, bronze and brass with an aged look.
Some antique chandeliers that you may find in thrift-shops are candle chandeliers, which are much more appropriate in creating that archaic, old look. Antique chandeliers, especially those that are very old, are gas, kerosene, or electric, so be sure to check for those.
Just be aware that some antique chandelier dealers in thrift-shops may be selling you with cheap and fraudulent chandeliers, so it is best that you get as much information about antique chandeliers as you can so you can protect yourself from getting duped into making a poor purchase. Make sure that the antique chandelier dealers that you buy from have the necessary knowledge and information about chandeliers to help you make the best purchase.
Thrift-shops can offer some of the best finds in chandeliers, especially if you are looking for those that have an antique look to them. Just keep in mind that quality antique chandeliers need not be expensive, all you need to do is look for them in the right places.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
www.goldenageusa.com
By: Vanessa Doctor
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Chandelier Pops Up In Unexpected Places
One of the hottest new design trends nationwide puts chandeliers in places where you would not expect to see one.
Chandeliers, which are normally found in the foyer or dining room area, are now popping up in unexpected places, such as kitchens, walk-in closets, as well as bathrooms.
Schonbek Worldwide Lighting creative director Eileen Schonbek Beer claims that she saw the trend emerge when people wanted to start putting chandeliers in intimate spaces, and evolve into the trend that it is today.
Beer believes that chandeliers are not just lighting pieces, but are also pieces of art, which is why her company created an interactive feature to its website so that people can define a space in a way that is kind of unique to them, giving the customers the ability to be creative and experiment with various styles before actually putting it up in the actual room.
Ellyn Elstien, president of Creative Closets in Allentown, Pa., believes that chandeliers can add something special to the place by giving it an ambience or an aura.
The development in chandelier styles now offers people a lot of choices, which is a big improvement as compared to before when you only had very limited choices, such as the type of material used on the armatures on chandeliers, which was limited to brass 15 years ago.
These new designs are made by the different chandelier designers due to the new and eclectic ways that chandeliers are being used nowadays, wherein such new designs include new shapes and colors for the lighting fixture.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
http://goldenageusa.com/
By: Vanessa Doctor
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Chandeliers, which are normally found in the foyer or dining room area, are now popping up in unexpected places, such as kitchens, walk-in closets, as well as bathrooms.
Schonbek Worldwide Lighting creative director Eileen Schonbek Beer claims that she saw the trend emerge when people wanted to start putting chandeliers in intimate spaces, and evolve into the trend that it is today.
Beer believes that chandeliers are not just lighting pieces, but are also pieces of art, which is why her company created an interactive feature to its website so that people can define a space in a way that is kind of unique to them, giving the customers the ability to be creative and experiment with various styles before actually putting it up in the actual room.
Ellyn Elstien, president of Creative Closets in Allentown, Pa., believes that chandeliers can add something special to the place by giving it an ambience or an aura.
The development in chandelier styles now offers people a lot of choices, which is a big improvement as compared to before when you only had very limited choices, such as the type of material used on the armatures on chandeliers, which was limited to brass 15 years ago.
These new designs are made by the different chandelier designers due to the new and eclectic ways that chandeliers are being used nowadays, wherein such new designs include new shapes and colors for the lighting fixture.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
http://goldenageusa.com/
By: Vanessa Doctor
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Recessed Lighting Applications
Homeowners and design savvy builders have come to appreciate the artistic value bestowed by the abundance of lighting fixture styles that can be incorporated to create uniform design schemes throughout homes and businesses. Recessed lighting has been around since the 1950s, but has recently been gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional light fixtures due its versatility. Recessed lighting is a significant component of the lighting design in many residential and commercial buildings, offering a visually pleasing while functional source of light that can be used in a variety of applications.
What is recessed lighting? Recessed light fixtures illuminate from just above the ceiling surface, rather than protruding down in full view. This flexible style of home lighting gives designers the opportunity to incorporate specific levels of lighting to achieve the desired ambiance while directing focus to the intended highlights of a room. Recessed lighting can be implemented as the sole light source for rooms and hallways, or can produce a broad spectrum ambience throughout an area that serves as a “backdrop” to other, more targeted sources of light.
Many decorative lighting arrangements, such as wall sconces and chandeliers, are artistically striking but often do not produce practical, functional lighting to meet the needs of a household or business. Recessed lighting can be used in combination with such lighting fixtures to provide a sheath of light throughout the room while highlighting intricate details of a decorative chandelier or sconce. Recessed lighting can also be used to illuminate an eye-catching design element of a room, such as wall art, an accent wall, a china cabinet or other piece of furniture.
Using the appropriate bulbs in a recessed lighting fixture is as important as the fixture itself. The size and voltage of a bulb will affect the amount and intensity of light that it produces. Recessed fixtures in a fairly small bathroom would not need to be the same diameter as fixtures designed to illuminate a larger room. On the other hand, a bathroom would likely necessitate a brighter (higher voltage) bulb to produce the desired level of visibility than a hallway whose primary purpose is to provide ambient, dim lighting to impart a softer effect.
Whether recessed lighting will be used in a bedroom for reading or in a kitchen to supply optimal illumination for cooking, the intended purpose of a room is a significant consideration in determining the type of lighting that should be implemented.
By: John Billington
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
What is recessed lighting? Recessed light fixtures illuminate from just above the ceiling surface, rather than protruding down in full view. This flexible style of home lighting gives designers the opportunity to incorporate specific levels of lighting to achieve the desired ambiance while directing focus to the intended highlights of a room. Recessed lighting can be implemented as the sole light source for rooms and hallways, or can produce a broad spectrum ambience throughout an area that serves as a “backdrop” to other, more targeted sources of light.
Many decorative lighting arrangements, such as wall sconces and chandeliers, are artistically striking but often do not produce practical, functional lighting to meet the needs of a household or business. Recessed lighting can be used in combination with such lighting fixtures to provide a sheath of light throughout the room while highlighting intricate details of a decorative chandelier or sconce. Recessed lighting can also be used to illuminate an eye-catching design element of a room, such as wall art, an accent wall, a china cabinet or other piece of furniture.
Using the appropriate bulbs in a recessed lighting fixture is as important as the fixture itself. The size and voltage of a bulb will affect the amount and intensity of light that it produces. Recessed fixtures in a fairly small bathroom would not need to be the same diameter as fixtures designed to illuminate a larger room. On the other hand, a bathroom would likely necessitate a brighter (higher voltage) bulb to produce the desired level of visibility than a hallway whose primary purpose is to provide ambient, dim lighting to impart a softer effect.
Whether recessed lighting will be used in a bedroom for reading or in a kitchen to supply optimal illumination for cooking, the intended purpose of a room is a significant consideration in determining the type of lighting that should be implemented.
By: John Billington
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Mediterranean Decorating And You
THe Mediterranean style of home decoration is also called "Spanish modern" and has certain unique features that consumers must look for.
The Mediterranean style of decor comes from Spain, Greece and Italy, although the Spanish decor is the most popular. Indeed, the Mediterranean style is also called "Spanish modern."
Let's talk about Mediterranean style furniture.
Whether you need formal and elaborate furniture to simple pieces, the Mediterranean style has something for you. What makes this furniture distinctive is that the pieces have legs and fee - whether it is an armoir, a hutch, a cabinet table or a night stand. The furniture is made of dark woods - and may be ornately carved or left in simple, natural lines.
Fabric colors are plentiful, consisting of yellows, lavenders, blues and terracotta, meant to evoke the warmth of the land and the fireside, and the blues of the sky and the sea.
The Mediterranean style does not indulge in a lot of furniture per room - simplicity is the key. A table, a couple of chairs, and some area rugs of bright colors in a room strike the perfect note. This is regardless of whether or not the room is a bedroom or the living room.
What complements the sparseness of the furniture is the elaborate accessories - wrought iron lamps and candle sconces, chandeliers, burnished metallic light fixtures, decorative screens, and so on.
Morocco, a country in North Africa, has had a tremendous influence, decor wise, on the Mediterranean style of Spain (Spain was for a while appointed military protectorate of the country), and adds an exciting ethnic flavor to elaborately carved furniture and bright colors in fabrics.
When shopping for your furniture and accessories, you can decide on two ways to go - purchasing authentic pieces that are hundreds of years old - and expensive - or purchasing reproductions that look just as nice but may better fit your budget.
It's important when decorating your room or home in the Mediterranean style to have a well thought out plan. Depending on your budget you might not be able to complete your design all at once, you'll buy a piece here and a piece there as you find the appropriate items, so you must always keep in your mind what you want the final product to look like.
In order to decide what elements you want for your Mediterranean decor, check out the many sources on the subject, from books and magazines on interior decorating, to consultation with knowledgeable individuals at your local home decor stores, to surfing the web to see the galaxy of selections available to the home owner.
By: Adam Peters -
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
The Mediterranean style of decor comes from Spain, Greece and Italy, although the Spanish decor is the most popular. Indeed, the Mediterranean style is also called "Spanish modern."
Let's talk about Mediterranean style furniture.
