Shine a light on your entrance

Cheyenne style, from Troy

Many homeowners never enter their house through the front door. They come in through the garage or backdoor. Yet the front of your house needs to be attractive because you want to give a warm welcome to visitors. And, if you do enter and exit through your front door, you deserve an attractive entryway. Moreover, curb appeal is essential if you are selling your home.
Exterior lighting contributes to an attractive entrance. “When people are looking to upgrade their outdoor lighting, starting with the front of the house usually helps guide them through the complete outdoor lighting package,” says Toby Boyd, an executive with a lighting fixtures maker.
Here are some tips and ideas from Boyd and other experts for lighting the outside of your home.
At the entrance
If only one fixture is going to be used at the entrance, it should measures one-third the height of the door. If installing two fixtures, make each about one-quarter the size of the door.
Choose proper brightness. Any outdoor fixture should be rated for a minimum of 75 watts of incandescent or 20 watts of compact fluorescent lighting, says Joe Rey-Barreau, an associate professor at the University of Kentucky’s School of Interior Design. If there are fixtures on either side of the door, these recommendations would apply to both lanterns, he says.

Alameda style, from Kichler

In the landscape
Use lighting to illuminate the walkway for safety. Stagger the lights on each side of the path. You do not want it to appear as if you are lighting an airport runway.
Buy good-quality lighting products. The solar- and LED-powered models sold by some mass merchants might seem like a bargain, but the light output is not adequate.
Put more emphasis on illumination than on style. “When lighting landscape applications, seeing what the fixture does at night is more important than seeing the fixture in the light of day,” Boyd says.

Style
With homeowners extending living space to backyard patios, porches and decks, the lines are blurring between indoor and outdoor styles for furniture and lighting. New exterior lighting fixtures are designed to complement their interior counterparts. That means you can create a uniform appearance inside and out.

Cotswold style, from Kichler

“As a general trend, cleaner looks are being seen across all styles, not just in contemporary collections,” says James Thomas, senior designer for another lighting manufacturer. “Today’s fixtures have less fluting and detail, and highlight more of a simplified style. Many companies are starting to offer versatile fixtures that can be used indoors as well as outdoors.”
Additionally, many light fixtures use frosted, antique distressed or seeded glass to disguise the outline of the compact fluorescent light bulb.
See more lighting tips and design ideas at the American Lighting Association   website.
Then stop in to Lilli’s Lighting and Décor, 695 Summit Blvd., Frisco, CO, and talk to us about your indoor and outdoor lighting projects.

Make every room in your house an all star

As baseball’s all stars prepare to play this week, take a look at your home. Is it all-star material, or could it stand improvement? Let’s walk through your house and take a look at every “position.” Here are thoughts about what each room should include, from a design and decor point of view.

Pitcher (also known as the Exterior). The house number should be clearly visible from the street. Decorate with flags or pennants seasonally. Besides the American flag, fly holiday flags (Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving) and flags that show your interests (pets) or hobbies (gardening). You could add a bench if you have a front porch. An urn filled with seasonal plants sends a welcoming message. Don’t forget a doormat. Even though you might have a doorbell, a doorknocker can make an important statement for arriving guests.
Catcher (Foyer). Look at this space from the point of view of one coming and going. For an arriving visitor, the space needs a throw rug or a runner. A hall table, where you can put the mail or house keys, is a user-friendly piece of furniture. A mirror, where you can check your hair or makeup before going outside, is needed in this zone.
First base (Kitchen). This is the room where everyone visits. You need seating here. Kitchen chairs or barstools can do the trick. Organize your library of cookbooks with a standalone bookcase or countertop holder. A baker’s rack can show off your cookware, or you can use it for plants or to display collectibles. Scented candles can create a mood when you aren’t cooking.
Second base (Living room). You need comfortable seating and you need lighting for tasks (like reading or sewing) and for creating a mood. Occasional tables (end tables and coffee tables) give you a place to set lamps. When you entertain, the surfaces give guests a place to set their drinks and plates. Use area rugs to protect hardwood floors. Placed atop carpeting, area rugs create a visual highlight.
Shortstop (Dining room). Besides a table and chairs, add a hutch and a sideboard. These storage pieces come into play when you are entertaining. Also, they store your good china and everyday dishes. Display floral arrangements (fresh or permanent) on top of a buffet. Candlesticks and decorative objects (like a family heirloom) give the dining room some visual interest.
Third base (Family room). There is no such thing as too much storage. Cabinets, toy chests, CD organizers, remote-control caddies and magazine racks can help tame clutter, which inevitably happens in the family room. There is a difference between a room looking “lived in” and being messy. Use furniture to help you get organized. Good lighting is important in this room, too. As for artwork, you probably have plenty in your digital camera. So print your digital photos and display them in picture frames on tables or hang them on the wall.
Left field (Master bedroom). You don’t need much space to create a little spa here. Add a comfortable chair, a lamp, a throw rug and a side table. This is where you can get away for a few quiet moments with a book and a cup of tea.
Center field (Secondary bedrooms). Help the children de-clutter with toy chests and bookcases. The kids need a desk and reading lamp. If you have a guest room, make sure it has the amenities your visitors need. In the closet, store an extra blanket, guest towels and a fresh set of sheets. Provide coat and skirt hangers. A scented candle, a water carafe and glasses on a tray, and a clock radio with docking station will make your visitors comfortable.
Right field (Deck or patio). Finally, look at your backyard space. Do you have sufficient furniture for your family and for guests? Chairs, tables, umbrellas, outdoor rugs, wind chimes, planters, and non-breakable cups and glasses make for more gracious patio living.

So there’s the line up. If your home needs help living up to its all-star potential, come visit us. We can help.