Expert Tips for lighting your home, Part 2 of 2
We continue is our coverage on illuminating your home with light sources.
What lighting works best in kitchens?
There are several different options for selecting under cabinet lighting for your home. Lindsey Tetlock, a certified lighting specialist from Robinson Lighting says “We recommend LED, as it is a cooler light source, with the low power consumption and longevity of the fixture…LED comes in a variety of options: tape light, puck lights, strip lights and bars”. One light source you may wish to stay away from is xenon and halogen because the bulbs are hot when in use and can cause problems.
What would you recommend for lighting the breakfast counter?
You can choose from hanging pendants or recessed lights. “Hanging pendants can be small or large. It really dependents on the counter height and size of island. For example, we have installed as many as ten small pendants, hanging at different heights. The recessed option is good for people who like simplicity, have a view, or are avid cooks.”
What is the best way to illuminate artwork?
Lighting artwork is essential as it brings life to the art, making the colours more vibrant and the textures more pronounced. You will want to ensure that you have adequate light for the size of the painting or sculpture. Track lighting is flexible as Tetlock points out, “If the artwork moves you can adjust the lighting and you can move the heads along the track”.
How much lighting should there be in hallways?
Hallways are a walk-through space and you don’t spend much time in. However, you do want to be able to walk through them safely. Your options are to use recessed lights, flush or semi flush mounted fixtures. Tetlock suggests “Ceiling mounted fixtures or over wall lighting because hallways are narrow spaces and wall fixtures can get in the way.”
What do you see for the future in lighting?
“All the rage right now is restoration hardware style: industrial and rustic. There are fixtures that incorporate all these elements and some put a contemporary touch to them. A new growing trend “is brushed brass, a muted version, which is available in a variety of shades.”
We continue is our coverage on illuminating your home with light sources.
What lighting works best in kitchens?
There are several different options for selecting under cabinet lighting for your home. Lindsey Tetlock, a certified lighting specialist from Robinson Lighting says “We recommend LED, as it is a cooler light source, with the low power consumption and longevity of the fixture…LED comes in a variety of options: tape light, puck lights, strip lights and bars”. One light source you may wish to stay away from is xenon and halogen because the bulbs are hot when in use and can cause problems.
What would you recommend for lighting the breakfast counter?
You can choose from hanging pendants or recessed lights. “Hanging pendants can be small or large. It really dependents on the counter height and size of island. For example, we have installed as many as ten small pendants, hanging at different heights. The recessed option is good for people who like simplicity, have a view, or are avid cooks.”
What is the best way to illuminate artwork?
Lighting artwork is essential as it brings life to the art, making the colours more vibrant and the textures more pronounced. You will want to ensure that you have adequate light for the size of the painting or sculpture. Track lighting is flexible as Tetlock points out, “If the artwork moves you can adjust the lighting and you can move the heads along the track”.
How much lighting should there be in hallways?
Hallways are a walk-through space and you don’t spend much time in. However, you do want to be able to walk through them safely. Your options are to use recessed lights, flush or semi flush mounted fixtures. Tetlock suggests “Ceiling mounted fixtures or over wall lighting because hallways are narrow spaces and wall fixtures can get in the way.”
What do you see for the future in lighting?
“All the rage right now is restoration hardware style: industrial and rustic. There are fixtures that incorporate all these elements and some put a contemporary touch to them. A new growing trend “is brushed brass, a muted version, which is available in a variety of shades.”
What are the classics that stand the test of time?
“Brushed nickel is a transitional style that can lend itself to traditional or modern” says Tetlock.
What is the ‘Okanagan Look’ with regards to lighting?
Relocated and locals alike truly appreciate the beautiful Okanagan landscape and want to showcase it in their homes. “They build, renovate and design their homes to take advantage of the view.”
Consequently, the styles that work range from the rustic industrial look all the way to euro modern look. Although they maybe polar opposites, they have a common goal …they keep that view” states Tetlock.
Some practical tips
• Fluorescent (CFL) and LED light bulbs are cooler than halogen or incandescent lights
• Use track lighting in place of floor lamps where children and pets are active
• Flush-mount ceiling lights work best in small rooms, hallways and closets
Hope you see the light….about lighting.
By Louise Lambert
Westside Weekly,