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The kitchen is primarily a work area, but it is also a gathering place for family and friends. Lighting that is comfortable as well as functional is required. Undercabinet/ Undershelf Fixtures offer both task and accent lighting. Under kitchen cabinets are designed to light a countertop. In a display cabinet they show off prized possessions. They’re used in a workshop or anywhere you need lighting right at hand. They include slim, energy-efficient fluorescents, miniature track lighting, and slim low-voltage mini-lights. Pendants can provide both task and general lighting. They can be either standard, incandescent, xenon, halogen indirect or direct lighting with shades or globes to avoid glare, and they are suspended from the ceiling over dinette tables, game tables, kitchen counters, or other work areas. The use of a dimmer control gives you the flexibility to vary the light to suit the occasion. The use of mini pendants has become very popular from both a good lighting perspective, as well as to bring together the rest of the room.A large ceiling fixture, equipped with energy-efficient fluorescent tubes will supply plenty of well-diffused general lighting, but it may leave you working in your own shadow at the sink, range, and countertops. These areas need supplemental task lighting. For example, two track lights or recessed lighting over the sink will give you the illumination you need for washing dishes and scouring pots and pans. Recessed lighting well placed in a kitchen can give fantastic task lighting. This, in combination with other task lighting, can be both beautiful and functional.Dinettes, nooks, and island counters can be lighted with decorative pendants. When used with a dimmer control, these ceiling-hung fixtures will provide adequate task lighting for homework, hobbies, or family business and allow you to adjust the light for dining or entertaining.At the sink and range, an individual recessed downlight, equipped with the correct bulb, will provide adequate task lighting when installed in the ceiling or in soffits over these two busy work areasUndercabinet lighting is ideal for countertops. They should be mounted as close to the front of the cabinets as possible to avoid glare reflecting off work surfaces, such as xenon, halogen, or fluorescent. The size of the fixture will depend upon the light source you select.Kitchen cabinets can be accentuated by placing lighting on the tops, under, or inside of cabinets.With the incredibly wide array of different types of lighting fixtures available, you may use a variety of fixtures depending upon the exact application.concealed locations can also be treated effectively with these various types of lighting. These inconspicuous light fixtures will highlight you cabinetry, while adding a warm, comfortable atmosphere to your kitchen.

To meet the varied needs of a living room or family room – entertaining, watching television, reading, playing games, accenting artwork – three to four layers of lighting should be used. These might include recessed lighting around the perimeter of the room, a chandelier or central decorative fixture for general lighting, wall sconces for mood and portable lamps for reading and other tasks. Use dimmers whenever possible for maximum control of all fixtures.eading requires task lighting that comes from behind the reader’s shoulder. This can be accomplished by placing a floor lamp either at the right or left of the reading chair. The bottom of the shade should be located at eye level to avoid glare. Table lamps, floor lamps and torchieres (floor lamps with an uplight component) are available in a variety of styles to complement your interior design.Chandeliers add style and a decorative focal point to almost any room in the house. Recent lighting design trends have focused on the value of chandeliers in many spaces throughout the house. They have traditionally been used in the dining room, but are now commonly used in living rooms and dens. The addition of a dimmer lets you alter the intensity of the light to suit the mood or activityFireplaces made of stone or brick can be emphasized with properly placed recessed downlights installed in the ceiling over the mantle to create an intriguing grazing effect across the surface. Wall sconces can be installed directly on the fireplace and are an attractive addition that draws attention to the fireplace area, while providing general lighting for the living roomAccent lighting adds drama to a room by creating visual interest. As part of an interior design scheme, it is used to focus interest on houseplants, paintings, sculpture and other prized possessions. To be effective, accent lighting requires at least three times as much light on the focal point as the general lighting surrounding it. Accent lighting is usually provided by track, recessed or wall-mounted fixtures, such as in this setting to the left.

