From entertaining, working on a task or setting the tone for a little romance - the right light will make all the difference in the enjoyment of that space. Lighting is also one of the easiest and most economical ways to recreate the room environment. Here are a few simple ideas worth considering.
Home Office or Study - Avoid eye strain and give a side glow to your activity instead. Where task work on a computer or reading is done consider placing the light on the side rather than above or in front. A few manufacturers offer task lamps just for the purpose of doing a close detail activity. These lamps can be purchased online, at a quality lighting studio or specialty craft/sewing shop.
Bathroom - A combination of lighting is needed here. At the ceiling, have fun and put in a fixture that you enjoy and will in general light the room. If space safely allows add a mini-lamp that uses one 3-7 watt bulb. It is perfect night lighting for those late evening visits. Vanity lighting should ideally light the surface (especially for contact wearers). For good skin tone and to assist with application of make-up try a balanced white-light bulb.
Kitchen - Similar to the bathroom, you'll need a combination of lighting here. Task lighting is critical in food prep, serving and clean-up areas. Recessed ceiling fixtures are a favorite along with "puck lights" or mini halogens under the upper cabinets. Put both the overhead lights and under-cabinet lights on separate switches for more control. The pendents or ceiling fixture over the dining area should also be switched separate and have a dimmer. This will give you the flexibility you are looking for when setting the mood for the room.
Living Room/Great Room - Today's living areas tend to be one large space with multiple activities. A flexible lighting scheme needs a variety of sources. If board games, reading, knitting or similar activities are sharing the space, then task light those areas with the appropriate floor or table lamp. General lighting for the space can be acheived with recessed light fixtures, track lighting, or ceiling fans that offer light kits. Depending on the size of your room you may want the ceiling fixtures to be divided into two or more switches (one for each section or area of the room). To highlight artwork or a fireplace recessed light fixtures with diffusers and the choice of reflector or halogen directional bulbs can direct the light. Over the past several years, manufacturers have introduced outstanding wall art specific lighting which may be worth exploring as well.
Bedroom - To create the environment that will be relaxing and offer ambience you'll love soft controllable lighting. Whether it is table lamps or ceiling fixtures the light bulb selection will make the ultimate difference on the appearance. For lamps, look for 3-way style (not all lamps come with this choice) it will give you more ideal lighting. Ceiling fixtures do not have to be the flush mount as usual, get creative here by introducing a mini chandelier, "art-track lighting", ceiling fan or a short-stem fixture(hangs a few inches off the ceiling). For the closet area you'll want the compact fluorescent bulbs to ensure that clothing colors show true.
Dining Areas - These special occasion areas deserve more than light. Have fun with the ceiling fixture on its own dimmer and maybe it is not a traditional chandlier at all. Add a wall scounce in with your art and consider secondary lighting to increasing the amount of light over sideboards or serving areas. Top off the server, buffet or accent table with a mini-accent lamp. These are usually designed in some kind of fun motif and only take one 3-7 watt bulb. Leave it on all the time so as you walk pass this area, your mini-lamp will soften an otherwise dark corner of the house.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Start from Scratch and Build
For some of us a place we can eat, sleep and store our stuff is all that matters. To others, creating that special place called "HOME", may need to start from scratch. So what is the best way to proceed?
Building is a huge undertaking. It absorbs your time, finances and can psychologically wear on you. So to make the process a little easier I would like to suggest by selecting the best contractor for your job. And how do you accomplish that? Recently, the Twin Cities Builders Association hosted the Luxury Home Tour and suggested these key questions to make this process a little easier.
First, find a builder creating designs in the style you like, building in the area you prefer to live. After a few visits (yes, tour a couple of their properties) are your finding the staff that greets you helpful, knowledgeable? How about being compatible as part of your "team"?. Remember, you are the employer seeking to hire a contractor that best fits your needs. When you believe you have the right one ask the following questions.
1. Who are the owners of the company? And, how long have they been in business?
2. What is the chain of command and where does the buck stop? Is there a field or site manager and how often will they be visiting the site?
3. Have there been any lawsuits or complaints been filed?
4. How has the resale value of their homes fared?
5. What criteria do you use to select your subcontractors? (yes, almost all contractors have to hire some parts of the job out to a specialist. Electricians, plumbers, hvac, low-voltage technology etc).
6. What percentage of the subcontractors have been with the builder for at least five years?
7. What is your employee turnover?
8. How many customers have built with you more than once?
9. Who will I (the buyer) be talking to when I have a question?
10. Who determines what's acceptable and what's not in terms of quality?
11. If we disagree on quality, how do we work that out?
12. How is pricing determined when I make a change order?
13. When the house is done and we create a punch list, how do I know that your going to fix everything?
14. What kind of measures do you take to prevent future mold growth in the home?
15. Are you environmentally sensitive to the areas around you during construction?
These questions offer great insight to the company's ability to not only deliver you a quality home but are they accommodating (within reason) during the building process and do they offer any kind of customer service not only through the build but for a time even beyond the standard warranty period.
Your home is a great investment - so take the time to thoroughly ask the right questions. Whether you are spending $100,000 or $Millions, make sure you are comfortable because building should be an enjoyable rememberable experience.
Building is a huge undertaking. It absorbs your time, finances and can psychologically wear on you. So to make the process a little easier I would like to suggest by selecting the best contractor for your job. And how do you accomplish that? Recently, the Twin Cities Builders Association hosted the Luxury Home Tour and suggested these key questions to make this process a little easier.
First, find a builder creating designs in the style you like, building in the area you prefer to live. After a few visits (yes, tour a couple of their properties) are your finding the staff that greets you helpful, knowledgeable? How about being compatible as part of your "team"?. Remember, you are the employer seeking to hire a contractor that best fits your needs. When you believe you have the right one ask the following questions.
1. Who are the owners of the company? And, how long have they been in business?
2. What is the chain of command and where does the buck stop? Is there a field or site manager and how often will they be visiting the site?
3. Have there been any lawsuits or complaints been filed?
4. How has the resale value of their homes fared?
5. What criteria do you use to select your subcontractors? (yes, almost all contractors have to hire some parts of the job out to a specialist. Electricians, plumbers, hvac, low-voltage technology etc).
6. What percentage of the subcontractors have been with the builder for at least five years?
7. What is your employee turnover?
8. How many customers have built with you more than once?
9. Who will I (the buyer) be talking to when I have a question?
10. Who determines what's acceptable and what's not in terms of quality?
11. If we disagree on quality, how do we work that out?
12. How is pricing determined when I make a change order?
13. When the house is done and we create a punch list, how do I know that your going to fix everything?
14. What kind of measures do you take to prevent future mold growth in the home?
15. Are you environmentally sensitive to the areas around you during construction?
These questions offer great insight to the company's ability to not only deliver you a quality home but are they accommodating (within reason) during the building process and do they offer any kind of customer service not only through the build but for a time even beyond the standard warranty period.
Your home is a great investment - so take the time to thoroughly ask the right questions. Whether you are spending $100,000 or $Millions, make sure you are comfortable because building should be an enjoyable rememberable experience.
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