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Tips to Light Up Your Life

   Lighting is often one of the most neglected areas of attention in your home when, in fact, it can make the most impact.
The right placement of lighting fixtures and the correct bulbs for the use of the light is a specialty worth your attention. It makes a major difference in your home.
When the noted restaurateur Alice Waters created the famous Chez Panisse in San Francisco she wanted the best lighting. She understood that lighting affects people’s moods and the ambiance of the room.
With proper lighting a room comes to life, tasks become easier because of good light and your eyes will thank you!
Here are my five tips to light up your life!

Determine What Kind of Light You Need in Each Room

Each room serves a different purpose, such as applying cosmetics, reading your favorite books, watching television or cooking. You should have a mix of light sources at different levels to create a flattering ambiance, depending upon the task.

https://www.houzz.com/photo/1529851-carriage-house-contemporary-family-room-san-francisco

The Living Room
 Light three of the four corners of the room, focusing one of the lights on an object, such as a piece of art, an exotic plant or a statement chair. Use a combination of table and floor lamps, some with a downward glow and some that shine upward. Allow for reading in as many seats as possible with down-glowing lamps such as Pharmacy lamps on three-way switches. Overhead fixtures should have dimmers.

https://www.houzz.com/photo/44682575-inredning-av-modern-loftvaaning-i-goeteborg-scandinavian-living-room-gothenburg

The Dining Room
 The table should be the brightest spot in the room as a welcoming gesture. I recommend a chandelier or pendant above the table, limiting the total wattage to 100 with a dimmer. Elsewhere indirect lighting is best for it is relaxing and flattering (depending upon the right bulb)! A subtle glow can be accomplished with a pair of small table lamps on a sideboard or matching sconces on the wall. Battery-powered votives inside a glass-front china cabinet are a nice touch.

https://www.houzz.com/photo/76916475-ridge-oak-residence-contemporary-living-room

The Kitchen
 In this room, focus on overhead lighting with a dimmer so that you can have more light when cooking and add lower sources to illuminate work surfaces. Use pendants, under-cabinet lights as well.

https://www.houzz.com/photo/115428371-contemporary-craftsman-kitchen-transitional-kitchen-los-angeles


The Bedroom
 Cozy is the key word here. I recommend placing reading lamps or sconces by the bed …but not pointed directly at it. If you have recessed or track fixtures, angle them away from the bed, toward the dressing area. On a low table, include a small, intimate lamp with a tinted low-wattage bulb to mimic candlelight.

https://www.houzz.com/photo/43124498-modern-luxury-with-a-view-mediterranean-bedroom-santa-barbara

The Bathroom
 Sidelights are the best choice for applying makeup or shaving, such as a pair of sconces flanking the mirror. An overhead light helps fill in any shadows on your face and also fully illuminates the room for when you are cleaning. In a large bath, you might want a light directly over the shower.
 
https://www.houzz.com/photo/70273400-homearama-2016-transitional-powder-room

If you don’t have the time or the “eye” to decorate your home with creative lighting, a professional interior designer can do it for you and save you time and money.

If so, give Du Interiors a call. We shop for you and provide ideas for any budget.

Happy July!

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