Everyone needs a bit of pampering. And what better place to rejuvenate than the master bathroom? The bathroom is a private place that should provide a calm and quiet retreat from today’s hectic lifestyle. The right lighting can go a long way toward providing the right atmosphere.As a part of your design process, here are a few important details to consider. Lighting Controls – No one likes entering the bathroom and having the lights go on at full volume. Make sure you include dimmers or a more sophisticated lighting controller that allows you to preset lighting levels for multiple sources. Ventilation – Don’t go for cheap, noisy fans. High volume, low sound fans remove more air with less sound. They may be a little more expensive, but you’ll appreciate the quiet atmosphere after a hectic day. Mirrors – Bathrooms pack a lot of activity into a small space. Large mirrors work magic making a small space feel larger. They also reflect light and should be considered as a lighting source. Lighting Tips for the Bathroom Wall Sconces placed on each side of the mirror will provide the even, shadow-free illumination required for daily grooming tasks. For best results, mount fixtures at least 28″ apart and 60″ off the floor. Newer techniques for bathroom lighting design may include using small pendants on either side of the mirrors for an elegant look. Vanity Lights will ensure that each person has sufficient light. Mount the strip 78″ off the floor. The best lighting solution is achieved with fixtures that include a shade for each bulb. Also – add a dimmer to your vanity light. You will be amazed at how often you will use it and how much comfort it adds to the use of your bathroom. Shower and Tub lighting should be bright enough for cleaning, shaving and reading bottle labels. Choose recessed downlights designed for use in wet areas. Shielded fixtures will protect reclining bathers’ eyes from glare. In the center of the ceiling, a decorative light fixture that blends with the rest of your décor provides an elegant touch while providing adequate light for safety, cleaning and moving about. It also balances the brightness of other bathroom lights. Ceiling mount fixtures, small chandeliers and decorative vent fans with integrated a few of the options for a well-outfitted bathroom.

The kids are back at school and you’re back to the school year schedule. You’ve shopped for new school clothes, shoes, backpacks, lunch boxes and books. If you have a college student, you’ve moved them into their dorm, along with everything a student needs while away from home.Have you updated your student’s desk lamp lately? Or your own? Good task lighting is a critical part of studying and working. It can increase productivity, decrease eye strain and allow you to focus actively for longer periods. As we age, our eyes also need higher quality and stronger light to function efficiently. The American Lighting Association suggests several tips for aging eyes – all targeted at making it easier to perform the daily work tasks we all need to do, while reducing eye fatigue. Often even standard daylight isn’t enough, especially if there’s no directly sunlight on your workspace. The days of the old white incandescent desk and task lamps are behind us. Today’s desk lamps are style-forward and feature the latest LED technology. Businesses are converting to LED lighting for the cost savings, and you can jump on the LED bandwagon to save money, too. The advantages of LED are numerous: high light output with low energy demand, long-lasting bulbs and no heat production. Choose from hundreds of designs and finishes, from vibrant colors to cool chrome. These lamps will fit anywhere – even on the smallest footprint on your desk or counter. The Today Show recommends LED lamps for dorms – Lizzie Grover, of Zoom Interiors, an online interior design company that specializes in small spaces like dorm rooms, states, “This is a huge must…table lamps (one for the desk and one by the bed) are a good investment.” The good news is that many LED styles are also compact and slender – making them a perfect fit for those with limited desk space. Here are some new styles in LED desk and task lamps – but don’t be limited by just these options. Stop by our showroom today to see the latest evolutions in lighting – and replace that worn-out old desk lamp.

Long, long, ago – throughout the dark ages, medieval homes were lit by fires in open cooking pits. When candles (“chandelles”) were invented, they were incredibly expensive and reserved for the wealthiest class. It wasn’t until the 14th century that the first “chandelier” was created – a crude wooden cross with spikes at each end to skewer a candle. It didn’t take long for the artistry of chandeliers to evolve, utilizing complex patterns of cut glass suspended from ever-expanding architectures of bronze and steel to light ornate castle entrances, bedrooms, and dining halls. Chandeliers soon became a statement of status, with wealthy landowners competing for exclusive rights to the best craftsmen of the day to create works of art that served not only to illuminate, but as the topic of conversation at evening events.No wonder, then, that chandeliers are still highly regarded. Today, a well-designed and perfectly placed chandelier can achieve much the same effect – but you must adhere to a few simple guidelines (see below). black-drum-shade-crystal-chandelierToday’s chandeliers range from traditional styles to the most modern and eclectic designs. Home owners are also using chandeliers in rooms other than just the dining room or foyer, for instance, the bedroom, bathroom – and even walk-in closets. Since there are so many sizes, it’s possible to put a chandelier in almost any location – and new LED designs mean you might never have to change the bulb. Stop by our showroom to talk to our lighting experts about chandeliers – they will advise you on placement, technical information and can work within any budget. Chandelier Tips: In the dining room, choose a chandelier that is 12″ narrower than the smallest dimension of the dining table. If your table is 48″ x 72″, then the recommended width of the fixture is approximately 36″. The chandelier should hang approximately 30″ above the tabletop in an 8′ ceiling. For each additional foot of ceiling height, add one inch. In a 10′ ceiling, the chandelier should hang approximately 32″ above the table. Most people hang a chandelier too high above the table. Look for metal finishes that support the overall style of your room, i.e., brass, polished silver, crystal or glass, gold, or wood. A chandelier is the center of focus and you want it to be outstanding – but not stand out like a sore thumb. For traditional style chandeliers, a ceiling medallion makes a perfect companion piece. They come in all sizes and styles, adding elegance to any room. A dimmer allows you to change the mood of a room with the touch of a button.

