Category: lighting

  • 5 Floor Lamps That’ll Change Your Office Space

    5 Floor Lamps That’ll Change Your Office Space

    Lighting is an extremely important aspect of setting the mood and influencing emotions. Studies have repeatedly shown that workers are more productive in well-lit areas, and that even the angle of the lighting can have an effect on the perception of a room upon entering.

    Of course, an office space isn’t just any room – it’s your designated place of business, and is therefore a visual representation of who you are as a professional. As such, a disorganised or poorly lit office space cannot only be detrimental to productivity, it might also negatively affect the way customers and co-workers view your working habits and proficiency. With that said, here are 5 types of floor lamps that can drastically improve your office lighting situation:

    floor lamps
    1. Club Lamp

    A club lamp provides a classy and elegant stand with a conventional lamp shade dimming the light to more tolerable levels. Thus, it’s perfect to have as a desk side lighting component, or to set in a corner to provide moderate lighting throughout the room. This is one of the most popular kind of floor lamps found in office spaces worldwide, and is a particularly popular option throughout Europe. The difference between a club lamp and a conventional floor lamp is often hard to tell, and so checking out some examples of standard lamps to compare can be useful.

    floor lamp
    2. Torchiere

    A torchiere is similar to a club lamp with the exception that the top is open, and the bottom is shaded. This produces the effect of shooting the light towards the ceiling, where it is reflected around the room. Thus, this type of floor lamp is ideal for offices with standard ceiling heights. The style also makes it ideal for home offices, consultation businesses, physical therapy services, and other relaxed settings.

    floor lamp

    3. Adjustable

    As the self-explanatory name implies, this type of floor lamp can be adjusted to various heights to accommodate fluctuating lighting needs in the office. This kind of floor lamp is great for workers who have transitioned into using a combination of sitting and standing desks, and is therefore a perfect companion to an adjustable desk. They’re also excellent for writers, inventors, technicians, assembly specialist, and anyone else who needs full control over close-up, precision lighting.

    floor lamp
    4. Multi-Bulb

    Some floor lamps contain multiple bulbs for a stronger lighting effect, which makes them ideal for larger office spaces. However, in many smaller spaces these lamps can be a waste of electricity and/or excessively bright. On the other hand, you have the option of loosening some of the bulbs to dim the light as preferred, so they’re good to have around when you need flexible lighting options.

    floor lamp
    5. Tower Style

    Tower style lamps are good for providing ambient lighting, with bulbs concealed in an assembly behind a vertical lamp shade that runs the length of the stand. Since these lamps usually aren’t extremely bright, they’re good options to have in creative spaces such as a music or art studio. They’re also good for boosting light in a particularly dark area of the office.

    floor lamps

    Considering Bulb Style and Other Features

    Another aspect to consider would be the type of bulbs that the lamp uses. Many professionals insist on using LED lamps because they’re both energy efficient and more common in office environments. Although incandescent lighting will work to illuminate the space, some studies have shown that blue lighting increases worker productivity. Thus, it may be worthwhile to use special LED bulbs that emit a higher range of blue spectrum lighting. Likewise, depending on the type of mood you’re trying to set in the office, you may want to consider multi-coloured bulbs or coloured lamp shades to radically change the appearance of the office space altogether.

    This post in consideration with Pagazzi Lighting

  • Handmaid’s Tale Set

    Handmaid’s Tale Set

    Whether or not you were a fan of Handmaid’s Tale, the use of color in both costumes and the set are amazing.  The house is perfectly on point for the show as well.  I actually wish I had been able to find better photos from the set, so if these wet your appetite I recommend watching the show just to see the home.

    handmaid's tale set

    The commander’s office is very masculine.

    handmaid's tale set

    The lighting in the set is also on point as you can see.  It’s dusky and secretive.  Furnishings are traditional which also speak to a major theme of the show.

    handmaid's tale set

    The wives wear teal and that is really the only pop of color you see used in the commander’s home.

    handmaid's tale set

    Another shot of the commander’s office.

    handmaid's tale set

    The kitchen and dining room are my favorite areas of the home, and probably the rooms you see the most of.

    handmaid's tale set

    I wish I could have found better images of the kitchen for you.  The exposed brick is homey but it also has a slightly industrial feel.

    handmaid's tale set

    These last two images are the commander’s office again.

    handmaid's tale set

    Are you a fan of the show?  What do you think of the set?