Whether you need formal and elaborate furniture to simple pieces, the Mediterranean style has something for you. What makes this furniture distinctive is that the pieces have legs and fee - whether it is an armoir, a hutch, a cabinet table or a night stand. The furniture is made of dark woods - and may be ornately carved or left in simple, natural lines.
Fabric colors are plentiful, consisting of yellows, lavenders, blues and terracotta, meant to evoke the warmth of the land and the fireside, and the blues of the sky and the sea.
The Mediterranean style does not indulge in a lot of furniture per room - simplicity is the key. A table, a couple of chairs, and some area rugs of bright colors in a room strike the perfect note. This is regardless of whether or not the room is a bedroom or the living room.
What complements the sparseness of the furniture is the elaborate accessories - wrought iron lamps and candle sconces, chandeliers, burnished metallic light fixtures, decorative screens, and so on.
Morocco, a country in North Africa, has had a tremendous influence, decor wise, on the Mediterranean style of Spain (Spain was for a while appointed military protectorate of the country), and adds an exciting ethnic flavor to elaborately carved furniture and bright colors in fabrics.
When shopping for your furniture and accessories, you can decide on two ways to go - purchasing authentic pieces that are hundreds of years old - and expensive - or purchasing reproductions that look just as nice but may better fit your budget.
It's important when decorating your room or home in the Mediterranean style to have a well thought out plan. Depending on your budget you might not be able to complete your design all at once, you'll buy a piece here and a piece there as you find the appropriate items, so you must always keep in your mind what you want the final product to look like.
In order to decide what elements you want for your Mediterranean decor, check out the many sources on the subject, from books and magazines on interior decorating, to consultation with knowledgeable individuals at your local home decor stores, to surfing the web to see the galaxy of selections available to the home owner.
By: Adam Peters -
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Choosing A Crystal Chandelier For Your Bedroom
Crystal chandeliers can help make a room appear more elegant and more beautiful while still making it functional in terms of lighting.
When discussing about light fixtures, people usually think of crystal chandeliers initially, this may be attributed to its characteristic of being a well-known sophisticated and attractive lighting that can help improve the overall quality and aesthetic look of any room. This type of chandelier offers a wide variety of choices for its consumers, ranging from different and unique designs, different colors, to the size, shape and number of crystals that are actually used on the chandelier.
Although there are a lot of different kinds of chandeliers out there, crystal chandeliers are considered to be one of the most expensive and most popular types of chandeliers in the market. A lot of people are attracted to crystal chandeliers mainly because of its exquisiteness and majesty that can be associated with royalty or wealth, which is why a lot of people choose to use this type of chandelier in decorating their homes.
Where To Put Chandeliers
Chandeliers are more commonly used in the dining room or the living room, which are places wherein people mostly get together and hold parties or social gatherings. These are the more ideal places to put crystal chandeliers since these rooms usually have high ceilings, or offer enough space to accommodate whatever sized chandelier you may have, in order to avoid making the room feel cramp or crowded. However, with the evolving trend nowadays, chandeliers are beginning to find their way to other rooms that normally would not house such an ornate fixture. One room in particular is the bedroom.
Chandeliers In Bedrooms
Bedrooms are commonly used for sleeping and resting. This is considered to be a place of sanctuary for a person, especially for a person who wishes to get away from his work or the world in general. Since bedrooms are used for such intimate settings and purposes, putting crystal chandeliers in it would not be at the top of people’s list. However, crystal chandeliers in bedrooms can actually help create the mood that you desire for your bedroom, improving your bedroom’s aesthetic look as well as its functionality.
Choosing Chandeliers For Your Bedroom
When choosing crystal chandeliers for bedrooms, it is important to remember that the look of the chandelier should not overpower the aura that the bedroom is creating. Keep in mind that the chandelier should not be the main focus of the room, but the bed should be, which is why your chandelier should not be too over-elaborate in order to make it complement the room instead of overpowering it. The design should be soft and smooth to help accent the atmosphere of the bedroom.
The look of any chandelier is only half the battle, which is why determining the type of light, color and brightness, of the chandelier is just as important in maintaining the serene environment of your bedroom. You can always attach your crystal chandelier to a dimmer switch so you can adjust the light from very bright to a bit dim, depending on the type of lighting that you may need. In terms of color, crystal chandeliers can create some of the most stunning display of colors through the lighting and the crystals used on the chandelier, giving your room a certain aura and look. It would be best, however, if you chose colors that are not too dark or too strong, for this can help create a soft glow to your room, making it a more appealing place to rest.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
http://goldenageusa.com
By: Vanessa Doctor
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
When discussing about light fixtures, people usually think of crystal chandeliers initially, this may be attributed to its characteristic of being a well-known sophisticated and attractive lighting that can help improve the overall quality and aesthetic look of any room. This type of chandelier offers a wide variety of choices for its consumers, ranging from different and unique designs, different colors, to the size, shape and number of crystals that are actually used on the chandelier.
Although there are a lot of different kinds of chandeliers out there, crystal chandeliers are considered to be one of the most expensive and most popular types of chandeliers in the market. A lot of people are attracted to crystal chandeliers mainly because of its exquisiteness and majesty that can be associated with royalty or wealth, which is why a lot of people choose to use this type of chandelier in decorating their homes.
Where To Put Chandeliers
Chandeliers are more commonly used in the dining room or the living room, which are places wherein people mostly get together and hold parties or social gatherings. These are the more ideal places to put crystal chandeliers since these rooms usually have high ceilings, or offer enough space to accommodate whatever sized chandelier you may have, in order to avoid making the room feel cramp or crowded. However, with the evolving trend nowadays, chandeliers are beginning to find their way to other rooms that normally would not house such an ornate fixture. One room in particular is the bedroom.
Chandeliers In Bedrooms
Bedrooms are commonly used for sleeping and resting. This is considered to be a place of sanctuary for a person, especially for a person who wishes to get away from his work or the world in general. Since bedrooms are used for such intimate settings and purposes, putting crystal chandeliers in it would not be at the top of people’s list. However, crystal chandeliers in bedrooms can actually help create the mood that you desire for your bedroom, improving your bedroom’s aesthetic look as well as its functionality.
Choosing Chandeliers For Your Bedroom
When choosing crystal chandeliers for bedrooms, it is important to remember that the look of the chandelier should not overpower the aura that the bedroom is creating. Keep in mind that the chandelier should not be the main focus of the room, but the bed should be, which is why your chandelier should not be too over-elaborate in order to make it complement the room instead of overpowering it. The design should be soft and smooth to help accent the atmosphere of the bedroom.
The look of any chandelier is only half the battle, which is why determining the type of light, color and brightness, of the chandelier is just as important in maintaining the serene environment of your bedroom. You can always attach your crystal chandelier to a dimmer switch so you can adjust the light from very bright to a bit dim, depending on the type of lighting that you may need. In terms of color, crystal chandeliers can create some of the most stunning display of colors through the lighting and the crystals used on the chandelier, giving your room a certain aura and look. It would be best, however, if you chose colors that are not too dark or too strong, for this can help create a soft glow to your room, making it a more appealing place to rest.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
http://goldenageusa.com
By: Vanessa Doctor
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Have A Small Dining Place? Make It Look Spacious.
If you are worried about giving your dining room that exclusivity and personal touch, you can start by deciding and arranging your dining room furniture.
We all love to be different from others, we all love to make our friends and relatives exclaim with appreciation and admiration seeing our dining furniture. We also want to create an atmosphere of relaxation and leisure in our dining room, without any need to spend hundreds of dollars. Well, we can do all that thanks to a host of options available to us.
Let us begin with the way you can give that decor and grandeur to your place without any need to spend huge amounts. First of all take a measure of dimensions of your dining place. If you are blessed with a huge dining area, then nothing like it. You can splurge on all the items such as exquisite dining room tables, carved chairs, dining hutch, select dining set, chandeliers, dining sofa and others. Your place will exhibit an aura of invitation and comfort, a feeling of warmth and care for all who are an important part of your life. A good way to make a beginning.
If you are not blessed with a huge mansion to stay at (frankly most of us are not), no need to get disheartened. You can still make a difference by taking small and intelligent steps. First comes the way you place your furniture pieces. Just make sure that arrangement of your dining room furniture is in line with space affordability offered by your room. No need for you to clutter the place with all the possible items on earth. Leave space for breathing and movement as that is a must especially in a dining place. Preferably have a round dining table in the corner, order smaller dining room chairs and stools of lower height. This way you can make even smaller ones look fabulous. Your place will without fail still look smart and appealing.
Another important area to concentrate is the theme for your dining room. Having a theme does not necessarily mean having to consult top architects. Just browse through a few websites on the internet and you will have plenty of ideas. Design and style are important parameters for making your place special. Do you like your dining room to reflect contemporary trends? Or if you want to give a fresh and young look to your dining room, you may very well go for a doing up in an Arabic or Retro way. Arabic is the new in thing in designing your room and the theme exudes an instant comment such as “Oh so cool and fresh”. Do remember to have rough textured and metallic tiles to go with the design, as they make the place extremely comfortable, relaxed and cozy.
