Tips for Stress free life > Expert Zone > Home Improvement
Home Improvement Tips
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Tips for Stress free life > Expert Zone > Home Improvement Home Improvement Tips |
|
|
|
|
In The Mood
Creating a Designer Home With Lighting Traditionally, spring is the time when many of us think about redecorating or remodelling a room in our home and we begin skimming through glossy magazines, or visiting showrooms for ideas. The results always look stunning, but how do you replicate 'that' look in your own home when your rooms are probably a fraction of the size of those featured in home interior publications? Even if you had the time, energy and resources to purchase exactly the same products that appear in a beautifully prepared photograph or showroom, somehow they never seem to look the same in your own home. So why is this? The answer may be in your lighting or more accurately your light levels and lighting schemes. Every home will have a unique light level that is dependant upon many things; the way the rooms and windows face, the size and type of windows, the colour of the decoration and the density of furniture in the rooms. It is an eclectic mix, but these factors can make a huge difference. Natural light plays an important part in the mix, since it can create an infinite array of atmospheres and moods in any room through the course of the day, from bright and invigorating to subdued and tranquil. Colours, Textures and Fabrics The many forms created by natural light are something that we probably notice occasionally, but perhaps don't fully appreciate. Before spending vast sums of money on elaborate interior design schemes, just carry out your own survey over a few days. Move furniture and accessories around to see the effects the changes can make. Create new features and try different window treatments, like Venetian blinds or layers of fabric such as fine muslin. It is relatively simple to experiment with these solutions, but you may wish to make fundamental changes to the lighting characteristics in your home by carrying out some structural alterations, such as fitting a roof light or dormer window. These solutions are naturally more involved, but can produce dramatic results. If your budget only enables you to redecorate rather than refurbish, then bear in mind the effects different colours and textures can have on the level of light in a room. Pale colours are reflective, while dark colours and materials absorb light. White ceilings reflect light as do cream carpets but dark wooden floors and dark coloured walls absorb light and make rooms feel more claustrophobic. The mood and atmosphere that you are trying to create will determine the colours and materials that you use. Choosing The Right Type of Lighting So far, we have only addressed the natural light issue and how to understand and make best use of the level of light that you have. Aspects of lighting should be an integral part of your thinking. It is not something that should be deferred until you have decorated and are putting the finishing touches to a room. The type of lighting that you use should be thought about at the planning stage, as you may need to install some new electrical wiring or fittings. It's too late when the walls have been painted or wallpapered and the flooring has been laid! How do you choose the type of lighting you need? Are you going to just replace the lampshade in the centre of the ceiling, or are you going to be more ambitious and create different levels of lighting that can be adjusted to reflect the mood and atmosphere you want to create? If you wish to emulate the image in the glossy magazine, then you are going to have to give your lighting some thought, but the guidelines are straightforward. There three basic types of light:
A blend of all these types of lighting should be considered in any lighting scheme you are planning. Naturally, the combination you use is your personal choice and will determine the eventual look and feel that is achieved. Balance is the key Light Fittings Having identified the basic types of light that are used, you need to understand the different kinds of fittings that are at your disposal. For simplicity these can be categorised as follows:
Reflecting Your Personality By experimenting with the categories of light that have been described above, you should be able to create the atmosphere and mood you desire. There are numerous solutions and the process may involve a degree of trial and error. If you are seeking the ultimate in flexibility and refinement, then dimmer or control systems should be used. At their simplest they can be controlled manually, or at their most complex they can be varied electronically to provide an infinite number of individual light settings. Whatever you choose to do, you will stand a better chance of emulating that advertisement in a glossy magazine. Lighting plays such an important part in everyone's home. The type of lighting scheme you adopt will not only satisfy your functional needs, but it could play a large part in creating atmospheres and moods that influence your own attitudes and behaviours. About The Author Laurence and Carolyn James own The Light Company Direct Ltd, an independent, family run business, based in the heart of the Cotswolds. The company offers a superb range of distinctive and stylish lighting for homes and commercial establishments via mail order and the Internet. Laurence and Carolyn have selected lighting that represents the very best in design and craftsmanship. They have developed close links with key manufacturers throughout Europe and are able to offer customers many designs that are rarely seen in the UK. www.thelightcompanydirect.co.uk laurence@thelightcompanydirect.co.uk
MORE RESOURCES:
Group advocates tax increases and non-user fees for sewer debt relief - The Birmingham News - al.com
Debt-Relief - Google News |
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Paving The Way For Californias Asphalt Consumers The California asphalt paving industry is ever-changing and in order to provide the best services, asphalt paving companies are turning to new technologies to stay ahead of the competition.Asphalt technology in California has been changing since the creation of Hot Mix Asphalt and will continue to change as time permits. Why Should You Need Tools for Everyday Living How often you have used tools for your everyday living? The advantage for having power tools, automotive tools or garden tools in your house is really awesome. In an emergency condition, you might need tools to repair your things. Aluminium Window Frames When double glazing first became a popular window choice in the 1960s, most frames were made of aluminum. Aluminum remained the most popular choice for framing double glazing windows through the mid-1980s, when it held over 60% of the market. Log Home Basics As we start to research log homes, it quickly becomes apparent that there is much more variety than one would ever think. Not only do log homes come in all shapes and sizes, but the logs themselves come in as many variations as you can imagine. How To Choose The Right Home Water Filters and Water Purifiers For Your Needs When it comes to home water filters and water purifiers, consumers have many choices. You can choose from leading name brands such as Brita, Culligan, PUR, and Braun. A Guide to Portable Dehumidifiers The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. That's just one reason to invest in a portable dehumidifier. Hardwood Floor Care Will Keep Your Hardwood Looking Fantastic Hardwood is still the homeowner's favorite choice of flooring and caring for it takes minimal effort. Unlike laminate or engineered wood, hardwood can be refinished many times, and will add years of beauty and warmth to your home, as well as increase its value and speed its resale. A Beautiful Carpet Sets The Mood Of Any Room The first discovered carpet dates back to 1480 BC in the form of an Egyptian Fresco of handloom. Ever since, carpets have made their mark in most tastefully decorated hearths and homes. What does it take to be an Interior Designer? When trying to decide if Interior Design is right for you, it helps to know what that really means. Interior Design is not simply the profession that "makes rooms and places pretty"; it takes a little bit more than that. How To Replace The Rollers On Your Patio Door Have you noticed your patio door is getting harder and harder to open? Maybe it's time to change the rollers on the door. They generally last from ten to fifteen years but they do wear out and its a job that a do-it-yourselfer can accomplish with a little advice and some strong arms to get the door out!Sliding patio doors are usually aluminum but there are many wooden and vinyl models on the market. Add Value To Your Home With A Home Improvement Loan Buying a home is a big and important investment for most people, and understandably property owners want to keep their home in good condition and looking great. However, carrying out home improvements can be difficult if finances are tight and this is where a home improvement loan could really help. Age Old Question: Buy New or Remodel Existing Home? Your house doesn't have enough storage space, bathrooms, or counter space! Not too mention your kitchen is old, small and poorly ventilated. Now you are trying to decide between remodeling your current home to address some of these needs and buying a new bigger home. Building a Backyard Play Structure A child's dream backyard includes a play structure complete with a slide and swings just like the one at the neighborhood park. Once you have made the decision to make your child's dream come true then you have several avenues from which to select depending on the amount of money and time you can invest. The Benefits of Small Dehumidifiers So it's too humid in your 10' X 10' bedroom. Or perhaps the steam in your bathroom is starting to make the wallpaper peel. How To Choose House Style Mailboxes Your mailbox is not simply a receptacle for your mail; itis an extension of your home and a statement of your goodtaste. You can find extraordinary house style mailboxesthat will be a beautiful addition to your outdoor décor. Interior Design For Babies Babies, babies, babies-yes the topic of this article is based on interior design for nurseries. The new arrival of a baby brings a time of thankfulness and joy into all parents' lives. Replacing Steel Casement Windows I have been getting quite a few emails from homeowners wanting to know how to replace their old steel casement windows. Those are the type with the handle that you crank and the window opens outward. Design Psychology: Fabrics From a riot of color in bold chintzes to the gentle rustle of taffeta, fabrics influence our mental attitude in many subtle and not so subtle ways. Playful patterns make us smile, while mixing prints and solids can present a paradox of dynamic energy. Choosing Window Frames There are three main types of material used to manufacture window frames. These are aluminium, PVC-u and wood. What You Should Know About Steam Showers "Steam" and "Steam Bath" Health Benefits:"Steam" and "Steam baths" in you own home. Why not? Researchers have found that steam not only is a benefit for skin, but also helps with the elimination of toxins within the body.
|
|
You are here |
|
| Home Improvement | Home Improvement - Complete list | |
|
| Main Home | | Meditation Corner | |
|
|
| Recommend us | |
|
[About
us] [Contact] [Privacy
Policy]
Copyright 2006, Meditation
is Easy.com, All
rights reserved