  • 4 Intangibles That Make Your Home More Appealing

    4 Intangibles That Make Your Home More Appealing

    It’s easy to see a return on your investment for tangible home improvements such as painting or remodeling a bathroom or kitchen. It’s more difficult to put a value on intangible things such as lighting, mood, and use of space. However, these aspects of your home are as essential to your enjoyment, and perhaps even to resale value, as most tangible improvements. Here are four intangibles that will make your home more appealing.

    Lighting

    mood lighting

    via mydomaine.com

    Mood lighting is as important to your home as is functional lighting. When in the kitchen cutting vegetables for your Thai curry dinner, you need to be able to see what you’re doing and read the cookbook on the counter. But when sitting at the dining room table enjoying your freshly prepared meal with your family, you don’t need direct lighting glaring down on your dish. Think about mood versus function in your home, and do what you can to still be practical while giving your home that cozy feel. Just changing out some light bulbs to a lower wattage might help.

    comfortable living room

    via Pinterest

    Comfort

    A consistent and natural temperature in your home is imperative to your comfort, and it’s one of those intangibles that will make a huge difference in the way your home feels. You don’t want Grandma to visit and have to bring her parka along to stay comfortable. A reliable and energy-efficient HVAC system that enables you to maintain a steady temperature and control humidity is essential to your well-being.

    transitional kitchen

    via Apartment Therapy

    Fragrance

    Have you ever stepped into someone’s home and had your nostrils assaulted by a foul smell? Your home’s fragrance is so important that real estate agents often instruct sellers to bake cookies or light vanilla-scented candles to make their homes more appealing to potential buyers. Don’t overdo it, though. Some people are sensitive to overpowering scents, so keep it subtle.

    Flow

    flow

    via Instagram

    Good flow and use of space are other important intangibles that will make your home more appealing. For instance, no one wants to go up two flights of stairs to unload groceries. And the pantry should be in the kitchen, not in the basement. At the minimum, there should be one bathroom for every two occupants. Feng shui is also becoming a popular trend. It’s an ancient Chinese art and concept established more than 3,000 years ago. It shows people how to balance the energies and flow in any space to promote good fortune and blessings for the people living in it.

    An inviting and memorable home will make you feel proud. And when visitors compliment you on your living space, it gives you a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, when you spend time on the important intangibles of your home, they can actually add value. The bonus benefit to having a home that is pleasing to guests is that it’s more alluring to you, as well. So, the next time you want to spruce up your home, don’t forget to spend time on the intangibles that will make your house appealing.

  • 7 Inexpensive Decorating Ideas for Small Apartments

    7 Inexpensive Decorating Ideas for Small Apartments

    Small spaces are really hard to decorate. If you decorate a small apartment with too many things it would be cramped and crowded. If you use too less decorative items, it would look empty and deserted. You have to find the perfect interior décor balance for it to look welcoming and attractive. This is why we have dedicated today’s post solely for this purpose. Here are ten ways to decorate a small apartment especially when you are on a budget.

    small apartments

    via pinterest

    Lighting

    Lighting can either make or break a room. So invest in lower-wattage bulbs because they will allow you to change a room’s mood from romantic to restful. Please don’t handle the electric matters yourself as it can be very dangerous for you and your house. Always go for professional assistance and if you are having trouble finding commercial electricians in your area, http://www.newedgegroup.com.au/can help you out in this regard.

    small apartment

    via Provident Home Design

    Remnant tables

    When buying fabrics for décor never miss out those remnant tables at your local fabric stores. They are perfect for banding drapes, recovering pillows and other handling other sewing projects around the house. These tables can offer you fabrics at 1/3 of the price and are just as good as those on the shelves.

    small apartments

    via Apartment Therapy

    The Greenery

    Having plants in any room makes you feel more alive. Simple green foliage usually lasts longer than flowers. Even the design of a single leaf can make a striking effect. Try putting a single palm leaf or even a slender flax in a giant vase. It will cast a simple yet a modern appeal.

    small aparatment

    via Apartment Therapy

    Focus on Floors

    Your floor is also an important part of your house and just like walls, they need your attention too. To completely change the floor surface, try staining wood floors. You can also install a carpet or replace old linoleum. For a quick fix, just add an area rug. Trust us, just by making the floors distinct, your walls can definitely look better.

    small apartment

    via Pinterest

    Storage Matters

    Storage matters a lot when you are living in small spaces. You generally have two options: building under or building up. If you want a dramatic effect to consider building tall bookshelves. You can also take the advantage of the space underneath your bed and store things there. Toffee tables with hidden storage options are also a good item to buy. These things help in keeping the clutter out of sight and improve the outlook of your house.

    small apartments

    via Tidbits & Twine

    Combining Patterns

    Make things fun and colorful and combine patterns, styles and different textures of fabric in almost everything from furniture to window treatments and accessories. It will add color to your rooms and also your life.

    small apartments

    via Pop Sugar

    Illusions

    Cast illusions to give a roomy and spacious feeling to your small apartment. Vertical lines or similar patterns on walls can cast an illusion of a high ceiling. Similarly installing a mirror on a complete wall can make a room look twice its size.