Whatever be the theme of your dining place, never compromise on the element of comfort and relaxation. After all it is the place where you come after fighting and winning many a battle in the corporate world. So spend a bit of time in designing your dining room to give you that spacious and airy feeling.
By: Rika
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
We all love to be different from others, we all love to make our friends and relatives exclaim with appreciation and admiration seeing our dining furniture. We also want to create an atmosphere of relaxation and leisure in our dining room, without any need to spend hundreds of dollars. Well, we can do all that thanks to a host of options available to us.
Let us begin with the way you can give that decor and grandeur to your place without any need to spend huge amounts. First of all take a measure of dimensions of your dining place. If you are blessed with a huge dining area, then nothing like it. You can splurge on all the items such as exquisite dining room tables, carved chairs, dining hutch, select dining set, chandeliers, dining sofa and others. Your place will exhibit an aura of invitation and comfort, a feeling of warmth and care for all who are an important part of your life. A good way to make a beginning.
If you are not blessed with a huge mansion to stay at (frankly most of us are not), no need to get disheartened. You can still make a difference by taking small and intelligent steps. First comes the way you place your furniture pieces. Just make sure that arrangement of your dining room furniture is in line with space affordability offered by your room. No need for you to clutter the place with all the possible items on earth. Leave space for breathing and movement as that is a must especially in a dining place. Preferably have a round dining table in the corner, order smaller dining room chairs and stools of lower height. This way you can make even smaller ones look fabulous. Your place will without fail still look smart and appealing.
Another important area to concentrate is the theme for your dining room. Having a theme does not necessarily mean having to consult top architects. Just browse through a few websites on the internet and you will have plenty of ideas. Design and style are important parameters for making your place special. Do you like your dining room to reflect contemporary trends? Or if you want to give a fresh and young look to your dining room, you may very well go for a doing up in an Arabic or Retro way. Arabic is the new in thing in designing your room and the theme exudes an instant comment such as “Oh so cool and fresh”. Do remember to have rough textured and metallic tiles to go with the design, as they make the place extremely comfortable, relaxed and cozy.
Whatever be the theme of your dining place, never compromise on the element of comfort and relaxation. After all it is the place where you come after fighting and winning many a battle in the corporate world. So spend a bit of time in designing your dining room to give you that spacious and airy feeling.
By: Rika
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Home Lighting Basics. Plan Before You Buy
The brands, models, styles and sizes of lighting fixtures available in today’s market are massive. I once had a visitor from Great Britain with me when I went shopping at a local supermarket. Having been in Great Britain, I could have almost guessed what he was going to say. “There’s so much to choose from!” he exclaimed. The same thing applies to the lighting fixture industry. There are chandeliers, pendants, sconces, strip lighting, recessed can lighting, track lighting, floor lamps, ceiling fixtures and on and on. And, for each type of lighting fixture on the market, the styles, sizes, prices that are available offer an almost mind-numbing variety of choices.
Let’s talk about basic issues related to home lighting.
Start at the Beginning
Designing the way you will light your home is really a form of planning. And, designing or lighting a home usually gets the short end of the stick when it comes to the overall project. If you are thinking about adding or changing some lighting in your existing home, it’s time to start planning which way you’d like to go in terms of the eventual lighting layout throughout your home. On the other hand, if you are building a new home, you have the opportunity to build a comprehensive, complementary lighting plan that is built around a particular scheme or décor.
What you’re really after is a lighting plan that will result in everything working together to give your home a cohesive and integrated look.
Start with your personal tastes. Think about what kind of home appeals to you the most. Do you like a bright, open look, a classic look or a modern look, just to mention a few? Give this a lot of thought because it will provide the foundation for your planning in all areas including the lighting you will select.
Take a look at the function and layout of each room. And consider what you would like to highlight, what the room is used for and what types of lighting are possible given the room’s architecture. Ambient light needs to be a serious consideration in your planning.
Keep in mind that ambient lighting is just one part of the picture. It needs to be coordinated with the specific fixtures you will purchase for highlighting, task focusing and accent lighting. Make a tentative plan for each room that is very much subject to change as you get down to the final stages of selecting your lighting. Above all, keep in mind that everything in terms of your lighting needs to work together. If any one aspect of your lighting in a particular room is overpowering and draws attention to itself, you’ve got some balancing to do.
It might make things a little easier if you remember that lighting fixtures breakdown into roughly three categories:
Task
Lamps such as table lamps
Track lighting
Spot lighting
Lights used for reading
Recessed lighting
Accent
Some table lamps
Rail lighting
Sconces
Torchieres
Pendants
Ambient
Chandeliers
Recessed lighting
Ceiling lighting
Pendants
Lighting fixtures don’t fall into rigid functional categories and what you need in terms of function will determine the lighting fixtures to purchase.
Room Aesthetics
The key concept to consider is contrast. Light layering is the term currently in vogue. A coordinated, tasteful combination of the above mentioned categories will generate layering. For example, in a dining area a pendant or chandelier could be used to provide ambient lighting while recessed lighting can provide task lighting and sconces can provide accent lighting for furniture other than the dining room table. Task lights should serve as the primary lighting source providing at least five times the level as ambient lighting. An additional source of lighting can be provided by accent lighting that should provide around three times the level provided by ambient lighting. Dimmer switches are easy to install and allow the homeowner to do all kinds of creative balancing of lighting levels.
Decorative lighting should never be employed as a main light source. First, they are generally too bright and usually generate glare, which is the last thing that you want. Decorative lighting should always fit in to the overall lighting layout and should never become the main focus of attention when someone enters the room.
Energy
Today, more than ever before, lighting manufacturers and retailers are energy aware. You will need to spend some time researching what the practical applications involve. There are numerous resources available on the web and you should definitely do your homework before you begin your actual shopping.
This article is in no way intended to be a complete or comprehensive treatise on the subject of selecting the right home lighting fixtures. It’s merely an introduction and hopefully will provide some meaningful food for thought as you dig deeper.
By: tireddadoffive
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Let’s talk about basic issues related to home lighting.
Start at the Beginning
Designing the way you will light your home is really a form of planning. And, designing or lighting a home usually gets the short end of the stick when it comes to the overall project. If you are thinking about adding or changing some lighting in your existing home, it’s time to start planning which way you’d like to go in terms of the eventual lighting layout throughout your home. On the other hand, if you are building a new home, you have the opportunity to build a comprehensive, complementary lighting plan that is built around a particular scheme or décor.
What you’re really after is a lighting plan that will result in everything working together to give your home a cohesive and integrated look.
Start with your personal tastes. Think about what kind of home appeals to you the most. Do you like a bright, open look, a classic look or a modern look, just to mention a few? Give this a lot of thought because it will provide the foundation for your planning in all areas including the lighting you will select.
Take a look at the function and layout of each room. And consider what you would like to highlight, what the room is used for and what types of lighting are possible given the room’s architecture. Ambient light needs to be a serious consideration in your planning.
Keep in mind that ambient lighting is just one part of the picture. It needs to be coordinated with the specific fixtures you will purchase for highlighting, task focusing and accent lighting. Make a tentative plan for each room that is very much subject to change as you get down to the final stages of selecting your lighting. Above all, keep in mind that everything in terms of your lighting needs to work together. If any one aspect of your lighting in a particular room is overpowering and draws attention to itself, you’ve got some balancing to do.
It might make things a little easier if you remember that lighting fixtures breakdown into roughly three categories:
Task
Lamps such as table lamps
Track lighting
Spot lighting
Lights used for reading
Recessed lighting
Accent
Some table lamps
Rail lighting
Sconces
Torchieres
Pendants
Ambient
Chandeliers
Recessed lighting
Ceiling lighting
Pendants
Lighting fixtures don’t fall into rigid functional categories and what you need in terms of function will determine the lighting fixtures to purchase.
Room Aesthetics
The key concept to consider is contrast. Light layering is the term currently in vogue. A coordinated, tasteful combination of the above mentioned categories will generate layering. For example, in a dining area a pendant or chandelier could be used to provide ambient lighting while recessed lighting can provide task lighting and sconces can provide accent lighting for furniture other than the dining room table. Task lights should serve as the primary lighting source providing at least five times the level as ambient lighting. An additional source of lighting can be provided by accent lighting that should provide around three times the level provided by ambient lighting. Dimmer switches are easy to install and allow the homeowner to do all kinds of creative balancing of lighting levels.
Decorative lighting should never be employed as a main light source. First, they are generally too bright and usually generate glare, which is the last thing that you want. Decorative lighting should always fit in to the overall lighting layout and should never become the main focus of attention when someone enters the room.
Energy
Today, more than ever before, lighting manufacturers and retailers are energy aware. You will need to spend some time researching what the practical applications involve. There are numerous resources available on the web and you should definitely do your homework before you begin your actual shopping.
This article is in no way intended to be a complete or comprehensive treatise on the subject of selecting the right home lighting fixtures. It’s merely an introduction and hopefully will provide some meaningful food for thought as you dig deeper.
