Category Archives: Lighting

Instant Pendant!

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Do you have lots of recessed lighting in your home?  Would you like to change things up a bit?  Why not try an “Instant Pendant” lighting solution.  These great little adapter kits turn a “ho-hum” recessed can light into a beautiful hanging pendant light and transform the look of a room in minutes!   Simply install the adapter in place of the bulb.  The decorative ceiling plate covers the recessed can. There are a variety of styles to choose from.  Use wherever you currently have recessed lighting–over a kitchen island, a bathroom countertop, nightstands, a desk, even a bathtub…so many possibilities!

Available at Ballard Designs (www.ballarddesigns.com) and Home Decorators Collection (homedecorators.com).

Pendant Adapter 2

From This…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pendant Adapter 4

…To This!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pendant Adapter 3

Pendant Adapter 5

 

Thinking Clearly: Acrylic Trend

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Acrylic brings a light, bright, “airiness” to a room. By using either an accent piece like a lamp or a larger piece like a table or chair, touches of acrylic can beautify and freshen any space. The setting does not need to be modern, just use acrylic pieces sparingly.  I’ve added a couple of touches to my design studio and I love the look (photos of the studio are coming soon!)  Here are a few examples of some gorgeous acrylic designs:

Sander Mulder Clear Acrylic Lamps $500-$5000

Beautiful works of art: Sander Mulder Clear Acrylic Lamps ($500-$5000)

 

 

 

 

Acrylic Desk Set from Horchow ($28-$68)

Acrylic Desk Set from Horchow ($28-$68)

Add a ghost chair to a desk or vanity ($110 at Amazon.com). Lowe’s and IKEA both have a version of the stacked acrylic ball lamp at a very reasonable price.

Glass top acrylic coffee table from Wisteria ($899)

Glass top acrylic coffee table from Wisteria ($899)

 

 

The contrasting design elements in this kitchen create interesting detail. Casper Barstools available at Amazon. ($205 for set of 2)

Acrylic is right at home in this kitchen. The contrasting design elements create interesting detail taking “eclectic” to a new level! Casper Bar stools available at Amazon. ($205 for a set of 2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acrylic Tobias Chairs from IKEA ($79) echo the airy outdoor feel of this windowed dining space

Just a touch of acrylic on the bench legs lightens up this beautiful sheepskin bench from Horchow ($1889)

Just a touch of acrylic on the bench legs lightens up this beautiful sheepskin bench from Horchow ($1889)

Positively Illuminating!

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Lamps Plus 1

The myriad of lighting
choices can be somewhat
overwhelming!

The simple task of purchasing a light bulb these days can be daunting.  Light bulb packaging now indicates “lumens” in addition to the age-old standard  of “wattage” which we’ve always used to determine our choice.  This actually turns out to be helpful because wattage only determines the bulb’s use of energy, not how bright it is–the lumen measurement.  And, of course, there are different types of bulbs for recessed lighting, chandeliers, lamps, wall sconces, overhead and outdoor lighting, etc.,depending upon what the light will be used for.

There are three basic types of lighting: ambient, which is considered “general” lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.  Choosing the right type of light for each area of your home, indoors and out, is the first step–before you even try to navigate through the light bulb section!  Never fear, help is near!

When I require assistance with choosing the right lighting for a project, I turn to the lighting specialists at Lamps Plus in Scottsdale.  They have a wealth of experience and are able to recommend the correct type of lighting for every area of your home, as well as step you through all the light bulb choices available on the market today. Sign up on-line at http://www.lampsplus.com/ to attend one of their free lighting seminars, and you will receive a $10 coupon toward in-store merchandise. I attended a seminar and was amazed at how much there is to know about getting the right light in the right area with the right bulb!  Eliminating glare, heat, eye strain, and even improving the overall color in the room are just a few of the factors in properly lighting a home.  There are dramatic differences which can be demonstrated in their lighting studio.

Check out the link “Coupons for free bulbs and more” to find some great deals! It’s a great place to shop for all your lighting needs. Lamps Plus also offers a wide array of gorgeous lamp shades, unique home accents, and even some home furnishing items.

If you are interested in learning more about lighting trends and resources, Lamps Plus offers a free copy of the 2013 Lighting magazine, presented by the American Lighting Association (ALA) and Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications (a $6.99 value).  You can also request a free copy of this publication at the ALA website, http://www.americanlightingassoc.com/Free-Magazine.aspx (where the magazine is available to read on-line as well).

Thanks to the specialists at Lamps Plus, lighting is no longer confusing–it’s “positively illuminating”!