    *disclosure this post syndicated by New Edge Group

  • Home Decor Ideas with Provincial Furniture

    Home Decor Ideas with Provincial Furniture

    Home Decor Provincial Style

    Home décor is becoming a passion for everyone, especially women, these days. Everyone wants to be unique in his/her own manner. One wants its home to be classy, elegant and set in a pure decent style. To set up a dream house for themselves, people are following latest trends and fashions. Provincial Furniture is in trend from 17th and 18th century. It is elegant, shapely, textured, detailed and boasting an old world charm. These are the characteristics of the beautiful provincial look. Don’t mistake it for an overwhelming, heavily ornamental style. It is not. The genuine Provincial style is all about refinement, diversity and harmony and used as a way to enhance your home décor can make your guests say “oh wow” even in today’s modern era.

    Home Decor Provincial

    via hudsonfurniture.com/au

    Here I would present some unique ideas to decorate your home with provincial furniture.

    • Focus on Details

    Do not mess up your décor with detailed fittings and fixtures either. A few eye-catching, accurate ones suit a Provincial style much better than having your home look as ragged out from an historic residence.

    • Keep it Simple and classy

    One or two antiquities or distressed painted furniture items used as feature pieces make for a great way to style your home in Provincial charm. The catch is to mix the old with the new and keep it simple not gaudy. An antique provincial Victoria table or chest of drawers next to a modern lounger or a fashionable metal bed is one way of adding appeal without going loud and extravagant.

    Home Decor Provincial

    via

    • Rustic Touch

    If you love the rustic look, it’s easy to add in stuffs made from candid rustic materials into a Provincial-inspired décor. They sit well with the imperfection and quaint nature of this style as it provides room for a little vision if you love a rustic or country impact. Things such as stone, metal and timber can all be introduced. This light fitting, for example, adds colors to the décor without stealing the show. Distressed painted furniture can also make an appearance without causing offense.

    Home Decor Provincial

    via

    • Pastel and soft colors

    When it comes to finding the right colors for your provincial interior, choose a neutral background palette and add splashes of simple, faded colors. Taupe, ivory, sage, grey and other calm descriptions are the way to go. Such a refined color palette is set off beautifully with an ostentatious chandelier is welcome in any room of the house. They will provide relax and calm air to your home. Provincial interiors look best with pastel colors such as peach, lavender, old rose, lilac or periwinkle.

    home decor provincial

    via

    • Lightings and Accessories

    Satisfactory lighting elements are the final touch desired to give provincial feeling to your home. You can use wrought iron brackets, table and wall lamps made of brass or other fleecy metals, crowned with glass or fabrics lampshades. Just as it is the case with colors, simplicity and old romanticism should be highlighted at all time.

    home decor provincial

    via

    To keep a provincial touch in your home, it is necessary to think all do’s and don’ts to keep your home chic, decent and modish.

    This post in partnership with Hudson Furniture

  • Vintage Accents in Modern Bathrooms: How a Touch of Timelessness Will Enhance Your Modern Aesthetic

    Vintage Accents in Modern Bathrooms: How a Touch of Timelessness Will Enhance Your Modern Aesthetic

    Bathroom technology and design have thankfully come a long way in the last century, giving us more comfortable, utilitarian, and efficient furniture. Bulky vanities, ugly shower heads, and inefficient toilets have given way to sleek cabinets, beautiful chrome fixtures, and super efficient toilets! A fresh coat of paint and simple lighting have taken over the home decor trend by storm.

    The modern bathroom is truly a high point in the history of bathroom design. But sometimes all the modern stuff just starts to feel a little too clean. Too functional. Too efficient. It makes the bathroom feel more clinical. I guess you can say that the modern bathroom sometimes can feel a bit boring.

    Bathroom trends that focus on the sleek modern look are much better than we had before, but adding a touch of character with a vintage piece can be even more stunning than before. Seamlessly fusing the past and present together is a great way to create vibrant focal points in your bathroom, and if done well, can create an ambiance that is truly timeless. Just a touch of vintage can go a really long way toward perfecting your bathroom design!