By: tireddadoffive
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Achieve The Celebrity Look With Lighting
Have you ever watched an episode of the "Fabulous Life of…" on VH-1 or even "Cribs" on MTV and have grown progressively more and more bitter because your house doesn't look as flashy and expensive as that fabulous celebrity's? Or do you sit there and wonder what you can do to your home so that it looks just as good as theirs, but without the major price tag? Instead of throwing cookies and your remote control at the TV, why not try and achieve that celebrity style? Easier than you think, the first thing that you can do to change the way your house looks is by investing and installing some new lighting.
Lighting makes all the difference when it comes to style and redecorating. Even if you have nothing but low-end furniture and fake plants around your home, the right lighting can give you the sophisticated, contemporary and even high-end look that you're looking for. As mentioned earlier, this can be easily achieved; let's first start with something simple such as table lamps and floor lamps. When put in the right areas, such as end tables and coffee tables, and corners of the room, you will be able to acquire a soft, mood lighting.
Spot lights and path lighting are a couple other options you can consider if you're looking to get that celebrity feel, and if you have a few more dollars you can spare. You wouldn't think it, but if you have path lights professionally installed into the floor of your home, like say, along the edges of your living room or foyer, you'll be able to deliver a red carpet look. Complete the Hollywood theme with some spot lights, but only sparingly. Spot lights usually work best in groups of three or four and are best for showcasing wall art.
Chandeliers, though much pricier, will tell your guests that you're made out of bling, style and money. Great for foyers, living rooms and dining rooms, chandeliers completely embody the term "celebrity." The trick here is to get one that will actually fit the space of your home and leave the extravagantly large ones for the hotel lobbies. Mix or match these ceiling lights with any or all of the aforementioned lighting styles and you'll have a home fit for showcasing on VH-1 and MTV!
By: Vicki Duong
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Lighting makes all the difference when it comes to style and redecorating. Even if you have nothing but low-end furniture and fake plants around your home, the right lighting can give you the sophisticated, contemporary and even high-end look that you're looking for. As mentioned earlier, this can be easily achieved; let's first start with something simple such as table lamps and floor lamps. When put in the right areas, such as end tables and coffee tables, and corners of the room, you will be able to acquire a soft, mood lighting.
Spot lights and path lighting are a couple other options you can consider if you're looking to get that celebrity feel, and if you have a few more dollars you can spare. You wouldn't think it, but if you have path lights professionally installed into the floor of your home, like say, along the edges of your living room or foyer, you'll be able to deliver a red carpet look. Complete the Hollywood theme with some spot lights, but only sparingly. Spot lights usually work best in groups of three or four and are best for showcasing wall art.
Chandeliers, though much pricier, will tell your guests that you're made out of bling, style and money. Great for foyers, living rooms and dining rooms, chandeliers completely embody the term "celebrity." The trick here is to get one that will actually fit the space of your home and leave the extravagantly large ones for the hotel lobbies. Mix or match these ceiling lights with any or all of the aforementioned lighting styles and you'll have a home fit for showcasing on VH-1 and MTV!
By: Vicki Duong
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Keep Some Emergency Lighting Around For The Next Y2k
Whenever an emergency situation hits, or even when the power just happens to go out for whatever reason, it's always a good idea to have some emergency lighting around the home. Remember when Y2K was about to hit and everyone was scrambling around for back-up generators to give them the extra jolt of power needed in case the end of the world did happen? Well, the end of the world didn't happen, but that doesn't mean it isn't a good idea to have a generator lying around the house. With that said, ask yourself, are you and your family ready for the next Y2K?
It's always good to have some extra candles and flashlights around your home, but sometimes those items won't always suffice. A few other items you should also have on hand include water, batteries, and even some dry foodstuff; after all you never know how long you'll be in the dark for. Other items that I've found to be extremely helpful include hurricane lanterns and solar powered lights such as flood lights and lanterns.
Hurricane lanterns, whether they're the traditional ones made for oil candles or the modern ones that include flash bulb ballasts are excellent sources of light. Perfect for camping and emergency situations, hurricane lanterns provide a sufficient amount of light for long periods of time, which is surprising since it's considered a small lamp. Solar powered lights and flood lights also make for excellent emergency lights. Mainly used for industrial type projects, they can also be used for outdoor events and as construction lights since they're extremely bright.
You wouldn't really think it, but solar powered lights do come in handy and require little maintenance. Batteries are usually not required (even though it's a good idea to have some around in the event that you do need them) and you only need to put them out in the sunlight to get them charged. Even today, many companies are developing solar powered and eco-friendly lights and flashlights, ensuring you that they will work the moment you need them. Regardless, no matter what the circumstances are, there's no such thing as being too prepared. As long as you have all the necessities, you'll be more than ready to face the situation head on.
By: Vicki Duong
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
It's always good to have some extra candles and flashlights around your home, but sometimes those items won't always suffice. A few other items you should also have on hand include water, batteries, and even some dry foodstuff; after all you never know how long you'll be in the dark for. Other items that I've found to be extremely helpful include hurricane lanterns and solar powered lights such as flood lights and lanterns.
Hurricane lanterns, whether they're the traditional ones made for oil candles or the modern ones that include flash bulb ballasts are excellent sources of light. Perfect for camping and emergency situations, hurricane lanterns provide a sufficient amount of light for long periods of time, which is surprising since it's considered a small lamp. Solar powered lights and flood lights also make for excellent emergency lights. Mainly used for industrial type projects, they can also be used for outdoor events and as construction lights since they're extremely bright.
You wouldn't really think it, but solar powered lights do come in handy and require little maintenance. Batteries are usually not required (even though it's a good idea to have some around in the event that you do need them) and you only need to put them out in the sunlight to get them charged. Even today, many companies are developing solar powered and eco-friendly lights and flashlights, ensuring you that they will work the moment you need them. Regardless, no matter what the circumstances are, there's no such thing as being too prepared. As long as you have all the necessities, you'll be more than ready to face the situation head on.
By: Vicki Duong
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Modern Light Fixtures Serving Double Duty
Early light fixtures seemed to have a flair for the dramatic. Impossibly large ornate chandeliers greeted guests in foyers and lit large dining rooms while providing a decadent ambiance. This mindset continued with the creation of the Tiffany lamp at the turn of the century. Louis Comfort Tiffany's new lamps featured scraps of stained glass fashioned together to form exquisite shades with solid metal bases, a timeless design that is still produced today. These and other early light fixtures were a graceful combination of beauty and practicality.
This didn't continue, however. A horrible lull in lighting design blanketed a fairly large portion of time resulting in some drab and boring light fixtures. They weren't all bad, of course, but it seems like the ones that ended up in most people's houses were. Bad, that is. The time I'm referring to here is roughly from the 1950's to the 1980's. Perhaps lighting was viewed from a more utilitarian point of view during this time, or mass produced lighting was just in a funk, design-wise. Whatever the case, the bulk of the lighting produced during this time just wasn't all that impressive from a style and design perspective.
Over the last ten or so years, a shift back to artistic and innovative lighting designs has taken place resulting in some beautiful fixtures. Floor lamps are no longer defined by the standard base and shade construction, as slim tower designs and multi-headed models have become staples in many manufacturers catalogues. These contemporary fixtures are works of art as much as they are sources of light. Glass and metal have replaced ceramic and linen as the most common materials used, adding to the modern aesthetic of these fixtures.
Many of the same features listed above apply to table lamps as well. In a lot of cases, manufacturers simply make a smaller version of a floor lamp to work as a corresponding table lamp. However, there are still plenty of contemporary table lamps that employ the base - shade standard. It just works. Modern shades have begun to take on different shapes and can be found in a variety of materials, though, so these aren't your grandma's table lamps.
By: James Allen
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
This didn't continue, however. A horrible lull in lighting design blanketed a fairly large portion of time resulting in some drab and boring light fixtures. They weren't all bad, of course, but it seems like the ones that ended up in most people's houses were. Bad, that is. The time I'm referring to here is roughly from the 1950's to the 1980's. Perhaps lighting was viewed from a more utilitarian point of view during this time, or mass produced lighting was just in a funk, design-wise. Whatever the case, the bulk of the lighting produced during this time just wasn't all that impressive from a style and design perspective.
Over the last ten or so years, a shift back to artistic and innovative lighting designs has taken place resulting in some beautiful fixtures. Floor lamps are no longer defined by the standard base and shade construction, as slim tower designs and multi-headed models have become staples in many manufacturers catalogues. These contemporary fixtures are works of art as much as they are sources of light. Glass and metal have replaced ceramic and linen as the most common materials used, adding to the modern aesthetic of these fixtures.
Many of the same features listed above apply to table lamps as well. In a lot of cases, manufacturers simply make a smaller version of a floor lamp to work as a corresponding table lamp. However, there are still plenty of contemporary table lamps that employ the base - shade standard. It just works. Modern shades have begun to take on different shapes and can be found in a variety of materials, though, so these aren't your grandma's table lamps.
