One fixture—or brightness level—doesn't fit all. Learn how to effectively light each space in your home with these smart tips. Each room in your home serves a different purpose, and the lighting choices should reflect that. Some areas—such as the kitchen or laundry room—require task-oriented lighting, while others—like living rooms—are better suited for more indirect, overall light. That means the type of fixtures, intensity of light, and location of lighting should all differ between spaces. To determine the best lighting for every room in your house, we turned to the experts at the American Lighting Association. Here's a breakdown of how to outfit each area of your home for optimal lighting. Lighting for Kitchens Most kitchens, especially larger ones, will...
Your Complete Guide to LED Dimming, Dimmers and Dimmable Light Bulbs. Understanding the dimming process may seem challenging, which is why we’ve put together a user-friendly 4-step guide to LED dimming, dimmers and dimmable light bulbs. 3 Steps to Dimmable LED’s Dimming the lights can be one of the most satisfying things to do after a long day at work. However, there are a few factors you need to consider before choosing LED light bulbs and dimmers, follow this guide to help guarantee a smooth dimming process. 1. Check The Light Bulb Check if the light bulb you are about to use is dimmable. Dimmable light bulbs work fine on a non-dimmable circuit; however, non-dimmable light bulbs will not work on a...
What is minimalist interior design style? Most people are today familiar with the concept of minimalism, which involves stripping things down to their most basic form. It can be applied to anything from art and lifestyles to architecture and interior design. Minimalist interior design is very similar to modern interior design and involves using the bare essentials to create a simple and uncluttered space. It’s characterised by simplicity, clean lines, and a monochromatic palette with colour used as an accent. It usually combines an open floor plan, lots of light, and functional furniture, and it focuses on the shape, colour and texture of just a handful of essential elements. Elements of minimalist design • Bare essentialsThe minimalist approach uses only the...
What is midcentury design? The movement spanned from about 1933 to 1965 and included architecture as well as industrial, interior, and graphic design. Designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Harry Bertoia, Arne Jacobsen, and George Nelson created iconic furniture and lighting that are still highly coveted. The architectural style, seen in the work of talents such as Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler, is known for its use of expanses of glass, flat planes, and a strong connection to nature. What are the inspirations behind midcentury design? The style grew out of early-20th-century Modernism, including the International and Bauhaus movements. Midcentury really took hold after World War II, thanks to new technologies and materials, and a newfound prosperity. The migration to urban...
White walls, wood floors, modern furniture, and minimalist decor are all hallmark traits of a Scandinavian aesthetic. More than just furniture you buy from IKEA, Scandinavian design originates from Nordic influences and incorporates the contributions of talented Scandinavian designers such as Alvar Aalto, Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Eero Arnio, and Ingvar Kamprad. Scandinavia in Focus Scandinavia refers to three northern European countries—Norway, Sweden, and Denmark (though it sometimes also includes the Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, and Greenland). While there are several historical and cultural similarities between these nations, there are also more than a few notable differences. The way in which they became united under the banner of home decor is a matter of marketing as much as history, beginning with changing social philosophies at...