Choosing new lighting fixtures for your home can be both fun and overwhelming at the same time. There are so many choices, from design decisions to the many bulb options.The recent Lightovation lighting conference in Dallas highlighted some new trends for 2016, while validating the industry-wide trend to adopt LED lighting technology. A big design trend for 2016 is Midcentury Modern, as translated by many lighting manufacturers, including Kichler, Progress Lighting, Hinkley and Sonneman. This trend harkens back to the 50’s and 60’s of the last century, expressing a desire for simpler times and an understated, less-is-more attitude. These designs play well with any décor, from modern to more traditional rooms, since their clean lines blend easily. Another trend is oversized fixtures, including chandeliers, pendants and especially ceiling fans. Multi-tier chandeliers look great in a high-ceiling entryway or foyer, filling the space and directing the eye upward. Large pendants can work in large or smaller spaces; it’s best to use multiples in larger spaces, but one oversized pendant in a smaller space makes a beautiful impact. Progress Lighting’s 2016 styles include oversized pendants to make a bold statement in a two-story foyer or cathedral ceiling. Ceiling fans are getting bigger and bigger, making a huge design statement while delivering impressive air circulation and helping to reduce energy costs. Minka Aire is offering a new 99″ ceiling fan while Quorum International has a Windmill Fan design that would be equally at home in a barn or a high-end custom home. The popularity of warmer finishes has inspired lighting designers to add new looks in warm gold, muted brass tones and even burnished nickel or silver. Many lighting designers are now mixing metals: gold with silver, copper with brass, for a sophisticated modern look. Whatever your design style, stop by to see the newest 2016 lighting trends and talk to our lighting experts about bringing these new elements into your home lighting layout.]Kichler: Mid-Century 10-light rectangular chandelier from the Armstrong collection featuring a "sputnik" design with adjustable arms.Kichler: Mid-Century 10-light rectangular chandelier from the Armstrong collection featuring a “sputnik” design with adjustable arms.[/one_third] [one_third]Hinkley: 2-Light Pendant in Deep Rose Gold with Etched Opal Glass Shade.Hinkley: 2-Light Pendant in Deep Rose Gold with Etched Opal Glass Shade.[/one_third] [one_third_last]Quorum: Windmill Fan in Oiled Bronze Finish with Weathered Oak Blades Quorum: Windmill Fan in Oiled Bronze Finish with Weathered Oak Blades [/one_third_last] Sonneman Grapes™: Luminous LED spheres in multiple sizes with a precisely crafted metal hemisphere infinity wave surrounding a crystal semisphere. Sonneman Grapes™: Luminous LED spheres in multiple sizes with a precisely crafted metal hemisphere infinity wave surrounding a crystal semisphere.

The sparkle and dazzle of a well-placed chandelier defines and enhances the mood of any room. A chandelier that is too large can easily overpower a room and its inhabitants; one that is too small becomes insignificant and decreases the perceived value of the entire space. By following a few interior design guidelines for choosing the correct size, you will maximize the impact of the fixture. Room size affects chandelier size, but the type of space also affects the size.1. Measure the width and length of the room. Add these two numbers together and consider the resulting figure as inches rather than feet. This is the diameter of the chandelier that will best suit the room. Allow 2 to 3 inches of chandelier length per foot of wall height. For example a dining room with 10-foot ceilings, 16 feet wide and 18 feet long, can accommodate a chandelier 34 inches in diameter and 20 to 30 inches in length. This calculation is particularly well-suited to a chandelier hanging in the center of the room and over the major piece of furniture or focal point, as in a dining room. 2. Define the area in a large room of several conversation areas or functions with a table or area rug. Use half the table width as the diameter guideline for the chandelier over a focal point table. Use the length and width of the area rug added together and called inches as the chandelier diameter over a conversation area rug. 3. Calculate the diameter of multiple chandeliers over a focal point by dividing the diameter of the table by the number of hanging chandeliers plus 1. For example, a table 54 inches wide would be best partnered with two chandeliers 18 inches in diameter, hung 18 inches apart over the center of the table. 4. Choose a rectangular chandelier for a rectangular table that is in keeping with the proportions of the table. For example, for a table that is 54 inches wide and 72 inches long, the diameter should be 27 inches. Subtract 27 inches from the length of the table for the result of a length of 45 inches. The rectangular chandelier best proportioned to this table would be 27 inches wide and 45 inches long. 5. Consider that a stairwell has a perceived wall height of two stories and calculate the length of the chandelier accordingly. Two-story entries should be treated similarly. 6. Hang the chandelier so the bottom is no less than 30 inches from the table surface in a dining room and no less than 7 feet from the floor in a hallway or stairwell. These guidelines will affect the length of the piece, so adjust accordingly.