By: James Allen
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Crystal Chandelier For An Appealing Dining Room
crystal chandeliers are one of the best décor that you can use to make your home sophisticated and elegant. There are plenty of crystal chandeliers that you can choose from.
Yes, there is different variety of crystal chandeliers with different styles, colors and designs. So it is really up to you which one you prefer to put to your home. But there are some factors to consider in making it more appealing and elegant as you hang it on your home.
You have to decide the specific part of the room you desire to put a crystal chandelier, since you can hang it on your living room, entrance hall, dining room and bedroom. So you have to decide which part you will hang a crystal chandelier. You also have to know that each room requires different styles and designs of crystal chandeliers.
If you desire to put a crystal chandelier is your dining room then you have to consider the size. Since there are some procedures that you need to know and use in order to make it more appealing and look good. If you have a six person dining table, you have to choose crystal chandelier that’s 1.5 to 2 feet wide. If you have an eight person dining table, then you have to purchase a crystal chandelier that’s 2 to 1.5 feet wide. And if you have 10 to 12 person dining table then you have to buy a crystal chandelier that’s 2.5 to 3.5 feet wide.
These are the procedures you need to do and follow to make sure that you will be buying the right and appropriate crystal chandelier in your dining room. These can help you avoid dullness and crowdedness. Since if you put a large crystal chandelier in a smaller room then it will look crowded and it you put small crystal chandelier in a big room it will just look dull. So following the right procedures can help you out in making your dining room look good and beautiful.
You have to consider the design and style of your dining room as well. You have to search and purchase a crystal chandelier that matches your dining room. In this way, you can make sure that you are making your dining room elegant and sophisticated.
crystal chandelier is definitely a work of art which can make your home to look at its best but this can be possible if you make sure to consider all the factors needed. All of these factors can make you and aid you to have an elegant home and sophisticated one.
Let us say, you finally found the one that is right for your dining table, yes, you have an elegant dining table. But do not forget that you have to take good care of it in order to make sure that it will continually possesses its shine and spark. Clean it up with long feathered duster to remove the dirt and dust. One a year it is also better to make deep cleaning. But of course, you have to be extra careful with your crystals to prevent it from damages.
By: Eliza Maledevic Ayson
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Yes, there is different variety of crystal chandeliers with different styles, colors and designs. So it is really up to you which one you prefer to put to your home. But there are some factors to consider in making it more appealing and elegant as you hang it on your home.
You have to decide the specific part of the room you desire to put a crystal chandelier, since you can hang it on your living room, entrance hall, dining room and bedroom. So you have to decide which part you will hang a crystal chandelier. You also have to know that each room requires different styles and designs of crystal chandeliers.
If you desire to put a crystal chandelier is your dining room then you have to consider the size. Since there are some procedures that you need to know and use in order to make it more appealing and look good. If you have a six person dining table, you have to choose crystal chandelier that’s 1.5 to 2 feet wide. If you have an eight person dining table, then you have to purchase a crystal chandelier that’s 2 to 1.5 feet wide. And if you have 10 to 12 person dining table then you have to buy a crystal chandelier that’s 2.5 to 3.5 feet wide.
These are the procedures you need to do and follow to make sure that you will be buying the right and appropriate crystal chandelier in your dining room. These can help you avoid dullness and crowdedness. Since if you put a large crystal chandelier in a smaller room then it will look crowded and it you put small crystal chandelier in a big room it will just look dull. So following the right procedures can help you out in making your dining room look good and beautiful.
You have to consider the design and style of your dining room as well. You have to search and purchase a crystal chandelier that matches your dining room. In this way, you can make sure that you are making your dining room elegant and sophisticated.
crystal chandelier is definitely a work of art which can make your home to look at its best but this can be possible if you make sure to consider all the factors needed. All of these factors can make you and aid you to have an elegant home and sophisticated one.
Let us say, you finally found the one that is right for your dining table, yes, you have an elegant dining table. But do not forget that you have to take good care of it in order to make sure that it will continually possesses its shine and spark. Clean it up with long feathered duster to remove the dirt and dust. One a year it is also better to make deep cleaning. But of course, you have to be extra careful with your crystals to prevent it from damages.
By: Eliza Maledevic Ayson
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Is Your Chandelier Really Crystal? How To Tell
crystals chandeliers are some of the more sought after ornate lighting fixtures for homes mainly due to its elegance, regality and exquisiteness while still maintaining its functionality as a lighting fixture.
They can engender feelings of warmth and wealth to its owners, allowing them to embellish and foster a rather stylish ambiance for whichever room they may choose to hang it in the house, making it an essential ingredient to any household in terms of having an aesthetically pleasing interior lighting.
There are a lot of different types of crystal chandeliers, varying in size, shape, design and lights, giving you the opportunity to find one that best fits your style and home décor. You also need to take a few factors into consideration, such as the size of the room where you intend to put your crystal chandelier, the design of the room and its color, as well as the lighting needs of that room, before you can choose which type of crystal chandeliers is best for your room’s aesthetic and functional needs.
Although some crystals chandeliers are more expensive than others, especially since some are made from different crystals, and others have a more ornate and elaborate design patterns and more expensive construction materials, buying a low-costing crystal chandelier does not necessarily mean that you have gotten the better end of the deal. There are some crystal chandeliers out there that are not made from actual crystals, which means that some crystal chandelier manufacturers use fake crystals in their creation, making you actually spend more on something that isn’t what you think it is. Keep in mind that the main aspect of crystal chandeliers that makes them so appealing is their crystals, and having fake crystals is far less rewarding and has a lot less visual impact as compared to having the real ones.
There are ways that you can determine the authenticity and quality of the crystals that the crystal chandelier that you are eyeing has, one of which is through the use of light. Keep in mind that crystals have the ability to reflect prisms of light, which means that when light passes through the crystals, there should be a full spectrum of colors that would emanate from it, energizing the entire room while dazzling the eyes of those who may gaze upon it. Ordinary glass chandeliers will not be able to duplicate the spectrum of light that crystal chandeliers are able to produce, so be sure to test them out before making the decision to buy one. Don’t forget that the atoms of the crystals are ordered in a way that they can perfectly reflect light and color, so the crystal chandelier that you are eyeing should be able to interact with light if it is real.
Although most crystal chandeliers are expensive, it isn’t always the best way to determine if a particular crystal chandelier has real crystals or not, especially since there exists cheaper versions of these crystals in the form of lead crystals. But nonetheless, real crystal chandeliers should still cost you a considerable amount of money, especially if it is brand new, and more so if it is manufactured by a well-known crystal chandelier-producing company. You can actually check with the manufacturers and inquire what kinds of crystals are being used in their creation in order to ensure that you are getting the real thing.
By: Vanessa Doctor
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
They can engender feelings of warmth and wealth to its owners, allowing them to embellish and foster a rather stylish ambiance for whichever room they may choose to hang it in the house, making it an essential ingredient to any household in terms of having an aesthetically pleasing interior lighting.
There are a lot of different types of crystal chandeliers, varying in size, shape, design and lights, giving you the opportunity to find one that best fits your style and home décor. You also need to take a few factors into consideration, such as the size of the room where you intend to put your crystal chandelier, the design of the room and its color, as well as the lighting needs of that room, before you can choose which type of crystal chandeliers is best for your room’s aesthetic and functional needs.
Although some crystals chandeliers are more expensive than others, especially since some are made from different crystals, and others have a more ornate and elaborate design patterns and more expensive construction materials, buying a low-costing crystal chandelier does not necessarily mean that you have gotten the better end of the deal. There are some crystal chandeliers out there that are not made from actual crystals, which means that some crystal chandelier manufacturers use fake crystals in their creation, making you actually spend more on something that isn’t what you think it is. Keep in mind that the main aspect of crystal chandeliers that makes them so appealing is their crystals, and having fake crystals is far less rewarding and has a lot less visual impact as compared to having the real ones.
There are ways that you can determine the authenticity and quality of the crystals that the crystal chandelier that you are eyeing has, one of which is through the use of light. Keep in mind that crystals have the ability to reflect prisms of light, which means that when light passes through the crystals, there should be a full spectrum of colors that would emanate from it, energizing the entire room while dazzling the eyes of those who may gaze upon it. Ordinary glass chandeliers will not be able to duplicate the spectrum of light that crystal chandeliers are able to produce, so be sure to test them out before making the decision to buy one. Don’t forget that the atoms of the crystals are ordered in a way that they can perfectly reflect light and color, so the crystal chandelier that you are eyeing should be able to interact with light if it is real.
Although most crystal chandeliers are expensive, it isn’t always the best way to determine if a particular crystal chandelier has real crystals or not, especially since there exists cheaper versions of these crystals in the form of lead crystals. But nonetheless, real crystal chandeliers should still cost you a considerable amount of money, especially if it is brand new, and more so if it is manufactured by a well-known crystal chandelier-producing company. You can actually check with the manufacturers and inquire what kinds of crystals are being used in their creation in order to ensure that you are getting the real thing.