    An elegant, antique trim mirror against a simple white wall may be beautiful, but a rustic wood vanity will make your modern bathroom drastically warmer and more welcoming. Farm style basins perfectly offset sleek glass-and-steel shower enclosures and modern vanity cabinets. Shiny chrome accent pieces are sophisticated and a little futuristic, but paired with rich wooden wall tiles they become absolutely stunning!

    What do you think? Can you imagine a great combination of vintage and modern?

    If you’re looking for the perfect rustic vintage accents to add to your modern bathroom, be sure to check out Bathgems.com for a huge selection of high quality vanities, tubs, vessel sinks, and more!

    This is a sponsored post.
  • Relaxed Luxury

    Relaxed Luxury

    Pairing the impossible is one of my favorite things! Putting two design types that contradict each other make for an interesting room. Today I found some amazing pictures that show a side of relaxed luxury.
    You can make a room stand out and be luxurious and all it takes is one simple piece of furniture to create a relaxed luxury feeling.
    A stunning table can be paired with woven chairs or a bench seat to make it a little more relaxing.
    A beautiful luxurious home can be made relaxed by the materials and furniture choices you choose.
    A traditional home can be made more luxurious by simple hardware and lights, stunning mirrors, and luxurious counter tops! 
    Do you like the look of relaxed luxury? 
  • Preparing your home for cold weather!

    Preparing your home for cold weather!

    We always talk about what home decor ideas would be great for fall but what about home maintenance? Before the cold weather sets in, get your home in check with these  things:
    Before it gets cold, go out and check all your outdoor lighting. Soon it will be dark earlier and you will most likely be using these lights more. Clean them up, change the bulbs, and get them prepped and ready for more use!
    All you need are 2 traditional rocking chairs and a place to set your cold ice tea.....or other beverage....and rock the afternoon away.:
    Simplify your porch, patio, and deck! With the leaves falling, the rain coming, the wind blowing, and soon to be snow, the less you have on your porch the better! Take away all the items that don’t do well with cold weather and keep the minimum.
    HGTV's Favorite Trends to Try in 2015 | Interior Design Styles and Color Schemes for Home Decorating | HGTV:
    via hgtv
    Check your windows and doors! Make sure they are sealed well inside and out and close properly. Weather is one thing that can really damage a home. It’s known for mold, wood rot, and pesky bugs and animals that decide your home is where they want to be! 
    From Mini Manor Blog. I love this organizational station for yard and garden supplies. The table (for potting) folds down so the car can come in. The smaller tools are in the bag begin the fern and the larger tools are hanging. Soil in bigger trash can.:
    Have easy access to your trash and recycle. Whether it’s in a garage or outside, make sure you have quick and easy access to it! It’s hard to keep a home clutter free and clean if you are having a hard time just getting your trash out of the house!
    Minimalist TV room... Probably not dog friendly but so pretty!!:
    Spring cleaning in the fall! Before the holiday’s come and it get’s so busy, get rid of all the clutter! Get your home ready for the holiday parties now. If you have time, do a deep clean! If not, just pick up all the extra pieces that are unnecessary in each room and make it feel fresh and new.
    What do you like to do to get ready for fall?
  • Lovely Moroccan Decor Inspiration

    Lovely Moroccan Decor Inspiration

    I love adding different elements of the world into my home decor and I’ve always been a fan of the Moroccan style but haven’t quite implemented in my own home decor in now!
    Anthropologie
    What’s so unique about Moroccan decor is the intricate details they have everywhere! Patterns and colors and textures combined to make a beautiful piece of furniture or decor.
    Nomad Embroidered Blue Linen Pouffe.
    I can definitely see myself buying some throw pillows with gorgeous patterns like these.
    mixed dining room in a southampton moroccan space designed by laura u.
    One thing they are very well known for is their lanterns and lamps. I would love to get lighting inspired by that style.
    Moroccan mirror
    And of course you can’t leave out a jaw dropping mirror. The fine detail they add to the decor is simply stunning.
    Patio Inspiration by decor8, via Flickr
    via decor8
    Can you imagine a touch of Moroccan inspiration in your home?
  • Beautiful and unexpected lighting

    Beautiful and unexpected lighting

    Small spaces come with a plethora of challenges. A challenge I didn’t think of was space for lighting.  Even though our dining room and living room has been opened up into a “great room,” it’s still a great room in a 50’s rancher.  I’ve been thinking that instead of putting lamps on either side of the sofa on side tables, I would install sconces above the sofa, thus saving precious space on our small side tables.

    Here are some ideas I’ve found:

    via Home Sweet Hollywood

    via KC Interiors

    via KC Interiors

    via The Inspired Room

    via Two Inspire Design