Lighting Against the Rules

So often we hear, "Can I do this?"  "I don't think I have room for a chandelier here," - or - "Do I have to use a chandelier here?"  The answer is - rules are made to be broken.  Great design comes from breaking the rules, being different, and breaking rules gets noticed.  Be prepared to adjust and work around your idea and just go for it.  This Idea Book is on Lighting Against the Rules. 

Design Tip:  When hanging a chandelier or fixture in the center of a room - hang fixture over cocktail table, desk, or ottoman to allow space for fixture.

Dining Rooms do not have to have chandeliers.

Door in the way - move the chandelier back.

Four Amazing Rooms and Chandeliers

This antique chandelier is cased in yellow plexiglass.

Decorating Tip:  Great interior design needs a focal point.  A focal point is an object or feature of a room that will draw focus.  If a room does not have an architectural focal point this will open up the possibilities for introducing one.  Here are four examples of amazing rooms with chandeliers as focal points. 

Hervé Van der Straeten’s spiral bronze light fixture.  

Get the the look from Cyan Design.

Ferruccio Laviani’s Milan original design for Dolce and Gabbana restuarant. Get the look from Robert Abbey.  These fixtures come in multiple metal finishes.

This fixture was taken from a 70's hotel restoration.  Get the look from Cyan Design.

via Elle Decor

Garden Home Challenge With P. Allen Smith

P. Allen Smith has partnered with eHow and YouTube to document a house building project called the Garden Home Challenge.  The challenge is planning, designing, and building an environmentally friendly designer home for $150,000 in 150 days located on his Moss Mountain Farm in Arkansas.  In this video short, our friend P. Allen gives us a quick look at the various light fixtures he has selected for the project.  Let's check it out.

The eHow: Garden Home Challenge is full steam ahead.  For more segments visit P. Allen Smith and eHow.

Bright Ideas: Customize Your Lighting

Knowing the maximum wattage a fixture is able to use is important.  Most newer fixtures will tell you on the the socket the maximum wattage that can be used.  If unsure, always assume a lower wattage.  With this in mind, there are multiple bulb styles to choose from that will customize the look of your fixture, particularly when the bulbs are exposed.

From small flame tip candelabra-based bulbs to Edison-style medium base bulbs, making the right selection allows you to add your own personal style statement to each fixture. Additionally, installing a dimmer control is extremely important and will aid you in controlling the level of light, making a dramatic impact while defining the mood. Having this control also increases the functional flexibility of your space, allowing you to use the space for multiple activities like homework at the dining room table or a romantic dinner for two.

 via Hinkley