By: Vanessa Doctor
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Island Lights, Not Just For Kitchens
When setting up a pool table in your rec room, basement or garage, consider this: it's not easy playing pool in the dark. Skilled as you may be, playing pool without the proper lighting just isn't feasible! The solution to this easily avoidable mishap: island lights. Some of you may already be familiar with island lighting since it's usually used over the islands in your kitchen. In fact, most new homes already come with island lights, if not track lighting. Occasionally, bars and buffets in dining rooms are sometimes equipped with such lighting for both aesthetic and utilitarian purposes.
Island lights as mentioned earlier are usually fitted above an island in your kitchen. Usually found in the pendant lighting or ceiling lights section of your hardware or lighting store, island lights are nothing new and are designed to light up just about any room, not just your kitchen. Take for instance the pool table and rec room situation we mentioned at the beginning of the article. Billiard table lights can come in a variety of styles, such as linear chandeliers with two or three fixtures or even as horizontally styled ceiling pendants. Pool halls usually go for the latter of the two style options, with some even designed to have a lamp shade that centers the lighting directly over the table. At home, you have the freedom to choose that same style or go with something completely different and modern.
These same types of lighting can also be used in the dining room, usually over a bar or dining buffet. And as mentioned before, island lights and track lights can be used for both an aesthetical and utilitarian purpose. For the dining scenario, sometimes it's best to go for a flushed ceiling mount fixture rather than the hanging alternative. Unless you have a dining room with a rather high ceiling, island lights over the dining table can make the room seem rather small and claustrophobic.
It's important to think about what lighting will do to any part of your home, whether it's the rec room, dining room, or even the kitchen. Luckily, island lights will easily solve your billiard tables and dining concerns.
By: Vicki Duong
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Island lights as mentioned earlier are usually fitted above an island in your kitchen. Usually found in the pendant lighting or ceiling lights section of your hardware or lighting store, island lights are nothing new and are designed to light up just about any room, not just your kitchen. Take for instance the pool table and rec room situation we mentioned at the beginning of the article. Billiard table lights can come in a variety of styles, such as linear chandeliers with two or three fixtures or even as horizontally styled ceiling pendants. Pool halls usually go for the latter of the two style options, with some even designed to have a lamp shade that centers the lighting directly over the table. At home, you have the freedom to choose that same style or go with something completely different and modern.
These same types of lighting can also be used in the dining room, usually over a bar or dining buffet. And as mentioned before, island lights and track lights can be used for both an aesthetical and utilitarian purpose. For the dining scenario, sometimes it's best to go for a flushed ceiling mount fixture rather than the hanging alternative. Unless you have a dining room with a rather high ceiling, island lights over the dining table can make the room seem rather small and claustrophobic.
It's important to think about what lighting will do to any part of your home, whether it's the rec room, dining room, or even the kitchen. Luckily, island lights will easily solve your billiard tables and dining concerns.
By: Vicki Duong
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Buying The Right Chandelier
Everyone knows that chandeliers are an easy way to add style and elegance into any home. However, the wrong chandelier can have an adverse affect. With that said, here are some tips on what you can do to avoid creating a freaky frenzy in your home decor:
First of all, decide where you're planning to install your chandelier. This may be a bit tricky considering that chandeliers are usually designed to be a bit bigger than standard ceiling pendants and island lights. A couple places that I would recommend would be the foyer, living room, and sometimes the dining room. Of course, this all depends upon the size of the room; too big of a chandelier and you'll dwarf the room, too small and you could end up with a lot of negative space and not enough light.
The next step is to decide what style you're looking for. Are you shopping for a traditional chandelier complete with multiple tiers, glass baubles and candelabra styled lamps? Or perhaps you're searching for a single tier style carved out of wood? Whatever the style, always consider the look of your current decor and work with it. For instance, if you have a Spanish styled split leveled home, having a chandelier with colorful blown glass diffusers and flowers may not work well. In fact, it may very well clash! You want your chandelier to heighten the look of your home with its elegance and beauty, not create design chaos.
The last step is to consider is will your chandelier put a dent on your electricity bills? Not too many people realize this, but lighting does cost a bit of dough, especially if they leave their lights on when they don't need them. If you're one of those folks who absolutely must leave their lights on for whatever reason (shame on you, that's wasteful!), consider replacing your bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs or any comparable, energy efficient bulbs. Most if not all chandeliers, table lamps, floor lamps and even outdoor lighting can use compact fluorescent bulbs, which is good news since that means you can use these nifty little bulbs on almost all the lights in your home thus saving you money.
Placement, style and energy efficiency are three very important key elements when it comes to purchasing lights. As long as you keep these tips in mind, you'll be pleased with your chandelier.
By: Vicki Duong
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
First of all, decide where you're planning to install your chandelier. This may be a bit tricky considering that chandeliers are usually designed to be a bit bigger than standard ceiling pendants and island lights. A couple places that I would recommend would be the foyer, living room, and sometimes the dining room. Of course, this all depends upon the size of the room; too big of a chandelier and you'll dwarf the room, too small and you could end up with a lot of negative space and not enough light.
The next step is to decide what style you're looking for. Are you shopping for a traditional chandelier complete with multiple tiers, glass baubles and candelabra styled lamps? Or perhaps you're searching for a single tier style carved out of wood? Whatever the style, always consider the look of your current decor and work with it. For instance, if you have a Spanish styled split leveled home, having a chandelier with colorful blown glass diffusers and flowers may not work well. In fact, it may very well clash! You want your chandelier to heighten the look of your home with its elegance and beauty, not create design chaos.
The last step is to consider is will your chandelier put a dent on your electricity bills? Not too many people realize this, but lighting does cost a bit of dough, especially if they leave their lights on when they don't need them. If you're one of those folks who absolutely must leave their lights on for whatever reason (shame on you, that's wasteful!), consider replacing your bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs or any comparable, energy efficient bulbs. Most if not all chandeliers, table lamps, floor lamps and even outdoor lighting can use compact fluorescent bulbs, which is good news since that means you can use these nifty little bulbs on almost all the lights in your home thus saving you money.
Placement, style and energy efficiency are three very important key elements when it comes to purchasing lights. As long as you keep these tips in mind, you'll be pleased with your chandelier.
By: Vicki Duong
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Lighting Fixture Types – Basic 101 For Beginners
We will begin our discussion of lighting fixtures with trends and ideas related to the primary types of indoor lighting used today in most contemporary settings. Please keep in mind that these are just the authors’ opinions and there are a wide variety of other considerations when selecting lighting fixtures for your home or for your office.
Ceiling Fixtures
Remember that when we speak of Wattage we are talking about a measure of the amount of energy a bulb actually uses. This should not be confused with the brightness that the fixture generates. If increased brightness were a prime consideration it would be best to choose a bulb with higher lumens. If you do this, you will satisfy your need for adequate brightness for the area being considered.
Among the most popular areas for ceiling fixtures is in the bathroom.
Wall Fixtures
Wall fixtures are frequently used as accent pieces and to illuminate areas that aren’t brightened enough by larger fixtures such as chandeliers, etc. A wall fixture in a foyer or hallway or even on a stairway can add just the right amount of illumination to promote safety as well as a nice decorating touch. One of the things to consider is the wide variety and styles available today in these fixtures. The goal is to not draw attention to the wall fixture but rather to make it fit in to the overall decorating scheme. In other words, you want it to look like it belongs there.
If you have a fairly small area that is used primarily as a living room and if this area has lighter walls, to make the space look more spacious, less ambient light will be needed in contrast to a living area that is fairly large or which has darker wall covering or wood. Wall fixtures strategically placed in various sizes and styles offer the discriminating homeowner the perfect way to create tasteful ambient lighting.
If a bathroom area is large enough, tasteful, understated wall fixtures will go a long way to increase the attractiveness of the area.
Hanging Fixtures
It is important to give considerable thought to the style and type of hanging fixtures, such as chandeliers and pendants, to use and particularly where to use them. Hanging fixtures can easily overpower a room, which may leave the impression that you are trying hard to impress your guest. This should be avoided at all costs. One of the most common areas that a chandelier or pendant is used for general lighting is in the dining room or large foyer. A guideline to consider is to make sure that the fixture is 7” to 13” smaller than the narrowest side of the table. The bottom of the fixture should be at least 32” above the table. Be sure that the lamps used in the ceiling fixture fully illuminate the eating area without making it too bright. Eating should be an intimate activity and the illumination
should accent the both the food and the guests.
Hanging fixtures are sometimes very attractive when hung in transitional areas and can often become a conversation piece if tastefully done. The goal in these areas is to create more decorative appeal than illumination. Therefore, understatement is more desirable. A pendant fixture will often serve this purpose particularly if it is simply designed with a great deal of eye appeal.
If your home has a foyer or entryway, it will clearly present a first impression that will carry through the rest of the home. Of all the locations, a carefully selected hanging fixture is of critical importance. Remember, besides providing basic illumination, you want the fixture to be a welcoming beacon for your guests. It is important that the chandelier or pendant fits the size requirements of the foyer or entryway. I’m suggesting that you take pains not to either under or over size the fixture. In some cases, you may have a stairway to the second level that overlooks the area where the chandelier or pendant is hung. Make sure that the fixture has good eye appeal from the second story perspective.
