Lighting is key to great design

After a semester long lighting class I've learned some very important information on good lighting design... expanding on what I knew was key in good over all design.  Nothing can be more irritating than the lack of proper lighting - especially if one is trying to do homework... but that's another story.  Lighting can be functional, beautiful, add drama, ambiance, and highlight beautiful art, architecture, and/or landscaping.  A good lighting designer knows this and can be invaluable when you are trying to make the most of your lighting efforts.  California has very strict lighting codes for energy efficiency, called Title 24, and any remodel in the kitchen or bathroom, as well as new construction, will have to follow these new guidelines by making sure that 50% of the lighting in the kitchen and bath are with fluorescent or LED lighting or a combo of each.  And don't be confused with the simple task of switching out a few incandescent bulbs with fluorescent - that won't fly.  Anything "hard-wired" must meet these strict codes, especially in CA.  The best lighting designs offer a three-layer effect on lighting sources in most spaces.  Using ambient lighting as your general lighting, task lighting where needed, and a few strategically placed mood or accent lighting for aesthetics or low wattage when bright light may not be necessary. 
There is a formula to use that gives a guideline of necessary wattage per square foot depending upon the usage of the space. If you can use motion sensors in the bathroom and kitchen....- do.  So often a bathroom  or kitchen light gets left on all day long after everyone has left for their daily destinations...wasting a lot of money and energy.  Many fluorescent lamps (bulbs), now are available with dimmers- when at all possible use dimmers in any/ all applications. The debate is strong that even an incandescent bulb used with dimmers often can save a lot more $$ over time, then, in most cases, the lower watt fluorescent bulbs.  Don't forget, anything with low voltage will have to be on separate wiring/switching from the main incandescent lighting.  Try to take advantage of natural lighting as much as possible.
So with that said, happy decorating, and have a bright, happy,  and well lit day.

Long-live crystals 

Nice Mid-Century appeal with

a glamours side.

Notice that these pendants are good for 

an over all general lighting effect. Combined

with good recessed lighting one hardly has

an excuse to not prepare a great meal. ;-)

This pendant, being solid metal all around will be 

perfect for a more directed task lighting without light 

going all over. It's beam spread is straight down.

A pendant lamp with glass all around will give direct 

and indirect lighting that is perfect for the kitchen

food prep area as well as a good over all lighting

effect around.

This amazing bathroom

is using a beautiful mix of lighting. 

Cove in the ceiling for ambient lighting, 

recessed cans for task and some great spots on

the sink area as well. This looks  like a beautiful 

spa to visit... and hang out for a long time.

Use natural lighting as much as possible. 

Not only is it beautiful but 

energy efficient too.

This bathroom is so beautiful I just had to add it to the mix.

This bathroom uses fluorescent lit mirrors for function and an under lit stone counter for a beautiful accent. Recessed cans reflecting off of the wall for added ambient lighting.

Traditionally Modern

I keep saying that I'm a traditional girl and then I run into some great modern piece that I love.  Take this sofa for example - the oversized ottoman can swing to either side of the sofa for an optional L shape to fit 

your space.  This is called the bisectional - although, once again, I could not find the site beyond the image from another blogger.  I've seen this style several times, in slightly different fabrics or variations of the main style.  It just never gets old.  I love the real mid-century feel of it too.  Very nice - and any color on grey pops with a real nice touch.