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RESIDENTIAL
LIGHTING – LIGHTING SPECIFIC ROOMS |
Not all rooms in your home need the same type and quality of light.
Most rooms do, however, need a layered lighting system that incorporates
a combination of task and ambient light so you can both set the
perfect mood and ensure you have enough light to read the paper
on a lazy Sunday, do the dishes, or shave.
Bathroom Lighting
Good bathroom lighting design depends on a mixture of ample task lighting over
showers and beside mirrors and softly glowing ambient lighting to create the
perfect mood. Your lighting fixtures must also complement rather than clash or
compete with faucets and knobs. Bulb type is also of concern: too harsh of a
light next to the mirror where you put on make-up or shave will make you look
unflattering and ultimately ruin your mood. The right approach involves layering
types of light and choosing fixtures that harmonize with your bathroom’s
design.
Kitchen
Lighting
As we’ve said many times on this website, the kitchen is truly the hearth
of the home and lighting it adequately can make or break the kitchen remodeling
design you’ve dreamed about. Task lighting under counters and over sinks
is essential so that you can see clearly while cleaning and chopping veggies
and since they come in high and low wattage varieties you can choose which level
of light you need. Wall sconces add wonderful general light without adding too
much glare or creating dark shadow lines. A pendant light over a breakfast bar
or nook can add a wonderful artistic flare while gently lighting a dining area.
A ceiling fan/light combination is also a great choice for kitchens—it
will help keep the room cool during cooking and dissipate odors. And dimmer switches
added to sconces and recessed lighting will help you create the perfect mood
for both an intimate dinner for two and a boisterous family meal.
Living
Room
efore you begin discussions with your MyHome consultant about how to design the
perfect living room lighting system, take a few minutes to evaluate the type
of activities that will occur there. You’ll certainly need some general
lighting for parties and television watching. You’ll need task lighting
for reading and accent lighting to highlight artwork or special architectural
features. Table and floor lamps offer wonderful reading lights and since shades
can be matched in color and pattern to your living room’s décor
they’re a great way to expand your palette. Also consider using dimmer
switches in living room lighting to create mood depending on how the room is
being used at any given moment.
Bedroom
Lighting
Bedroom lighting should be the perfect blend between task and ambient lighting.
Table lamps on bedside table provide illumination for night time reading while
overhead lighting and wall sconces set to dimmer switches provide warm glowing
light perfect for winding down after a hard day’s work. Add cove or rope
lighting around the room’s molding and accent lighting to highlight artwork
for the perfect finishing touches.
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