Let There Be Light

Living Room Lamps

Hi Guys,

On a rainy, dark day like we're having in New England today, the subject of lighting comes to mind.

When we remodeled our kitchen way back in 1999, we made sure that we had every light we could possibly need. We installed recessed lights in the ceiling, florescent lights under the cabinets for task lighting, and additional florescent lights above the cabinets to add mood lighting. I'm extremely pleased with our lighting system. It works well and is attractive. There is one thing I would change, however. I would hang pendant lights over the dining table. One day that will happen.

Above Cabinet Lights

Under Cabinet Lights

Recessed Lights

We went "green" and installed energy saving bulbs in our recessed lights and in all the lamps throughout the house.

Chandelier in Dining Room

We hung a pewter chandelier in the dining room above the table. It is on a dimmer so we can turn it down during dinner parties. I am a big advocate of dimmer switches. I would have them in every room if I could.

I also bought a china cabinet with lights to show off my mother's hand painted Spode China and crystal.

Candlestick Lamps

We have candlestick lamps as well as table lamps and a floor lamp in the living room. The candlestick lamps are on the sofa table and show off the photographs I have on the table. The floor lamp sits by a chair for reading and also lights up the chest where we keep our CD's and CD player.

Floor Lamp and Table Lamp in Living Room

I needed more than just a room light in my work/craft room, so I have two desk lamps for doing tasks.

Task Lighting in Work Room

Track Lighting

In the basement we installed florescent lights in the main area. My son's former bedroom has track lighting with moveable halogen bulbs. We have since turned the room into our music room and we can point the lights directly at the music we are playing.

Bathroom Sconces

When you are remodeling a room, think about what activities will be taking place in that room. If you will be doing reading in that room, you will need a reading lamp; watching TV, you will need ambient light on a dimmer; a kitchen will need room lighting, plus task lighting; a bathroom will also need room lighting and task lighting for shaving or applying makeup as well as a tub or shower light; a bed room you will need bedside table lamps for reading plus lamps to illuminate the room; a child's room will need light for playing, reading, task lighting for doing homework and maybe a night light for younger children.

Front Hall Light

Don't forget the hallway. Sconces are beautiful and give off just enough light to light the way. You can also add a light above a painting to highlight it.

Whatever your lighting needs, there are lights out there to satisfy them.

That's my tip for today.

b