If your hanging fixture is being hung from an 8-foot ceiling, it should be positioned at least 6 ½’ to 7’ above the floor. When hanging your fixture from cathedral ceilings it should be suspended 3 inches higher for every additional foot over the standard 8-foot ceiling height.
An important decorating tip is to consider accent lighting such as wall sconces to complement the hanging fixtures particularly in large areas. Make sure that the styles match and that the wall sconce is mounted above eye level which will typically be 66” to 70”. It is important that the lamp is not visible when walking through the area.
Floor and Table Lamps
Strategic positioning of floor and table lamps is essential. While you want every part of your home adequately illuminated, less is better than more when it comes to floor and table lamps. The use of these fixtures should generally be reserved to areas used for visiting, reading and general socializing. Most of these fixtures are relatively inexpensive and good taste should prevail when buying these fixtures.
Floor and table lamps should be placed to create a triangle of light that does away with undesirable, shadowy nooks in sitting areas. Remember to keep lampshades just below eye level to avoid glare.
In future articles I’ll talk about recessed lighting, fluorescents, and novelty lighting
One last word: A fixture's glass significantly affects the overall feel. For example, hammered glass lends a weathered, old-fashioned feel to a fixture while alabaster evokes modern, high-end fashion.
By: tireddadoffive
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Ceiling Fixtures
Remember that when we speak of Wattage we are talking about a measure of the amount of energy a bulb actually uses. This should not be confused with the brightness that the fixture generates. If increased brightness were a prime consideration it would be best to choose a bulb with higher lumens. If you do this, you will satisfy your need for adequate brightness for the area being considered.
Among the most popular areas for ceiling fixtures is in the bathroom.
Wall Fixtures
Wall fixtures are frequently used as accent pieces and to illuminate areas that aren’t brightened enough by larger fixtures such as chandeliers, etc. A wall fixture in a foyer or hallway or even on a stairway can add just the right amount of illumination to promote safety as well as a nice decorating touch. One of the things to consider is the wide variety and styles available today in these fixtures. The goal is to not draw attention to the wall fixture but rather to make it fit in to the overall decorating scheme. In other words, you want it to look like it belongs there.
If you have a fairly small area that is used primarily as a living room and if this area has lighter walls, to make the space look more spacious, less ambient light will be needed in contrast to a living area that is fairly large or which has darker wall covering or wood. Wall fixtures strategically placed in various sizes and styles offer the discriminating homeowner the perfect way to create tasteful ambient lighting.
If a bathroom area is large enough, tasteful, understated wall fixtures will go a long way to increase the attractiveness of the area.
Hanging Fixtures
It is important to give considerable thought to the style and type of hanging fixtures, such as chandeliers and pendants, to use and particularly where to use them. Hanging fixtures can easily overpower a room, which may leave the impression that you are trying hard to impress your guest. This should be avoided at all costs. One of the most common areas that a chandelier or pendant is used for general lighting is in the dining room or large foyer. A guideline to consider is to make sure that the fixture is 7” to 13” smaller than the narrowest side of the table. The bottom of the fixture should be at least 32” above the table. Be sure that the lamps used in the ceiling fixture fully illuminate the eating area without making it too bright. Eating should be an intimate activity and the illumination
should accent the both the food and the guests.
Hanging fixtures are sometimes very attractive when hung in transitional areas and can often become a conversation piece if tastefully done. The goal in these areas is to create more decorative appeal than illumination. Therefore, understatement is more desirable. A pendant fixture will often serve this purpose particularly if it is simply designed with a great deal of eye appeal.
If your home has a foyer or entryway, it will clearly present a first impression that will carry through the rest of the home. Of all the locations, a carefully selected hanging fixture is of critical importance. Remember, besides providing basic illumination, you want the fixture to be a welcoming beacon for your guests. It is important that the chandelier or pendant fits the size requirements of the foyer or entryway. I’m suggesting that you take pains not to either under or over size the fixture. In some cases, you may have a stairway to the second level that overlooks the area where the chandelier or pendant is hung. Make sure that the fixture has good eye appeal from the second story perspective.
If your hanging fixture is being hung from an 8-foot ceiling, it should be positioned at least 6 ½’ to 7’ above the floor. When hanging your fixture from cathedral ceilings it should be suspended 3 inches higher for every additional foot over the standard 8-foot ceiling height.
An important decorating tip is to consider accent lighting such as wall sconces to complement the hanging fixtures particularly in large areas. Make sure that the styles match and that the wall sconce is mounted above eye level which will typically be 66” to 70”. It is important that the lamp is not visible when walking through the area.
Floor and Table Lamps
Strategic positioning of floor and table lamps is essential. While you want every part of your home adequately illuminated, less is better than more when it comes to floor and table lamps. The use of these fixtures should generally be reserved to areas used for visiting, reading and general socializing. Most of these fixtures are relatively inexpensive and good taste should prevail when buying these fixtures.
Floor and table lamps should be placed to create a triangle of light that does away with undesirable, shadowy nooks in sitting areas. Remember to keep lampshades just below eye level to avoid glare.
In future articles I’ll talk about recessed lighting, fluorescents, and novelty lighting
One last word: A fixture's glass significantly affects the overall feel. For example, hammered glass lends a weathered, old-fashioned feel to a fixture while alabaster evokes modern, high-end fashion.
By: tireddadoffive
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Four Bright Ideas For Your Kitchen
In homes that welcome friends, family and good conversation, kitchens have become the new gathering place. That's why the lighting in your kitchen should be as inviting as the rest of the house. These tips from the experts at Croft & Little, lighting retailer at www.croftandlittle.com, should help shed some light:
• Avoid a single source of illumination in the center of the room. It provides little in the way of adequate task, ambient or accent lighting.
• Track lighting is often used in kitchens and needs to be located much closer to the work surface, not positioned in the center of the room.
• Chandeliers have moved into the kitchen. Chandeliers add a sense of style, perfect for the kitchen that has become the center for entertaining.
• More kitchens are using natural materials or painted decorative finishes; it is therefore best to direct the light at the front of the cabinets to give reflective light to your work surfaces.
By: Wendy Mitchell
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
• Avoid a single source of illumination in the center of the room. It provides little in the way of adequate task, ambient or accent lighting.
• Track lighting is often used in kitchens and needs to be located much closer to the work surface, not positioned in the center of the room.
• Chandeliers have moved into the kitchen. Chandeliers add a sense of style, perfect for the kitchen that has become the center for entertaining.
• More kitchens are using natural materials or painted decorative finishes; it is therefore best to direct the light at the front of the cabinets to give reflective light to your work surfaces.
By: Wendy Mitchell
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Desk Lamps For The Distressed
Desk lamps are taking charge in design and functionality in addition to becoming fun, stress relieving tools for students and business people alike. In fact, many serve more than one purpose in addition to giving you bright light for all your school and work needs. Many desk lamps include your basic specifications, such as an on/off switch, compact fluorescent compatible light bulb ballast, and perhaps even an adjustable neck. However, with new and improved design features, there's a reason why studying for long periods of time at your desk or doing massive amounts of paperwork can now be enjoyable.
Take for example a desk lamp that includes an MP3 dock; rocking out to AC/DC or the New York Dolls while studying, or perhaps even jamming to Amadeus or Strauss sounds a lot more fun than just listening to crickets while you burn the midnight oil. And what's even better is that most of these desk lamps will charge your MP3 player while you're listening to it - that's two birds with one stone! For those of you wondering if you have to use your ear buds or headphones while listening to your Top 40, fear not for there are models out there that include built in baby speakers. Since there are quite a few desk lamp with MP3 players out there, be sure to check out the specifications thoroughly before you purchase and make sure that plugging in your MP3 player will not suck the juice out of your lamp or light bulb.
Some desk lamps even include cool design innovations that make the working process much more Zen. Curvilinear designs or even running water fountain features create a tranquil ambiance to what may be a stressful deadline-ridden environment. School and work are two environments that create a lot of stress in a person's life and since we all work for over 75% of our lives at our work stations or desks, what better way to add some stress relieving techniques than with the most important studying tool - the desk lamp.
Having a healthy and fun work environment filled with proper lighting will definitely ease the stress that school and the office creates. Instead of working with a boring old desk lamp, invest in something a bit more creative and enjoyable and go for the desk lamp that comes with the MP3 dock or Feng Shui design. You'd be surprised how much more work you can get done in a relaxed environment.
By: Vicki Duong
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Take for example a desk lamp that includes an MP3 dock; rocking out to AC/DC or the New York Dolls while studying, or perhaps even jamming to Amadeus or Strauss sounds a lot more fun than just listening to crickets while you burn the midnight oil. And what's even better is that most of these desk lamps will charge your MP3 player while you're listening to it - that's two birds with one stone! For those of you wondering if you have to use your ear buds or headphones while listening to your Top 40, fear not for there are models out there that include built in baby speakers. Since there are quite a few desk lamp with MP3 players out there, be sure to check out the specifications thoroughly before you purchase and make sure that plugging in your MP3 player will not suck the juice out of your lamp or light bulb.
