LIGHTING TIPS

Plan Ahead
Lighting is often left to the end - it shouldn't. As soon as the framing is completed the electrical wiring needs to start. What type of lighting do you want? Where do the electrical boxes go? How will you light artwork? What are your special needs? Have you done a furniture layout?  A lighting plan should be developed very early in the design process.
 
Light in Layers
You don't decorate in one colour, so don't light your house, or space, that way either. Light in layers. Use a balanced combination of different types of lighting, such as - pot lights, ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, portable lamps, cabinet lighting, accent lighting, hanging fixtures, task lighting, etc.  While lighting is a necessity, it is also greatly under utilised as a design element. Use lighting to create the atmosphere you desire. Lighting can be used to create focal points, to direct the eye to a piece of artwork, or an architectural design feature.
 
Don't Over Light
Over lighting is as bad as under lighting. We recommend you light in layers, but make sure you take a balanced approach. Lighting a room exclusively with pot lights is not recommended. Putting too many pot lights in an area, so the ceiling looks like Swiss cheese, compounds the problem, wastes money and energy. Using the right scale of fixture for a space is also important - too small and it is lost, too big and it over powers the area.
 
It Takes Time
Lighting is an integral part of the design process. Give lighting as much consideration as other design and decorating decisions such as flooring, wall colour and furnishings. Do your homework and start early. Some home furnishing products need to be ordered and can take 6 weeks, or more, for delivery. Lighting is no different.  
 
The Best Results
The customers who come to us with plans, paint chips, swatches of fabric and lots of pictures end up with the best results. These customers have torn out pictures of design ideas from magazines and have taken photos of the project. Equally important, they have done a furniture layout showing where the furniture is going, where artwork is to be featured, where floor plugs are to be placed and what special needs they may have. If you have not done these steps, bring us your plans and we'll show you how.
 
Lighting Doesn't Wear Out
Lighting does not wear out, so no matter what your budget, focus on design, quality and functionality. Materials such as brass, copper, wood and glass are always better then plastic and resin. Price is always an important consideration - purchase the best lighting you can afford. 
 
Light as Art
Hand crafted brass, hand blown glass, hand carved wood, hand forged wrought iron, solid brass castings, gold metal leaf finish and hand cut crystal. Not only is lighting a source of illumination, but lighting is often art.  
 
The Easy Way Out
Don't leave your lighting up to others. Do some research on the web, there is a wealth of information out there. Visit reputable lighting showrooms and talk to lighting specialists. Learn about the different products and options available.  
 
It's Dark Out There
For much of the year, you wake up and it's dark and you go home and it's dark. Six months of the year it's dark. Regardless of how many windows you have, you need proper lighting. Not only that, but as the population ages, we need more light to see. 
 
Energy Efficiency
Being Green is easier today then ever before and will only get better in the future. Energy Star lighting products are available from virtually every major manufacturer. The right energy efficient bulb not only saves you money, but provides the right light. Dimmers allow you to set the right mood, save money and energy. New LED lighting products are being introduced all the time as the technology becomes perfected and prices come down. 
 
What's Right
How big a fixture do I need for my dining room? What type of dimmer works with low voltage halogen recessed lights? How do I properly light a bathroom? How high should wall sconces be mounted? Why use a switch box instead of an octagon box? How high off the table should my chandelier be? What is line voltage vs. low voltage?
 
For the answer to these and any other lighting questions, please Contact Us, or complete the Consultation Appointment Form.
 
Also, check out the American Lighting Association website for more information.