The sparkle and dazzle of a well-placed chandelier defines and enhances the mood of any room. A chandelier that is too large can easily overpower a room and its inhabitants; one that is too small becomes insignificant and decreases the perceived value of the entire space. By following a few interior design guidelines for choosing the correct size, you will maximize the impact of the fixture. Room size affects chandelier size, but the type of space also affects the size.1. Measure the width and length of the room. Add these two numbers together and consider the resulting figure as inches rather than feet. This is the diameter of the chandelier that will best suit the room. Allow 2 to 3 inches of chandelier length per foot of wall height. For example a dining room with 10-foot ceilings, 16 feet wide and 18 feet long, can accommodate a chandelier 34 inches in diameter and 20 to 30 inches in length. This calculation is particularly well-suited to a chandelier hanging in the center of the room and over the major piece of furniture or focal point, as in a dining room. 2. Define the area in a large room of several conversation areas or functions with a table or area rug. Use half the table width as the diameter guideline for the chandelier over a focal point table. Use the length and width of the area rug added together and called inches as the chandelier diameter over a conversation area rug. 3. Calculate the diameter of multiple chandeliers over a focal point by dividing the diameter of the table by the number of hanging chandeliers plus 1. For example, a table 54 inches wide would be best partnered with two chandeliers 18 inches in diameter, hung 18 inches apart over the center of the table. 4. Choose a rectangular chandelier for a rectangular table that is in keeping with the proportions of the table. For example, for a table that is 54 inches wide and 72 inches long, the diameter should be 27 inches. Subtract 27 inches from the length of the table for the result of a length of 45 inches. The rectangular chandelier best proportioned to this table would be 27 inches wide and 45 inches long. 5. Consider that a stairwell has a perceived wall height of two stories and calculate the length of the chandelier accordingly. Two-story entries should be treated similarly. 6. Hang the chandelier so the bottom is no less than 30 inches from the table surface in a dining room and no less than 7 feet from the floor in a hallway or stairwell. These guidelines will affect the length of the piece, so adjust accordingly.

It’s a hot, sticky day and you emerge at home from your nicely air-conditioned car. The A/C at home has been on low efficiency – or turned off entirely – while you were at work. It will take a while to move the temperature down to a tolerable level, so in the meantime, you seek out the coolest room in your home. Wouldn’t this be a good time for a ceiling fan?Ceiling fans not only provide that delightful breeze – drying your skin and cooling it at the same time – but they can also save you money. By keeping air circulating around your home, you move the cold air around and the air movement actually helps human bodies stay cooler. In winter, this effect is called the “wind chill,” and the same theory is at work during the summer – but it’s a lot more pleasant. Because of wind chill, homeowners can lower their energy costs by setting a higher A/C temperature – without loss of comfort. Today’s ceiling fans are more efficient than ever, and come in nearly unlimited choices of finish, width, blade count and light. Traditionalists can choose from hundreds of styles in Panama-style fans or cottage-inspired wooden finishes. Find these styles from Casablanca (Panama, Heritage), Kichler (Basics or Eads lines), Minka Aire (Classica, Delano) and Monte Carlo (Penninsula, Homebuilder II). But most ceiling fan manufacturers now offer a stunning selection of contemporary styles – ranging from nearly unrecognizable-as-fans designs to broadly sweeping designs with anywhere from one to eight blades. Contemporary finishes are often metals: brushed nickel, stainless steel, silver and even matte black. Check out the Light Wave from Minka Aire, featuring a sculptural 3-blade design with integrated LED light. Or the Torto from Fanimation – a contemporary design that moves air down at an angle, rather than straight down. There are huggers for lower-ceiling rooms or finished basements and oversized fans (60″, 70″ or even 84″) for high foyers and maximum air circulation. Keep your porch, patio or deck cool this summer with a wet- or damp-rated outdoor fan – also available in a broad selection of metal, resin or acrylic blades to stand up to wilting humidity. Before deciding on a fan, be sure to talk to one of our ceiling fan experts. We can help you choose the right fan for indoors or out and help you sort through the often-confusing number of options including blade pitch, size, downrod length, light kit and speed.