Page 19 - Classimax Magazine - Issue #10

12 Considerations When

Choosing Contemporary

Lighting Fluorescent fixtures might be

perfect above a kitchen island...

When redecorating a room, or even lighting. Here are twelve issues to and is more shadow-free, which isn’t 3. What activities take place in your white and adding 2” white wood 10. Which areas are underlit and
an entire house, contemporary contemplate when planning your as comfortable in a relaxing den. rooms? Do some of them require blinds. With this relatively simple which are overlit? In my bedroom,
lighting is a major concern. Dimly lighting update. more light than others? A desk that change, the entire room has taken for example, there is an exceedingly
lit areas are uninviting and even 2. How is the light affected by your hosts homework or needlework on an entirely new appearance and bright overhead light as part of a
depressing since human beings 1. Consider your natural lighting architecture and landscaping? Do requires strong and steady light that brightened dramatically. ceiling fan.
naturally crave the light. Some rooms, first. In what direction are your you have trees that shade the light, covers the entire work area. However, It is great when finding an
of course, invite subdued lighting windows facing? Northern light is or bushes that block the lower parts someone relaxing on a recliner and 7. How do your window treatments appropriate color of socks to wear
... a bedroom doesn’t need glaring usually cooler and whiter whereas of the windows and decrease the watching TV at the end of a busy day affect the light? Some homes with in the morning, but completely
light whereas a dramatic entryway or daylight from southern-facing over-all quantity of illumination? does not want this kind of focused heavy drapes are either “on” or “off”: unsuitable for reading in bed before
living room might be stunning with windows will be warmer and Does a roofline cast a shadow in an brightness. that is, either the drapes are closed, going to sleep. A pool table needs
bold, dramatic spotlight. yellower. This is perfect for plants, important area of a room? Can you making the room dark and frequently strong lighting whereas a romantic
but not as satisfactory to artists, who increase the quality and quantity of 4. Do you need variable lighting? gloomy, or they are open and sunlight seating area in a garden room does
The older the home, the greater the prefer the truer white of the north. accessible light without spending a You might require a bright light isn’t filtered in any way. Blinds or not.
challenge when planning for modern Northern light is a more even hue fortune? focused on a dining room table while certain shades can diffuse light while
it is being set and dinner is served. still allowing a large percentage of it 11. What kind of lighting does your
However, once all diners are seated to access and brighten a room. room need? Fluorescent fixtures
and have loaded their plates, a softer might be perfect above a kitchen
lighting is more appropriate and a 8. Decorating features in your home island but would be repulsive directly
dimmer switch will nicely provide for may add light or take it away. For above an eating area. Schools and
multiple intensities. instance, a mirror will add a sense other institutions might welcome
of spaciousness and illumination such unflattering lighting, but
5. Are there details in your room whereas outside shutters or awnings incandescent lighting might be more
upon which you wish to focus may block the sun’s rays. It might be appropriate at home.
attention? Perhaps you own a wonderful to shut out harsh sunlight
spectacular fireplace or exceptional on a 95 degree summer day, but in 12. What is the condition of your
art? In that case, spot lighting might the middle of winter we want every wiring? Old and outdated wiring
be appropriate. There might be other sliver of light we can grab. often cannot accommodate sleek new
necessary, but not-so-attractive areas, lighting systems without some work.
that you might wish to downplay by 9. What about the natural traffic Updating wiring can be expensive
muting the light. Or you might own pattern of your room? A floor and disruptive, but it is also the
a spectacular view that is especially lamp placed so that people must opportunity to add new switches and
enchanting at night. In that case, detour around it isn’t the wisest use cause updates for new computers,
lights reflecting from the windows of your light sources. Is an off/on high speed Internet connections or
will make it more difficult, or even switch conveniently located near all high-tech TV or sound systems.
impossible, to see out. entrances?
If you consider all these situations
6. Can you add light to a room by Groping around on the wall in the before spending a single penny
changing your decorating scheme? dark isn’t favored by most people. If updating to more contemporary
We recently brightened a dark- this is your situation, a simple sensor lighting, your end result is certain to
paneled den by painting all the that turns on lights when a human be more satisfying to everyone who
woodwork and cabinets a creamy enters a room is a clever solution. lives in your home.