Some desk lamps even include cool design innovations that make the working process much more Zen. Curvilinear designs or even running water fountain features create a tranquil ambiance to what may be a stressful deadline-ridden environment. School and work are two environments that create a lot of stress in a person's life and since we all work for over 75% of our lives at our work stations or desks, what better way to add some stress relieving techniques than with the most important studying tool - the desk lamp.
Having a healthy and fun work environment filled with proper lighting will definitely ease the stress that school and the office creates. Instead of working with a boring old desk lamp, invest in something a bit more creative and enjoyable and go for the desk lamp that comes with the MP3 dock or Feng Shui design. You'd be surprised how much more work you can get done in a relaxed environment.
By: Vicki Duong
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Torchieres Are Elegant And Space Saving Light Fixtures
The torchiere is a lighting fixture that has gained much popularity over the last ten or so years, with its slim elegant design and availability in a wide range of prices, it's easy to see why. For those not familiar with the torchiere, they are a close relative of the floor lamp but with a few discernable differences. Torchieres are generally characterized by a very thin column that rises up from some sort of weighted base. Most stand around six-feet tall and have light diffusers or shades that force light upwards, as opposed to lamps which shine downwards. This is probably the key characteristic of the torchiere.
Torchieres are fairly versatile, as they can pretty much work in any room in your home. They are most widely used in living rooms and bedrooms but they don't look out of place in dining rooms and home offices either. The slim torchiere is ideal for so many rooms because of its space-saving design. With floor and table lamps, one needs to worry about the size of the base and the size of the lampshade. There are none of these worries with torchieres.
As mentioned in the opening paragraph, the torchiere is available in every price range. Stores ranging from your neighborhood Target or Wal-Mart to higher end retailers like Restoration Hardware all carry some form of the torchiere. You can spend as little as $20-$30 for a cheapie basic model or into the thousands for a torchiere made from finer materials with a more elaborate look.
In pretty much all cases, a torchiere provides more ambient light than a standard lamp, sometimes up to 20% more light. The reason for this is the upward facing shades mentioned in the first paragraph. Light will hit a standard height ceiling and be diffused over a greater area than light from a table or floor lamp, which is forced downwards and often blocked.
By: James Allen
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Torchieres are fairly versatile, as they can pretty much work in any room in your home. They are most widely used in living rooms and bedrooms but they don't look out of place in dining rooms and home offices either. The slim torchiere is ideal for so many rooms because of its space-saving design. With floor and table lamps, one needs to worry about the size of the base and the size of the lampshade. There are none of these worries with torchieres.
As mentioned in the opening paragraph, the torchiere is available in every price range. Stores ranging from your neighborhood Target or Wal-Mart to higher end retailers like Restoration Hardware all carry some form of the torchiere. You can spend as little as $20-$30 for a cheapie basic model or into the thousands for a torchiere made from finer materials with a more elaborate look.
In pretty much all cases, a torchiere provides more ambient light than a standard lamp, sometimes up to 20% more light. The reason for this is the upward facing shades mentioned in the first paragraph. Light will hit a standard height ceiling and be diffused over a greater area than light from a table or floor lamp, which is forced downwards and often blocked.
By: James Allen
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Children's Novelty Lighting, What A Novel Idea!
Getting creative when decorating your first child's nursery or bedroom can be a lot of fun for any parent. Choosing between a jungle safari, marine life or even a fairy tale motif are just one of the few decisions you get to make to turn your child's nursery into a fun, light-hearted world. But after you've had your final say on color choices, themes and children's furniture, you've still got to square away the lighting plans.
Why not match your child's nursery with some lighting that will fit in with the theme of their room? Simply put, not only will it be cute as heck, but it'll also add to the ambience. And of course if the ambience is just right, your child will be comfortable enough to drift off into dreamland. What's even better is that there are plenty of themed novelty lights that your children will absolutely adore.
Take for example the Alley Oop Pendant found on Eco-Lights.com. Most dads will probably like to have a fun little ceiling light like this for their son's nursery, and who knows, maybe all it takes to inspire your son in going toward a professional basketball career is this little pendant light. Another fun little pendant light that's great for the boys is the Propeller Chandelier, which can also be found on the same website. What better way to jet your child away to dreamland than with this cute little pendant. And, it's perfect over your child's crib or toddler bed.
Girls also have their share of cute novelty lights for their rooms. Popular ones like the Moon Man Pendant, Marine Flush Mount Fixture and the FunGlow Ballerina Lamp will surely leave a lasting impression on your little girl as she drifts off to sleep. Just as the Alley Oop Pendant may inspire your son to become an NBA player, these lamps may encourage your daughter to explore the far reaches of space, become a marine biologist, or perhaps become the country's leading and most sought after professional dancer.
Once you've decided what kind of novelty lighting to put in your nursery, everything else that comes after should be a snap (after the childbirth that is). Think of it this way, as long as the lights are soothing enough get your kids comfortable enough to fall asleep, isn't that all that matters?
By: Vicki Duong
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Why not match your child's nursery with some lighting that will fit in with the theme of their room? Simply put, not only will it be cute as heck, but it'll also add to the ambience. And of course if the ambience is just right, your child will be comfortable enough to drift off into dreamland. What's even better is that there are plenty of themed novelty lights that your children will absolutely adore.
Take for example the Alley Oop Pendant found on Eco-Lights.com. Most dads will probably like to have a fun little ceiling light like this for their son's nursery, and who knows, maybe all it takes to inspire your son in going toward a professional basketball career is this little pendant light. Another fun little pendant light that's great for the boys is the Propeller Chandelier, which can also be found on the same website. What better way to jet your child away to dreamland than with this cute little pendant. And, it's perfect over your child's crib or toddler bed.
Girls also have their share of cute novelty lights for their rooms. Popular ones like the Moon Man Pendant, Marine Flush Mount Fixture and the FunGlow Ballerina Lamp will surely leave a lasting impression on your little girl as she drifts off to sleep. Just as the Alley Oop Pendant may inspire your son to become an NBA player, these lamps may encourage your daughter to explore the far reaches of space, become a marine biologist, or perhaps become the country's leading and most sought after professional dancer.
Once you've decided what kind of novelty lighting to put in your nursery, everything else that comes after should be a snap (after the childbirth that is). Think of it this way, as long as the lights are soothing enough get your kids comfortable enough to fall asleep, isn't that all that matters?
By: Vicki Duong
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
The Tricky Thing About Novelty Lighting
Novelty lighting is one of the best ways to add personality into any individual room or home without compromising on the actual purpose of the lamp, which is to illuminate your home. But what's funny is that not too many people consider purchasing a novelty light for fear that it may clash with their current décor or may even come off as tacky. This doesn't always have to be the case; as long as you're just as choosy in picking your novelty lighting as you are about your furniture, house, car, you know, you're life basically, then you should be okay.
The first and most common mistake that people make with novelty lighting is that they use it as the sole source of lighting for a room. Even though there are exceptions such as billiards lighting or unique island lighting, relying on your novelty light as the main source should be avoided when possible, which is usually always. Novelty lighting can be considered as accent pieces to your décor, adding a bit of fun personality that won't take away from the overall theme of your room or home.
With that said, you should also always consider what your current décor looks like. If for example you have a traditional, Victorian theme going on in your home, you should probably stray away from marine animal-themed flush mounts and stick with a subtle floral themed table lamp or wall sconce. If you happen to have a retro styled home, large patterns that evoke a Pop Art theme on lamp shades, diffusers and even on the base of lamps and pendant lights work best.
Keep in mind that novelty lighting really should just be used as a decorative, accent piece for your home. Unless you have the matching décor to go with certain lights, novelty pieces such as the infamous Leg Table Lamp from the classic family film A Christmas Story should probably either stay in the attic or in the film itself! Think carefully before making your first novelty lighting purchase; who knows, it may actually give your home some extra personality!
By: Vicki Duong
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
The first and most common mistake that people make with novelty lighting is that they use it as the sole source of lighting for a room. Even though there are exceptions such as billiards lighting or unique island lighting, relying on your novelty light as the main source should be avoided when possible, which is usually always. Novelty lighting can be considered as accent pieces to your décor, adding a bit of fun personality that won't take away from the overall theme of your room or home.
With that said, you should also always consider what your current décor looks like. If for example you have a traditional, Victorian theme going on in your home, you should probably stray away from marine animal-themed flush mounts and stick with a subtle floral themed table lamp or wall sconce. If you happen to have a retro styled home, large patterns that evoke a Pop Art theme on lamp shades, diffusers and even on the base of lamps and pendant lights work best.
Keep in mind that novelty lighting really should just be used as a decorative, accent piece for your home. Unless you have the matching décor to go with certain lights, novelty pieces such as the infamous Leg Table Lamp from the classic family film A Christmas Story should probably either stay in the attic or in the film itself! Think carefully before making your first novelty lighting purchase; who knows, it may actually give your home some extra personality!
By: Vicki Duong
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)