Lighting-design ideas for the bathroom

Kichler fixture model 63740I

Have you taken a look at the lighting in your bathroom? Do the fixtures contribute to that spa-like atmosphere you desire? A report from the American Lighting Association states that “the finishing touch to a redecorated bathroom is complementary lighting that is highly functional and attractive.”

Don’t upgrade everything in the bath (vanity, shower, tub, faucets and flooring) and neglect lighting.”The right lighting will make the room. Without it, everything you purchased won’t look half as good,” says George Chandler, a lighting manufacturer based in Vermont.

Kellee Hollenback, who works for a lighting manufacturer based in Georgia, says, “Redoing the bathroom is an economical way to do a home makeover. Even simply installing a UL-listed shower light or a chandelier or spotlight over the tub can enhance both comfort and ambiance.”

The lighting association says there are two “must-haves” for proper bath lighting: an ambient light source and task lighting. The most critical area for proper lighting is at the mirror, where the majority of grooming tasks (from make-up application to shaving) takes place. Although many builders and interior decorators install one recessed light over the sink, lighting experts say this is not ideal for putting your best face forward.

“The best scenario at the bathroom mirror is a lighting fixture at the top and two smaller wall-mounted fixtures located on either side of the mirror,” explains architect Joe Rey-Barreau, education consultant for the ALA, and an associate professor at the University of Kentucky’s School of Interior Design. “It is possible to add a recessed light over the sink as a supplementary light source, but it should never be the primary light because it will create shadows on the face.”

Decorative sconces that either match or complement the over-the-sink light will evenly illuminate both sides of the face. Rey-Barreau recommends a minimum of 150 watts of incandescent lighting per sink, or 40 watts of fluorescent.

Don’t forget dimmers. Dimmers are essential for creating a soothing and comfortable environment. Installing a dimmer in your master bath is one of the easiest, least expensive and mood enhancing techniques you can do.

“The reality is that the amount of light provided by typical vanity fixtures gives much more lighting than we need for the majority of times that we are in the bathroom,” says Rey-Barreau. “Once you have a dimmer, being able to adjust the light levels for different situations is amazingly practical.”

Find more ideas for “Lighting Your Life” at the American Lighting Association website.

The art of Las Vegas

Even on vacation, Lilli’s is looking at home decor. I just cannot turn off my “designer” switch. Enjoy these photos of artwork seen in Las Vegas (click on each photo for a larger view).

Springing forward to a new look

Well, spring is coming. It’s time to “spring forward” this Sunday, March 14 for daylight savings time. Can you believe that?
   March is also the month for spring cleaning. While you are cleaning up and tossing out, you might realize you need some new furniture–an end table perhaps, or a coffee table, a nightstand or an entire dining room set.
As you shop for wood furniture, here are some things to look for:

• Make sure pieces sit squarely on the floor and do not wobble.
• ong>Drawers and doors should open and close easily.
• Hardware should be attached securely and straight.
• What kind of wood is used? Pine and oak are an abundant species. “Engineered” wood is a mix of chips or fibers of wood held together with adhesive.
• Was the piece mass-produced, handcrafted or some combination of the two?

Furniture is made from hardwoods or softwoods. Hardwood tends to be more durable. The terms actually refer to the kind of tree that produced the wood, rather than the strength of the wood itself. Quality furniture is available in both types of wood.
   Each species of wood has a natural color – from pale yellow (pine) to reddish brown (cherry) to dark chocolate brown (walnut). Woods have their own characteristics, too. Consider:

• Cherry has a uniform, straight grain and naturally contains brown flecks.
• Maple sometimes has a “curly” or “birds-eye” figure in the grain.
• Walnut produces a variety of wavy or curly patterns in the grain.

In addition to these natural variations, there are differences in color and graining because of the way each piece of wood reacts to the various stains and finishes used in manufacturing. With wood furniture, no two pieces are exactly the same. Even among “matched” chairs in a dining set, there are variations in color and grain.
   You can shop for furniture on the internet. Many of our customers do. But no one can really tell quality until they visit a retailer and “test drive” the piece.
   We welcome you to Lilli’s Lighting and Decor this spring to have a look around and to ask us about our new arrivals.