AMBIENT FILL LIGHTING is one of the most important and the least considered aspects of residential lighting. This soft warm light gives your space a comfortable glow by washing light across the ceiling and into dark corners. It softens harsh shadows created by recessed task lighting. You may also achieve this effect by placing fixtures and lamps around the perimeter of a room to wash up the wall and across the ceiling. Another possibility is to place fluorescent, incandescent or halogen strips on top of tall cabinets, amours or other furniture above eye level.

ACCENT LIGHTING is the clean white light used to spot-light a specific item and bring artwork alive.
TASK LIGHTING is placed directly over the work area and in front of the person working. I prefer linear fluorescent because it provides even, shadow-less, light and low heat output. Balanced color fluorescent tubes are easily found to create a natural light unlike in the past when only cool or warm white bulbs were available. Incandescent and halogen may also be used, but lamp fixtures with frosted or white bulbs and use a dimmer.

LIGHTING SPECIFIC ROOMS

ENTRIES:
Create a warm, inviting glow in the entry. Avoid hard shadows by up-lighting instead of using recessed cans or other downward facing fixtures.

LIVING ROOM:
Fill light is very important for this room. If the lighting is well placed and thoughtfully chosen you'll find you need less of it. Create an open and comfortable space with soft light washing the ceiling, into corners, and bouncing off the walls. Sconces are a great source for fill light and they help create mood. Floor and table lamps help to create intimacy, provide reading light as well as supplement permanently installed light fixtures.

DINING ROOM:
Assess how you use your table. Do you want a drop bowl or chandelier? A chandelier with open bulbs should be lamped with lower wattage bulbs and supplemented with sconces or accent fixtures to provide fill light. This will mitigate overpowering bulbs and reduce glare. We also recommend silk wrapped candle bulbs to soften the look of a bare bulb. Ceiling height and table width are also important when choosing the diameter and height of a dining room fixture. A drop bowl provides a wonderful source of indirect light that washes the entire room.

KITCHEN:
Always start with laying out good task lighting under upper cabinets and directly in front of you at work spaces. Pendants are a perfect choice over islands, sinks and open counters. They can create some color and character in your kitchen and are a good source of task lighting. Dropping the light away from the ceiling allows light to bounce off walls and upper cabinets giving you some general fill light while directly lighting the work space below. Supplement light by placing light on top of upper cabinets that don't go to the ceiling. Avoid the pitfall of over doing cans. Recessed cans were not designed as a source of fill light. They are for direct task or used to bounce off of a surface. It is best to avoid having to look into the bulb. By creating versatile lighting you can have harsher task lights off when they are not needed.

BATHROOMS:
The best placement for mirror or vanity lighting is on either side of the mirror. This creates the perfect scenario of shadow-less light across the face and the necessary ambient light across the wall and ceiling. In a half or three quarter bath the job is done. For longer vanity situations the side lights can be supplemented with a mini recessed can directly over the sink. If the sconces face down, include a surface type ceiling fixture to provide fill light. Place the fixture behind where you stand to shave or apply makeup. This will help illuminate shadows.

BEDROOM:
In a room being used by children, a good overhead fixture providing general light for the whole room is suggested. Avoid portable lamps that can easily be tipped over or broken. The master bedroom should reflect the mood and needs of the people using it. Allow for at least one form of fill light such as a sconce, overhead or a portable that directs light upward. Additional fixtures may be needed for reading by the bed or comfortable chair.

LAUNDRY:
A recessed can or linear fluorescent fixture is sufficient for a closet size utility space. In larger rooms, place direct light over the sink, ironing space and washer. Under-cabinet lighting is a great way to achieve this when upper cabinets are available. Provide general fill light with one or two ceiling fixtures centered in the room.

EXTERIOR:
Illuminate all door entrances to make your home inviting and safe.
Fixtures placed by doors and windows should be centered in the top third of the frame so the fixture does not extend above the frame . Lighting needs to be well distributed around the house and grounds. You want soft warm lighting for general effect. Provide separate on off switches for security and play areas. Sensors can be installed to activate specific security lighting. A light switch can be place in the Master bed room, by the bed to turn on exterior lights for emergency use.

IN STORE and OUTSIDE CONSULTATIONS

Bring in your blue prints, drawings and material samples (if chosen). Visual samples such as paint color, floor treatments, fabrics, stone, and woods will expedite the process. Because we offer choices not usual to the lighting field every detail matters. Come prepared with your ceiling heights and room sizes we will address fixture placement, size, style, and finish. We will also guide you within your lighting budget just let us know how we can help.

IN STORE FEE: $45.00 per hr.

IN HOME FEE: $65.00 per hr.

We allow for 20 minutes drive time one way. An addition fee will be added for extended travel.
In store consultations are fully refunded upon placing your lighting order with us. Trade discounts will apply to clients using our consultation service.